Dining Guide: University City & the Delmar Loop

Asian Kitchen Korean Cuisine

Korean. It’s best known for 15-plus banchan (side dishes) that come with each entrée. Equally impressive are the varieties of bibimbap, which rival those of our favorite restaurants in L.A.’s Koreatown. 8423 Olive, 314-989-9377. $

Blueberry Hill

American. This Loop landmark is known for its pop culture memorabilia and darts tournaments. But it’s also a destination for hearty bar food, a late-night menu, and one of the best renditions of chicken soup in town. 6504 Delmar, 314-727-4444. $

Bonito Bar

Bar. Seasonal fruit juice elixirs are the big draw at St. Louis’ only known restaurant named after a parrot. An add-on to Frida’s, Bonito strays somewhat from the latter’s vegetarian fare, serving several fish dishes. The bird-centric décor is happy, and the crowd’s always relaxed. 622 North & South, 314-727-6500. $$

Brew Tulum

Coffeehouse, Mexican. Free for the next month? Then dine every day here, and you’ll sample most of what must be the hugest expanse of authentic Mexican food in town. Then stick around another month and work your way through the coffee menu. Seriously, this is an amazing cantina. 5090 Delmar, 636-578-8321.

Cate Zone Café

Chinese. This star in the constellation of local Chinese eateries caters to fans of legitimate regional cuisine. The hearty noodles and thick stews are gaining fans daily. For dessert, the spun sugar dish is essential. 8148 Olive, 314-738-9923. $$

Chicken Out

American. Fried chicken sandwiches? They’re everywhere. But not with Duke’s mayonnaise, Crystal hot sauce, and potato buns like they have at this charming little spot from the Sugarfire Restaurant Group. 6197 Delmar, 314-384-1010. $

Chilispot

Chinese. This is the place to go in St. Louis to get authentic Szechuan. Try lamb, pork belly, and Chinese vegetables, all with explosive flavors. 7930 Olive, 314-925-8711. $$

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Colleen’s

American. What began as a custom cookie bakery (and a darn good one) has morphed into a bakery/café with sandwiches and salads that match the quality of the expanded cookie and pastry selection. There are always themed cookies, no matter the season. 7337 Forsyth, 314-727-8427. $

Corner 17

Chinese. Fresh noodles are available pan-seared or in a soup. Also featured are traditional Sichuan dishes, such as cumin lamb and twice-cooked pork, and whole-milk sweet bubble tea. 6623 Delmar, 314-727-2402. $

Dao Tien Bistro

Vietnamese. The pho and banh mi are excellent here, but this is the place to venture into less-familiar Vietnamese fare. Claypot casseroles, sweet-sour soups, and “broken” rice dishes piquant with pickled vegetables are all worth trying. 8600 Olive, 314-995-6960; 820 Olive, 314-405-8868. $$

Dewey’s Pizza

Pizza. This gourmet pizza chain serves inventive specialty pizzas, as well as seasonal offerings. Rotating craft beers are on tap, and the wine list includes Dewey’s own line from Novy Family Wines. See website for details. $$

Diego’s

Mexican. The tile-accented interior here is just as vibrant as the colorful Mexican dishes. Most are the traditional but surprises like queso flameado and costra de chiles asados arepas add to the allure, as does a range of tequila and mescal. 630 North and South, 314-553-9906. $$

Eclipse

American. Inventive fine dining is served amid retro lunar-themed décor at the Moonrise Hotel. The restaurant’s LED-lit bar is a colorful setting for a handcrafted cocktail, and the Rooftop Terrace Bar offers incredible views of the city’s skyline. 6177 Delmar, 314-726-2222. $$

Fitz’s

American. Known for its root beer and bottling line, Fitz’s offers a full menu of classic American food. Grab a burger, wings, or nachos with Fitz’s soda—on tap in “bottomless” mugs—or a float. Try the classic root beer or newer flavors like Pi ginger beer. (Delivery available at South County location.) 6605 Delmar, 314-726-9555. $

Fork & Stix

Thai. This small side-street eatery serves up authentic northern Thai cuisine. The flavors of lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, cilantro, chili paste, lime juice, coconut, fish sauce, tamarind, mint, sweet chili, garlic, basil, and curry reign supreme here. 549 Rosedale, 314-863-5572. $

Frida’s

Vegetarian. Chef-owner Natasha Kwan’s attention to detail is evident both in the light, airy décor and on the plate. Healthy-leaning options include house “burgers,” including a robust build-your-own option. 622 North and South, 314-727-6500. $$

House of India

Indian. One of the best Indian restaurants in St. Louis, House of India offers an extensive menu of authentic dishes. 8501 Delmar, 314-567-6850. $$

Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Café

Café. Yes, Jilly’s has some of the best gourmet cupcakes around. But the menu also offers cake, ice cream, and a full lunch menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches. 8509 Delmar, 314-993-5455. $

Kaldi’s

Café. The metro area’s largest third-wave coffee roaster serves up a range of hand-brewed, drip, and espresso coffee drinks and teas, alongside a tasty selection of breakfast and lunch items. See website for locations. $

La Pizza

Pizza. Heralded by many as serving the best New York–style pizza in town, La Pizza might also be the tiniest pizzeria you’ve ever visited. The dough is hand-tossed, the cheese is 100 percent whole milk, and everything is made in house. 8137 Delmar, 314-725-1230. $$

LuLu Seafood & Dim Sum

Asian. The menu offers tastes of Sichuan, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing. The longtime restaurant is known for its dim sum. 8224 Olive, 314-997-3108. $$

Mi Ranchito

Mexican. You’ll consume an entire margarita perusing the insanely long menu at this longtime neighborhood fave. Don’t miss the pageful of lunch specials, many priced at $5.75. 887 Kingsland, 314-863-8880. $$

Mission Taco Joint

Mexican. The specialties are house-made corn tortillas and authentic Mexican street food reminiscent of the offerings in San Francisco’s Mission District. Carne asada fries and brisket birria are also notable. And Mission Taco is a great spot for a handcrafted cocktail. See website for details. $

Nobu’s

Japanese/Sushi. At press time, the popular sushi bar was in the process of moving to a much smaller (and more exclusive) space on the Delmar Loop. The new menu focuses on sashimi and nigiri, along with some a la carte seafood dishes. 6253 Delmar, 314-997-2303. $$

Nudo House

Japanese. At Qui Tran’s popular restaurant, you’ll find a happy fusion of the noodle dish’s classic version mixed with innovative riffs. Try a pho dip with a banh mi sandwich or a traditional miso pork ramen. 11423 Olive, 314-274-8046; 6015A Delmar, 314-370-6970; nudohousestl.com. $$

Peacock Loop Diner

Diner. Owner Joe Edwards wanted “to create a diner unlike any other in the U.S.” Mission accomplished. Display cases hold peacock memorabilia, and the tiered diner counters mimic a peacock’s feathers. 6261 Delmar, 314-721-5555. $

Pho Long

Vietnamese. Pho Long is an outpost for lovers of this Vietnamese soup, with traditional flavors of charred onion, cinnamon, and clove lurking in an oh-so-beefy broth that promises to keep you coming back for more. 8627 Olive, 314-997-1218. $

PokeDoke

Asian. The poke shop offers half a dozen build-it-your-way protein options atop hot rice, cold noodles, fresh greens, or fried wonton chips. 6316 Delmar, 314-553-9440. $$

Prime 55

American. At this steak-and-seafood destination, a Cajun flavor tickles several dishes without overwhelming. The lobster fries are life-affirming. 6100 Delmar, 314-553-9595. $$$

Private Kitchen

Chinese. The concept’s unique: a bespoke Chinese eatery where you must call ahead, not just for reservations but also to consult on the menu. The dishes are predominantly Shanghai-style, with subtle sauces. Seafoods are particularly attractive, but everything here is memorable. 8106 Olive, 314-989-0283. $$

Salt + Smoke

Barbecue. A singular focus on “barbecue, bourbon, and beer” translates to loads of meat, craft and barrel-aged cocktails, and more than 40 bourbons. The burnt-end T-ravs are a must. See website for locations. $$

Seoul Taco

Korean. Owner David Choi mashes up such Korean staples as bulgogi and spicy pork with Mexican musts like tacos and burritos. Choi’s 24-hour meat marination process almost guarantees a return visit. See website for details. $

Soup Dumplings STL

Chinese. Private Kitchen’s Lawrence Chen brings a first to the metro area: an eatery devoted to xiao long bao, or “soup dumplings.” Choose from four varieties—beef, chicken, crab, and pork—and check out the daily offerings in the cases. 8110 Olive, 314-445-4605. $

Taco Buddha

Mexican. The immensely appealing neighborhood boîte features oversized tacos, chunky guacamole, and frozen margaritas. Don’t miss the breakfast tacos on weekends and the deep-fried avocado wedges anytime. 7405 Pershing, 314-502-9951. $

Tai Ke Shabu Shabu

Thai. The popular U. City outpost for Taiwanese food closed but reopened a few miles west, serving the same menu and Taiwanese barbecue. As the name implies, the featured item is shabu shabu—ingredients cooked in broth using tabletop hot pots. 9626 Olive, 314-801-8894. $$$

Three Kings Public House

Location temporarily closed following fire.

Turmeric

Indian. At perhaps the most upscale Indian eatery in town, enjoy artsy presentations, Indian spiced cocktails, and an altogether stylish display of the subcontinent’s fare, including rack of tandoori lamb and grilled masala halibut. 6679 Delmar, 314-899-9995. $$

Winslow’s Table

American. Reopened under the tutelage of Vicia’s Tara and Michael Gallina, the U. City staple emphasizes local, seasonal dishes prepared from scratch. Desserts are fabulous. Yes, it’s like dining in an old-time hardware store. Few local restaurants, though, are as comfortable. 7213 Delmar, 314-725-7559. $$

Wonton King

Chinese. One of the most authentic Chinese restaurants around, Wonton King offers more than 100 items. Standout entrées include Cantonese dim sum, Hong Kong braised noodles, roast duck, congee, Singapore-style fried vermicelli, and cashew chicken. 8116 Olive, 314-567-9997. $$