Need more date night ideas? Listen to Episode 8 of SLM‘s Arch Eats podcast, where hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr discuss their picks for the most romantic restaurants in town. Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available.
DOWNTOWN & MIDTOWN
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American. This outstanding (and still relatively unknown) dinner house boasts dishes from chef Jon Dreja (Franco, 808 Maison) and one of the city’s most extensive wine lists. Formerly open to members only, B&S features an a la carte menu, several tasting menu options, and hosts some of the best wine dinners in town. 1500 St. Charles, 314-241-7263. $$$$
Steakhouse. Operated by Lombardo Restaurants, downtown St. Louis’ only steakhouse offers old-school menu items (such as frog legs), along with four beef tenderloin options, including Filet Carmine, served on a bed of Brie and puff pastry topped with a raspberry demi and grilled shrimp. 20 S. Fourth, 314-241-1631. $$$$
Fusion/European. Before catching a show in Grand Center, grab drinks and dinner in the elegant atmosphere of the Angad Arts Hotel’s culinary crown jewel. (And after the show, enjoy drinks with a view on the rooftop terrace at the ART Bar upstairs. 3550 Samuel Shepard, 314-561-0033. $$$$
Yeah, we don’t get the plastic penguins either. But if you have an ache for Iberian cuisine—and a hankering to sup in surroundings that are fantastical and opulent, with the authentic taste of Spain—then head to this hot spot, tucked into the new 21c Museum Hotel, one of the city’s most astonishingly chic places to stay. Yawning windows illuminate a bright bar; the main room is romantically dark. A small menu of full courses is fine; the selection of tapas and bocaditos, however, is exquisite. There are bacalao croquetas, grilled octopus drizzled in olive oil and lemon juice, pork and beef albondiga meatballs… The pan con tomate—grilled bread brushed with olive oil, topped with chopped fresh tomatoes and shaved jamón Serrano—is the taste of a Barcelona afternoon. Along with an impressive list of Spanish wines, all the ingredients for leisurely dining are here. Don’t forget to sneak upstairs to tour the outstanding art galleries, accessed by an unforgettable staircase. 1528 Locust. $$$
Vegetarian. A vegetarian menu is paired with dark spirits inside a former Ford Model T showroom. House-made pastas and smoked brie stand up well to 60-plus whiskeys, served neat or mixed with bitters, tonics, and tinctures. 3001 Locust, 314-380-2040. $$
The Train Shed at Union Station
American. This 1904 World’s Fair–themed gathering spot is perfect for a nice dinner with a view of the lake and 200-foot St. Louis Wheel. 201 S. 18th. $$
SOULARD, BENTON PARK & LAFAYETTE SQUARE
Café. Located upstairs from its prior digs, it’s still a shrine for chocolate lovers. 1915 Park, 314-241-8100. $$
American. From octopus to togarashi-dusted fries, the menu is focused on unusual combinations of texture and tastes. Windows offer skyline views, and the building-length patio is among the most enjoyable in town. 1419 Carroll, 314-380-3086. $$$
Italian. The Lafayette Square fave serves such inventive dishes as wild boar ravioli and braised rabbit. 1111 Mississippi, 314-241-999. $$$
American. Already popular for its innovative food, Frazer’s should be better known for its outstanding cocktails. 1811 Pestalozzi, 314-773-8646. $$$
Steakhouse. The edible bacon candle’s a hint: This is a different kind of steakhouse—and the bourbon list is impressive. 2101 Chouteau, 314-241-2333. $$$
American. The drink menu is stunningly extravagant, but don’t overlook the food, from nibbles to full meals. 1000 Mississippi, 314-696-2603. $$
American. At this wonderful little brick-wall joint that’s heavy on the folksy, you’ll feel compelled to come in for a cocktail and stay for bistro steak or confit chicken wings. 1923 Park, 314-325-2553. $$$
Pepe Kehm’s wine bar has an innovative menu and state-of-the-art tech for serving wines, especially rosés. The seasonal menu features such small plates as escargot and entrées including lamb ribs, pastas, and Italian-style pizza. Each of the seating areas—bar, dining room, and balcony-style patio—has its own charm. 1463 S. 18th.
American. Legions of local fans consistently rate James Beard Award–winning chef/owner Kevin Nashan’s Benton Park mainstay among St. Louis’ finest. 2000 Sidney, 314-771-5777. $$$$
Wine Bar. Sharing a building with Hamilton’s Urban Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar, the latest endeavor from Paul and Wendy Hamilton has a retro aviation feel that’s reminiscent of the airport lounges of yesteryear, including comfy leather chairs, tables cobbled from old suitcases, and clocks showing different wine time zones, instead of cities. The food offerings consist of two dozen small to medium wine-friendly dishes, many of them sharable. The wine menu includes seven flights, bottles, and wines by the glass, with 80 choices in all. 2101 Chouteau, 314-242-9463. $$
CENTRAL WEST END
Café. Gerard Craft’s Niche Food Group takes over the beloved Café Osage in grand fashion, adding a wood-burning grill/pizza oven to the renovated outdoor patio and once again relying on the adjacent farm’s bounty. 4605 Olive, 314-454-6868. $$$
French. Gerard Craft’s third restaurant serves mussels, steak frites, a don’t-miss brunch menu, and more in a convivial atmosphere that’s indubitably Parisian. (At press time, the complementary Brass Bar was in the works in the adjacent, former Taste by Niche space.) 4580 Laclede, 314-454-0600. $$$
French. A French eatery inside a French restaurant sounds like Pruneaux d’Agen—“prune-stuffed prunes”—but this agreeable space is a perfect partner to Brasserie by Niche: a spot for a leisurely drink, a quick snack, or a meet-up place. A cheese plate with wine is entirely civilized. 4584 Laclede, 314-361-1200. $$
American. After a move around the corner and then a fire on opening night, one of the city’s hippest bars remains just that. The eclectic cocktail list, an extensive spirits collection, and a menu of appealing small plates are served in two shotgun rooms that are different, but equally appealing. Don’t miss what’s on the blackboard behind the bar. 316 N. Euclid, 314-497-4449. $$
The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis
American. Recently renovated, The Tenderloin Room is known for seared steaks and sauced pepperloin à la tenderloin, gentle refinement, and stellar service. The Preston is old-style cool and sophisticated, specializing in French fare. And the Chase Club provides a more affordable dining option, with a patio beside the iconic pool. 212 N. Kingshighway, 314-633-3000. $$–$$$$
Italian. Pizza and pasta are the focus at the former Scape space—until you lay eyes on the spectacular ivy-walled European-style courtyard hidden in back. Andrew Simon, Scape’s former executive chef, has returned to dazzle guests with his creations, such as pastrami-cured tuna; orecchiette with pickled kale, pancetta, and pecorino cream; and the return of Ted’s Mac Nut Chicken, a tribute to Ted Koplar, the complex’s late founder. 48 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-7227. $$
American. The sleek lounge specializes in swiftly mixed cocktails and a small food menu. 210 N. Euclid, no phone. $$
At Mainlander, Danish Modern meets Suburban Kitsch. The place takes its name from a long-departed tiki palace in Clayton that had more umbrellas than a London November. The new Mainlander’s open only for dinner, guests pre-pay, and there’s no tipping. The menu rotates seasonally. Influences range from Taiwanese to French to traditional Midwestern recipes, and there’s a certain playful nostalgia in the whole enterprise (see p. 40). Think baked Alaska, rumaki, and (seriously) lobster thermidor. Tabletop grills and elaborate tiki-type cocktails create a nifty midcentury fantasy. 8 S. Euclid. $$$$
This luxurious lounge and rooftop restaurant/event space in the former Mandarin Lounge is more proof that the Brennan’s team knows how to host the perfect party. The eclectic, delectable menu meanders from raclette to Brazilian curry and steak tartare to chips and onion dip. Note: The entrance is unmarked, down an alleyway next to Edera’s courtyard patio. 44 Maryland Plaza.
American. Michael and Tara Gallina introduce St. Louis to “vegetable-forward cuisine” at their acclaimed avant-garde restaurant in the Cortex district. 4260 Forest Park, 314-553-9239. $$$
Seafood. Consider Yellowbelly a sort of uptown tiki bar–meets–Red Lobster (cheddar biscuits, anyone?), combining tropical libations with a menu focused on Pacific seafood. 4659 Lindell. $$$
DOGTOWN & THE HILL
Italian. Classic Italian accommodates both dressing up and dressing down. The eggplant Napoleon is a culinary wonder, and Nunzio—as in Gitto’s signature veal dish—is apparently Italian for Oscar. 5226 Shaw, 314-772-8898. $$$
Italian. Open since 1971, Dominic’s personifies an Old World–to–New World transition marked by teams of attentive servers, classic recipes, and a romantic atmosphere. 5101 Wilson, 314-771-1632. $$$$
Italian. Sure, there are pastas and risotto, but you’ll also find a pork flat iron steak with tomato-truffle bread pudding and veal liver. 1933 Edwards, 314-773-2223. $$$
The kitchen here deserves acclaim—lots of it—for the combination of creativity and authenticity in presenting Japanese-inspired cuisine. Want a sushi experience unparalleled in the region? Sophisticated presentations of nigirizushi by experienced sushi chefs make for flavors and textures that amaze connoisseurs. Red bream is toasted by blowtorch. Hokkaido uni, fattened on kelp, is awesome in richness. Chef-owner Nick Bognar also turns out fanciful dishes with Southeast Asian notes, such as braised Japanese pumpkin in a curry sauce, salmon slices in an emerald-green aguachile cream, and an amazing salad of romaine that is tossed with fried lotus root and moistened with a ginger and miso dressing. The scene here is hip, suitably shadowed, and minimalist. Although the wine list is good, go with the cocktails, which demonstrate the same kind of creativity that makes Sado so worthwhile. 5201 Shaw. $$$
SOUTH CITY & COUNTY
Turkish. Drop by for eggplant moussaka, kebabs, or other Turkish delights flavored with exotic and tantalizing spices. 6671 Chippewa, 314-645-9919. $$$
Asian. Choose between incredible riffs on Thai cuisine or the best sushi in town. The combination’s palate-jarring, but you can’t really lose. 1641-D Tower Grove, 314-899-9333. $$$
American. Brooklyn transplants Mowgli and Craig Rivard bring casual fine dining to Fox Park, where small and large plates are complemented by herb-forward cocktails and natural wines from around the world. 2800 Shenandoah, 314-553-9456. $$
Eclectic. The fertile imagination of local chef Logan Ely finds a new outlet in this comfy, low-key place, so expect spectacular surprises like dirty hominy cassoulet and roasted pork collar. 2501 S. Jefferson, 314-354-6100. $$$
Roberto’s Trattoria & Chophouse
Italian. For more than three decades, Roberto’s has proven to be a solid choice for consistent Southern Italian food in St. Louis. Founder Roberto Zanti’s devotees rave about the Filet Roberto, Rigatoni Alla Vodka (with lobster claw meat, shrimp, and mushroom in tomato/cream sauce), and poached Alaskan Halibut (in seafood broth with shrimp, littleneck clams, and lobster), as well as the saucer-size Egg Raviolo (made into a heart shape every Valentine’s Day). 145 Concord Plaza, 314-842-9998. $$$
Italian. You’ll find an array of curated drink options at the harvest-centric Mediterranean-influenced restaurant, adjacent to owner Natasha Bahrami’s The Gin Room. Elevated from-scratch small plates, seasonal dishes, and hand-rolled pastas are also available. 3200 S. Grand, 314-771-3411. $$
Italian. Owned by the brothers Komorek (Steve and Jamie), Trattoria Marcella is a classic, ever-popular place. Don’t miss the lobster risotto special. 3600 Watson, 314-352-7706. $$
Italian. After a recent remodel, the dining room is a bit cozier, the lighting a bit dimmer, and the napery, perhaps a bit crisper. The broad, old school Italian menu remains as solid as ever, thanks to longtime chef Tika, who knows his way around a Bolognese sauce, a veal Milanese, and the seafood-laden tutto mare. 11686 Gravois, 314-849-1499. $$$
Steakhouse. This steakhouse serves old-school fare—family-style salads, long-aged steaks, and batter-fried lobster tails—at its finest. 10701 Watson, 314-394-3366. $$$$
NORTH CITY & COUNTY
American. This family-owned restaurant is housed in a historic brick building with a covered porch and ivy-draped courtyard. Many come for the steak and Louisiana-style crab cakes served with a tobacco-onion rémoulade. 599 St. Denis, 314-837-2304. $$
Italian. Located near Lambert St. Louis International Airport, this is one of three restaurants owned and operated by the third generation of the Lombardo family. Old-school standards include harder to-find items such as turtle soup, Oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp de Jonghe, and flash-fried spinach. 10488 Natural Bridge, 314-429-5151. $$$
Italian. For more than 20 years, Vincenzo’s has offered a broad menu of classic Italian food, a full-service bar, great beers, an approachable wine list, along with patio dining is an option. Lunch specials include salad and are a bargain at $9. 242 S. Florissant, 314-524-7888. $$
CLAYTON & UNIVERSITY CITY
Asian. The name means “roots” in Malay, but what blossoms here is a whole garden of options. Asian influences combine with wildly oddball ingredients, so expect such dishes as a tater tot bibimbap. Chef/owner Bernie Lee has a whimsical touch; the results are surprising and delightful. 7641 Wydown, 314-553-9914. $$$$
American. Chef Bryan Carr serves modern and homestyle fare with French accents. Ask for a seat in the back room, with its fireplace and chandelier. 12 N. Meramec, 314-727-4141. $$$
Spanish. From tinned seafood and a Basque cheesecake that you’ll remember for days to Catalan roast chicken with lobster claw meat in a lobster sauce, chef Ben Poremba Bar offers a wealth of Spanish tastes, textures, and beverage pairings that no one in St. Louis has put under one roof to date. 7610 Wydown. $$$$
French. It’s beau cadre, bon gout—“good people, good taste”—at this intimate joint from Michael and Tara Gallina, where dinner begins with incredible bread and ends with Basque cheesecake. In between are cassoulets, olive oil poached salmon, and other Franco-inspired delights. It’s entirely charming, with a distinct neighborhood atmosphere. 7637 Wydown, 314-725-8880. $$$
Italian. A favorite among Clayton power brokers, Napoli serves pasta and other Italian standards. Pair your meal with a glass from the extensive wine list, perusable on tablets. 7754 Forsyth, 314-863-5731. $$$
Italian. It’s worth just a leisurely espresso here to take in the luxurious interior of decorated tile, the stunning open kitchen, and the marble-topped bar. Mediterranean specialties and Southern Italian cuisine, along with Neapolitan pizza, are world-class. The counter seats are in full view of the pasta makers and pizza bakers. 100 Carondolet Plaza, 314-719-1496. $$$$
European. This classic spot wowed diners from the start, and it continues to dazzle. Every meal starts with a blue cheese soufflé; you’ll want to order additional. 7823 Forsyth, 314-721-7375. $$$$
American. Chef Bill Cawthon’s menu offers refined versions of Midwestern comfort food with French influences. The restaurant’s two patios offer prime perches in downtown Clayton. 8100 Maryland, 314-769-9595. $$$
Italian. This airy restaurant is dedicated to southern Italian eats, with fine primi pasta and even finer seafood secondi. 222 S. Bemiston, 314-224-5331. $$$
Italian. A fiery pizza oven, comfy bar, and cozy seating combine to make Louie a classic bistro. The roast chicken is arguably the best in town. Reservations are recommended. 706 DeMun, 314-300-8188. $$$
The popular Japanese restaurant recently changed its address and approach, offering omakase dining at its new location on the Delmar Loop. The atmosphere is intimate, with multicourse meals that feature imaginative sushi. Go with the six-course option, which is worth the price. And although there’s a fine sake selection, the sushi pairs better with the serious beer offerings. 6253 Delmar. $$$
Seafood. Seafood flown in daily and a fantastic veranda continue to bring diners to one of the city’s top seafood spots. 44 N. Brentwood, 314-721-9400. $$$
It’s a “steakhouse” in the sense that the Goldberg Variations are a piano exercise. More accurately, this little joint is an island, invariably crowded, of excellence where classics are refined, even reimagined: A dusting of Old Bay that makes a shrimp cocktail dazzle. The impossibly cheesy, starchy, and creamy potatoes Dauphinois. Crab cakes as big as Frisbees, tasting of the salty sea. Steaks have all the marks—literally—of a grand chophouse, with that caramelized crust and silky beefiness, glistening with juices and fat. Fish dishes are particularly luscious, from roasted Ora King salmon to a lovely potato-encrusted Atlantic halibut. Cocktails—notably a martini with a lagniappe sidecar—are rewarding; the wine list’s worthy. As much as the food and polished service are wonderful, though, it’s the atmosphere here—all glowing, inviting, with sparkle and style—that hoists Wright’s Tavern to elite status, where getting a reservation can be more challenging than understanding our cable bill. (Insider Tip: The reservation book opens up at 12:00 a.m. on the first of every month to secure tables for the following month. Stay up or set an alarm, as prime times are snapped up almost immediately.) 7624 Wydown. $$$$
LADUE, FRONTENAC, CREVE COEUR & OLIVETTE
Italian. Among West County’s upscale formal Italian restaurants, Il Bel Lago is consistently one of the best. Presentations are extravagant. The menu’s classic Italian. Happy hour, lasting until 8 p.m., offers lots of affordable small plates. 11631 Olive, 314-994-1080. $$$
American. This “fine casual” neighborhood restaurant hits all the right notes: small, affordable menu; solid drinks and exceptional wines; and superb, professional service. The perfect meal here consists of the lobster pot pie, sirloin steak, and carrot cake fritters. 12710 Olive, 314-786-5301. $$
American. Truffles is a Ladue landmark with an emphasis on creative preparations and an award-winning wine list. Pick up prime meats at the Butchery, next door. 9202 Clayton, 314-567-9100. $$$$
MAPLEWOOD, BRENTWOOD & RICHMOND HEIGHTS
Italian. Cucina povera is glorious at this simple yet trendsetting place, where lighter pasta portions and affordable wine quartini contribute to satisfying, memorable dinners. The four-course prix-fixe is inevitably worthwhile. 7266 Manchester, 314-644-1790. $$
South American. Masterfully grilled meat, seafood dishes, outstanding lobster bisque, and a cocktail list with a dulce de leche martini are served in the former Reeds American Table space. Chimichurri and other exciting seasonings are distinctive; the menu’s a wonderful, contemporary tour of Ibero-America. 7322 Manchester, 314-802-8587. $$$
Italian. The draw here, at one of the hippest bistro-type eateries in town, is small-portion Italian fare: roasted Brussels sprouts, seared pork belly, creamy burrata. Pizzas are topped with unexpected ingredients like goat cheese, sweet corn, and pickled peppers. 7036 Clayton, 314-932-7820. $$
American. Cozy, retro-romantic, and chock-full of nooks, the Fox & Hounds is where you’ll stop for a cocktail and end up staying for more, such as the Liverpool wings, grilled salmon, or chocolate gooey butter cake. 6300 Clayton, 314-647-7300. $$
Italian. Enjoy classic—and surprisingly affordable—Italian dining in a charming neighborhood setting. Chocolate ravioli is the best dessert; before getting there, you’ll work your way through superior veal dishes, some grand pastas and risotto, and delightful primi offerings like mussels diavolo. 2241 S. Brentwood, 314-961-3344. $$$
Mediterranean. Nestle into one of the semi-private booths while experiencing one of the more reasonably priced finer dining restaurants in town. And at happy hour (4–7 p.m. Mon–Fri), seven items (from calamari to lamb kofte) are priced from $3–$5. 1603 McCausland, 314-747-8000. $$
KIRKWOOD, WEBSTER GROVES, ROCK HILL & DES PERES
American. “Meat-friendly” hardly covers it. The place has its own butchery, in case the braised pork, beef ribs, and bacon jam aren’t enough. 146 W. Lockwood, 314-918-7900. $$
French. The atmosphere resembles a Burgundy kitchen, with a splendid wine list and exquisite Epi bread. 427 S. Kirkwood,314-822-5440. $$$
Steakhouse. Located in a Victorian house, Citizen Kane’s matches steakhouse luxury with down-home affordability. A delicate char adorns juicy, glistening steaks. Salads and sides reflect a kitchen that’s determined to please. 133 W. Clinton, 314-965-9005. $$$$
Desserts/Café. Once the dessert destination in St. Louis, Cyrano’s has a reputation that remains formidable. The dinner menu includes sandwiches and heartier fare…but definitely save room for dessert. 603 E. Lockwood, 314-963-3232. $$
American. Those hip new “aeroplanes” are the theme at this cool, sleek joint with a diverse international menu, from sushi to tacos. 9528 Manchester, 314-473-1221. $$
From the owners of Robust and The Parkmoor Drive-In, this restaurant in the former CJ Muggs space in Webster Groves is a classic-meets-modern interpretation of the Italian-American restaurants of the mid-20th century. 101 W. Lockwood. $$$
American. After recently relocating to a larger space down the street, the popular Webster Groves spot continues to offer a constantly changing menu of light snacks and full meals, including the perfect butterscotch pot de crème, as well as inventive mixed drinks. 216 W. Lockwood, 314-736-1370. $$$
Wine Bar. The menu is reasonably priced. The starters—baked goat cheese, smoked-Gouda grits, fried artichoke hearts—are delicious. And there’s a nice wine selection. 119 N. Kirkwood, 314-821-4119. $$
Italian. Located in a renovated Victorian home, Peppe’s has “romantic” spilling all over, from the chandeliers to the crisp table linens. Chef/owner Peppe Profeta’s veal is exceptional, the pasta dishes are house-made, and half-portion options are a nice touch. The wine selection’s also classy. Reservations are a must. 800 S. Geyer, 314-909-1375. $$$
Wine Bar. In many cases, “tapas” has become synonymous with “overpriced little plates.” Not at Robust. Exquisite cheeses and cured meats are cleverly matched with an extraordinary wine list. 227 W. Lockwood, 314-963-0033. $$
Italian. When a restaurant patio is elevated and has a fountain, we’re interested; when the food’s good, we’re regulars. We gravitate toward the linguine with seafood (a steal at lunch), and if available, Pauli’s eggplant stack salad and the sautéed sea bass. 451 S. Kirkwood, 314-909-7575. $$$
FAR WEST COUNTY
American. Every dish on the acclaimed restaurant’s menu—a robust steak, a signature hamburger, a fluffy potato pancake—is approached with passion, creativity, and an eye toward tasteful composition. Pair that food with a glass of wine from an award-winning list of more than 300 bottles. 16806 Chesterfield Airport, 636-532-7684. $$$$
American. From the owners of The Block, the Town & Country restaurant serves dishes with a combination of intriguing ingredients. Sides, such as garlic herb fries and beef fat-roasted potatoes, go grandly with dry-aged steaks. The terrace patio, overlooking a lake and acres of greenspace, is one of the most memorable in the city. 13360 Clayton, 314-530-9700. $$$$
American. This wine bar, winery, and restaurant has a certified sommelier and a certified specialist of wine—perhaps no surprise for a place with its own EdgeWild-label wines and dishes accompanied by carefully chosen wine pairings. 550 Chesterfield Center, 636-532-0550. $$$
Italian. This Town & Country restaurant doesn’t miss a thing, with elegant décor, gracious service, and a superior wine selection that all focus attention on the menu. Fresh pasta, steaks, and a veal chop the size of Connecticut are combined with classics like eggplant Parmesan and calamari fritti. 1054 Town and Country Crossing, 636-256-9998. $$$
Italian. Effortlessly elegant, this upscale Italian restaurant serves house specialties like pasta della Nonna and the Sunday gravy pasta special. The romantic, softly lit setting includes classic 1950s jazz and photos of Italian-American celebrities. 75 Forum Center, 314-878-1274.$$$
American. The Tavern serves artful comfort food. The Seafood Trio and Surf & Turf tasting boards are standouts. There are also vegetarian, gluten-free, and kids’ menus. Don’t miss the doughnuts and cocktails. 2961 Dougherty Ferry, 636-825-0600. $$$
Veritas Gateway to Food and Wine
American. Buy wine in the store and drink it with dinner in the restaurant. Chef Mathis Stitt’s creative menu changes with the seasons. And the weekend brunch is exemplary and extensive. 15860 Fountain, 636-227-6800. $$$
American. Close by Chesterfield’s outlet malls, this place is filled at dinner, with patrons enjoying meals such as duck breast and seafood rigatoni. It’s a welcome refuge for late-night dining and drinking, a rarity in West County. The atmosphere’s cool, with a seasonal menu and some wonderful whiskies. 127 Chesterfield Town Center, 636-778-0635. $$$$
Wine Bar. This next-gen wine bar includes 24 self-serve wine taps, plus a full bar and cheese and charcuterie offerings. The most romantic element is the spectacular sweeping patio overlooking seven acres of greenspace, water elements, gazebo and walking path. 13350 Clayton, 314-392-9594. $$
ST. CHARLES & BEYOND
Wine Bar. Tapas-type nibbles and a wonderful wine list make this a splendid evening destination in old-town St. Charles. Don’t miss the flash-fried calamari or the cobbler desserts—or some fine wine flights. 325 S. Main, St. Charles, 636-724-3434. $$
This small, wonderfully comfortable comida wins the most incongruous location, with traditional Peruvian cuisine served in a space along St. Charles’ historic Main Street. Ceviches, fried seafood, and rice dishes are exciting and authentic. It’s a welcome addition to the area’s dining scene. 323 N. Main, St. Charles 314-303-0144. $$$
St. Charles’ historic Mother-In-Law House on Main Street was recently transformed into a new dining destination, which chef/partner Chip Bates describes as “upscale casual.” The six tufted oxblood leather booths are the most sought-after seats in the house. The lunch and dinner menus both feature such dishes as a shredded beef and cheddar sandwich, blackened chicken alfredo, pasta primavera, and several affordable steak items. Have a cocktail at the cozy copper-topped bar, and tour The Cellar event space, checking out local artist Zach Smithey’s intriguing artwork on the way downstairs. 500 S. Main, St. Charles.
Italian. A refreshing haven of formality also happens to be the place to go for splendid and high-end Italian fare. The atmosphere here is relaxed but genteel, molti couth, with impeccably polished service. Specialties, like arancini, fresh pastas, and excellent salads are lovely; the stylish ambience is wonderful, a perfect new addition to the Streets of St. Charles development. 1450 Beale #105, St. Charles, 636-757-3418. $$$
The fourth restaurant from the Pietoso family focuses on catch-of- the-day seafood and fresh pastas in an upscale, nautical-themed setting. The signature dish is seafood risotto, finished tableside with a giant wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano. Splurging is an option here: A 12-ounce Australian Wagyu steak is $100-plus, and the aptly-named seafood tower is $250-plus. Expect high-end, old-school touches—for instance, a tray displaying the catch of the day—and iconic European dishes, such as Dover sole. 1450 Beale, St. Charles.
Italian. A friendly, remarkably sophisticated Italian place dishes out delightful pizzas and other Italian dishes—think handmade pastas—in this intimate setting that’s worth the trip to St. Peters. Don’t miss the Calabrese meatballs. 5105 Westwood, St. Peters, 636-317-1143. $$$
After years spent working in some of St. Louis’ top kitchens, chef Fortunato Pietoso and his family recently opened the Italian dining concept in O’Fallon, Missouri. 2509 State Hwy. K, O’Fallon, Missouri.
American. The menu bounces from sushi to tacos to braised short ribs. The atmosphere’s easygoing yet sleek, with a sizable craft beer selection. There’s a patio, and memorable design makes even the interior seem “outside.” 1520 S. Fifth, St. Charles, 636-277-0202. $$$
American. Situated in a vintage house in Augusta, Root’s ambience is as rustic as the food is sumptuous. Drawing almost entirely on local sources, the chef plates extraordinary, multi-course combinations that change daily. With plans to make the village even more of a winery destination, this place will likely be a star attraction as well. 5525 Walnut. Augusta, 636-544-1109. $$$
METRO EAST
Steakhouse. Options abound at this upscale eatery. Go all out with a 20-ounce Delmonico, midrange with the brown sugar–brined chicken, or casual with the crab cake Reuben. 6170 Bennett, Edwardsville, 618-307-9300. $$$$
Steakhouse. A family-run gem in a beautiful old home, Andria’s Restaurant makes things special with simple touches such as hot bread and bacon–blue cheese–stuffed turnovers. Though the beef gets top billing, consider the outstanding seafood dishes. 6805 Old Collinsville, O’Fallon, 618-632-4866. $$$$
American. This upscale eatery focuses on seasonal specialties, exquisitely crafted with local ingredients. Families and couples mix to enjoy burnt-end brisket nachos and creamy Cajun fettucini. It’s absolutely worth a trip to the country-calm setting. 7120 Montclaire, Godfrey, 618-433-9748. $$$
American. Warning: The deviled eggs here are potentially addicting. Limit yourself and concentrate on the ever-changing seasonal menu. Housed in a 1930s-era building, Cleveland–Heath is one of the most popular restaurants in the Metro East. 106 N. Main, Edwardsville, 618-307-4830. $$$
Steakhouse. The iconic former Andria’s space in Edwardsville offers the same low-key charm, an incredible wine cellar, and a flame-spouting grill that turns out impressive steaks, such as the Niman Ranch USDA Prime–certified Angus. 7415 Illinois Route 143, Edwardsville, 618-656-0281. $$$
Steakhouse. The signature item is grilled, peppered beef tenderloin, but it could just as easily be the house-brined bone-in tomahawk pork chop. The Wine Spectator Award–winning wine list includes 20 selections by the glass. 1000 Eastport Plz., 618-345-2400. $$$$
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