How We Choose: Our Criteria for the Best Businesses
Looking for quality restaurants in the St. Louis area?
It’s not easy identifying the best local companies, even if you’ve lived in the same city your whole life.
Don’t worry, we got you covered.
Using metrics from major local directories like Google, Yelp and social channels, we’ve created an algorithm that tracks the top businesses in the STL area. Of course, businesses are more than just their online presence. That’s why we’ve also worked with our local networks to factor in offline characteristics like local reputation, quality of services and other anecdotal evidence.
Find and support your favorite local restaurant with this exclusive guide today!
iNDO
iNDO is a Southeast Asian and Japanese concept created by Nick Bognar, restaurant owner and chef. Nick was raised in the restaurant business and first learned how to cook and make food into art in his mother’s restaurant, Nippon Tei. What sets iNDO apart from other Asian cuisines is that Nick is all about playing with traditional dishes and experimenting with flavors to make something entirely new and delicious.
Olive + Oak
Recommended By: @andhattiemakesthree
Olive + Oak was established in 2015. The restaurant is known for its butterscotch pudding and blue crab gratin. The food is prepared in a simple manner, but with lots of fresh ingredients. The menu is driven by fresh ingredients, and the atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxing. Mark Hinkle and Greg Ortyl are the owners and operators.
Balkan Treat Box
Nothing beats the flavor you get with a wood-fired oven. For the best pide and Turkish flatbread in St. Louis, head to Webster Groves where you can customize your meal with vegetarian, vegan and gluten friendly options. The Balkan Treat Box opens Tuesdays-Saturdays at 11 a.m., and they only stay open until they run out of fresh-baked food for the day. Don’t dally because you won’t want to miss these tasty treats.
Vicia
Vicia was established in March 2017 by Michael and Tara Gallina. Prior to the opening, the couple was known for hosting popup dinners known as Rooster and the Hen. They both worked at the Blue Hill in New York, an award-winning James Beard collection of restaurants.
Vicia has been recognized by numerous local and national publications, including Food & Wine, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Bon Appetit and Eater. Diners can expect a carefully curated menu of the freshest seasonal ingredients, with main courses served family-style.
Pappy's Smokehouse
Recommended By: Mel Boban
If you find yourself craving some of the classic Memphis-style barbecue, don't worry. You don't have to drive all the way to Tennessee to get it! Pappy's Smokehouse is right here in Midtown St. Louis serving up authentic Memphis wood-smoked meats, barbecue beans, and all of your other favorite side dishes and fixins.
Broadway Oyster Bar
Winning many awards over the years, top-rated Broadway Oyster Bar has been in business for more than 30 years. Whether you are looking for a light dinner or full-course meal, this restaurant is the place for a unique vibe. The oysters are served on half shells. The menu includes fish tacos, shrimp cheesecake and alligator sausage.
The waitresses are quite knowledgeable about the menu as reported by some reviewers. You can expect Cajun-Creole and seafood at this lively restaurant, bar and music venue. The owners are from New Orleans and have brought some of the many food pleasures from this area to St. Louis. The restaurant has been locally owned now for more than 35 years.
SugarFire
SugarFire was established in 2012 and is the brainchild of Carolyn Downs and Mike Johnson. The barbecue restaurant has won numerous awards for its fries, chicken and barbecue meals. Patrons love the barbecue brisket and ribs, as well as the fries, and organic burgers. Mike, owner and executive chef, went to the New England Culinary Institute.
Hodak's Restaurant & Bar
At one time, this fine restaurant was just one dining room and was called Matt and Tony’s, the owners' names.
They served some of the best fried chicken in St. Louis. They outgrew that joint and decided to expand to Hodak’s after receiving an RFT award in 1991. Hodak's serves deep-fried food, chicken and seafood. The restaurant hosts groups for private dining in its banquet room. Hodak’s is known for its frog legs, deep-fried mushrooms and fried Jack Salmon. According to patrons, ordering food from this restaurant is seamless, quick and efficient. The owners, Matt and Tony, were previous restaurant owners and have been in the business for more than a decade.
Stacked STL
What began as a joke in 2013 became a phenomenon the owners have never regretted. Stacked STL serves burgers and cold drinks, using black bean patties and fontina cheese to create delicious burgers. This is a great fast food restaurant specializing in burgers and fries, featuring 13 different burgers. Laura B. is the chef and co-owner of this burger joint.
Blues City Deli
Blues City Deli has been around since 2004 and continues to grow. The restaurant serves Sicilian cuisine and beer. The specialties are Chicago dogs, Muffulettas, Italian beef, salads, po-boys and micro-brews. According to patrons, the restaurant is always lively and welcoming. It is closed on Mondays. The owner is Vinnie of Sicilian background who grew up in the northern area of St. Louis.
Zia's Restaurant and Catering
Zia’s Restaurant has been around since 1985, is family-owned and provides catering service as well as casual Italian food. It is owned by Angelo and Dennis Chiodinis, who gave the name Zia, which means "aunt" in Italian. According to the two brothers, it was their two aunts who gave them the inspiration to become cheds. The two brothers cook and serve Italian-inspired gourmet cuisine at an affordable cost. They also serve imported Italian wines.
You can enjoy daily specials and unique appetizers. Dennis and Angelo Chiodini have infused their Italian background into their cooking after being taught by their two aunts while growing up.
Anthonino's Taverna
Anthonino's was stablished in 2004 and can be found in an Italian-American community called The Hill where a lot of Sicilians settled in the 19th century. It is primarily Italian and Greek cuisine with a touch of American. The restaurant takes pride in serving delicious Italian and American food in a friendly atmosphere with fast service. Patrons love the pasta dishes, burgers and pizzas.
Prasino
Many restaurants are starting to be conscious of sourcing their ingredients locally and providing farm-to-table fresh foods, but Prasino takes it a step further and offers beverages that are “farm-to-bar.” You can count on sustainability being a part of every single item Prasino creates. Whether you come for a morning brunch or an evening of fine dining, you will definitely enjoy every bite.
Salt + Smoke
Recommended By: @mr.saintlouis
With several locations across St. Louis, Salt + Smoke BBQ is serving up the real deal St. Louis-style barbecue everywhere they go. Salt + Smoke is a part of the Green Dining Alliance and prioritizes sustainability right up there with tasty meats. Stop by for a satisfying meal or book Salt + Smoke to cater your next get-together with family and friends.
Billy G's
Recommended By: @honestfoodie_blog
This popular Kirkwood restaurant was established in August 2013 by the Gianino famility of restaurants. Specialties on the Italian and American menu are a favorite, especially the freshly made St. Louis-style pizzas. The interior has plenty of TVs to catch all the games as well as the storied Chef's Table, but the expansive patio is Billy G's most well-known attraction.
Enjoy chef-inspired soups, sandwiches and salads, burgers, pasta or chicken wings, or stop by for barbecue favorites offered Thursday through Sunday. Weekend brunch features bottomless cocktails like mimosas, bloody marys and bellinis, plus French toast, eggs Benedict and an Italian Breakfast Pizza.
Southwest Diner
Southwest Diner was established in 2011 by Jonathan Jones and Anna Sidel who started out selling their breakfast tacos at the local farmer’s market using the same business name. They opened their diner later in June 2012. Southwest Diner serves all types of Mexican food, such as posole, tamales, tortas and enchiladas, as well as diner classics like pancakes, scrambles, burgers and BLTs.
Sauce on the Side
This is a franchise with several locations across the United States known for its handmade calzones. Sauce on the Side serves Capicola, Hot Salami and Don Corlezone-Mozzarella, along with other recipes. It has a casual dining atmosphere and serves beer and wine. The restaurant is franchise-owned.
Mango
Mango was established in 2009 by Chef Jorge Calvo and the rest of his Peruvian team of culinary experts. This restaurant features tasty South American cuisine. Mango serves some of the most authentic Peruvian cuisine in the city, including empanadas, ceviche, plantain chips and Lomo Saltado.
Pastaria
Recommended By: Mel Boban
There's something special about food cooked in a wood oven. Here at Pastaria, you can not only get pizza baked in a wood oven, but also wood oven roasted chicken and salmon that you cannot pass up! All pastas served here are organic and made from top-notch ingredients, and you absolutely must try the lemon and chili roasted Brussels sprouts. You can opt to dine in or do curbside pickup, and you can also pick up anything from their deli and wine menus to-go.
Layla
Owner Jason Sparks established Layla, the only shawarma and gourmet burger restaurant in St. Louis, in 2013. Patrons enjoy the cleverly named items on the menu—Britney Pickle Spears, Keanu Leaves, Corporate Clown—from fresh hummus and leafy greens to gourmet burgers and shawarma sandwiches.
Layla also offers craft cocktails and beer, milkshakes and brunch that includes biscuit sandwiches, egg scrambles and mimosa pitchers. Visit the location in Webster Groves or in the Grove on Manchester.
Gioia's Deli
This is family-owned restaurant received the 2017 JBF American Classic Award. Gioia's Deli serves Italian sandwiches and is never out of potato chips. The restaurant serves hot salami and other items. It has an easy online ordering system that is fast and efficient.
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria
Recommended By: @emmyloustyles
At Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria, you can have your pizza and take it home too. With the option to pick up a frozen pizza, you can enjoy the delicious flavors and high quality ingredients anytime you want at home. You can also get your fresh cooked pizza with curbside pickup and eat it right away, or you can dine in and enjoy the cozy, country chic atmosphere.
Peacemaker Lobster
Kevin Nashan is the primary chef and owner of Peacemaker Lobster. He brings a combination of Maine and New Orleans to his cooking style, creating tasty seafood cuisine. While growing up, his family owned a Mexican restaurant known as La Tertulia for 27 years. It piqued his interest, and so as soon as he graduated from St. Louis University, he went to culinary school in New York. This restaurant specializes in seafood, having various items on the menu such as lobster rolls, gumbos, seafood boils, sandwiches, crab and more. Patio and indoor dining is offered as well as takeout. Patrons enjoy the ambiance and the food.
The Twisted Tree
The Twisted Tree was established in 2016 by the Syberg’s family of restaurants and Abbadessa's Pear Tree Kitchen & Bar in Macon, Missouri. Twisted Tree Steakhouse uses only the finest cuts of 100% Pure Black Angus/Prime Beef from an exclusive list of farms in the Midwest. It is known for various steak options and a large selection of seafood, plus signature cocktails and an extensive wine list. It has a relaxed and comfortable setting.
Enjoy fantastic deals on Twisted Tree's Sip & Savor menu offered from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Choose from $5 appetizers like onion rings and toasted brisket ravioli and $5 cocktails and wine by the glass and more!
Russell's on Macklind
Recommended By: @bradenstl
This restaurant is family operated for many years. There are three locations, and all of them boast home-style cooking with options like hand-cut pasta and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. In addition to signature sandwiches and salads, the restaurant also has a dinner menu of delicious American dishes and pastries. The restaurant is known for its breakfast sandwiches and classic American dinner. Often recognized as one of the best brunch spots in the city, Russell's serves biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, salads and more to a frenzied weekend crowd.
Mac's Local Eats
Recommended By: @whitneyinthecity
Mac's Local Eats was founded in 2014. The burger joint's specialty is the #RipFries, which are topped with a sweet and spicy seasoning blend. Tasty burgers made with local, pasture-raised protein with unconventional flavors keep patrons coming back for more.
Mac's partners with farmers that are committed to the ethical treatment of its animals, and almost everything on the menu is made in-house from scratch. Taste the difference in quality at Mac's Local Eats!
Grace Meat and Three
Recommended By: @mary.eats.stl
Grace Meet and Three offers counter service and received an award from the Food Network for being the Best Fried Chicken in the entire state of Missouri. It serves fried chicken, catfish and ribs, among other entrees. Patrons love the juicy and crispy fried chicken, and there are many regulars that go back for more.
Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar
Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar started as an elegant tap house and wine bar downtown in 2010. It serves more than 55 beers on tap and offers more than 100 different types of wine in a classy yet comfortable atmosphere.
As part of the Bailey's family of restaurants, Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar is committed to friendly service and supporting local farms and breweries. The menu includes seasonal ingredients, handmade pastas, from-scratch desserts and build-your-own cheese and charcuterie boards.
It's the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic date night with a New York strip steak or a casual happy hour with gourmet sandwiches and appetizers. And with plenty of beer and wine options, there's something for everyone at Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar.
Adriana's on the Hill
Adriana’s, a small, family-owned restaurant, opened in December 1992 and has grown ever since. Enjoy delicious sandwiches, sides, salads and pastas, plus lots of choices on lunch combos. Adriana's is known for its delicious pizzas and sandwiches as well as the bean salad side. Patrons indicated that when dining at this restaurant, it feels like you are at an aunt’s house. The restaurant is run by Adriana Fazio and her daughters.
Grbic Restaurant and Events
Grbic was established in 2002 and is located in an old renovated dairy building, which has been there for more than 100 years. The restaurant serves modern European cuisine. The family-owned restaurant is known for its Mixed Grbic Plate, a sampling of fine grilled meats; and Chicken Rouladen, chicken stuffed with spinach and feta and served with potatoes and vegetables. Choose from an array of traditional European dishes like goulash, schnitzel and sarma (cabbage rolls).
Finish your meal with a cup of Bosnian coffee and baklava for the ultimate Eastern European experience.
Brasserie by Niche
Recommended By: Mel Boban
This chic French restaurant by the renowned Niche Restaurant Group serves elegant French fare in an upscale setting. The menu includes classics like French onion soup, beef tartare and escargot for starters. Executive chef Alex Feldmeier adds his personal touch to dishes like Trout Amandine and Poulet au Vinegar, while executive pastry chef Elise Mensing creates sweet perfections like salted malted caramel creme brulee and classic profiteroles.
Browse the extensive list of French wines by the glass or bottle, or opt for a clever craft cocktail.
Trattoria Marcella
Established in June 1995 by Steve and Jamie Komorek, Trattoria Marcella showcases their hospitality industry experience and combines it with their Italian culture. It is known for Italian soul food prepared using recipes and ingredients learned from their Italian background.
Choose from favorites like toasted ravioli, lasagna and chicken spiedini; pizza with a Roman-style crust; signature pasta dishes and more.
Kreis' Steakhouse
From its humble beginnings in 1948 as a small roadhouse in the countryside with homestyle food, Kreis' Steakhouse as it is known today sets the bar for fine dining in St. Louis. Its famous prime rib Sunday special, along with Prime steaks, fresh seafood and German specialties, are served to loyal patrons in an upscale yet cozy and romantic atmosphere.
In every entree you order, you can taste the restaurant's dedication to quality, tradition, consistency and genuine hospitality, which all started with the Kreis family and continues today with current owners George Tompras and Renee Tompras Bogdanos.
Bar Napoli
Cafe Napoli has been serving St. Louis delicious Italian cuisine since 1989. It’s been family owned and operated the entire time, and you can definitely feel and taste the difference. Executive Chef Chip Bates has been recently added to the team, and he brings a delightful new array of flavors and inspiration. There are multiple ways to enjoy Cafe Napoli. For food, you can dine in or order carryout. And to catch up with friends over drinks or impress a date, visit the Bar Napoli cocktail lounge.
Union Loafers
Recognized by Food Network as one of the Best Bakeries in America, Union Loafers serves hearth-baked bread, craft beers and sandwiches. Choose from the flagship Light & Mild, a sourdough that has an open, custardy crumb and a brittle, crackery crust; the grassy and sweet marble rye sourdough; potato made with durum wheat, butter and Yukon gold potatoes; and more. The lunch menu includes sandwiches like roast beef, roasted pork or smoked beet that are made with freshly baked ciabatta; plus soups, salads and tartines.
For dinner, Union Loafers offers 13-inch pizzas like pepperoni, sausage, mushroom and spinach. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch calls the pizzas "New York-ish, but with an airiness and aggressive blistering more reminiscent of Neapolitan pies."
Owners Sean Netzer and Ted Wilson have created a dough dynasty with Union Loafers.
Ferguson Brewing Company
Recommended By: @kyrasgoodeats
Ferguson Brewing Company is about to become your new favorite place to meet up with friends. Here you'll be supporting your St. Louis community while sipping on some tasty local brews. Plus, the food goes way beyond bar food, so you can turn happy hour into dinner without leaving your chair. Curbside pick-up and delivery through Doordash are also options if you want to enjoy at home.
Florissant City Diner
Recommended By: @caitlinparkerladd
Sometimes you just need a comfortable atmosphere and are craving the typical greasy spoon menu choices of eggs, pancakes, hash browns, bacon, and sausage. At Florissant City Diner, you get all of the casual, cozy feel plus the good food that reminds you of Saturday mornings as a kid. The best part? It's all farm fresh and high quality ingredients so it tastes good and makes you feel good too.
Olio
Recommended By: @guyandhisgirl
If you love small plates because you get to try so many different flavors in one dining experience, you will fall in love with Olio. Dishes here are inspired by foods from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southern Europe and North Africa. You will truly be transported with every bite. Plus, the olive oil is so good, it makes the whole experience worth it before you’ve even tried the rest.
Planter's House
Planter's House has a long history of good food and hospitality. It got its name from the Planter’s Hotel, which was a staple of the St. Louis area between 1817 and 1922. There are different burgers, sandwiches and main courses to choose from. This is one of the best places to go if you are looking for a good cocktail bar in St. Louis. Planter's House has a revolving list of different cocktails.
Beast Butcher & Block
Owners/pit masters David and Meggan Sandusky bring their legendary "ILL-side" barbecue to the city of St. Louis at Beast Butcher & Block in the Grove. This nationally recognized barbecue joint serves up barbecue sandwiches, platters and delectable sides—candied bacon, anyone? Order the classic St. Louis pork steak, either as a sandwich or in a heaping 30-ounce portion, or take home a family meal that can feed up to six hungry people.
Beast Butcher & Block also offers a vast assortment of fresh meat, including Wagyu brisket, sausages, charcuterie and local pork.
Carl's Drive-In
Carl's Drive-In has been a classic American burger stand for more than 60 years. It all started when Carl Meyer and his wife, Pat, purchased the historic building in 1959 and named it Carl's Drive-In. It became a popular spot that offered curb service and a walk-up window. Carl's added indoor seating for 16 in 1962.
In 2019, Carl’s Drive-In celebrated 60 years in St. Louis. It is known for its delicious burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches as well as homemade root beer. Today, Carl's is owned by longtime customer Mike Franklin, who bought the beloved restaurant in 2015 and continues its tradition of great food in a fun atmosphere.
Cate Zone Chinese Cafe
Cate Zone Chinese Cafe has delicious Chinese food so authentic that you can narrow down the exact region it comes from. The food offerings are of Dongbei cuisine, with a few exceptions for those who would rather order a Chinese dish they are more familiar with. Dongbei is located in the northeast of China, and while you are enjoying your meal, you can also learn more about what it's like to live in Dongbei and what makes it unique. One notable feature? It's very cold! So these dishes make for great comfort food for when you need a little warmth.
Recommended By: @thechompblog
Club Taco
Club Taco was established on May 30, 2016. It is all about tacos prepared in different ways with quality ingredients. The restaurant also serves specialty margaritas and cocktails. Chef/owner Gerard LaRuffa combines his passion for global flavors and his extensive background in Southwestern cuisine to bring Club Taco to St. Louis.
Choose from an array of tacos, including breakfast (served all day), chicken, seafood, vegetarian, beef or pork, plus fresh salads, guacamole, queso and more. This is not your average taco joint; Club Taco gets creative with fun ingredients and unexpected flavor combos all set in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
Citizen Kane's
Frank Kane established Citizen Kane's Steak House in 1993. The steakhouse is in a turn-of-the-century Victorian home in the heart of Kirkwood and provides a tasteful yet casual atmosphere with a simple culinary approach. All of the soups, salad dressings, side dishes and desserts are made fresh daily.
All entrees are served with your choice of any side dish, plus either the Soup du Jour or Kane's Rosebud Salad. The menu includes steakhouse classics like filet mignon, New York strip steak and rib-eye, plus side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. The bar menu offers an extensive wine list with by-the-glass or by-the-bottle selections, plus whisky, bourbon, Scotch and beer.
Sidney Street Café
Sidney Street Café was established in 1986 and is located in an old store in Benton Park. This top restaurant is known for its casual dining and real café experience. It serves a lot of specialty items on the menu such as lobster wraps and seafood. Specialty meals include Crudo 12, which includes snapper cooked in coconut; and lobster turnovers wrapped in special dough. The atmosphere is elegant but informal. The restaurant is run by Chef/Owner Kevin Nashan.
Vito's in the Valley
Vito’s in the Valley opened its doors in 1996 and is a family business owned by the LaFatas.
The restaurant is one of the top in the city and has received many accolades from its community as it serves up delicious Italian dishes, which are quite authentic and have earned awards over the years. The restaurant went through an expansion in 2013 and is about 4,200 square feet in size with a lively bar and formal dining room along with two large patios outside. The décor is Mediterranean, depicting the family’s deep Italian culture. Vito’s in the Valley serves brunch, dinner and lunch and occasional happy hour along with private events. The restaurant is opened seven days per week to the public.
The chef cooks delicious Italian Mediterranean food. When you have lunch at this restaurant, you don’t have to wait in long lines. You are quickly seated, and the service is impeccable, according to customer’s reviews. Vito's also serves express lunch for those who want to just pick up and go. However, you can stay for a full four-course meal. The restaurant is known for its homemade pastas and pizzas, which are prepared using hand-tossed techniques.
Vito’s food is reflective of the mother of Giovanni LaFata. She is also the co-owner and of Sicilian descent with a background that helps to bring savor and stunning flavors to the Italian cuisine. The co-owner makes frequent trips in Sicily where she grew up, bringing back new recipes with her.
The Frisco Barroom
The Frisco Barroom is an American tavern housed in an historic building, which was once a general store. It serves timeless meals in its original dining hall with wood floors and tin ceilings. It is known for its burgers and sandwiches, all made from scratch with fresh ingredients. The restaurant has a rustic setting and has rustic Midwestern fare on the menu, which is influenced by the family's background.
Enjoy snacks like poutine, chicken wings or deviled eggs; dig into entrees like rainbow trout or grilled sirloin steak; and definitely order a craft cocktail like the Floral 75 or the Holy Jalisco to sip on the dreamy rooftop patio, complete with a brick fireplace and twinkly lights.
Fork & Stix
If you are visiting the Loop in St. Louis, you’ll find Fork & Stix right off of Delmar Boulevard. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some authentic Thai food that is made of the highest quality ingredients and always fresh. With plenty of vegetarian options made with tofu and delicious veggies, plus Thai chicken, pork and seafood selections, everyone in your group will be able to find something to suit their tastes.
Louie
Recommended By: @ieatinstlouis
Louie is a small, Italian restaurant and bar in Clayton. You could go just for the unique appetizers alone, but it wouldn’t be fair to yourself to leave without trying a gourmet pizza or entree. Curbside carryout is available, and you can pick up your order between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. If you decide to dine in, there is an impressive wine selection to choose from.
Acero
Jim Fiala opened Acero in 2007 to bring "Midwestern Italian" food to the heart of Maplewood. Acero, which means "maple" in Italian, serves traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Acero strives to offer a unique experience akin to an "enoteca" (small wine bar or café) found throughout Italy.
The menu includes seasonal salads like the Insalata Mista and White Anchovy, pasta dishes like potato gnocchi with oxtail ragu and three cheese ravioli, entrees like scallops and rack of lamb, plus desserts like gelato and cheesecake.
Acero's wine list is 100% Italian and includes favorites like Brunello, Barolo, Chianti, among others. Opt for the Franciacorta, which is the same method as Champagne and uses the same varietals. Franciacorta is less expensive than Champagne but has the same classification since it has to come from one specific area in Lombardia.
Yellowbelly
Did you know we had a tropical paradise right here in St. Louis? At Yellowbelly, you can escape to a seaside getaway with a menu full of fresh fish and playful rum cocktails. Come for dinner Tuesday-Saturday or enjoy an island vacation brunch on Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Want the ultimate Friday happy hour? Order some drinks on Fridays 2-6 p.m. for contactless pickup in the Cocktail Drive-Thru.
The Tavern Kitchen & Bar
The Tavern Kitchen & Bar mixes a modern aesthetic with classic service to bring globally inspired fare to its customers. It has an open kitchen, a chefs counter and private wine rooms, making the Tavern an elegant yet comfortable dining destination. For nearly 10 years, the Tavern has been paving the way for Modern American dining in St. Louis, with seasonal ingredients, seafood flown in fresh daily, locally sourced produce and USDA Prime Cut steaks.
The appetizer menu includes options like short rib toasted ravioli, Ahi crudo and charbroiled oysters. From there, salads make way to the Fish Market, with fresh selections like scallops, mahi mahi and salmon with your choice of preparation style (Mediterranean, Blackened, Cast Iron Florentine or Sesame Seared). The Meat Market has filet mignon or a 10-ounce Prime strip, but if you can't decide, go with a Tasting Board (Seafood Trio, Surf & Turf or Oak Plank). Entrees like a Smash Burger and Drunken Shrimp Pasta are also on offer.
Fiddlehead Fern Cafe
Recommended By: @earnestlyemmablog
At Fiddlehead Fern Cafe, you might forget that you are at a business and not a friend's house. The atmosphere is so welcoming and cozy that you'll immediately feel relaxed and ready to sit and stay awhile. Enjoy sustainably sourced meals, drinks, and snacks in a place with a personal touch.
One 19 North Tapas & Wine Bar
One 19 North is a unique dining experience that opened in 2010 in the heart of downtown Kirkwood. Executive chef Sarah Hulme creates classic Spanish-style tapas like meatballs and oven-baked goat cheese, plus fresh seafood and steaks, flatbreads, salads and street tacos.
The wine list includes Old and New World selections of red, white and sparkling varietals. The intimate wine bar and tapas restaurant often has live music to set the mood for a romantic evening.
Bombay Food Junkies
Recommended By: @scrunchy_mummy
Looking for healthy food that is filling and full of flavor? That's exactly what Bombay Food Junkies has to offer! It's a vegan fusion restaurant with some traditional Indian dishes and other unique combinations. Bombay Food Junkies puts a big emphasis on sustainability with their food production and reducing their carbon footprint in every way that they can. They also are committed to only using fresh, high-quality ingredients to provide you with a delicious meal that is good for your body.
Roberto's Trattoria & Chophouse
If you crave authentic Italian food when you think of fine dining, Roberto’s is the perfect place for you. With elegant steakhouse dishes, fresh seafood and traditional Italian meals, the menu has something for everyone to enjoy on a luxurious night out. You will find Roberto’s in the Concord Plaza shopping center in the South County of St. Louis, and they are open Tuesday-Saturday evenings. Come on a Wednesday to get 25% off any bottle of wine with your meal!
The Crossing
When you think of the top cuisines in Europe, France and Italy probably come to mind right away. The Crossing has combined the best of both countries to bring you an exquisite tasting menu for the best dining experience. It’s $50 per person for four courses, and you can guarantee a night that you will all enjoy. And if you’re getting carryout, you can add any bottle of wine 40% off!
The Block
The Block in Webster Groves is your neighborhood Butcher shop that just wants to take care of you and your family. Here you will find full family-size meals that everyone will love, plus individual options for the times you stop by solo. Everything is locally sourced, so by eating and shopping here, you are also supporting your St. Louis community. Be sure to pick up some of their signature spices and jams while you’re there so you can keep enjoying the flavors from The Block with your home cooking too.
Robust
Robust was established in 2007 and is known for its wine selection and tasting plates. Robust offers more than 40 wines by the glass, wine flights and an impressive bottle list. To help you choose, wines are listed by Robust Factor: Bubbles, Crisp, Mellow, Luscious, Soft-Hearted, Generous, Robust and Sweet & Stickies.
The café, retail shop and restaurant is owned by Stanley and Arlene Maminta Browne, who both have a passion for wine and have years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Hamilton's Urban Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar
Hamilton's was established in 2018 and is considered one of the best steakhouses in St. Louis. The restaurant does not serve any other beef products except for authentic Heritage Black Angus Midwest beef. It serves steak, American food and seafood. Produce is sourced from Hamilton's own hydroponic greenhouse on-site, which allows the restaurant to offer an exquisite farm-to-table experience in the heart of downtown.
Choose from steaks and chops like the 12-ounce Kansas City strip, the 16-ounce rib-eye or the 32-ounce porterhouse; dry-aged steaks; entrees like salmon and pasta; plus an array of desserts from carrot cake to an espresso martini.
Speaking of drinks, Hamilton's wine list focuses on American grown varietals and blends, plus a handpicked list of cellared and reserve wines. Order a craft cocktail like the Purple Rain, or opt for a bourbon flight.
The owners and operators are Paul and Wendy Hamilton, who also own other local restaurants (Eleven Eleven Mississippi, Vin de Set, PW Pizza) and have been in the industry for more than 25 years.
612 Kitchen and Cocktails
This restaurant has been in the St. Louis area since 2014. Pat and Dan Graham operated the restaurant for years, but the pair decided to turn it over to the next generation. As they took over, the name was changed from Graham’s Grill & Bayou Bar to 612 Kitchen and Cocktails. It is now run by Alison and Devin Graham, Pat and Dan's children.
This is a restaurant and bar and offers American cuisine and drinks. Of all the restaurants in St. Louis, this restaurant is big on fresh ingredients, serving gourmet flatbread, pretzel bits, risotto and various meals on the menu, packed with tasty flavors according to the customer reviews. This watering hole is an example to other restaurants because of its ambiance and welcoming owners, Alison and Devin Graham, who have turned the place into a family establishment.
Tony's
No list of St. Louis' best restaurants would be complete without Tony’s. It has been a staple of the community since 1946 and is owned by the Bommarito family. Tony's is an Italian restaurant and steakhouse with menu items such as Prime sirloin strip steak, Veal Milanese, Lobster Albanello and linguine with clams and pancetta.
"The prime corn fed steaks are hand-cut, sauces start simmering at 6 or 7 a.m., fresh fish from the cold Atlantic is flown in 2-3 times a week and Dover sole arrives by air from Europe weekly and even the herbs are fresh. Today 42% of the entrees served there are seafood dishes. The soup course might include pheasant consomme or a rich cream concoction, the salads are sensational and the extensive list of appetizers can easily be a substitute for an entrée." –Ron Elz, KMOX and Channel 5's Show Me St. Louis
The AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant has an extensive list of Italian wine as well as other Old and New World offerings. The high-quality food and outstanding service keep people coming back to this St. Louis institution. Tony's has always been a family-owned and -operated restaurant, and it has withstood the test of time, moving locations several times throughout its storied history.
Cinder House
Cinder House is now located on the eighth floor of the Four Seasons Hotel after closing the doors of the Cielo Restaurant it owned. It has been renovated since 2018. The chef has received many awards and arrived in St. Louis at only 25 years old. He has made a name for himself in the restaurant industry. Cinder House offers South American-style cuisine. The menu includes a lot of grilled food, inspired by many of the chef's early memories.
The restaurant benefits from its location on the eighth floor and has used it to its advantage with an open-air bar and patio, which gives guests a commanding view of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River. Head chef Gerard Craft has earned his place and name in the food and hospitality industry. He gets his food-ability from his Brazil nanny known as Dia. According to him, she taught him to cook and was one of the best in Brazil.
Elmwood
For the best pizza in Maplewood, order from Elmwood. You can get your classic red pies or white pies, but you absolutely must try one of their speciality pies, Taco Pizza or Buffalo Chicken. You can also create your own with everyone’s favorite toppings to satisfy your whole family. And this isn’t a typical pizza place—you can also order delectable risotto balls, fresh salads and the highest quality chicken wings. You won’t be disappointed with Elmwood!
The Bellwether
If you love what Executive Chef Thomas Futrel is serving up at Polite Society, you will love its sister restaurant, The Bellwether. Brain Schmitz and Jonathan Schoen have used their same team to create this contemporary American restaurant in Lafayette Square. You can expect unique drinks by Beverage Director Travis Hebrank and a seasonal dinner menu featuring small plates, pastas and hearty entrees. Come for brunch to savor an omelette, benedict or one of their griddle specialties.
Sapore
Sapore Italian Cafe is located in Kirkwood and offers carryout, curbside pick-up and dine-in. Reservations are available after 5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Enjoy some of your favorite classic Italian dishes in individual servings or family-style meals. Don’t skip the Carciofi alla Lia, a mouthwatering appetizer of fried artichoke hearts with cheese!
Bulrush
Bulrush has completely revamped their restaurant format to accommodate your current needs and now offers the options to park and dine just outside of the building, get curbside carryout or order delivery to your home or wherever you want to enjoy your Bulrush meal. The park and dine experience is one not to miss. You’ll be served a five-course tasting meal right in your own car—or you can tailgate in the parking lot if you want to get creative!
Savage: SHIFT (sister site The Lucky Accomplice)
Savage recently changed its name to SHIFT and is a contemporary seafood restaurant. The dining room is currently closed due to the pandemic, but you can still enjoy its tasty cuisine at its sister restaurant down the street, The Lucky Accomplice.
Beffa's Bar & Restaurant
Beffa's is known as the oldest operating family-owned restaurant in the city. It was in business for 113 years when it closed in 2011, but Beffa's bounced back to life last year and is still owned by the Beffa family (fourth-generation owner Paul Beffa).
The comfortable bar and restaurant serves American food such as chicken wings, burgers, salads and sandwiches; plus brunch items like the corned beef hash and chicken and waffles. Expect friendly service and an array of domestic and local beers on tap.
The Parkmoor Drive-In
Everybody loves a drive-in. And at The Parkmoor, it’s not just popcorn and candy. You can load up on glam burgers, deluxe hotdogs, chili, cheese fries, loaded nachos and more! Don’t leave without trying one of their classic sno-balls, available at their walk-up window. Located in Webster Groves, The Parkmoor is open Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. with extended hours on Saturdays.