DOWNTOWN & MIDTOWN
Steakhouse. It’s big, modern and luxurious, a subtly baseball–themed steakhouse in a hotel at Ballpark Village with numerous other upscale attractions, such as the Whiskey Room and The Bullock terrace overlooking Busch Stadium, as well as an interior devoted to Cardinals lore. Busy on game days, but a good lunch call anytime. 799 Clark, 314-597-9700. $$$
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Located inside The Pennywell St. Louis, the Pennydrop Bar & Kitchen evokes being in the heart of a bank—which is what the eight-story Merchants–Laclede Building was after it opened in 1888. Lunch choices run the gamut from four options of chicken wings to four salads, several burgers and sandwiches, and dinner-size entrées. 400 Olive, 314-436-0002. $$
The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern
American. Conveniently situated across the street from CITYPARK, at Union Station, The Pitch is the place to hang out before or after a match. But it’s also an inviting place for a business lunch. Relax on a leather sofa while watching the wide-screen TVs and enjoying deli sandwiches (fried bologna included) and more. 1820 Market, 314-802-3400. $$
The Train Shed at Union Station
American. This 1904 World’s Fair–themed gathering spot comes with a side of St. Louis history, and a view…of the lake and 200-foot St. Louis Wheel. 201 S. 18th. $$
American. Among the best–and quietest–breakfast and lunch spots in town, you can’t go wrong with the signature items, the Brie LT and the orange teriyaki glazed grilled salmon sandwich. 3224 Locust, 314-240-5157. $$
American. Located in a bright and airy historic building downtown, the restaurant serves an innovative array of top-level dishes in an atmosphere that sports an air of genteel savoir-faire. 705 Olive, 314-241-4300. $$
Vito’s Sicilian Pizza & Ristorante
Italian. Vito’s serves Sicilian-style pizza and other family recipes. The quattro formaggi pizza won’t disappoint. 3515 Lindell, 314-534-8486. $$
CENTRAL WEST END
Against the idyllic backdrop of Post-Dispatch Lake, the Boathouse is the perfect place to discuss a deal one day and while away the hours the next. Lunch favorites include smoked trashed wings, smoked brisket and Provel T-ravs, and a smoked salmon club sandwich. 6101 Government, 314-366-1555. $$
American. The beloved former Café Osage space lives on as a breakfast and lunch restaurant operated by Gerard Craft’s Niche Food Group. Guests have the option of dining in the beautiful sun-drenched main room; within the Bowood Farms nursery shop; or outside, among the plants and flowers. 4605 Olive, 314-454-6868. $$
Located inside the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis, The Chase Club is where guests can enjoy American standards and more esoteric dishes such as lemongrass wings, a sweet potato burger, salmon hot pot, and butternut squash ravioli. When the weather’s agreeable, consider sitting on the poolside patio. 212 N. Kingshighway, 314-454-9000. $$
Veteran restaurateur Pierre Chambrin II recently reimagined a favorite midday spot (Bixby’s, upstairs at the Missouri History Museum) as a French-inspired bistro, where standout lunch dishes include lobster bisque, quiche Lorraine, and melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies. At the Sunday brunch buffet, expect elevated versions of the usual suspects, as well as live music. 5700 Lindell. $$
Enjoy a chess-themed décor with omelets, burritos, skillets, and specialties, including smashburgers, any way you like them. Both the Central West End and Clayton locations can justifiably claim dining rooms that are quieter than most, as well as patios fit for a king, queen, or bishop. Multiple locations. $$
Located inside the Saint Louis Art Museum, the restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Art Hill. The menu runs the gamut from a French omelet and crepes to Wagyu meatloaf and lobster rolls. Panorama is civilized lunch dining at its best. 1 Fine Arts, 314-655-5490. $$
CLAYTON
5 Star Burgers A casual, well run neighborhood restaurant that serves some of the best burgers and salads in town. Enough said. 8125 Maryland, 314-720-4350. $$
At lunch, chilled roasted shrimp and sliced sirloin salad transition into hearty sandwiches, such as a half-pound burger, pork schnitzel, and pot roast on Cuban bread. Parties of four to 35 can reserve The Apple Room, which features a fireplace and its own bar, entrance, TV, and outdoor patio. 12 N. Meramec, 314-721-4141. $$
Asian. Fluffy Chinese buns get the spotlight at this hip Clayton eatery. Traditional bao compete with a parade of fillings—soft shell crab, Wagyu beef, ice cream—along with Asian-inspired bowls and nibbles. 14 N. Central, 314-899-9089. $$
Italian. Simply put, the restaurant inside the Ritz Carlton St. Louis is a showstopper: a backdrop of Italian tile complements the copper-clad kitchen, a spectacular U-shaped marble bar, and gentle archways throughout. 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 Carondelet Plaza, 314-719-1496. $$$
European. This classic spot wowed diners from the start, and it continues to dazzle. The Crossing remains top of mind for a civilized lunch in the heart of Clayton. 7823 Forsyth, 314-721-7375. $$$
American. The menu offers refined versions of Midwestern comfort food with French influences. And on nice days, the restaurant’s patios offer prime perches on a corner in downtown Clayton. 8100 Maryland, 314-769-9595. $$$
Situated in the former Craft Beer Cellar space in downtown Clayton, the restaurant explores the culinary traditions and flavors of China, Korea, and Japan. 8113 Maryland. $$
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. $$$
UNIVERSITY CITY
Vegetarian. Chef-owner Natasha Kwan’s attention to detail is evident both in the light, airy décor and on the plate. Healthy-leaning options include house “burgers,” including a robust build-your-own option. 622 North and South, 314-727-6500. $$
Indian. One of the most popular Indian restaurants in St. Louis, House of India offers an extensive menu of authentic dishes. 8501 Delmar, 314-567-6850. $$
American. Reopened under the tutelage of Vicia’s Tara and Michael Gallina, the U. City staple emphasizes local, seasonal dishes prepared from scratch. Baked goods and desserts are fabulous. Dine indoors or on the sun dappled front patio. 7213 Delmar, 314-725-7559. $$
LADUE & FRONTENAC
American. Originally dubbed 801 Grill, the latest (and more casual) offshoot of the Des Moines–based 801 Restaurant Group has one of the best hamburgers in town. The 6,000-square-foot space boasts abundant parking, a large covered patio, and easy ingress and egress. 2012 S. Lindbergh. $$$
American. The attractively appointed, popular restaurant near Plaza Frontenac deserves its accolades. The menu is awash in must-haves, including a tuna burger, Prime meatloaf, French Dip, and one of the best light lunch entrees in town, the Palm Beach salad, with crab meat, poached shrimp, remoulade, avocado, tomato, and chopped egg. 10342 Clayton, 314-567-6300. $$$
Italian. Marble, drapes, and warm colors lend a lush Mediterranean touch at this popular chain bistro. The fare includes Americanized Italian favorites, with some superior pasta dishes, grilled specialties, and a glorious wraparound patio.1601 S. Lindbergh, 314-432-4410. $$$
American. It’s more Tex than Mex—think of it as “Southwestern Spicy.” Sirloin gets a chili rub, and chicken chowder is spiked with poblanos. Enchiladas, “street” tacos, and fajitas are all solid choices. 1707 S. Lindbergh, 314-872-3443. $$
Bar & Grill. Beyond the myriad TVs and sports memorabilia, there are house-smoked meats, mile-high sandwiches, and delicious matzo ball and chicken noodle soups. 9906 Clayton, 314-994-0055. $$
Bar & Grill. Locals know the tiny watering hole for its attractive bar food: wraps, sliders, wings, and some fine curly fries. The walls are plastered with sports memorabilia. 9901 Clayton, 314-991-3381. $$
Italian. Affordable Italian specialties are whipped up by a well-known chef who can duplicate Nonna’s classics. 10419 Clayton, 314-569-0400. $$
MAPLEWOOD, BRENTWOOD & RICHMOND HEIGHTS
Seafood. Think of a very nice, very classy bar that happens to serve great food. Fish and steaks get a wood-grilled treatment that highlights flavor and enhances texture. 8780 Eager, 314-918-1649. $$$
Thai. Recently relocated from South Grand, the city’s most renowned Thai eatery offers an extensive menu. Insiders order central Thai classics such as Bangkok kapow and red curry duck. 8039 Dale, 314-771-1777. $$
Vietnamese. Mai Lee is St. Louis’ go-to for beefy, herby pho. The menu has over 200 items, so feel free to ask the staff for suggestions, or try the canh chua ca, an addictive fish stew. 8396 Musick Memorial, 314-645-2835. $$
Bar & Grill. Traditional Greek flavors can be found in this neighborhood sports bar setting. Fried zucchini with horseradish sauce is a refreshing twist on French fries. The 10-ounce Michael Burger is a sight to behold, especially when topped with a ball of soft cheddar. 7101 Manchester, 314-644-2240. $$
Mediterranean. Request one of the semi-private booths and experience some of the most reasonably priced lunch specials in town. 1603 McCausland, 314-747-8000. $$
American. Served with sides like Grandma used to make, the fried chicken sports a crisp, salty crust that begs for hot sauce and honey. It’s one of the best neighborhood joints in the city. 7201 Piccadilly, 314-646-0016. $$
Yen Ching
Chinese. A tribute to grand Americanized Chinese food for decades, Yen Ching beautifully strikes every note: sizzling rice soup, pot stickers, spicy crispy beef…. 1012 S. Brentwood, 314-721-7507. $$
KIRKWOOD & WEBSTER GROVES
American. A mainstay for decades where faves include the rosemary and red wine braised pot roast, blue cheese burger, shrimp and salmon strudel, seafood gumbo, and the and passing trains. 47 S. Old Orchard, 314-962-5757. $$
French. The atmosphere resembles a Burgundy kitchen, with a splendid wine list, exquisite Epi bread, and excellent examples of nicoise salad, croque monsieur, and reuben sandwich on its lunch/dinner menu. 427 S. Kirkwood,314-822-5440. $$
Thai. One of the few area restaurants to specialize in Northern Thailand’s cuisine, this Webster Groves restaurant serves some excellent examples. 8158 Big Bend, 314-961-8889. $$
American. The menu at this attractive bistro is small but full of such unexpected dishes as chicken hand pies and burrata sandwiches. Breakfast is a special treat, with flaky cheese/sausage biscuits, chimichurri potatoes, and peppery bloody marys. 100 W. Lockwood, 314-942-1216. $$
Desserts/Café. Once the dessert destination in St. Louis, Cyrano’s has a reputation that remains formidable. The lunch menu includes sandwiches and heartier fare…but definitely save room for dessert. 603 E. Lockwood, 314-963-3232. $$
American. It’s one of the few places that balances a competent bar with a creditable restaurant. You’ll find burgers, salads, and the best Welsh pasty in town. 8110 Big Bend, 314-455-1090. $$
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. $$
Wine Bar. In many cases, “tapas” has become synonymous with “overpriced little plates.” Not at Robust. Exquisite cheeses and cured meats are cleverly matched with an extraordinary wine list. 227 W. Lockwood, 314-963-0033. $$
WEST COUNTY
Thai. This haven for lovers of authentic Thai food offers beautiful presentation and fiery dishes. The Waterfall Beef dish is unique to Addie’s, and the deep-fried sweet potatoes with coconut and tom yum gai soup are favorites. 14156 Olive, 314-469-1660. $$
American. Every dish on the acclaimed restaurant’s menu—a robust steak, a signature hamburger, a fluffy potato pancake—is approached with passion, creativity, and an eye toward tasteful composition. Pair that food with a glass of wine from an award-winning list of more than 300 bottles. 16806 Chesterfield Airport, 636-532-7684. $$$
American. Bishop’s Post takes its name from Col. Justus Post, original owner of the land on which the restaurant sits in Chesterfield. The menu features classic American dishes: seafood gumbo, a house-smoked salmon salad, and black-and-bleu beef tip pasta. 16125 Chesterfield Pkwy. W., 636-536-9404. $$$
Steakhouse. From the owners of The Block, the Town & Country restaurant serves dishes with a combination of intriguing ingredients. Sides, such as garlic herb fries and beef fat-roasted potatoes, go grandly with a dry-aged gruyere burger and sous vide short ribs. 13360 Clayton, 314-530-9700. $$$
American. Owner Christy Hall offers a wide variety of from-scratch dishes—hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, Fisherman’s Stew, and more—in a welcoming rustic atmosphere, the former Wild Horse Grill space. 101 Chesterfield Towne Centre, 636-778-9888. $$
At the rebranded Vito’s in the Valley space, in Chesterfield, chef Giovanni LaFata serves up Italian classics and two-course lunch specials that include a tacchino sandwich, made with turkey, spinach, goat cheese, berry compote, on multigrain bread. 138 Chesterfield Towne Center. $$
Italian. Among West County’s upscale formal Italian restaurants, Il Bel Lago is consistently one of the best. Presentations and the environs 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. The space houses live music, shuffleboard, foosball, giant kickball-pool, hoops, darts, ping-pong, huge TVs, sleek lounges, a full kitchen, and an even fuller bar. It’s an entertainment gathering spot for fun, long lunches. 910 Westport Plaza, 314-548-2876. $$
European. This upscale chain offers house-made pasta, brick-oven pizzas, and sustainably sourced seafood. With limestone walls, a mosaic tile floor, and sconce lighting, Ya Ya’s is impressive inside and out. 15601 Olive, 636-537-9991. $$
SOUTH CITY & COUNTY
Italian. The lodgy, Lafayette Square fave serves such inventive dishes as wild boar ravioli and a lobster BLT. 1111 Mississippi, 314-241-999. $$$
Bosnian. Bosnia’s take on pitas are hand-rolled, phyllo-like burritos, stuffed with cheese and other goodies. Their fragrance, warm and yeasty, hits you at the door. Donor kebabs are staggeringly big, delectable. Open Wed-Sun. 91 Concord Plaza Shopping Center, 314-270-8005. $$
Bar & Grill. A longtime St. Louis tradition, O’Connell’s is known for affordable pints, roast beef sandwiches, and burgers that are seared to the pinnacle of crusty, caramelized perfection. 4652 Shaw, 314-773-6600. $$
Café. Lesser known than its SoHa counterpart, here guests are treated to huge selection of well-crafted sandwiches, soups, salads, and sweets. 5400 Murdoch, 314-553-9994. $$
American. SqWires, housed in a converted wire factory, boasts a fireplace, live music, boasts a menu that includes baked Brie, onion soup, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie, 1415 S. 18th, 314-865-3522. $$
Bar & Grill. Upscale burgers and an extravagant menu of whiskeys and bourbon—what genius put these together? Whoever’s responsible, it’s that combination of suitably smashed burgers and more than 60 spirits (from Buffalo Trace to Blanton’s) that distinguishes this enjoyable joint. Other offerings—lobster melts, onion rings, steaks—merit a trip to the Arnold restaurant. 3606 W. Outer Road, Arnold, 314-900-1331. $$
Steakhouse. This steakhouse serves hearty, old-school fare—family-style salads, long-aged steaks, batter-fried lobster bites, and an excellent cheeseburger served only at lunch. Top notch, reasonably prices wines by the glass are served all day. 10701 Watson, 314-394-3366. $$$
NORTH CITY & COUNTY
Cugino’s Italian Bar and Grill
Italian. The partners are cousins (cugini), and the fare ranges from St. Louis–style pizza to classic Italian, plus a large selection of sandwiches and burgers. Narrow Gauge Brewing Co. also has set up operations inside, complementing the more than 20 beers on tap. 1595 N. Highway 67, 314-831-3222. $$
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. $$
Indian. The menu offers some of the best Indian cuisine around. The lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka masala are outstanding. 12322 Dorsett, 314-731-3333. $$
Thai. The traditional Thai menu is filled with chicken, beef, pork, and seafood dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the King of Spice Challenge by sampling dishes of increasing hotness. 8416 N. Lindbergh, 314-831-3701. $$
ST. CHARLES & BEYOND
American. The setting is sleek and contemporary, roomy and relaxed. The restaurant serves familiar American fare (salads, sandwiches, pizza, steak), as well as inventive cocktails. 11 Meadows Circle, Lake Saint Louis, 636-542-9090. $$$
Italian. From the Tuscany vista murals to the scratch-made sauces, it doesn’t get more “St. Louis Italian.” It’s affordable, enjoyable, and dependably good. 2061 Zumbehl, St. Charles, 636-949-9005. $$
In summer 2023, St. Charles’ historic Mother-In-Law House on Main Street was transformed into a new dining destination, which chef/partner Chip Bates describes as “upscale casual.” The six tufted oxblood leather booths are the most sought-after seats in the house. The lunch and dinner menus both feature such dishes as a shredded beef and cheddar sandwich, blackened chicken alfredo, pasta primavera, and several affordable steak items. 500 S. Main, St. Charles.
Italian. A refreshing haven of formality also happens to be the place to go for splendid and high-end Italian fare. Broken into several small rooms, Nap 3 is the perfect setting for a lunch meeting. 1450 Beale #105, St. Charles, 636-757-3418. $$$
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. $$$
Italian. A fixture in historic St. Charles, it’s a place that manages to put out superior food while maintaining a neighborhood-joint feel. 132 N. Main, St. Charles, 636-940-1960. $$$
METRO EAST
American. This upscale eatery focuses on hearty specialties, such as a tenderloin philly sandwich, brisket nachos, and three varieties of “horseshoes” (an open-faced sandwich topped with fried and cheese sauce), all of it worth a trip to the sprawling, country-calm setting. 7120 Montclaire, Godfrey, 618-433-9748. $$
American. Laura and Ryan High’s handsome new cocktail bar offers an elevated lounge experience in the space adjacent to Global Brew Tap House. Lunch offerings include smoked duck wings, short rib ravioli, a burger topped with prosciutto, mozzarella and marinara sauce, and a world-class steak and cheese sandwich made with tenderloin medallions, shishito peppers, smoked gouda, and whiskey-caramelized onions. 2323 Plum, Edwardsville. $$$
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 remains one of the most popular restaurants in the Metro East. 106 N. Main, Edwardsville, 618-307-4830. $$
Steakhouse. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, noonday fare features lamb lollipops, caramelized chicken wings, lobster bisque, and a sandwich made with peppered tenderloin, the house specialty. The Wine Spectator Award–winning wine list includes 20 selections by the glass. 1000 Eastport Plz., 618-345-2400. $$$
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Seafood. The fish is fresh, the sides are attractive, and the service is polished. The lheddar drop biscuits are legendary and the lobster bisque might even have healing powers. (Tip: The happy hour is among the best in town.) 11801 Olive, 314-567-0272; 2314 Technology, O’Fallon, Mo. 636-625-6350. $$$
Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria
Italian. Both the Neapolitan-style pizzas and homemade pastas are a cut above here. Katie Lee’s three, high energy restaurants (a fourth one is coming to Crestwood in late 2024) are all popular for a reason. 9568 Manchester, 314-942-6555; 14171 Clayton, 636-220-3238; 751 Clark, 314-942-2416. $$$
Steakhouse. Ruth’s Chris is the ideal setting for a civilized lunch, that combines opulent surroundings with attentive service and consistently good fare. 315 Chestnut, 314-259-3200; 16493 Wild Horse Creek, 636-730-2200. $$$
Wine Bar. At the flagship, on DeMun, enjoy a wine flight indoors or on the always-lively patio. The Shaw location boasts two bars, funky décor, and an equally fetching hidden patio. 4069 Shaw, 314-771-7274; 706 DeMun, 314-863-7174. $$
Steakhouse. Renowned for its low prices on protein, the portions at this longtime favorite steakhouse are way past generous, too. The ribeyes, buttery prime rib, and suitcase-size baked potatoes are legendary; the St. Louis-style pizza is a sleeper. See website for locations. $$
American. This upscale-casual chain surprises with such unusual fusions as Thai pork mac and cheese. Try the chicken salad, something of a cross between a Rich & Charlie’s salad and a slinger. 10797 Sunset Hills Plz, 314-858-9392; 4401 Highway K, 636-685-0212. $$$
