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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Steakhouse. This time portal back to the genteel era of dinner-jacketed waiters, swanky cocktails, and stockyards of beef manages to make “dated” a very good (if pricey) thing. 1200 N. First, 314-421-6399. $$$$
American. One of the entertainment bookends at City Foundry STL, along with Puttshack, is the 10-screen, 952-seat interactive movie house, which offers an upscale menu (delivered to your seat) that includes popcorn (with real clarified butter); churro popcorn; a brisket, sirloin, and chuck blend cheeseburger; 30 draft beers; bottled beers; and a selection of specialty cocktails created around Alamo STL’s absurdist comedy theme. 3765 Foundry Way, Ste., 265, 314-669-2079. $$
Anita Café and Bar
Middle Eastern. Light, airy, a sophisticated hangout with a Middle Eastern flavor. Late night hours and frequent pop-up events like Whiskey & Bingo and dance workouts add to the attraction; light fare like avocado toast and shish tawook seasoned chicken wraps are matched with extravagant cocktails. Arabic coffee is powerful; the lattes sweetened with pistachio syrup are amazing. 2700 Locust, 314-669-7700. $$
Thai. A small menu with large portions of Thai food offers an occasional swerve provided by such ingredients as smoked salmon and flour dumplings. 550 N. Seventh, 314-241-9990. $$
American. At Cardinals Nation, reserve a spot on the AT&T Rooftop, overlooking Busch Stadium. Budweiser Brew House offers beer flights, a self-serve 21-foot tap wall, and 24 ABI-family beers on draft. Anchored by a monster 40-foot LED TV, Bally Sports Live! is BPV’s spectacular action-packed hub. 601 Clark, 314-345-9481. $$
American. Politicos, local swells, and a spectrum of the city’s workers meet at this revived sandwich place with a century-old past. Third-generation owner Paul Beffa eliminated the cafeteria-style service and added evening hours and a popular Saturday brunch. Keeping with tradition, however, there’s still no sign. 2700 Olive, 314-571-9367. $
The Biscuit Joint
Breakfast. Apple pie? Nope. Biscuits are the quintessential American food and served up here. Hot, light, and flakier than Gary Busey, they satisfy longings we don’t even fully fathom. These golden squares are stuffed with fried eggs, cheese, bacon, topped with gravies or syrup and the aromas alone here are worth a visit. It’s down home, no frills—and if you don’t have one of their incredible cinnamon rolls you deserve a tongue lashin’. 2649 Washington, 314-769-9434. $
Blue Jay Brewing/Farm Spirit
Microbrewery. Some of the most innovative lagers are brewed at this hip, new joint near Citypark, such as a Jamaican long on Plisner malt with a—we’re not kidding—cassava starch. But the place draws crowds with its sandwich menu, double patty smash burgers, bratwurst, or chicken schnitzel sandwiches from farmers’ market fave, Farm Spirit. 2710 Locust. $
American. The beloved former Café Osage space lives on as a breakfast and lunch restaurant operated by Gerard Craft’s Niche Food Group. Guests have the option of dining in the beautiful sun-drenched main room; within the Bowood Farms nursery shop; or outside, among the plants and flowers. 4605 Olive, 314-454-6868. $$–$$$
Bar & Grill. Housed in a vintage firehouse, St. Louis’ only cidery serves light eats and locally pressed ciders. 2000 Washington, 314-224-5046. $$
American. Bridge is all about upscale noshing: cheese and charcuterie platters, along with offbeat but delicious snacks such as coffee-braised beef. If you can’t find one of the 200 beers or 100 wines to like, you’re too fussy. 1004 Locust, 314-241-8141. $$
Cajun/Creole. Live music nightly makes les bon temps rouler, but the charbroiled oysters, jambalaya, and catfish don’t hurt. 736 S. Broadway, 314-621-8811. $$
American. Tasha Smith’s Southern-flecked cooking first landed raves as a side gig, then a teeny storefront, then a partnership with Bluewood Brewing. Now, at the Terrace View space at Citygarden, customers can enjoy signature sliders (beef, turkey, salmon), plus sandwiches, sides, salads, and a lemon cheesecake. 808 Chestnut, $$
Hawaiian. Thomas “Buzz” Moore and his wife, Leta, are spreading the ‘living aloha’ vibe in the space adjoining Tick Tock Tavern. Plate lunch specials—with protein, rice, and macaroni saladoffer an authentic taste of the islands, as do Musubi (with fried Spam), fried spring rolls (lumpia), and other family recipes. 3457 Magnolia, 314-875-0076. $$
Steakhouse. Beef gets all the attention, though savvy diners at this splendidly formal eatery in the shadow of the Arch often opt for such specialties as chicken Gorgonzola and spinaci scallops. 20 S. Fourth, 314-241-1631. $$$$
Various. Located in a former machine shop and part of a long-awaited massive entertainment complex, the 30,000-square-foot food hall (the city’s first), can accommodate 20 restaurant kitchens. Options include Buenos Aires street food, a poke shop, and a breakfast and lunch café specializing in standard and fried crepes. Click here for an even more robust guide to navigating the myriad options at City Foundry. 3730 Foundry Way. $
Fusion/European. Chef Scottie Corrigan interprets the cuisines of 50-plus Commonwealth countries in a menu featuring a ballotine of veal, tandoori duck breast, an unusual take on tikka masala, and Starry Night, a signature dessert under a chocolate dome. (And afterward, enjoy post-dinner drinks with a view on the rooftop terrace at the ART Bar upstairs.) 3550 Samuel Shepard, 314-561-0033. $$$$
Steakhouse. It’s big, modern and luxurious, a subtly baseball–themed steakhouse in a hotel at Ballpark Village with numerous other upscale attractions, such as the Whiskey Room and The Bullock terrace overlooking Busch Stadium, as well as an interior devoted to Cardinals lore. 799 Clark, 314-597-9700. $$$$
American. This elegant room feels like a nightclub, with original posters and almost as much glitz as its parent, the Fox Theatre. You’ll find light food and plenty of choices for sparkling wine by the glass—order and prepay for a drink at theater intermission. Check the website for occasional lunch openings. 521 N. Grand, 314-534-1678. $$
American. At this welcoming live music venue in the refurbished Grandel Theatre, dining is available prior to and during scheduled events and music performances. Special multi-course meals are served at Dine & Discover pairings. The restaurant offers an extensive wine and cocktail menu, and there’s an art gallery, too. 3610 Grandel Square, 314-776-9550. $$
Japanese/Sushi. Though sushi gets the most attention, consider the donburi, bowls filled with rice and generous toppings of chicken or fish. See website for details. $$$
Café. The imaginative menu includes several Benedicts, hashes, breakfast tacos, and even sopes. There’s a full bar, too, if more than fresh orange and grapefruit juice is required. 3100 Locust. $$
Fielder’s Choice
American. Bagels are the lead-off hitters at this happily comfortable Ballpark Village joint where breakfast’s served all day—along with sandwiches and high-end ice cream desserts. Several touches, like the bagels from NYC’s iconic Ess-a-Bagel and ice cream sourced from Madison, Wisconsin–based Chocolate Shoppe, elevate things. One Cardinal Way, Unit 2, 314-256-1775. $
American. The paradigmatic Eat-Rite Diner adopts a St. Louis-y name, different hours (breakfast and lunch only), and steers diner cuisine in the direction of elevated comfort food. The burgers are hand-pattied, the biscuits are scratch-made, and there’s a craft cocktail menu as well. 622 Chouteau. $$
American. With a four-wall mural, eccentricities such as the World’s Smallest Hot Fudge Sundae, and award-winning bathrooms, this is a must for the young and young at heart. 3037 Locust, 314-535-7800. $
Grand Mediterranean
Middle Eastern, The Grand Center is at the hub of the Arts District; this is a splendid spot for relaxing, nibbling on Turkish kebobs, gyros, dolmas, and other light fare. The interior is soaring, full of light with grand views of Grand. Ignore the supercharged Turkish coffee and pistachio baklava at your peril. 519 N. Grand, 314-710-0949. $
American. The hippest hamburger joint in town keeps a few top-secret menu items under wraps. Ask for the Double Secret Probation Burger, a double bacon cheeseburger run through the garden and nestled in fried chicken buns.634 Washington, 314-349-2720. $
American. The beloved bar near Saint Louis University closed in 2017, after a 40-year-run, but it reopened in late 2022. The new menu includes “Frickles” (fried dill pickle chips served with chipotle ranch), a seasoned Beef-n-Boursin Sandwich on a buttered and toasted French roll, as well as Trashed Wings and Stoned Wings (trashed wings with added barbecue sauce, ranch, Parmesan, and chives). And yes, Humphrey’s still offers “plunger shots” (served in a take-home sink plunger) to commemorate birthdays. 3700 Laclede, 314-535-0700. $$
American. With locations in downtown St. Louis and Clayton, the cafés serve fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps, and other healthy options for dine-in, pickup, or catering. Java Plus is also a preferred caterer at the Missouri History Museum. See website for details. $$
Filipino. Filipino food goes with karaoke like fried pork belly goes with sofrito rice, and it’s all available at this great eatery, where the microphone’s as hot as the traditional fare. The place to get your first taste of the cuisine or to enjoy favorites. 2700 Locust, 314-396-2110.
Korean. Here, Munsok So, owner of the Drunken Fish, introduced spicy, double-fried, Seoul-inspired fried chicken to St. Louis. 612 N. Second, 314-766-4456. $
Coffee Shop. Nyshaun Harvey and her father, Larry, have opened this lounge, where a full-service menu and coffee drinks are available. Specialties include split cups for the indecisive and a flight of five 12-ounce cups of latte, turtle, caramel macchiato, cinnamon, and white mocha. Southern-inspired crab and crawfish eggs Benedict and Cajun shrimp and grits can accompany a morning brew. 2617 Washington, 314-931-1467. $$
Italian. Classic and cultivated, this longtime local favorite offers urbane Italian dining. The lunch menu’s Italian sausage sandwich is the best in town. 201 S. 20th, 314-621-0666. $$$
Mediterranean. Those jonesing for shawarma who happen to wander into this pint-sized diner downtown will find an essential example of the dish here. 1327 Washington, 314-241-1356. $
Japanese. The restaurant serves the authentic ramen, Nagasaki-style, with shrimp and cabbage. Fried karaage, chicken nibbles and squid tentacles, are a taste of Japan. 3674 Forest Park, 314-328-2452. $$
Barbecue. Just a block east of Busch Stadium, the cavernous hall serves stunning barbecue from renowned pitmaster Ben Welch. 900 Spruce, 314-696-2573. $$
Steakhouse. The famous chain serves quality meat in a luxurious atmosphere. 999 N. Second, 314-881-7777. $$$$
American. Nadine Soaib, known for the erstwhile Nadine’s Gin Joint, took over the renowned Billie’s Fine Foods Diner. Soaib added some spiffy Phil Jarvis–designed graphics and neons and now turns out reasonably priced, scratch-made breakfasts, a worthy cup of coffee, and mimosas by the bucketful. 1802 S. Broadway, 314-802-8021. $
Nexus
American. Okay, the “people’s head sprouting plants” artwork’s a trifle odd, but the two fireplaces, sleek bar, three separate dining areas, and the most varied array of foods this side of a Vegas buffet all work to make this a Midtown favorite. Short rib Bolognese, tandoori chicken, a lobster poor boy… Whatever you go for, expect bold flavors, artistic presentations, and cocktails in a cool, stylish setting. 2704 Locust. $$
Barbecue. This award-winning spot serves arguably the best Memphis-style barbecue in its class. Sample the dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork to see why people don’t mind waiting in long lines. 3106 Olive, 314-535-4340. $$
The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern
American. Conveniently situated across the street from CITYPARK, at Union Station, The Pitch is the place to hang out before or after a match. (Just be sure to arrive early.) Relax on a leather sofa while watching the wide-screen TVs and enjoying deli sandwiches (fried bologna included) and other essential sports-watching dishes. 1820 Market, 314-802-3400.
American. The eighth location of the technologically advanced mini-golf concept includes four custom courses on two levels, two bars, and globally and regionally inspired dishes from former St. Louis Wing Co. owner Bobby Tessler. 3730 Foundry Way, Ste. 100. $$
Café. At downtown’s top breakfast destination, guests line up for the cheese-laden crêpes, loaded scrambles, and lavish French toast in a light-filled space. (The South Grand location has a communal layout and pictures of roosters drawn by local children.) 1025 Washington, 314-241-8118. $$
Mexican. You’ll find an array of the usual taco-burrito-chimichanga standards, but consider such specialties as the Oaxacan grouper, pepita-encrusted salmon, and fried quail. Margaritas flow, dinner portions are generous, and a tableside guacamole is sabrosisimo. 1235 Washington, 314-621-2700. $$
Rouge Bistro
American. A beautiful, easygoing, bistro where it’s all done right (and in red!), from the parquet floor and the multiple seating levels to the spacious rooftop area. Perfect for after-work gatherings or social events, the menu’s an assortment of wings and meatballs—including some wild ones like the tikka masala turkey meatballs. 3037 Olive, 314-659-8397 $
Steakhouse. Ruth’s Chris is ideal for those moments when you’ve just gotta dress up and eat a week’s worth of protein paired with gorgeous wine. The atmosphere is opulent, and service shines. 315 Chestnut, 314-259-3200. $$$$
Salsa Rosada
Venezuelan/Columbian. Black bean stuffed arepas, cheese cachapas, and other South American classics are delightful here—the notorious kan-kan chop, a grilled monument of porky splendor, is awesome. If there’s a Latin American soccer match ongoing it’ll be on the screen here and the regular clientele is packed with fans. 3135 Olive. $
Barbecue. A singular focus on “barbecue, bourbon, and beer” translates to loads of meat, craft and barrel-aged cocktails, and more than 40 bourbons. The burnt-end T-ravs are a must. See website for details. $$
Italian. The concept is brilliant in its simplicity: half a dozen salads and 15 kinds of calzones, with 10 sauces “on the side” for dipping. The Nutella/banana dessert calzone is mandatory. See website for details. $
Fusion. Craving a Korean soju with your guajillo poark banh mi? This is the place to go for an Asian-Latino meal, with combinations that will delightfully challenge your palate. 3900 Laclede, 314-818-2700. $$
Bar & Grill. St. Louis’ first brewpub gets the food and beer right. There’s also space to stretch out, live music, and frequent festivals. 2100 Locust, 314-241-2337. $$
Asian. All of your favorite Thai dishes—noodles, curries, and soups—are served in an elegant setting. 1000 Washington, 314-436-3456. $$
Vegetarian. A vegetarian menu is paired with dark spirits inside a former Ford Model T showroom. House-made pastas and smoked brie stand up well to 60-plus whiskeys, served neat or mixed with bitters, tonics, and tinctures. 3001 Locust, 314-380-2040. $$
Soda Fountain at Union Station
American. The classic fountain joint boasts enough ice cream, fudge, and sprinkles to sugar-jack an entire elementary school. Griddled burgers, tuna melts, and other sandwiches make for a post-wheel repast. 201 S. 18th, 314-923-3939. $$
American. Does Busch Stadium have shuffleboard? Pingpong? Nope, and that’s why watching the game at this place, just next door, on one of about 400 big-screen TVs, is clearly a better deal. There’s also plenty of beer, cocktails, and nacho-style bar fare to add to the fun. 651 Clark, 314-492-5064. $$
Barbecue. Sugarfire boasts inventive dishes and the most exquisite brisket outside Texas. It’s fun and decidedly informal, with patrons eating daily specials off metal trays. See website for details. $$
Small Plates. Famous for its wraparound vistas, Three Sixty has fire pits and cocktails that make for convivial gatherings. The menu’s a modern take on tapas, with fish tacos and individual pizzas. 1 S. Broadway, 314-241-8439. $$
American. Pulled pork nachos pair nicely with a rosé slushie—Frosé— at this live music venue built around a comfy Southern-themed eating joint. 1000 Clark, 314-240-5400. $$
The Train Shed at Union Station
American. This 1904 World’s Fair–themed gathering spot is perfect for a nice dinner with a view of the lake and 200-foot St. Louis Wheel. 201 S. 18th. $$
American. Among the best breakfast places around, Turn serves such surprises as corncake arepas with chorizo and eggs. 3224 Locust, 314-240-5157. $$
American. Catering’s become more popular than hand sanitizer of late. What began as a food truck has morphed into a downtown eatery that provides boxed breakfasts and lunches for just you or your whole company. The choices are varied and tasty. 701 Market, 314-757-7075. $
American. Located in a historic building downtown, the restaurant serves an innovative array of top-level dishes in an atmosphere that sports an air of genteel savoir-faire. 705 Olive, 314-241-4300. $$$
Vidiera Wine Shop
Small Plates. Impressive and expansive charcuteries and cheese plates distinguish this chill boite with classy lighting, a suitably dark and comfortable interior, and a happy selection of wines. Special events, pop-ups, and intimate music are features. The historic neighborhood adds to the charm. 2702 Locust, 314-377-9463. $$
Vito’s Sicilian Pizza & Ristorante
Italian. Vito’s serves Sicilian-style pizza and other family recipes. The quattro formaggi pizza won’t disappoint. 3515 Lindell, 314-534-8486. $$
American. This sports bar offers a from-scratch menu of pub favorites, tons of TVs, and a great beer selection. 1000 Spruce, 314-833-3653. $$
