Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
This article appears in St. Louis Magazine's Dining Guide, published alongside the December issue. Written from an insider's point of view by SLM's dining team, it’s an essential compendium of more than 500 restaurants across the metro region. (The information was current at press time, in late October, though be sure to call ahead or research online as many restaurants' operations have changed frequently during the pandemic.)
Steakhouse. This restaurant is a throwback to the days when green-coated servers pushed guéridon carts through fine dining rooms. A magnificent oval bar anchors the restaurant, part of a seven-unit Des Moines, Iowa–based chain. 137 Carondelet Plaza, 314-875-9900, 801chophouse.com/stlouis. $$$$
seafood. At St. Louis’ most lavish seafood restaurant, everything is posh and sleek, and the wine list shines. The oceans’ best appears with a minimum of fussiness—the emphasis is on the fish itself. 172 Carondelet Plaza, 314-875-9636, 801fish.com. $$$$
Asian. The name means “roots” in Malay, but what blossoms here is a whole garden of options. Asian influences combine with wildly oddball ingredients, so expect such dishes as a tater tot bibimbap. Chef/owner Bernie Lee has a whimsical touch; the results are surprising and delightful. 7641 Wydown, 314-553-9914, akarstl.com. $$$$
American. Known for its fried chicken, this popular inexpensive haunt—which also boasts many notable New Orleans–influenced dishes—continues to shine. 8127 Maryland, 314-725-1019, almondsrestaurant.com. $$
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, avestl.com. $$$
Asian. Fluffy Chinese buns get the spotlight at this hip Clayton eatery. Traditional bao compete with a parade of fillings—soft shell crab, Wagyu beef, ice cream—along with Asian-inspired bowls and nibbles. 14 N. Central, 314-899-9089, thebaostl.com. $$
American. The pop-up counter that started inside Upshot Coffee in St. Charles has expanded into the former Northwest Coffee space in Clayton. Look for a large variety of cold-pressed juices, customizable bone broths on tap, and a creative menu (including five kinds of avocado toast) from fine dining chef and co-owner Nick Zotos. 8401 Maryland, 314-925-8722, beetsbonesjuice.com. $$
American. Seriously sophisticated and tucked into Clayton’s Le Meridien Hotel, it’s like a trip to France. Breakfast and lunch give way to a tres cool cocktail lounge in the evenings. Light French fare is beautifully presented, and the atmosphere is fresh and classy. 7730 Bonhomme, 314-836-0400, cafelaviestlouis.com. $$$
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, cafenapoli.com. $$$
Mexican. The St. Louis outpost is part of a chain of modern Mexican restaurants—though the sleek space reads more Clayton than chain. Grab a margarita and order some freshly made guacamole. 7710 Forsyth, 314-725-2447, cantinalaredo.com. $$
Steakhouse. Dry-aged beef, luxurious seafood, and meticulous service are specialties at this high-end addition to the Clayton dining scene. 101 S. Hanley, 314-725-0930, thecapitalgrille.com. $$$$
Italian. It’s worth just a leisurely espresso here to take in the luxurious interior of decorated tile, the stunning open kitchen, and the marble-topped bar. Mediterranean specialties and Southern Italian cuisine, along with Neapolitan pizza, are world-class. The counter seats are in full view of the pasta makers and pizza bakers. 100 Carondolet Plaza, 314-719-1496, casadonalfonsostlouis.com. $$$$
Café. Ann Gallardo’s European café serves specialty breakfast, lunch, and dessert crêpes; homemade pastries; sandwiches; salads; and soups. 36 N. Brentwood, 314-862-2489, citycoffeeandcreperie.com. $$
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, thecrossing-stl.com. $$$$
Crushed Red Urban Bake and Chop Shop
See “Multiple Locations.”
Italian. Despite its location on the ground floor of a Clayton condo building, Dominic’s is one of the most beloved chicken Parm palaces in St. Louis. Details like the tapenade accompanying the bread and perfectly timed service elevate this trattoria. 200 S. Brentwood, 314-863-4567, dominicsrestaurant.com. $$$
American. Former Harvest owner Steve Gontram’s family-friendly burger outpost whips up meat-eating perfection with creative toppings. 8125 Maryland, 314-720-4350, 5starburgersstl.com. $$
American. A mix of standard fare and variations, such as mascarpone-and-raspberry pancakes, sates the appetites of sweet- and savory-breakfast aficionados alike. The coffee program is also superior. 8135 Maryland, 314-725-0719, halfandhalfstl.com. $$
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, herbies.com. $$$
Italian. This airy restaurant is dedicated to southern Italian eats, with fine primi pasta and even finer seafood secondi. 222 S. Bemiston, 314-224-5331, ilpalatoclayton.com. $$$
Java Plus
See “Multiple Locations.”
Kaldi’s
See “Multiple Locations.”
Greek. The family-run outpost serves such cuisine as grilled octopus and pastitio, as well as Greek sliders and Greek nachos. 7822 Bonhomme, 636-900-7991, katerinastl.com. $$
Kingside Diner
See “Multiple Locations.”
Italian. A fiery pizza oven, comfy bar, and cozy seating combine to make Louie a classic bistro. The roast chicken is arguably the best in town. Reservations are recommended. 706 DeMun, 314-300-8188, louiedemun.com. $$$
American. Wine, yes. Dive, no. The place is so handsome, it’s hard to believe that it’s part of a small chain. The food is as much the focus as the wine. 16 S. Bemiston, 314-875-9373, louieswinedive.com. $$
Seafood. Seafood flown in daily and a fantastic veranda continue to bring diners to one of the city’s top seafood spots. 44 N. Brentwood, 314-721-9400, oceanobistro.com. $$$
Italian. A wide selection of house-made organic pastas accounts for the bulk of the menu at this family-focused Italian dining hall. The wood-fired pizza and cacio e pepe are standouts. (And next door, at Pastaria Deli + Wine, you can get sandwiches, sides, fresh pasta, and take-and-bake items.) 7734 Forsyth, 314-862-6603, pastariastl.com, pastariadeliwine.com. $$
Peel Wood Fired Pizza
See “Multiple Locations.”
Italian. This neighborhood trattoria blends Sicilian soul food with a wide range of pizza and the Tucci Salad, an homage to chef/proprietor Pepe Kehm's mentor. If he’s not otherwise occupied. Kehm works the room telling stories like the unforgettable Kim Tucci used to do. 7600 Wydown, 314-899-9699, penosoulfood.com. $$
Revel Kitchen
See “Multiple Locations.”
Sasha’s Wine Bar
See “Multiple Locations.”
Sauce on the Side
See “Multiple Locations.”
Italian. After years downtown, the venerable restaurant recently reopened in a sleek new space in Clayton’s Centene complex. As owner James Bommarito told SLM, the new Tony’s resembles the old in as many ways as possible: the menu and beverage offerings, the tableware, the copper pans, the design of the kitchen... Bommarito was even able to retain the longtime kitchen and floor staff, who use the brigade system of table service to flawlessly serve favorites like Lobster Albanello and linguine with lobster and shrimp. 105 Carondelet Plaza, 314-231-7007, tonysstl.com. $$$$
UKRAFT
See “Multiple Locations.”
Wasabi Sushi Bar
See “Multiple Locations.”
