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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Thai. This haven for lovers of authentic Thai food offers beautiful presentation and fiery dishes. The Waterfall Beef dish is unique to Addie’s, and the deep-fried sweet potatoes with coconut and tom yum gai soup are favorites. 14156 Olive, 314-469-1660. $$
American. Every dish on the acclaimed restaurant’s menu—a robust steak, a signature hamburger, a fluffy potato pancake—is approached with passion, creativity, and an eye toward tasteful composition. Pair that food with a glass of wine from an award-winning list of more than 300 bottles. 16806 Chesterfield Airport, 636-532-7684. $$$$
American. Bishop’s Post takes its name from Col. Justus Post, original owner of the land on which the restaurant sits in Chesterfield. The menu features classic American dishes: seafood gumbo, a house-smoked salmon salad, and black-and-bleu beef tip pasta. 16125 Chesterfield Pkwy. W., 636-536-9404. $$$
See “Multiple Locations.”
Circle 7 Ranch Taphouse & Grill
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Steakhouse. From the owners of The Block, the Town & Country restaurant serves dishes with a combination of intriguing ingredients. Sides, such as garlic herb fries and beef fat-roasted potatoes, go grandly with dry-aged steaks. 13360 Clayton, 314-530-9700. $$$
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
American. This Chicago-based restaurant/winery hybrid offers a wine-paired menu. 1146 Town & Country Crossing, 636-489-0059. $$
Barbecue. The team behind Pappy’s and Bogart’s serves up killer ’cue in Valley Park. Order a slab or a sandwich, add some Papa Joe’s Original sauce, and pair it with a side of hush puppies or Fire and Ice Pickles. 2951 Dougherty Ferry, 636-529-1898. $$
See “Multiple Locations.”
See “Multiple Locations.”
Pizza. One of the region’s more underrated pizzerias, this sister restaurant to Epic Pizza & Subs features New York–style pies. Large sub sandwiches are built on rolls imported from legendary Philly bakery Amoroso’s. 17304 Chesterfield Airport, 636-536-7888. $
American. This wine bar, winery, and restaurant has a certified sommelier and a certified specialist of wine—perhaps no surprise for a place with its own EdgeWild-label wines and dishes accompanied by carefully chosen wine pairings. 550 Chesterfield Center, 636-532-0550. $$$
Italian. Gianfabio’s offers Italian food bliss: eggplant parmigiana, cannelloni, veal piccata… Fresh pizzas come from an open-flame brick oven that separates the dining room from the bar. 127 Hilltown Village Center, 636-532-6686. $$$
American. Owner Christy Hall offers a wide variety of from-scratch dishes—hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, Fisherman’s Stew, and more—in a welcoming rustic atmosphere, the former Wild Horse Grill space. 101 Chesterfield Towne Centre, 636-778-9888. $$$
Asian. It’s not a tween’s bedroom, but you’d be forgiven for thinking so. Stuffed animals and a wall-size butterfly mural create a saccharine kawaii that’s sweeter than any bubble tea here. Ramen and rice bowls are worthwhile, with decent portions—the fried chicken ramen is estimable for its take on that tasty bird alone. 13700 Olive, 314-392-9399. $$
See “Multiple Locations.”
See “Multiple Locations.”
See “Multiple Locations.”
Italian. John and Anna Mineo opened the place with just 12 tables more than 40 years ago. Now run by the next generation, Mineo’s feels rich, so eat accordingly—maybe a rack of lamb with an incredibly reduced jus? 13490 Clayton, 314-434-5244. $$$$
See “Multiple Locations.”
Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria
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Mexican. The Gutiérrez family (owners of the former Señor Pique) return to West County with stellar, vibrant examples of authentic dishes from recipes dating 150 years. 15939 Manchester, 636-220-8514. $$
Thai. Manee serves some of the best Thai food around. The extensive menu includes such items as northeastern Thai sausage, as well as seasonal dishes like pumpkin red curry, poached pears in red-wine sauce, and homemade pomegranate ice cream. 481 Lafayette Center, 636-256-8898. $$
Italian. This sister restaurant to Trattoria Marcella has a contemporary Italian menu centered by house-made pasta, exquisite risotto, and hand-tossed pizza. 14426 Clayton, 636-333-1015. $$
Mike Duffy’s Pub and Grill
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Italian. This Town & Country restaurant doesn’t miss a thing, with elegant décor, gracious service, and a superior wine selection that all focus attention on the menu. Fresh pasta, steaks, and a veal chop the size of Connecticut are combined with classics like eggplant Parmesan and calamari fritti. 1054 Town and Country Crossing, 636-256-9998. $$$
The Original Pancake House
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Italian. Effortlessly elegant, this upscale Italian restaurant serves house specialties like pasta della Nonna and the Sunday gravy pasta special. The romantic, softly lit setting includes classic 1950s jazz and photos of Italian-American celebrities. 75 Forum Center, 314-878-1274. $$$
American. The local outpost of KISS rockers Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s 300-seat comfort food–and–craft beer emporium conjures a family-friendly music event, complete with rock music videos. 17258 Chesterfield Airport, 636-536-2739. $$
Rozanna Mediterranean Restaurant
Mediterranean. All guests are served fresh pita bread and a trio of dips as they peruse a menu of classic Syrian and Lebanese dishes. 403 Lafayette Center, 636-527-4000. $$
Café. Whether the call is for breakfast, lunch, or baked goods, chef Russell Ping delivers. Expect soups, salads, sandwiches, cookies, and cakes like Grandma used to make. 952 Brookwood Center, 636-343-8900. $
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
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Seoul Taco
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The Shack
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Spiro’s
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Sugarfire Smoke House
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Sunisa’s Thai Restaurant
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Super Smokers
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American. The Tavern serves artful comfort food. The Seafood Trio and Surf & Turf tasting boards are standouts. There are also vegetarian, gluten-free, and kids’ menus. Don’t miss the doughnuts and cocktails. 2961 Dougherty Ferry, 636-825-0600. $$$
Tucker’s Place
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Veritas Gateway to Food and Wine
American. Buy wine in the store and drink it with dinner in the restaurant. Chef Mathis Stitt’s creative menu changes with the seasons. And the weekend brunch is exemplary and extensive. 15860 Fountain, 636-227-6800. $$$
Italian. Chef Gianfranco Munna serves up pizzas, pasta, and calzones, plus steak and seafood selections. The stellar wine list is focused on Sicilian wines. 138 Chesterfield Towne Center, 636-536-3788. $$
Walnut Grill
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Wasabi Sushi Bar
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American. Close by Chesterfield’s outlet malls, this place is filled at dinner, with patrons enjoying meals such as duck breast and seafood rigatoni. It’s a welcome refuge for late-night dining and drinking, a rarity in West County. The atmosphere’s cool, with a seasonal menu and some wonderful whiskies. 127 Chesterfield Town Center, 636-778-0635. $$$$
American. The space houses live music, shuffleboard, foosball, giant kickball-pool, hoops, darts, ping-pong, huge TVs, sleek lounges, a full kitchen, and an even fuller bar. It’s an entertainment gathering spot for fun, long lunches. 910 Westport Plaza, 314-548-2876. $$
American. This next-gen wine bar includes 24 self-serve wine taps, plus a full bar and cheese and charcuterie offerings. The spectacular, rustic-themed space also includes a sweeping patio, 7 acres of greenspace, water elements, and walking path out its back door. 13350 Clayton, 314-392-9594. $$
European. This upscale chain offers house-made pasta, brick-oven pizzas, and sustainably sourced seafood. With limestone walls, a mosaic tile floor, and sconce lighting, Ya Ya’s is impressive inside and out. 15601 Olive, 636-537-9991. $$$
