In recent years, culinary tastemakers across the nation have started to realize something we’ve known for a while: St. Louis has a truly extraordinary food scene. Citing a slate of fresh new spots and up-and-coming talent, the food bloggers, celebrity chefs, and restaurant reviewers have coalesced around a narrative: That St. Louis has arrived, transitioning from flyover city to bona fide food destination. It’s an exciting development and one that is well-deserved. These new industry voices, filled with creativity and innovation, make right now a landmark moment to dine in the metro area. For ongoing coverage of St. Louis’ ever-evolving dining scene, sign up for SLM’s Dining Out newsletter and check out our dining podcast, Arch Eats. Cheers!
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Thai. This haven for lovers of authentic Thai food offers beautiful presentations 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. $$
Uyghur. The only Uyghur restaurant in St. Louis, Afandi showcases this cosmopolitan cuisine that is influenced by Chinese, Persian, Arabic and Greek flavors thanks to its historical position at the starting point of the Silk Road. Stews, kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, and more are a thrilling taste of this multifaceted cuisine. 17409 Chesterfield Airport, 636-778-0178. $$
Fusion. Bucking the traditional playbook, Amrut Fusion blends traditional Indian fare such as lamb keema and chicken vindaloo with fusion-inspired presentations such as chatpata nachos and peri peri nachos. The restaurant also boasts an impressive bourbon selection. 17392 Chesterfield Airport, 636-778-9380. $$
American. Every dish on the acclaimed restaurant’s menu—a robust steak, a signature hamburger, a fluffy potato pancake—is approached with passion, creativity, and an eye toward tasteful composition. Pair that food with a glass of wine from an award-winning list of more than 300 bottles. 16806 Chesterfield Airport, 636-532-7684. $$$$
American. Bishop’s Post takes its name from Col. Justus Post, original owner of the land on which the restaurant sits in Chesterfield. The menu features classic American dishes: seafood gumbo, a house-smoked salmon salad, and black-and-bleu beef tip pasta. 16125 Chesterfield Pkwy. W., 636-536-9404. $$$
Indian. One of the area’s most thrilling representations of Indian cuisine, Black Salt is one of St. Louis’ essential dining destinations. Highlights include mouthwatering zafrani lamb chops (the restaurant’s signature dish), Andhra seabass and excellent biryanis and lentil dishes. 1709 Clarkson, 636-204-6441. $$$
American. Part of the storied Gianino restaurant family, the Chesterfield location is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, fusing classic American diner and comfort favorites with Italian favorites like pizzas and chicken spedini. 1772 Clarkson, 636-778-9120. $$
Chinese. The Chesterfield outpost of the wildly popular University City restaurant, Cate Zone is beloved for its modern Chinese cuisine. The food is what you’d find if you were dining in a trendy restaurant in China today; standout dishes include the delightfully tingly hot crisp fish, and cumin lamb. 24 Four Seasons Shopping Center, 314-392-9624. $$
Indian. Chesterfield boasts an impressive Indian dining scene thanks to wonderful restaurants like the Curry Club, which bucks the traditional playbook of Indian cuisine in St. Louis by presenting its food in a fast-casual format. Another differentiation is its focus on southern Indian fare; curries and crepe-like dosas are exquisite. 1635 Clarkson, 636-778-7777. $
Chinese. Dumplings are the rightful namesake at this wonderful Chesterfield cafe; the restaurant boasts an impressive variety, ranging from pan-fried chicken with shiitake to boiled tofu with cabbage and carrots. You’ll find roughly 20 different versions, and that’s just the dumplings side of the menu. The restaurant also offers several bao, Chinese street food, ramen and noodle dishes alongside milk teas, fruit teas and coffee. 137 Chesterfield Towne Center, 636-778-9090. $$
Pizza. One of the region’s more underrated pizzerias, this sister restaurant to Epic Pizza & Subs features New York–style pies. Large sub sandwiches are built on rolls imported from legendary Philly bakery Amoroso’s. 17304 Chesterfield Airport, 636-536-7888. $
American. Part winery, part elevated American restaurant, EdgeWild boasts a large and eclectic menu of small plates, entrees, pizzas, pastas and sandwiches ranging from crab cake dip and pistachio herbed goat cheese to creole pasta and bison meatloaf. Whatever you order, there is a perfect wine-pairing thanks to its comprehensive wine menu. 550 Chesterfield Center, 833-566-5680. $$$
American. Owner Christy Hall offers a wide variety of from-scratch dishes—hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, Fisherman’s Stew, and more—in a welcoming rustic atmosphere, the former Wild Horse Grill space. 101 Chesterfield Towne Centre, 636-778-9888. $$$
Italian. Gianfabio’s offers Italian food bliss: eggplant parmigiana, cannelloni, veal piccata. Fresh pizzas come from an open-flame brick oven that separates the dining room from the bar. 127 Hilltown Village Center, 636-532-6686. $$$
Italian. Originally founded as Vito’s in the Valley, Gio proudly adheres to its Sicilian heritage while adding touches of modern Italian dining. This means you’ll find classics like Vito’s long-beloved meatballs served with marinara and spaghetti alongside sophisticated offerings like crab linguini. Steaks, chops, chicken and seafood, as well as two different styles of pizza (hand-tossed and a thick Sicilian style) round out the menu. 138 Chesterfield Towne Center, 659-299-2787. $$$
American. This popular St. Louis chain is known for its delectable gooey smash-style cheeseburgers, over the top sandwiches and specials (think grilled cheese tacos and taco burgers), milkshakes and fries. It’s the perfect casual spot to grab a bite while taking in the entertainment options at Chesterfield’s The District. 17057 N Outer 40, 314-384-1033. $
Asian. It’s not a tween’s bedroom, but you’d be forgiven for thinking so. Stuffed animals and a wall-size butterfly mural create a saccharine kawaii that’s sweeter than any bubble tea here. Ramen and rice bowls are worthwhile, with decent portions—the fried chicken ramen is estimable for its take on that tasty bird alone. 13700 Olive, 314-392-9399. $$
Chinese. A longtime favorite of the Chesterfield dining scene, Hunan Empress is the standard bearer for the classic Chinese-American restaurant form. The restaurant serves the gold standard of hot braised chicken, General Tso’s chicken and Empress beef, as well as excellent crab rangoon and pot stickers that can be enjoyed with table service inside the ornate dining room or as takeout. 164 Four Seasons Shopping Center, 314-878-8828. $$
Café. The metro area’s largest third-wave coffee roaster serves up a range of hand-brewed, drip, and espresso coffee drinks and teas, alongside a tasty selection of breakfast and lunch items. See website for locations. $
Bagels. Part of the St. Louis area bagel boom, Lefty’s is Chesterfield’s go-to for quality boiled treats. And that’s only part of the draw. The restaurant also offers exceptional bagel sandwiches topped with breakfast favorites, exquisite deli meats or exceptional smoked fish. 13359 Olive, 314-275-0959. $
Italian. A modern and stylish spinoff of the popular elevated Italian restaurants, Cafe Napoli, Napoli Bros. is the debut concept from the next generation of Pietosos. Coal-fired pizzas are char-speckled and creatively topped; pastas and entree specials are as elegant as you’d expect from the Napoli name. 17081 N Outer 40, 636-200-6300. $$$
Barbecue. Don’t be fooled by its location: O’B Que’s may be located inside a gas station (albeit a ridiculously luxe one), but it boasts some of the best Texas-style barbecue in town. Brisket and burnt ends are as good as they come in Austin, and a Wednesdays-only smoked pork loin special is jaw-droppingly delicious. 158 Long, 636-778-9675. $$
Japanese. The hibachi experience may be a thrilling spectacle, but there is serious substance at Oishi Sushi and Steakhouse. Hibachi dinners include fresh lobster, mouthwatering steaks and outrageously good fried rice. The sushi side of the restaurant is equally great, with a separate lounge vibe and beautifully prepared rolls. 100 Public Works, 636-530-1198. $$$
American. Fluffy flapjacks, golden clouds of hash browns, and sunrises of eggs draw regulars. It’s a whole morning of happiness on a plate. 17000 Chesterfield Airport, 636-536-4044. $
Italian. Effortlessly elegant, this upscale Italian restaurant serves house specialties like pasta della Nonna and the Sunday gravy pasta special. The romantic, softly lit setting includes classic 1950s jazz and photos of Italian-American celebrities. 75 Forum Center, 314-878-1274. $$$
American. The local outpost of KISS rockers Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s 300-seat comfort food–and–craft beer emporium conjures a family-friendly music event, complete with rock music videos. 17258 Chesterfield Airport, 636-536-2739. $$
Steakhouse. Ruth’s Chris is ideal for those moments when you’ve just gotta dress up and eat a week’s worth of protein paired with gorgeous wine. The atmosphere is opulent, and service shines. 16493 Wild Horse Creek, 314-783-9900. $$$$
Italian. The concept is brilliant in its simplicity: half a dozen salads and 15 kinds of calzones, with 10 sauces “on the side” for dipping. Or, create your own from a seemingly endless list of options. The caramel apple pie dessert calzone is mandatory. See website for locations. $
Korean. Owner David Choi mashes up such Korean staples as bulgogi and spicy pork with Mexican musts like tacos and burritos. Choi’s 24-hour meat marination process almost guarantees a return visit. See website for location information. $$
American. Omelets and skillets lead the breakfast menu; lunch features piled-high sandwiches, such as the Leftovers dish—bacon-wrapped meatloaf topped with melted Provolone. See website for location information. $
Middle Eastern. Traditional Middle Eastern dishes like beef kebabs, chicken shawarma and falafel are offered alongside fusion favorites like a kebab burger. The restaurant also offers a substantial vegan menu. 179 Hilltown Village Center, 636-778-0195. $$
Greek. Specialties include steak krasato and rack of lamb with scallops. Created tableside, a Greek salad is a nice touch. Save room for baklava. 1054 North Woods Mill, 314-878-4449. $$$
Steve’s Hot Dogs and Steve’s Meltdown
American. The beloved hot dog and burgers chain from Urge frontman Steve Ewing combines forces with its elevated grilled cheese concept at The District in Chesterfield. Both restaurants are known for their creative concoctions; don’t sleep on the excellent mac and cheese. 17089 North Outer 40, Suite 140, 636-812-2022. $
Japanese. Located in an unassuming strip mall, Sushi Boat serves some of the finest sushi in the area. Rolls feature shockingly fresh fish and creative presentations; excellent small plates like hamachi collar, spicy tuna-stuffed avocado and baked scallops elevate the offerings beyond expected sushi spot fare. 84 Clarkson Wilson Center, 636-285-8888. $$$
Indian. Its legion of loyal fans and consistently rave reviews tell the story: Taj Palace is one of the top Indian restaurants in the metro area. The family owned spot offers outstanding takes on favorites like butter chicken, assorted curries, biryanis and more. Service is always warm and inviting. 92 THF, 636-728-1000. $$
Italian. If you get a hankering for the old-school Italian fare once served at the long-shuttered Talayna’s at the corner of Skinker Boulevard and Forest Park Parkway, you’re in luck. The iconic restaurant lives on in Chesterfield in all of its cheesy-baked pasta, delicious pizza and chicken parmigiana glory—a delicious taste of St. Louis history. 68 Four Seasons Shopping Center, 314-469-6650. $$
Thai. Delicious noodles, curries, soups and small bites set this excellent Thai restaurant apart. You’ll find expected dishes, but you’ll also discover less familiar regional specialties, all beautifully executed. 1713 Clarkson, 636-530-1089. $$
Fusion. A delicious fusion of Indian and Mediterranean cuisine, Tikka Tangy offers a fun spin on the build-your-own format. Tikka masala over fries? Butter chicken over nachos? These are just a few of the wildly inventive offerings available. Do not miss the different varieties of cheesy garlic bread or the masala pizzas. The combinations are unexpected but delightful. See website for location information. $$
Italian. Viviano’s Festa Italiano brings a bit of the Hill to west county thanks to its delicious pastas, sandwiches and pizzas, as well as its small Italian market filled with imported specialties. Lasagna is a must. Cheesy garlic bread is always a bonus. See website for location information. $$.
American. Founded in the aftermath of the Great Flood of 1993. Wente’s is an under-the-radar gem. Classic bar and grill fare is well executed, the drinks are cold, and the people watching—pilots coming in from nearby Spirit of St. Louis Airport, Little League teams and residents who’ve lived in the area since it was called Gumbo Flats—is some of the best in the bi-state region. 18000 Chesterfield Airport, 636-530-9994. $.
American. Chef Matthew Glickert came up under the venerable Bill Cardwell, and you’ll see that influence on its elegant menu that celebrates the bounty of the season and local farms. Small plates like shishito peppers and brussels sprouts are perfect for snaking at the bar while enjoying a flawlessly made craft cocktail, while dinner entrées such as steaks and chops offer an upscale experience. 127 Chesterfield Town Center, 636-778-0635. $$$$
American. The name says it all: at this self-described eclectic kitchen, takes a “whatever your heart desires” approach to its menu with offerings as varied as burgers, Mexican specialties, mac and cheese, loaded spuds gyros and Italian fare, as well as breakfast all day. If you want it, chances are, they’ve got it. 40 Clarkson Wilson Center, 314-307-2359. $
European. This upscale chain offers house-made pasta, brick-oven pizzas, and sustainably sourced seafood. Its weekend brunch buffet is one of the more impressive daytime spreads in town. With limestone walls, a mosaic tile floor, and sconce lighting, Ya Ya’s is impressive inside and out. 15601 Olive, 636-537-9991. $$$
