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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Seafood. At St. Louis’ most lavish seafood restaurant, everything is posh and sleek, and the wine list shines. The oceans’ best appears with a minimum of fussiness—the emphasis is on the fish itself. The dining area is quiet and slightly more formal; the bar is more come as you are. Seek out a windowside booth, especially at happy hour, when all glass wines are half price. 172 Carondelet Plaza, 314-875-9636. $$$$
801 Chophouse
Steakhouse. Part of an eight-unit Des Moines, Iowa–based chain, this restaurant is a throwback to the days when green-coated servers pushed guéridon carts through fine dining rooms. A magnificent oval bar anchors the restaurant, the perfect perch for noshing on tenderloin sliders at happy hour. 137 Carondelet Plaza, 314-875-9900. $$$$
Asian. The name means “roots” in Malay, but what blossoms here is a whole garden of options. Asian influences combine with wildly oddball ingredients, so expect such dishes as a tater tot bibimbap. Chef/owner Bernie Lee has a whimsical touch resulting in surprising and delightful dishes, served in an expanded space that’s casually elegant. 7641 Wydown, 314-553-9914. $$$$
American. Known for its fried chicken, this popular inexpensive haunt—which also boasts many notable New Orleans–influenced dishes—continues to shine. Owners Tony and Kelli Almond are in the house every night to maintain the restaurant’s long -established consistency. 8127 Maryland, 314-725-1019. $$
American. Chef Bryan Carr serves reasonably priced, modern and homestyle fare with French accents. Glasses (and even half glasses!) of wine are poured at the table. Ask for a seat in the back room, if available, with its fireplace and chandelier, or rent it for a private party. 12 N. Meramec, 314-727-4141. $$$
The BAO
Asian. Fluffy Chinese buns get the spotlight at this hip Clayton eatery. Traditional bao compete with a parade of fillings—soft shell crab, tempura shrimp, Bangkok chicken—along with Asian-inspired bowls and nibbles and a very creative cocktail program. The cozy confines are perfect for weeknight or weekend noshing. 14 N. Central, 314-899-9089. $$
Spanish. Rare is the eatery that captures a foreign flavor as authentically and deliciously as this tiny, tapas-spific place where Iberico ham and chilly gazpacho are glorious and other Spanish classics are amazing. The atmosphere is alegre, and the list of Spanish wines, vermouths, and sherries adds an extra level of enjoyment. 7610 Wydown. $$$
American. Kid-friendly neighborhood joint that distinguishes itself by using premium beef from Pierce Creek Cattle Co., one of few local restaurants to do so. When the weather’s nice, the cantilevered windows open to create a true sidewalk cafe. 740 DeMun. 314-725-0322. $$
Spanish. The beloved Clayton restaurant lives again in a smaller, space (a BARcelon-etta, if you will) equipped with a true tapas bar. Devotees will recognize the original mosaic tile tabletops, look forward to the flamenco music on Wednesday nights, and appreciate that favorite menu items (such as calamares fritos, queso de cabra, beef tenderloin medallions, and paella) are served exactly as they remember them. 7810 Forsyth. 314-899-9600. $$
Bistro La Floraison
French. It’s beau cadre, bon gout—“good people, good taste”—at this intimate joint from Michael and Tara Gallina, where dinner begins with incredible bread and ends with Basque cheesecake. In between are cassoulets, olive oil poached salmon, and other Franco-inspired delights. It’s entirely charming, with a distinct neighborhood atmosphere. 7637 Wydown, 314-725-8880. $$$
Deli. Revered St. Louis restaurateur Matt McGuire gets into the grocery business at this Clayton gourmet shop adjacent to his wildly popular restaurant, Wright’s Tavern. Here, the focus is on prepared foods and grab-and-go items like soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as main courses like smoked shrimp and Wright’s famous crab cake that is inarguably the best version outside of Maryland. 9628 Wydown. 314-919-9775. $$
American. Seriously sophisticated and tucked into Clayton’s Le Meridien Hotel, it’s like a trip to France. Breakfast and lunch give way to a tres cool cocktail lounge in the evenings. Light French fare is beautifully presented, and the atmosphere is fresh and classy. 7730 Bonhomme, 314-836-0400. $$$
Italian. A favorite among Clayton power brokers, Napoli serves pasta and other Italian standards. Pair your meal with a glass from the extensive wine list, perusable on tablets. The see-and-be-seen corner patio is one of the busiest in the city. 7754 Forsyth, 314-863-5731. $$$
The Capital Grille
Steakhouse. Dry-aged beef, luxurious seafood, and meticulous service are specialties at this high-end addition to the Clayton dining scene. The in-house butcher also assembles Grill Boxes for cooking restaurant quality steaks at home. 101 S. Hanley, 314-725-0930. $$$$
Italian. It’s worth just a leisurely espresso here to take in the luxurious interior of decorated tile, the stunning open kitchen, and the marble-topped bar. Mediterranean specialties and Southern Italian cuisine, along with Neapolitan pizza, are world-class. The counter seats are in full view of the pasta makers and pizza bakers. 100 Carondolet Plaza, 314-719-1496. $$$$
Café. Ann Gallardo’s European café serves specialty breakfast, lunch, and dessert crêpes; homemade pastries; sandwiches; salads; and soups. 36 N. Brentwood, 314-862-2489. $$
European. This classic spot wowed diners from the start, and 25 years later, it continues to impress. Every meal starts with a blue cheese soufflé; you’ll want to order additional. 7823 Forsyth, 314-721-7375. $$$$
Crushed Red
Pizza. Individual pizzas are built to order, along with tasty chopped salads. The atmosphere is informal, happy, and convivial; the ingredients are flawless and delicious. See website for details.$
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Italian. Despite its location on the ground floor of a Clayton condo building, Dominic’s is one of the most beloved chicken Parm palaces in St. Louis. Details like the tapenade accompanying the bread and perfectly timed service elevate this trattoria. 200 S. Brentwood, 314-863-4567. $$$
Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh Mediterranean.
Mediterranean. Create your own fast-casual, healthy meal by picking an entrée, a protein, and customizing it with toppings, sauces, and sides. 8143 Maryland, 314-224-5222. $
American. Former Harvest owner Steve Gontram’s family-friendly burger outpost whips up meat-eating perfection with creative toppings. Don’t sleep on the salads, homemade soups, and the $1 ice cream cones for dessert. 8125 Maryland, 314-720-4350. $$
American. There are darts bars that call to mind cheap draft beer and frozen party pizzas. Then there is Flight Club, a sleek venue that is elevating the sports profile in its sophisticated venues across the globe. Known as a “social darts” experience, the Clayton hot spot pairs cutting edge darts technology with an upscale atmosphere and delicious food and drink that’s alone worth a visit. 7710 Forsyth, 314-887-7020. $$
Cafe. Founded in Alton and boasting four locations in the metro east, this delightful coffee house features an impressive array of delectable coffee drinks, teas and smoothies. The cafe fare pairs beautifully with the beverages and includes items like croffles, biscuit sandwiches, savory strudels and grab-and-go sandwiches. 8027 Forsyth, 618-800-5130. $
American. A mix of standard fare and variations, such as mascarpone-and-raspberry pancakes, sates the appetites of sweet- and savory-breakfast aficionados alike. The coffee program is also superior. 8135 Maryland, 314-725-0719. $$
American. Honoring its ties to the former Balaban’s in the Central West End, this Clayton mainstay expertly blends Midwestern seasonal ingredients with European-inspired techniques. The restaurant’s two patios offer prime perches in downtown Clayton, and several nooks are available for semi-private dining. 8100 Maryland, 314-769-9595. $$$
Hi-Fi
Cafe. From the team behind the popular St. Charles coffee company, Upshot, Hi-Fi is a coffee-infused listening lounge that serves as a unique Clayton gathering spot. Traditional coffeehouse beverages like lattes, drip coffee and Japanese-style Kyoto cold brew give patrons something to sip as they listen to records in this lively, hip spot. Daytime fare like quiche, avocado toast, croffles and assorted pastries provide sustenance for swaying to the tunes. 8401 Maryland, 636-475-8094. $
American. Located inside the AC Hotel by Marriott St. Louis Clayton, this sleek rooftop spot provides sweeping views and equally dazzling food and drink. The menu consists of small plates like baked ricotta, flatbreads and citrus shrimp, as well as larger dishes that include steak frites and grilled chicken thighs with citrus yogurt sauce. Beautifully crafted cocktails and a stunning setting make this one of the best places in the area to meet for drinks. 227 South Central, 314-897-3727. $$
Il Palato
Italian. This airy restaurant is dedicated to southern Italian eats, with fine primi pasta and even finer seafood secondi. Devotees love that the dining room is stately and quiet. With seasoned restaurant veteran Michael Del Pietro at the helm, this is one of Clayton’s hidden gems. 222 S. Bemiston, 314-224-5331. $$$
Café. Homemade sourdough is a starting point for tartines (open-faced toasts) and pastries, with soups, salads, and such sides as watermelon ‘fries’ and kale chips also available. Boasting creative entrees priced in the teens, Ivy is one of the best dinner deals in town. 14 N. Meramec, 314-776-9377. $$
American. The bar and grill food at this neighborhood joint is well above average, and the specials are, too. In any case, start with the spinach and artichoke toasted ravioli. 8405 Maryland, 314-863-8555. $$
Asian. A celebration of Chinese, Japanese and Korean cuisine, Jinzen is a fresh, modern interpretation of fusion cuisine. The restaurant’s decor is modern and serene, featuring beautiful light woodwork and gauzy fabric. It sets a lovely scene for enjoying dishes like ramen, volcano fried rice, tonkatsu and bulgogi. 8113 Maryland, 314-354-8086. $$
Café. The metro area’s largest third-wave coffee roaster serves up a range of hand-brewed, drip, and espresso coffee drinks and teas, alongside a tasty selection of breakfast and lunch items. Two Locations in Clayton. See website for details. $
Kingside Diner
American. Looking for a chess-themed restaurant with a great short stack? Check. How about a kale salad? Check. The view from the patio at the CWE location is fit for king, queen, or bishop. 8025 Bonhomme, 314-230-9020. $
Italian. A fiery pizza oven, comfy bar, and cozy seating combine to make Louie a classic bistro. The roast chicken is arguably the best in town. Reservations are recommended. The bar seats are reservable, too, but also used for walk-ins. 706 DeMun, 314-300-8188. $$$
American. Wine, yes. Dive, no. The place is so handsome, it’s hard to believe that it’s part of a small chain. The food is as much the focus as the wine. 16 S. Bemiston, 314-875-9373. $$
Seafood. Seafood flown in daily and generous glass wine pours continue to attract diners to one of the city’s top seafood spots. When the weather is amenable, the windowside tables open onto the sidewalk. Happy hour (Mon-Fri 3:30 – 6 p.m. and Sat 2:30 – 4:30) features deals on appetizers, cocktails, and wine. 44 N. Brentwood, 314-721-9400. $$$
Pastaria
Italian. A wide selection of house-made organic pastas accounts for the bulk of the menu at this family-focused Italian dining hall. The wood-fired pizza and cacio e pepe are standouts. (And next door, at Pastaria Deli + Wine, you can get sandwiches, sides, fresh pasta, and take-and-bake items.) 7734 Forsyth, 314-862-6603. $$
Pizza. Pizzas are topped with innovative ingredients: barbecue pork, duck sausage, roasted sweet potatoes. The wood fired wings and sandwiches are top notch and the two soups (wild mushroom and smoked tomato bisque) are among the best in town. (At the location in O’Fallon, Illinois, there’s an entire brewpub upstairs as well.) 208 S. Meramec, 314-696-2515. $$
Italian. This neighborhood trattoria blends Sicilian soul food with a wide range of pizza and the Tucci Salad, an homage to chef/proprietor Pepe Kehm’s mentor. If he’s not otherwise occupied. Kehm works the room telling stories like the unforgettable Kim Tucci used to do. 7600 Wydown, 314-899-9699. $$
Deli. To many St. Louisans, Protzel’s is the quintessential neighborhood deli. Sandwiches (thoughtfully made in three different sizes) are the order of the day; the hot ones are finished in a decades-old panini press that predates the George Foreman grill. 7608 Wydown, 314-721-4445. $
Rearn Thai
Thai. A mainstay of the Clayton dining scene, this delightful Thai restaurant offers a traditional taste of regional dishes like noodle soups, excellent curries and stir fries. The pad thai, a house specialty, is pure comfort. 7910 Bonhomme, 314-725-8807. $$
American. Dave and Kara Bailey’s popular daytime eatery has been a fixture of the city’s dining scene for years. With its Clayton location, they have brought their breakfast magic to the county, including their signature crepes, slingers, pancakes and daytime cocktails, all in a bright and cheery atmosphere that is one of the best reasons in town to get out of bed in the morning. 178 Carondelet Plaza, 314-557-5557. $$
Wine Bar. At the flagship, on DeMun, enjoy a wine flight on the always-lively patio before taking a stroll in the seminary grounds across the street. (The Shaw location also boasts two bars, funky décor, and an equally fetching patio.) 706 DeMun, 314-863-7174. $$
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. $
Vegan. Italian smoked tempeh sandwich on toasted sprouted grain bread; a reuben with marinated and roasted tempeh… There’s so much to like at this health food restaurant that conjures hippie days gone by—and healthier days ahead. 6344 Rosebury, 314-725-7333. $
Japanese/sushi. The promise of all-you-can-eat sushi packs this place almost every night of the week, but guests must eat what they order or incur a “leftovers” charge. 4 N. Central, 314-727-1168. $$
Wasabi Sushi Bar
Japanese/Sushi. The popular local chain serves up sushi, noodles, and other Japanese fare. Go with the Wasabi combinations, or consider the generously portioned bento. And consider visiting on Sushi Tuesday, when select rolls are priced at $7. See website for details. $$
Steakhouse. Striking that balance between fine dining and accessibility is a restaurant’s premiere challenge. This place hits it. Dishes are creative, definitely upscale. The atmosphere, though, is bistro-like convivial. Wright’s is one of the toughest tickets in town and justifiably so. 7624 Wydown, 314-390-1466. $$$$
Zensia Coffee Cafe. Specializing in small-batch Columbian coffee, the serene Zensia is what would happen if you combined a spa with a coffeehouse. The tranquil atmosphere invites guests to linger; the delectable coffee and Columbian-inflected pastries invite you to become a regular. 8121 Maryland, 314-243-5206. $
