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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American. The latest (and more casual) offshoot of the Des Moines–based 801 Restaurant Group focuses on regional proteins and produce. The 6,000-square-foot space boasts abundant parking, a covered west-facing patio, and easy ingress and egress. 2012 S. Lindbergh. $$$
American. The attractively appointed restaurant near Plaza Frontenac fills the bill, no matter what sounds good. Fresh seafood is delivered daily, and you can find classics such as meatloaf, prime rib, salads, and burgers. The Palm Beach salad, with crabmeat and poached shrimp, is on the lunch menu but can usually be ordered at dinner as well. 10342 Clayton, 314-567-6300. $$$
Italian. Marble, drapes, and warm colors lend a lush Mediterranean touch at this popular chain bistro. The fare includes Americanized Italian favorites, with some superior pasta dishes and grilled specialties. The off-street, wraparound patio, is immensely appealing. 1601 S. Lindbergh, 314-432-4410. $$$
American. It’s more Tex than Mex—think of it as “Southwestern Spicy.” Sirloin gets a chili rub, and chicken chowder is spiked with poblanos. Enchiladas, street tacos, and fajitas are all solid choices, and the Poblano Chicken Chowder has won too many awards to even mention. And don’t overlook the margaritas…the stock options are spot on and the “Limit 2” section is, let’s just say, aptly named. 1707 S. Lindbergh, 314-872-3443. $$
Café. This lunch favorite serves bread, sandwiches, salads, and four daily soups (more are available by the quart to go) in an airy café with a sprawling patio. No meal is complete without a cookie or a piece of gooey butter cake to go. Ladue Taco, an affiliated restaurant, is located in an alleyway just behind the restaurant. 9781 Clayton, 314-218-2280. $$
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Steakhouse. Remodeled in 2024 and still under the tutelage of seasoned steakhouse vet Ian Rockwell, Fleming’s continues to feature excellent steaks, a luxurious atmosphere, and quality sides, as well as daily specials. 1855 S. Lindbergh, 314-567-7610. $$$$
Steakhouse. Generations of St. Louisans have dined sumptuously at Kreis’. Everything’s à la carte. The prime rib is a specialty, and wines are refreshingly affordable. 535 S. Lindbergh, 314-993-0735. $$$$
Mexican. The search is worth it for this tiny taco emporium, tucked into a Ladue strip mall behind Companion Cafe. Only open evenings, the restaurant serves up tacos to go (consider the crisp, breaded mahi-mahi), and don’t forget the margaritas (available from single serving to gallon-size). 9783 Clayton, 314-801-8113. $$
Bar & Grill. Beyond the myriad TVs and sports memorabilia, there are house-smoked meats, fine sandwiches, and delicious matzo ball and chicken noodle soups, all paired with friendly, top notch service. 9906 Clayton, 314-994-0055. $$
Healthy fare. Located in an alleyway next to the Ladue Schnucks, the locally-owned health food cafe and juice bar features light fare and smoothie bowls, plus a wide range of beverages, including juices, smoothies, shots, cleanses, and three kinds of bone broths, available in two sizes as well as frozen. 10283 Clayton, 314-455-1035. $
American. Fluffy flapjacks, golden clouds of perfectly cooked hash browns, and sunrises of eggs draw regulars, but the star of the show is the thick, generous slices of bacon that many consider the best in town. When the place is busy (as it often is), guests can jump on a digital wait list. 8817 Ladue, 314-932-1340. $$
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. The Ladue location has a front patio and does a brisk to-go business as well. 8831 Ladue, 314-991-2022. $$
American. Omelets and skillets lead the breakfast menu; lunch features piled-high sandwiches, such as the Leftovers dish—bacon-wrapped meatloaf topped with melted Provolone. Known for its good time atmosphere and attitudes, kids of all ages are allowed to write on the booths. 731 S. Lindbergh, 314-736-5900. $$
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. 8885 Ladue, 314-582-6351. $$
Bar & Grill. Locals know the tiny, 50-year-old watering hole for its attractive bar food: wraps, sliders, wings, and some fine curly fries. The walls are plastered with sports memorabilia and the vibe is always upbeat. The front patio, Covid pivot, has remained popular. 9901 Clayton, 314-991-3381. $$
Italian. One of Mike Del Pietro’s restaurants, this one features affordable Italian specialties led by humongous portions of lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs.10419 Clayton, 314-569-0400. $$
Truffles / Truffles Butchery Market
American. The Ladue landmark features two dining areas (a casual bar and a more formal dining room), and an appealing, wide-ranging menu plus an award-winning wine list. At the expanded Butchery Market next door, pick up prime meats, made-to-order sandwiches, ready-to-eat hot dishes and sides, grab-and-go items for lunch and dinner, wines galore, and custom ice from Good Ice. Restaurant: 9202 Clayton, 314-567-9100. $$$$. Butchery Market, 9212 Clayton, 314-567-7258, $$
Mexican. At this upscale Mexican restaurant in Frontenac, everything’s house-made and magnificently presented, especially the aged, skirt steak fajitas. Drinks are muy grande, and the ambience, inside and out, says happy-hour fiesta. Don’t miss the guacamole, which sets the standard. 2011 S. Lindbergh, 314-300-9049. $$$
