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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Seafood. The fish is fresh, the sides are attractive, and the service is polished. The lobster bisque might even have healing powers. (Tip: The happy hour’s among the best in town.) 11801 Olive, 314-567-0272. $$$
American. The Creve Coeur restaurant’s menu spans land and sea, with selections ranging from burnt cioppino to braised lamb shank. 12643 Olive, 314-548-6220. $$$
Pizza and Salad. Individual pizzas are built to order, along with tasty chopped salads. The atmosphere is informal, happy, and convivial; the ingredients are flawless and delicious. See website for details. $
Ice Cream. You’ll want to make an entire meal out of dessert at this innovative ice cream spot in Olivette. What makes Dohmo different is its emphasis on customization; instead of choosing from premade selections, guests are able to build their own flavors thanks to a special blending machine. Your only limit is your imagination. 9538 Olive, 314-222-3518. $
Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill
Cajun/Creole. The étouffées, jambalaya, and po’ boys are authentic. The atmosphere is New Orleans–meets–college bar—but with better food. And live music and daily drink specials add to the fun. See website for details. $$$
Italian. Among West County’s upscale formal Italian restaurants, Il Bel Lago is consistently one of the best. Presentations are extravagant. The menu’s classic Italian. Happy hour, lasting until 8 p.m., offers lots of affordable small plates. 11631 Olive, 314-994-1080. $$$
Café. Enjoy the quiches, onion soup, frittatas, pastry-wrapped vol au vent, and ruinously rich croissants. Macarons, tarts, and tortes also await. 12344 Olive, 314-576-6606. $
Middle Eastern. Before coming to the United States roughly a decade ago, co-owner Shiran Aosou was a chef in Syria. Together with his business partner Mustafa Mustafa, he’s brought a taste of his home country to Creve Coeur with incredible Middle Eastern dishes like kabobs, shawarma, falafel and a variety of other Syrian specialties. 10477 Old Olive Street, 314-395-3424. $$
Japanese. At Qui Tran’s popular restaurant, you’ll find a happy fusion of the noodle dish’s classic version mixed with innovative riffs. Try a pho dip with a banh mi sandwich or a traditional miso pork ramen. See website for details. $$
Mexican. This delightful daytime spot from the people behind the popular Tex-Mex spot Las Fuentes combines classic American breakfast staples with Mexican favorites. Dishes range from divorced eggs and birria benedict to butter pecan pancakes and avocado toast. 624 N. New Ballas, 314-931-3997. $$
Diner. You’re wedged into a time warp at this diner, where eggs are always flawlessly cooked and biscuits are draped with a creamy mantle of gravy. There are burgers, chili, and (of course) glorious slingers. 9638 Olive, 314-995-9945. $
Italian. For decades, this St. Louis pasta chain has been a go-to for favorite Italian dishes, such as pasta con broccoli, fettuccine Alfredo, eggplant Parmigiana, and toasted ravioli. Pizza, burgers, and sandwiches are also available. See website for details. $$
Poke. It’s like lunch in Hawaii—minus all the tourists. At the Creve Coeur hot spot, fresh seafood is tossed with crisp vegetables and served over rice. The options make for nearly endless combinations. 630 N. New Ballas, 314-731-6735. $$
Bar & Grill. This haven for sports fans has an extensive appetizer menu. “Post-Its,” the restaurant’s signature appetizer, come in three varieties: garlic cheese bread bites, bacon chicken ranch, and pepperoni pizza. See website for details. $
The Reserve Restaurant & Lounge
American. This casually elegant American eatery offers diners an elevated bar and grill experience ranging from sandwiches and burgers to seafood and steaks. Craft cocktails and a great bourbon list make The Reserve the total package. 11411 Olive, 314-279-1082. $$$
American. Omelets and skillets lead the breakfast menu; lunch features piled-high sandwiches, such as salads, wraps and an incredible burger. See website for locations. $
Barbecue. Sugarfire boasts inventive dishes as well as well-executed versions of the barbecue classics like ribs, pulled pork and positively exquisite turkey. It’s fun and decidedly informal, with patrons eating daily specials off metal trays. See website for details. $$
American. This “fine casual” neighborhood restaurant hits all the right notes: small, affordable menu; solid drinks and exceptional wines; and superb, professional service. The perfect meal here consists of the lobster pot pie, steak frites, and a tableside flambéed desert for a dramatic finish. 12710 Olive, 314-786-5301. $$
Japanese/Sushi. Sashimi aficionados have this modest eatery on their GPS speed-dials. The selection, the preparation in cutting, the grades of quality, are all, well, tops. The other draw is a very fine, very generous take on tempura. 1947 Schuetz, 314-801-8816. $$
Mexican. Colors and taste both come alive here in vibrant fashion. Flavors intensify in chiles poblano, Sinaloan aguachile, and mozzarella enveloped grilled tilapia. The selection of tequilas and mezcals is impressive. 810 N. New Ballas, 314-736-1651. $$
