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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Wine Bar. It’s dim, comfy, relaxed, like a neighborhood pub—with a staggeringly expansive wine list and a selection of beer that isn’t much smaller. Pair your beverage with traditional cheese, nuts and olives or try one of the delicious Asian-inflected small plates that the expert bar staff will happily pair for you. 1913 Park, 314-231-9463. $$
Café. This longtime shrine for chocolate lovers recently relocated to its original street-level space, bringing with it its signature dessert-focused martinis, indulgent desserts and snackable small plates. The Bailey’s Brownie, a delectable mound of chocolate, caramel, almond toffee and Irish Cream ice cream, remains the must-try offering. 1915 Park, 314-241-8100. $$
American. From internationally inflected small plates to outstanding handmade pastas, the menu is focused on creative combinations of texture and tastes. Windows offer skyline views, and the building-length patio is among the most enjoyable in town. 1419 Carroll, 314-380-3086. $$$
Italian. A staple of the St. Louis dining scene for over two decades, this Lafayette Square favorite serves Tuscan-inspired specialties infused with Midwest seasonality. The restaurant also boasts an extensive gluten-free and vegan menu – a rare find in Italian dining rooms. 1111 Mississippi, 314-241-9999. $$$
Steakhouse. Veteran restaurateurs Paul and Wendy Hamilton opened their namesake restaurant to be a different style of steakhouse – one that maintains the exacting standards of a traditional chophouse while infusing its vibe with a relaxed, contemporary feel. The bone-in ribeye is among the best cuts in town. Pair it with one of the restaurant’s numerous bourbons and you have a recipe for a great night on the town. 2101 Chouteau, 314-241-2333. $$$$
Central American. Mandy Estrella, aka “Plantain Girl,” has become one of the area’s brightest stars of the Latin American Food scene, with a special focus on dishes from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Her culinary prowess has earned her the job of regular chef for Latin American MLB players when they come to town (Albert Pujols is a fan), but you don’t have to be a star athlete to enjoy here mouthwatering ropa vieja. 2001 Park, 314-696-2699. $$
American. Opened by esteemed bar pros Ted and Jamie Kilgore and Ted Charak in 2013, Planter’s House is the city’s most foundational, vital cocktail bar. The drink menu is stunningly extravagant, but don’t overlook the food, from nibbles to full meals. 1000 Mississippi, 314-696-2603. $$
American. A gem of the Lafayette Square culinary scene, Polite Society feels just as fitting for a weekend date night as it does a weeknight dinner at the bar. The menu changes to reflect the seasons, but the Jimmy Burger and pork osso bucco remain perennial favorites. The cocktail menu is among the most creative in the area. 1923 Park, 314-325-2553. $$$
French/Italian. French bistro meets Italian trattoria in an intimate space with food that’s as memorable as the artwork. Marseille style pizzas are the specialty, but there’s plenty more, along with a fine wine selection. The neighborhood feel is part of the charm. 1463 S. 18th., 314-405-8500. $$$
Square One Brewery and Distillery
Bar and Grill. Flights of spirits are distilled in-house, and craft beers are brewed on site. For pub staples like pot roast sandwiches and fish and (homemade) chips, the first distillery brewpub in Missouri is a solid choice. 1727 Park, 314-231-2537. $$
American. Housed in a converted wire factory, SqWires boasts a fireplace, live music, a menu bouncing from burgers and chicken pot pies to baked brie and truffled mac and cheese. Brunch, featuring the world’s most extensive bloody mary, is a St. Louis weekend tradition. 1415 S. 18th, 314-865-3522. $$$
Italian. Dawn Wilson’s little bit of everything shop includes freshly made pasta and sauces, a weekend dine-in and takeout menu, event space, off-site catering, and cooking classes, as well as gourmet foods, kitchenware, and even European-inspired antiques. Don’t miss her signature hand-rolled pici pasta, which Wilson learned to make in the Old Country. 1916 Park, 314-827-6150. $$
Wine Bar. Sharing a building with Hamilton’s Urban Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar, Paul and Wendy Hamilton’s fun wine bar has a retro aviation feel that’s reminiscent of the airport lounges of yesteryear, including comfy leather chairs, tables cobbled from old suitcases, and clocks showing different wine time zones, instead of cities. The food offerings are mostly sharable and range from ranch pork rinds to seared scallops. The wine menu includes flights, bottles, and wines by the glass. 2101 Chouteau, 314-242-9463. $$
