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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Italian. Come spring, enjoy a gentle breeze and a Negroni on the patio. The veal, salads, and pastas are notable, as are the antipasti and drinks. 13 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-7010. $$$
American/Wine Bar. Not only is this laid-back establishment open on Mondays (just like its sister location in Brooklyn, New York), but it also offers free wine tastings to start the week. The menu offers wines you won’t find anywhere else in town, eclectic dishes and light snacks. 354 N. Boyle. $$
Barbecue. Owners Phil and Tracy Czarnec take a nonconformist approach to barbecue with spare ribs instead of baby backs and spice pastes instead of rubs. A back bar with 600 whiskeys sparks conversation. 4900 Laclede, 314-833-6666. $$
American. Beloved by locals, The Boathouse offers charming vistas of Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park. The classic meeting spot serves up Sugarfire Smoke House barbecue, sandwiches, and salads. 6101 Government, 314-366-1555. $$
American. Gerard Craft’s Niche Food Group runs the quintessential CWE breakfast and lunch spot located in the stunning setting of Bowood Farms. The beauty of the surroundings is matched by stunning morning and daytime fare, delectable pastries, coffee drinks and cocktails. 4605 Olive, 314-454-6868. $$
French. Gerard Craft’s third restaurant serves mussels, steak frites, a don’t-miss brunch menu, and more in a convivial atmosphere that’s indubitably Parisian. When the weather is nice and the bistro tables spill out into the Central West End streets, the scene is utterly transportative. 4580 Laclede, 314-454-0600. $$$
French. A French eatery inside a French restaurant sounds like Pruneaux d’Agen—“prune-stuffed prunes”—but this agreeable space is a perfect partner to Brasserie by Niche: a spot for a leisurely drink, a quick snack, or a meet-up place. A cheese plate with wine is entirely civilized. 4584 Laclede, 314-361-1200. $$
American. After a move around the corner and then a fire on opening night, one of the city’s hippest bars remains just that. The eclectic cocktail list, an extensive spirits collection, and a menu of appealing small plates are served in two shotgun rooms that are different, but equally appealing. Don’t miss what’s on the blackboard behind the bar. 316 N. Euclid, 314-497-4449. $$
American. Indulge your inner bon vivant by sitting poolside and sipping a Never Gin Kissed, then noshing on a Short Rib Mac & Cheese. There’s live music three nights a week and an atmosphere cooler than your ex’s last kiss. 212 Kingshighway, 314-454-9000. $$
South American. This caliente spot for Peruvian cuisine serves citrusy ceviche and Peruvian tamales, along with mojitos and pisco sours. Don’t miss the picarones, sweet potato doughnuts. 508 N. Euclid, 314-696-2294. $$
American. This updated incarnation of the Welsh-inspired, family-run public house is better than ever, with beers, cocktails, and excellent versions of the requisite fish and chips and burgers. The onsite craft brewery is branded as the Rock & Horse Brewing Company. 419 N. Euclid, 314-361-1060. $$
Japanese/Sushi. Though sushi gets the most attention, consider the donburi, bowls filled with rice and generous toppings of chicken or fish. See website for details. $$$
Italian. Pizza and pasta are the focus of the space—until you lay eyes on the spectacular ivy-walled European-style courtyard hidden in back. Chef Andrew Simon dazzles guests with his creations, such as fennel-kissed tuna; carasecce with kale and shrimp, wood-fired pizzas and Italian inflected seasonal entrees. The amaretto cream pie is a don’t miss dessert – one of the best sweet treats in the entire city. 48 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-7227. $$$
Mexican. Hark back to the days when such places as Chi-Chi’s and Casa Gallardo introduced Mexican food to the mass market: fajitas, chimichangas, and other then-exotic menu offerings. Toss in the wackiest and most whimsical Mexican décor in town, as well as fishbowl-size margaritas. 313 N. Euclid, 314-224-5371. $$
Cajun/Creole. Enjoy live music and food, both of which lean toward Louisiana traditions. It’s a fine spot for live jazz during brunch. 512 N. Euclid, 314-367-3644. $$
Cuban. After moving from Cuba to St. Louis to support her chess prodigy daughter’s playing career, Tamara Landeiro opened Havana’s to bring a taste of her home country to her adopted city. Originally located in downtown, Landeiro moved to the Central West End where she continues to amass a loyal following for her outstanding Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, and empanadas. 12 South Euclid, 314-899-9977. $$
Japanese. Sake flights, affordable lunch prices, and a flaming sushi roll—what’s not to like at this premier sushi joint? Wrapped sushi is the specialty; ingredients and presentations run the gamut from baroque to “Holy cow!” 4949 W. Pine, 314-367-2020. $$
American. Looking for a chess-themed restaurant with a great short stack? Check. How about a kale salad? Check. The view from the patio at the CWE location is fit for king, queen, or bishop. 236 N. Euclid, 314-454-3957; 8025 Bonhomme, 314-230-9020. $
American. The sleek lounge specializes in swiftly mixed cocktails and offers full dinner service from its adjacent sister restaurant, Yellowbelly. While the latter has a lofty, sea and spirits atmosphere, Lazy Tiger feels more experimental and intimate. 210 N. Euclid, no phone. $$
Vietnamese. This snug spot serves Saigon-flavored Vietnamese fare, including pho and other noodle dishes, soft spring rolls, and iced coffee. 10 N. Euclid, 314-361-8881. $$
American. The affable Mack Hill, whose restaurant took the space previously held by West End Bistro (which moved up the street), continues the address’ tradition as a great neighborhood place for sandwiches, salads, burgers, and pizza. 5513 Pershing, 314-354-8436. $$
American/Fusion. This Midcentury-inflected supper club has both the decor and nostalgic menu nods that wink to the past. However, its astonishingly creative dishes and American-Asian fusion (influenced by the owners’ culinary heritages) are refreshingly modern. This intimate, reservations-only spot was a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s national award for Best New Restaurant in 2024, a well-deserved honor. Editor’s Note: Mainlander temporarily closed on February 1, 2025 in order to relocate from its original location at 8 South Euclid to its new space at 392 North Euclid. The anticipated reopening date is spring/summer 2025). 392 North Euclid. $$$$
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American. Whether you dig the Dirty Martinis or are game for the Gimlet, an evening on the rooftop of this swank-adelic establishment is worthwhile. Small plates and a glittery modern interior make for fine noshing with the smart set, while the covered terrace offers a priceless view of Maryland Plaza and the soaring Chase Park Plaza hotel. 44 Maryland Plaza, 314-367-6111. $$
Middle Eastern. It’s impossible to visit this fast-casual eatery—or its other two locations—without learning a little about Mediterranean culture and its influences on the menu. Wraps, subs, salads, and rice bowls are made to order from exceptionally fresh ingredients. 5 Maryland Plaza, 314-240-5301. $
American. Located in the Saint Louis Art Museum, Panorama is elegant without pretense. The menu emphasizes seasonally changing cuisine. There’s also a weekend brunch, with French toast and frittatas. 1 Fine Arts Drive, 314-655-5490.
Park coffeeshop, part cafe and part wine bar, this delightful DeBaliviere Place spot has become a warm, neighborhood gathering place. Credit goes to owner Miles Kirk and partner Miguel Randon, whose vision to bring a little bit of the eclectic New York bodega experience to St. Louis is what informs this charming place. 286 DeBaliviere, 314-200-5793. $$
Italian. Pizza savant Scott Sandler relies on a wood-fired brick oven for perfectly thin, crispy, northern Italian-style crusts. While he was known for a plant-based approach when he founded Pizzeoli and Pizza Head, this fast-casual joint features meaty toppings and dairy cheeses on 14-inch pies. 4501 Maryland, 314-587-8000. $
Asian. The poke shop offers half a dozen build-it-your-way protein options atop hot rice, cold noodles, fresh greens, or fried wonton chips. 8 S. Euclid, 314-833-5900. $$
Asian. This locally owned “roll it or bowl it” concept specializes in ultra-fresh Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. Choose from composed favorites such as the Aloha Classic with tuna or the Crispy Hei Hei made with sesame chicken tempura. Or, if you’re feeling inspired, build your own roll or bowl from a variety of ingredients. 9 S. Vandeventer Ave. $
American/French. This crown jewel of the historic Chase Park Plaza’s dining offerings has all the makings of the city’s quintessential hotel eatery. Flawless in style and service, the scale is decidedly up. Décor and French-inflected food are equally sumptuous; breakfast is particularly delightful. 212 N. Kingshighway 314-633-7800. $$$
After temporarily shuttering due to a fire in a neighboring restaurant, the Central West End’s favorite Middle Eastern spot is back and better than ever. Favorites include lamb chops, kafta, shawarma and falafel, which taste even more delicious in the sleek, sultry setting. 386 North Euclid, 314-833-4400. $$$
American. The menu offers “scratch-made American pub food with a modern twist,” including the signature Farmhouse burger, short rib tagliatelle and fried brussels sprouts. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail. 6 N. Sarah, 314-261-4497. $$
Vietnamese. The magical cocktails add much to a near-encyclopedic menu of Vietnamese dishes that do a spectacular job of presenting the country’s varied cuisine. Soups are a specialty; broths are perfect. It’s a charming place to hang out. 10 N. Euclid, 314-361-8881. $$
Asian/Latin American. A ropa vieja banh mi? Bao tacos? Your whole concept of international cuisine gets tumbled here where Eastern fare meets Latin-inspired cuisine. Even the interior is unexpected, in the same wonderful way. Windows make for great fun watching the passing parade. 3900 Laclede, 314-818-2700. $$
Wine Bar. This neighborhood eatery has oven-scorched pizzas and unpretentiously presented gastropub fare with French influences that easily pair with its handsome wine list. Two patio areas are equally comfortable and inviting. 4253 Laclede, 314-797-8223. $$
Mexican. The house-made corn tortillas and California-inspired Mexican food at the formerly named Mission Taco Joint are reminiscent of the offerings in San Diego’s Mission District. Carne asada fries, queso con chorizo, and the mahi mahi and lobster tacos are also notable, as are the churro cheesecake empanadas. Margaritas are available in-house or in 32-ounce containers to go. See website for details. $
American. When restaurateur Danny Meyer finally opened an outpost in his hometown, much joy ensued. The menu includes those celebrated burgers, crinkle fries, and alchemical shakes. 60 N. Euclid, 314-627-5518. $
Japanese. While koi is not a topping here, much of the ocean can be found atop rice, along with teriyaki and appetizers such as fried tofu and grilled yellowtail jaw. It’s small—not a place for big groups but wonderful for couples. 4 N. Euclid, 314-376-4016. $$
Lebanese. Trouble deciding which delicious homemade dish to choose? Opt for the sampler platters—either the mezza for appetizers or the Taste of Lebanon for entrées (available with meat or vegan). End the meal with desserts, coffee, or a hookah. 331 N. Euclid, 314-875-0657. $$
American. Steaks and other luxury cuts are legendary. Such sides as Brussels sprouts, along with baked potatoes and crab cake starters, are oh so perfect. It’s clubby and charming, a true local classic. 212 N. Kingshighway, 314-361-0900. $$$$
Thai. Some Thai restaurants muffle flavors and stifle heat to appeal to farang; this one keeps the flame steady, though not rocket-hot, with the usual curries, noodles, and other Thai fare. And there’s a nice selection of bobo teas to cool things off. 235 N. Euclid, 314-367-2002. $$
American. There are Ranch dressing fans—and then there are the diners here, at a shrine to the dressing, which is featured in sandwiches, wraps, pastas… Name it, and the restaurant likely has the stuff in or on it. Two dozen mixed drink options add to the fun. 14 Maryland Plaza, 314-833-3450. $$
American. Michael and Tara Gallina, Blue Hill at Stone Barns alums, introduced St. Louis to “vegetable-forward cuisine” at their acclaimed restaurant in the Cortex district when they opened in 2017. Since then, they have firmly established themselves as one of the metro area’s most vital, seasonal restaurants that mix creative offerings with approachability. 4260 Forest Park, 314-553-9239. $$$
Seafood. Consider Yellowbelly a sort of uptown tiki bar–meets–Red Lobster (cheddar biscuits, anyone?), combining tropical libations with a menu focused on Pacific seafood. Oysters are some of the best in town, and the Korean style grilled hangar steak will knock your socks off. The only thing better than tucking into this masterpiece is washing it down with the best daiquiri in St. Louis. 4659 Lindell. $$$
