Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
12-ounce filet by 801 Chophouse
801 Chophouse Steakhouse. It’s a throwback to the days when green-coated servers pushed guéridon carts through fine dining rooms. A magnificent bar anchors the restaurant, which serves superior steaks, including a 12-ounce filet. Dinner daily. 137 Carondelet Plaza, 314-875-9900, 801restaurantgroup.com/st-louis. $$$$
Almonds Restaurant American. In the increasingly competitive fried chicken scene, this popular haunt—which boasts many notable New Orleans–influenced dishes—continues to shine.Lunch Tue–Fri, dinner Tue–Sat. 8127 Maryland, 314-725-1019, almondsrestaurant.com. $$
Avenue American. Chef Bryan Carr’s reliable newest outpost serves three squares every weekday, plus weekend brunch and dinner. The food ranges from modern to homestyle, with French accents. Ask for a seat in the back room, with its fireplace and chandelier; it’s a great spot for a quiet business breakfast. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, brunch Sat & Sun. 12 N. Meramec, Clayton, 314-727-4141, avestl.com. $$$
BARcelona Tapas Restaurant Small Plates. This high-energy spot is known for its sangrias, small plates, and sidewalk tables. It’s well suited for a night out watching the game or a last drink during a first date. Lunch and dinner daily. 34 N. Central, 314-863-9909, barcelonatapas.com/st-louis. $$
Bar Les Frères French. Despite the name, Bar Les Frères is not your brothers’ bar. (It’s actually across the street from I Fratellini, also owned by Zoe Robinson.) One of the most romantic restaurants in town, the tiny storefront is the perfect spot for a glass of Champagne, whether to make a first impression or to celebrate a special occasion. Dinner Mon–Sat. 7637 Wydown, 314-725-8880, barlesfreres.net. $$
Café Napoli Italian. A favorite among Clayton power brokers, Napoli serves pasta and other Italian standards. Pair your meal with a glass from the extensive wine list, available on tablets. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 7754 Forsyth, 314-863-5731, cafenapoli.com. $$$
Cantina Laredo Mexican. A new kid on the block but not in the biz, this is the modern Mexican chain’s eighth location—though the sleek space reads more Clayton than chain. Grab a margarita and a seat by the open fireplace, and watch your server craft the guacamole tableside. Lunch and dinner daily. 7710 Forsyth, 314-725-2447, cantinalaredo.com. $$
Cardwell’s American. Choose from traditional foods, seasonal specials, and an award-winning wine list in a power-lunch atmosphere. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 8100 Maryland, 314-726-5055, cardwellsinclayton.com. $$$
City Coffee House & Crêperie Café. The European café serves specialty breakfast, lunch, and dessert crêpes; homemade pastries; sandwiches; salads; and soups. Breakfast and lunch daily. 36 N. Brentwood, 314-862-2489, citycoffeeandcreperie.com. $
Coastal Bistro & Bar American. Coastal features a variety of oysters and dishes from the U.S. and Mediterranean coasts. Don’t miss the laudable lobster roll or the Filet Madagascar. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 14 N. Central, 314-932-7377, coastalbistro.blogspot.com. $$$
Companion Bakehouse Café. This perennial lunch favorite serves fresh breads, daily soups, and fresh ingredients in a light, airy café loaded with charm and hospitality. The cowboy chili with cornbread is tasty. And no meal is complete without dessert, cookies in particular. Breakfast and lunch daily. 8143 Maryland, 314-352-4770; 9781 Clayton, 314-218-2280; companionstl.com. $
The Crossing American. This classy spot wowed diners from the start, more than 15 years ago, and it continues to dazzle. Its four-for-$35 tasting menu is a frontrunner for the best dining deal in St. Louis. At lunch, the burger is not to be missed. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 7823 Forsyth, 314-721-7375, fialafood.com/the-crossing. $$$$
Crushed Red Urban Bake and Chop Shop Pizza. Alas, it’s not really a stolen car kind of chop shop. Here, individual pizzas are built to order, along with tasty chopped salads. The atmosphere is informal, happy, and convivial; the ingredients are flawless and delicious. Just don’t ask about aftermarket carburetors. Lunch and dinner daily. 8007 Maryland, 314-725-8007, crushed-red.com. $
DeMun Oyster Bar Seafood. This diminutive on-trend oyster bar wows with its rotating selection of fresh bivalves, killer chowders, and an array of wines, craft cocktails, and beer. Dinner daily. 740 DeMun, 314-725-0322, demunoysterbar.com. $$
Dominic’s Trattoria Italian. For years, Dominic’s has remained one of the most beloved Chicken Parma palaces in St. Louis. Details like the tapenade accompanying the bread and perfectly timed service elevate this trattoria. Dress up, and appreciate a night of gracious eating. Lunch and dinner daily. 200 S. Brentwood, 314-863-4567, dominicsrestaurant.com. $$$
Five Star Burgers American. Former Harvest owner Steve Gontram’s burger outpost whips up meat-eating perfection, with a stellar selection of locally focused craft beer and wine. All manner of burgers—beef, bison, and lamb—are served with such toppings as fried egg, green chilies, and unique sauces. Lunch and dinner daily. 8125 Maryland, 314-720-4350, 5starburgersstl.com. $
The Grill American. Oh, so classy. Dinner is an experience, replete with dark wood and white tablecloths, superb presentations, and sterling-silver service. There’s a decidedly decorous air of gentility and civility. Seafood, steaks, and a dazzling wine selection combine seamlessly for meals that are consistent with everything else at The Ritz. Dinner Tue–Sat. The Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet, 314-863-6300, ritzcarlton.com. $$$$
Half & Half Breakfast/American. A mix of standard fare and variations, such as mascarpone and lemon-layered Clara Cakes (pictured), sate the appetites of sweet- and savory-breakfast aficionados alike in this packed-from-the-start champion of the local brunch scene. A rotating selection of guest roasters’ coffee is also a highlight. Breakfast and lunch Tue–Fri, Sat & Sun brunch. 8135 Maryland, 314-725-0719, halfandhalfstl.com. $$
I Fratellini Italian. A longtime staple, Zoe Robinson’s cozy but elegant 40-seater is located in a quiet pocket of Clayton. Make a reservation and enjoy a romantic dinner of straightforward Italian classics. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 7624 Wydown, 314-727-7901, ifratellini.com. $$$
Jimmy’s on the Park American. With something for everyone, Jimmy’s is an ideal place to grab a seat on the relaxing patio, nestle into the dining room for a romantic meal, or enjoy live music in the Bistro Bar. Dinner daily, brunch Sun. 706 DeMun, 314-725-8585, jimmyscafe.com. $$$
Katie’s Pizzeria Café Pizza. A range of interestingly topped Tuscan-style pizzas, salads, and appetizers make up the menu at this eclectically decorated café. Classic toasted ravioli is kicked up with an artichoke-and-Gorgonzola–stuffed variation. Lunch and dinner daily. 6611 Clayton, 314-727-8585, katiespizzacafe.com. $$
Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co. Café. The metro area’s largest third-wave coffee roaster serves up a range of hand-brewed drip- and espresso-based coffee drinks and teas, alongside a tasty selection of breakfast and lunch items. Vegetarian options abound. In addition to locations in Clayton, Kirkwood, and Chesterfield, Kaldi’s is served at Kayak’s in U. City. Breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Go online for locations, kaldiscoffee.com. $
The Libertine American. Since some kitchen changes, the fare is a little more classic comfort than the original menu. With owner Nick Luedde’s hospitality and eye for interesting wines, combined with the bar staff’s outstanding craft cocktails, The Libertine continues to be a winner. Dinner Tue–Sun. 7927 Forsyth, 314-862-2999, libertinestl.com. $$$
Morton’s The Steakhouse Steakhouse. It has steaks. Surprised? No. You know what the place is: a famous chain with top-quality meat and a luxurious atmosphere. You eat here while entertaining clients or protein-loving pals or while celebrating something special. It delivers. It isn’t cheap, but life’s short. And a steak dinner from Morton’s is glorious. Dinner daily. 7822 Bonhomme, 314-725-4008, mortons.com. $$$$
Niche American. The essential spot brought to you by Gerard Craft, St. Louis’ first James Beard Award–winning chef, Niche sets the bar for contemporary fine dining. The tasting menus are ever-evolving masterpieces. Sunday and Monday suppers for $40 drop the prices and complexity but not the quality. Dinner daily. 7734 Forsyth, 314-773-7755, nichestlouis.com. $$$$
Oceano Bistro Seafood. Seafood flown in daily and a fantastic veranda continue to bring diners to one of the city’s only seafood restaurants, one of the hottest see-and-be-seen spots. Call ahead for a window seat. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily, brunch Sun. 44 N. Brentwood, 314-721-9400, oceanobistro.com. $$$
Pastaria Italian. A wide selection of house-made organic pastas account for the bulk of the menu at this family-focused Italian dining hall. Wood-fired pizzas and veggie-centric apps make up the rest. The reasonable prices mean that you can take the family and enjoy some gelato, too. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. 7734 Forsyth, 314-862-6603, pastariastl.com. $$
Pizzino Pizza. Grab a spot on the patio and enjoy the crisp grilled pizzas and thick focaccia-like Roman-style pizzas, served alongside a small selection of focaccia sandwiches, salads, and soups. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun. 7600 Wydown, 314-240-5134, pizzinostl.com. $
Remy’s Kitchen & Wine Bar American/European. A standout on Clayton’s formidable dining scene, Remy’s is a frequent winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Lesser known is the “ecstatic hour,” luring post-work crowds with small dishes and cocktails to ease the transition from work time to your time. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 222 S. Bemiston, 314-726-5757, remyskitchen.com. $$$
The Restaurant American. The owners wasted no energy coming up with a clever name and instead put it all into the cool, dark décor, with an iceberg-sized bar dominating the center of an attractive dining space. The food’s suitably chic. Brunch is extravagant, with dishes such as prime rib hash, and the cocktails are good anytime. Breakfast daily, lunch Mon–Sat. The Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet, 314-863-6300, ritzcarlton.com. $$$
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Steakhouse. Ruth’s Chris is ideal for those moments when you’ve just gotta dress up and eat a week’s worth of protein paired with gorgeous wine. It’s robber baron–opulent, resplendent with all of the beefy, onion-ringy, creamed-spinachy stuff of steakhouses, done flawlessly. Service shines. Prix-fixe dinners are a worthy option. An unexpected note: some really good crabcakes. Dinner daily. 1 N. Brentwood, 314-783-9900, ruthschris.com. $$$$
Sauce on the Side Italian. The narrowly focused concept is brilliant in its simplicity: half a dozen salads and 15 kinds of calzones, with 10 sauces “on the side” for dipping. The craft beer selection’s lovely, and the Nutella/banana dessert calzone is mandatory. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 7810 Forsyth, 314-833-5426, eatcalzones.com. $
Tani Sushi Bistro Japanese/Sushi. The popular sushi destination recently changed locations in Clayton. It now benefits from a larger space that still retains the clubby, lounge-like feel of the original. Sushi is fine, particularly the rolls; consider, though, specialties like the sashimi plate (pictured). It’s a good after-work spot for dinner or for hanging with friends. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 7726 Forsyth, 314-296-8069, tanisushi.com. $$
Wasabi Sushi Bar Japanese/Sushi. The popular local chain serves up sushi, noodles, and other Japanese fare. Go with the Wasabi combinations—worthwhile bargains with rolled sushi and sashimi that are designed for sharing—or consider the generously portioned bento. Prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is friendly, and the service is excellent. Visit the website for hours and locations, wasabisushibars.com. $$
Wheelhouse Bar & Restaurant American. This sports bar is an upscale affair, with a from-scratch menu of pub favorites, tons of TVs on which to watch the game, and a great selection of craft and macro beers. It’s enough to keep you and all of your sports-loving friends happy. Lunch and dinner daily. 5 N. Central, 314-726-7955, wheelhousestl.com. $$
Whitebox Eatery Breakfast. Order at the counter of this airy cosmopolitan space and enjoy a range of breakfast and lunch classics, as well as house-made pastries. Breakfast and lunch Mon–Fri, brunch Sat & Sun. 176 Carondelet Plaza, 314-862-2802, whiteboxeatery.com. $
