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!
Read More:
Find the best food in St. Louis
Subscribe to the St. Louis Dining In and Dining Out newsletters to stay up-to-date on the local restaurant and culinary scene.
International. A rotating parade of food trucks circles this Affton outpost, offering everything from tacos to popsicles. Thirsty patrons can enjoy a beverage at the Canteen, 9 Mile’s modern draft house that serves a large selection of craft beer, wine and cocktails. Regular entertainment and outdoor recreation add to the alfresco jollity. 9375 Gravois, 314-390-2806. $$
Fergie’s Bar & Restaurant
American. For over three decades, Fergie’s has been a beloved Lemay gathering place. From the outside, it looks like a classic south city dive, but inside, you’ll find a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant that is one of the few places in town where you can still get a brain sandwich. If you’re feeling a little less adventurous, the fried chicken is the house specialty; regulars will tell you it’s the best in town. 1699 Lemay Ferry, 314-638-6387. $$
Bar & Grill. It’s a Syberg family restaurant, so you know the signature wings are going to be delicious. And yet, they are just one of the many reasons to patronize this south county institution. The Irish fare alone is worth a visit, as is the live music, which is always filling the air with lively energy. 3650 S. Lindbergh, 314-984-0026. $$
Bosnian. Bosnia’s take on pitas are hand-rolled, phyllo-like burritos, stuffed with cheese and other goodies. Their fragrance, warm and yeasty, hits you at the door. Donor kebabs are staggeringly big, delectable. 91 Concord Plaza Shopping Center, 314-270-8005. $
Joey B’s
Bar & Grill. A big menu of appetizers, burgers, wings, sandwiches, and even steak Modiga keeps crowds coming back. The pizza is remarkably satisfying. Don’t miss the tower of hand-breaded onion rings. 189 Concord Plaza Shopping Center, 314-843-2121. $$
Mexican. The South County restaurant serves up specialties from the Oaxaca region, such as spicy caldo de reys stew and fried masa molotes, which you won’t find anywhere else in the metro area. 2925 Lemay Ferry, 314-200-8212. $$
Liliana’s Italian Kitchen
Italian. Lilliana’s is classic St. Louis Italian fare, family-run and family-friendly. It offers all the standards: house-made toasted ravioli, fried calamari, and a celebrated take on local quadrangle pizza. 11836 Tesson Ferry, 314-729-1800. $$
Nubby’s Telegraph
American. Originally founded as a barbecue joint inside a sports complex, Nubby’s has evolved to become a destination for delicious pizzas (both St. Louis style and hand-tossed) as well as wonderful smoked meats. Don’t miss the brisket egg rolls and fantastic crab rangoon, as well as the cheesesteak made with house-smoked brisket. 6039 Telegraph, 314-293.9686. $$
Italian. For decades, this St. Louis pasta chain has been a go-to for favorite Italian dishes, such as pasta con broccoli, fettuccine Alfredo, eggplant Parmigiana, and toasted ravioli. Pizza, burgers, and sandwiches are also available. See website for locations. $$
Italian. Chef Roberto Zanti founded this south county staple that brings the tastes of southern Italy to St. Louis. Now, under new owners Matt and Jami Hines, the restaurant is as popular as ever, serving up its longtime favorites like seafood (delivered fresh daily), steaks, chops, pastas and gelato. 145 Concord Plaza, 314-842-9998. $$$
Sam’s Steakhouse
Steakhouse. Located in an old Busch family haunt that was August Busch Sr.’s last stop on the way to the family’s sprawling country homestead (now Grant’s Farm), Sam’s is steeped in St. Louis history. However, the sauce that the steaks are steeped in – more like basted in – is the restaurant’s calling card. Here, you’ll find some of the best steaks in town, served alongside classic steakhouse accouterments. You’ll also find a lively and perpetually packed piano bar that offers dinner and a show. 10205 Gravois Road, 314-849-3033. $$$
Italian. At this elevated Italian eatery, the chef knows his way around a Bolognese sauce, a veal Milanese, and the seafood-laden tutto mare. 11686 Gravois, 314-849-1499. $$$
Steakhouse. Portions way past “generous” are standard at this longtime favorite steakhouse. The ribeyes, buttery prime rib, and suitcase-size baked potatoes are legendary. It’s renowned for low prices on protein, though those in the know will tell you its wonderful take on St. Louis style pizza is the sleeper hit of the menu. See website for locations. $$
Twisted Tavern
Bar & Grill. Upscale burgers and an extravagant menu of whiskeys and bourbon—what genius put these together? The folks behind the wildly popular Sunset Hills steakhouse, Twisted Tree, that is. This sister concept brings together that winning combination of suitably smashed burgers and more than 60 spirits (from Buffalo Trace to Blanton’s) that distinguishes this enjoyable joint. Other offerings—lobster melts, onion rings, steaks—merit a trip to the Arnold restaurant. 3606 W. Outer Road, Arnold, 314-900-1331. $$
Steakhouse. This Sunset Hills steakhouse, part of the Syberg’s Family, is a nod to the storied northern Missouri restaurant, the Pear Tree Inn, which burned down in 2012. You’ll still find some of its favorites, like onion rings, creamy onion salad dressing, batter dipped lobster tails and some of the best long-aged steaks in town. Portions are large, but make sure to save room for the magnificent wedding cake dessert. 10701 Watson, 314-394-3366. $$$$
Walnut Grill
American. This upscale-casual chain serves well-executed versions of American favorites and surprises with such unusual fusions as Thai pork mac and cheese. Its sprawling, covered patio is the best place in the house for enjoying these creative noshes. 10797 Sunset Hills Plaza, 314-858-9392. $$$
American. More than your typical drive-through eatery, this breakfast-and-lunch spot in Crestwood goes beyond the expected breakfast chow, with falafel, sous-vide eggs, and house-made sausage. 8958 Watson, 314-270-8538. $
Deli. Founded by Roberto’s patriarch Roberto Zanti, this south county spot is the quintessential Italian deli, featuring overstuffed sandwiches, large salads and excellent pizza. The deli also has a robust prepared foods case filled with Italian specialties like arancini, eggplant parmesan, lasagna, stuffed shells and rotating specials. 181 Concord Plaza Shopping Ctr, 314-270-3175. $
