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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Pizza. If you have a hankering for a thin-crust pizza with bubbly edges and a cheese that’s not 100 percent Provel, then this longtime North County joint gets the call. Some say it’s the best pizza in town. 4814 Parker, 314-355-3242. $$
American. Memphis-style gumbo, Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich, and seafood paella keep folks coming back. Save room for co-owner Cathy Jenkins’ homemade Dutch apple pie. 250 S. Florissant, 314-524-9200. $
American. This St. Louis institution has been serving up house-made chocolate candy and ice cream since 1913. The Heart Stopping BLT features almost a pound of kettle-cooked bacon. 1401 St. Louis, 314-621-9650. $
Cugino’s Italian Bar and Grill
Italian. The partners are cousins (cugini), and the fare ranges from St. Louis–style pizza to classic Italian, plus a large selection of sandwiches and burgers. Narrow Gauge Brewing Co. also has set up operations inside, complementing the more than 20 beers on tap. 1595 N. Highway 67, 314-831-3222. $$
Vietnamese. A fresh, healthy fast-casual spin on Vietnamese fare featuring bowls, banh mi, bao sliders, pho, and more, each available with a wide choice of protein options. 11982 Dorsett, 314-942-2300. $$
American. This family-owned restaurant is housed in a historic brick building with a covered porch and ivy-draped courtyard. Many come for the steak and Louisiana-style crab cakes served with a tobacco-onion rémoulade. 599 St. Denis, 314-837-2304. $$
Indian. The menu offers some of the best Indian cuisine around. The lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka masala are outstanding. 12322 Dorsett, 314-731-3333. $$
Mediterranean. Thank owner-chef Wasem Hamed (of Layla and Ranoush) for serving some of the best Mediterranean food around. Authentic spices are part of the reason that the flavors are so bold. 7847 N. Lindbergh, 314-972-8282. $$
Italian. Classic and cultivated, this longtime local favorite offers urbane Italian dining. The lunch menu’s Italian sausage sandwich is the best in town. 10488 Natural Bridge, 314-429-5151. $$$
Italian. For decades, this St. Louis pasta chain has been a go-to for favorite Italian dishes, such as pasta con broccoli, fettuccine Alfredo, eggplant Parmigiana, and toasted ravioli. Pizza, burgers, and sandwiches are also available. See website for details. $$
Thai. The traditional Thai menu is filled with chicken, beef, pork, and seafood dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the King of Spice Challenge by sampling dishes of increasing hotness. 8416 N. Lindbergh, 314-831-3701. $$
Mexican. As with many such hole-in- the-wall joints, here we have our fa- vorites: a trio of tacos (choose from 14 tipos de carne); the torta ahogada,with chunks of juicy pork; and on the week- ends, menudo, the sinus-clearing cure for the common cold—or hangover. 10238 Page, 314-429-1113. $
Italian. Vincenzo’s features a classic Italian menu, a full-service bar, great beers, and an approachable wine list. Daily specials and “soups of the moment” provide a counterpoint to Italian standards. 242 S. Florissant, 314-524-7888. $$
