Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Diego’s carnitas: seasoned chicken, onion, cilantro, and lime
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.)
Korean. It’s best known for 15-plus banchan (side dishes) that come with each entrée. Equally impressive are the varieties of bibimbap, which rival those of our favorite restaurants in L.A.’s Koreatown. 8423 Olive, 314-989-9377, asiankitchenstl.com. $
American. This Loop landmark is known for its pop culture memorabilia and darts tournaments. But it’s also a destination for hearty bar food, a late-night menu, and one of the best renditions of chicken soup in town. 6504 Delmar, 314-727-4444, blueberryhill.com. $
Cate Zone Café
Chinese. This star in the constellation of local Chinese eateries caters to fans of legitimate regional cuisine. The hearty noodles and thick stews are gaining fans daily. For dessert, the spun sugar dish is essential. 8148 Olive, 314-738-9923. $$
Chicken Out
See “Multiple Locations.”
Chinese. This is the place to go in St. Louis to get authentic Szechuan. Try lamb, pork belly, and Chinese vegetables, all with explosive flavors. 7930 Olive, 314-925-8711, bestspicy.com. $$
American. What began as a custom cookie bakery (and a darn good one) has morphed into a bakery/café with sandwiches and salads that match the quality of the expanded cookie and pastry selection. There are always themed cookies, no matter the season. 7337 Forsyth, 314-727-8427, colleenscookies.com. $
Chinese. Fresh noodles are available pan-seared or in a soup. Also featured are traditional Sichuan dishes, such as cumin lamb and twice-cooked pork, and whole-milk sweet bubble tea. 6623 Delmar, 314-727-2402, corner17usa.com. $
Dao Tien Bistro
See “Multiple Locations.”
Dewey’s Pizza
See “Multiple Locations.”
Mexican. The tile-accented interior here is just as vibrant as the colorful Mexican dishes. Most are the traditional but surprises like queso flameado and costra de chiles asados arepas add to the allure, as does a range of tequila and mescal. 630 North and South, 314-553-9906, diegosstl.com. $$
American. Inventive fine dining is served amid retro lunar-themed décor at the Moonrise Hotel. The restaurant’s LED-lit bar is a colorful setting for a handcrafted cocktail, and the Rooftop Terrace Bar offers incredible views of the city’s skyline. 6177 Delmar, 314-726-2222, eclipsestlouis.com. $$
Fitz's
See “Multiple Locations.”
Thai. This small side-street eatery serves up authentic northern Thai cuisine. The flavors of lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, cilantro, chili paste, lime juice, coconut, fish sauce, tamarind, mint, sweet chili, garlic, basil, and curry reign supreme here. 549 Rosedale, 314-863-5572, forknstix.com. $
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, eatatfridas.com. $$
Indian. One of the best Indian restaurants in St. Louis, House of India offers an extensive menu of authentic dishes. 8501 Delmar, 314-567-6850, hoistl.com. $$
Café. Yes, Jilly’s has some of the best gourmet cupcakes around. But the menu also offers cake, ice cream, and a full lunch menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches. 8509 Delmar, 314-993-5455, jillyscupcakebar.com. $
Kayak’s by Kaldi’s Coffee
See “Multiple Locations.”
Pizza. Heralded by many as serving the best New York–style pizza in town, La Pizza might also be the tiniest pizzeria you’ve ever visited. The dough is hand-tossed, the cheese is 100 percent whole milk, and everything is made in house. 8137 Delmar, 314-725-1230, lapizzamenu.com. $$
Asian. The menu offers tastes of Sichuan, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. The longtime restaurant is known for its dim sum. 8224 Olive, 314-997-3108, luluseafood.com. $$
Mexican. You’ll consume an entire margarita perusing the insanely long menu at this longtime neighborhood fave. Don’t miss the pageful of lunch specials, many priced at $5.75. 887 Kingsland, 314-863-8880, mi-ranchito-stl.com. $$
Mission Taco Joint
See “Multiple Locations.”
Japanese/Sushi. At press time, the popular sushi bar was in the process of moving to a much smaller (and more exclusive) space on the Delmar Loop. The new menu focuses on sashimi and nigiri, along with some a la carte seafood dishes. 6253 Delmar, 314-997-2303, nobustl.com. $$
Nudo House
See “Multiple Locations.”
Original J’s Tex-Mex & Barbecue
Location temporarily closed.
The Pasta House Co.
See “Multiple Locations.”
Diner. Owner Joe Edwards wanted “to create a diner unlike any other in the U.S.” Mission accomplished. Display cases hold peacock memorabilia, and the tiered diner counters mimic a peacock’s feathers. 6261 Delmar, 314-721-5555, peacockloopdiner.com. $
Pho Long
See “Multiple Locations.”
Pi Pizzeria
See “Multiple Locations.”
PokeDoke
See “Multiple Locations.”
Prime 55
See “Multiple Locations.”
Private Kitchen
Chinese. The concept’s unique: a bespoke Chinese eatery where you must call ahead, not just for reservations but also to consult on the menu. The dishes are predominantly Shanghai-style, with subtle sauces. Seafoods are particularly attractive, but everything here is memorable. 8106 Olive, 314-989-0283. $$
Salt + Smoke
See “Multiple Locations.”
Seoul Taco
See “Multiple Locations.”
Chinese. Private Kitchen’s Lawrence Chen brings a first to the metro area: an eatery devoted to xiao long bao, or “soup dumplings.” Choose from four varieties—beef, chicken, crab, and pork—and check out the daily offerings in the cases. 8110 Olive, 314-445-4605. $
Mexican. The immensely appealing neighborhood boîte features oversized tacos, chunky guacamole, and frozen margaritas. Don’t miss the breakfast tacos on weekends and the deep-fried avocado wedges anytime. 7405 Pershing, 314-502-9951, tacobuddha.com. $
Thai. The popular U. City outpost for Taiwanese food closed but reopened a few miles west, serving the same menu and Taiwanese barbecue. As the name implies, the featured item is shabu shabu—ingredients cooked in broth using tabletop hot pots. 9626 Olive, 314-801-8894, taikeshabushabu.com. $$$
Three Kings Public House
See “Multiple Locations.”
Indian. At perhaps the most upscale Indian eatery in town, enjoy artsy presentations, Indian spiced cocktails, and an altogether stylish display of the subcontinent’s fare, including rack of tandoori lamb and grilled masala halibut. 6679 Delmar, 314-899-9995, turmericstl.com. $$
American. Reopened under the tutelage of Vicia’s Tara and Michael Gallina, the U. City staple emphasizes local, seasonal dishes prepared from scratch. Desserts are fabulous. Yes, it’s like dining in an old-time hardware store. Few local restaurants, though, are as comfortable. 7213 Delmar, 314-725-7559, winslowstable.com. $$
Chinese. One of the most authentic Chinese restaurants around, Wonton King offers more than 100 items. Standout entrées include Cantonese dim sum, Hong Kong braised noodles, roast duck, congee, Singapore-style fried vermicelli, and cashew chicken. 8116 Olive, 314-567-9997, wontonkingsaintlouis.com. $$
