1 of 4
Corey Woodruff
Niche
2 of 4
Kevin A. Roberts
The Crossing
3 of 4
Carmen Troesser
Annie Gunn's
4 of 4
Kevin A. Roberts
801 Chophouse
Niche
Niche is serious about food,the kind that sets the diner to thinking, especially with so many great options: a la carte, the four-course tasting menu for $67, or the nine-course menu for $100. Happily, the atmosphere at James Beard Award–nominated chef Gerard Craft’s acclaimed restaurant is not stuffy. Still, a visit is a dress-up evening—definitely an Occasion. 7734 Forsyth, 314-773-7755, nichestlouis.com.
Elaia
Helmed by James Beard Award–nominated chef and owner Ben Poremba, this dual-concept restaurant anchors the Botanical Heights neighborhood, where wine director Andrey Ivanov and Olio general manager John Fausz ensure the perfect libation is at the ready. Food options range from refined rustic plates at Olio to opulent tasting menus at Elaia. Even when we set our sights on one, we end up visiting both. 1634 Tower Grove, 314-932-1088, elaiastl.com, oliostl.com.
Stone Soup Cottage
Carl McConnell is in the kitchen, and his wife, Nancy, is in the front of the house. Stone Soup is a cozy country inn, complete with a kitchen garden. 5809 Highway N, Cottleville, 636-244-2233, stonesoupcottage.com.
Cielo Restaurant& Bar
A far cry from the same old Italian, this elegant room offers another unexpected boon be-sides its river view: It’s quiet enough to talk. Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, 999 N. Second, 314-881-2105, cielostlouis.com.
Sidney Street Cafe
Situated in an old storefront and serving modern food, Sidney Street Cafe has some of the most loyal fans in town, who wax poetic over treats like Steak Wasabi and savory beignets. 2000 Sidney, 314-771-5777, sidneystreetcafe.com.
The Crossing
The Crossing’s staying power is impressive and deserved. The restaurant has innovative food and service that’s as smooth as the heart of a crème brûlée. 7823 Forsyth, 314-721-7375, fialafood.com/the-crossing.
Herbie’s Vintage 72
Still a place to see and be seen, Herbie’s in the CWEhas a glorious Art Deco interior and a menu that crosses French, Creole, and American cuisines. 405 N. Euclid, 314-769-9595, herbies.com.
Annie Gunn’s
Yes, there’s meat and potatoes—but it’s so remarkable, we can’t say “just.” Annie Gunn’s gets bonus points for the smoked jumbo shrimp and a fascinating wine list. 16806 Chesterfield Airport Rd., Chesterfield, 636-532-3314, anniegunns.com.
Cafe Napoli
The bar and outdoor patio rock at this downtown Clayton fave, while the back rooms are more intimate. Patrons knock back pasta, veal, and salads—and don’t miss the cioppino, if it’s available. 7754 Forsyth, 314-863-5731, cafenapoli.com.
The Tenderloin Room
Recently remodeled, this 25-year-old stalwart is again ready for its close-up. The culinary star here is the ageless Peppercorn A La Tenderloin. The Chase Park Plaza, 232 N. Kingshighway, 314-361-0900, tenderloinroom.com.
Citizen Kane’s Steak House
Frank Kane and crew serve up consistently excellent steaks and other straightforward chophouse entrées and sides in a charming vintage Victorian house in the heart of Kirkwood. It might seem like a back-to-basics approach, but Citizen Kane’s has never done anything else in more than 20 years. 133 W. Clinton, 314-965-9005, citizenkanes.com.
801 Chophouse
Steaks, chops, and superb sides dominate the menu at this Clayton newcomer. Steakhouse-dark wood anchors an airy interior, with an immense bar that seems to draw every suit in Clayton for happy hour. 137 Carondelet Plaza, 314-875-9900, 801restaurantgroup.com.
Scape
Our recipe for a perfect evening: When weather affords, enjoy a preprandial beverage in Scape’s secluded courtyard, then retire indoors to one of the curved booths. Request champagne and the shrimp and lobster scampi, followed by a mud-slide s’more—finished tableside, of course. 48 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-7227, scapestl.com.
