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. Live in St. Charles? Subscribe to our St. Charles newsletter. Cheers!
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American. Eating your way down St. Charles’ old Main Street will have you stopping at this charming spot in a historic location. The worthy menu consists of sandwiches and wraps, plus a few steaks and pasta. When the weather is nice, the stunning patio is the place to be on Main Street. 515 S. Main, St. Charles, 636-493-9303. $$
Asian. Chinese and Vietnamese specialties are featured at this 80-seater, located just off the casino floor. Start with the Szechuan Wontons and follow up with the Shaking Beef. The restaurant also boasts an impressive sushi selection, as well as traditional Vietnamese pho. 1 Ameristar, St. Charles, 636-949-7777. $$
American. The setting is sleek and contemporary, roomy and relaxed. The restaurant serves familiar American fare (salads, sandwiches, pizza, steak), as well as inventive cocktails. 11 Meadows Circle, Lake Saint Louis, 636-542-9090. $$$
Wine Bar. Tapas-type nibbles and a wonderful wine list make this a splendid evening destination in old-town St. Charles. Don’t miss the flash-fried calamari or the seasonal cobbler desserts—or some fine wine flights. 325 S. Main, St. Charles, 636-724-3434. $$
Alpine. If its upstairs sister concept, Noto, offers a taste of southern Italian fare, downstairs Bormio is a transportive trip to the Alps. Owners Wayne and Kendele Seive draw inspiration from the intersections of French, Italian, Swiss, Austrian and German cuisine for a menu of hearty dishes like pork shank or spaetzle. The cocktail menu is first-class. 5105 Westwood, St. Peters, 636-244-0874. $$$
Seafood. The fish is fresh, the sides are attractive, and the service is polished. The lobster bisque might even have healing powers. (Tip: The happy hour deals are among the best in town.) 2314 Technology, O’Fallon, Mo., 636-625-6350. $$$
Steakhouse. High-rollers can order a 12-ounce filet—and add a 10-ounce lobster tail. (Not quite that hungry? Make a meal out of a salad and an appetizer like the excellent sambuca shrimp. 1 Ameristar, St. Charles, 636-940-4471. $$$$
Cottle Village Farmstead + Distillery
American. This ambitious, multi-facility venue brings the feel – and whiskey- of the Bourbon Trail to charming Cottleville. Diners can go high-end with excellent steaks or go more casual with burgers or lettuce wraps. The bourbon and whiskey selection is impressive, as is the sprawling outdoor area that features live music. 6470 State Rte N, Cottleville, MO 63304, 636-268-2123. $$$
Pizza. This gourmet pizza chain serves inventive specialty pizzas, as well as seasonal offerings and excellent salads. Rotating craft beers are on tap, and the wine list includes Dewey’s own line from Novy Family Wines. (Call ahead for details regarding service availability.) See website for locations, deweyspizza.com. $$
Barbecue. One of the metro area’s most vital barbecue destinations, Duke’s is known for its world class brisket, as well as outstanding ribs, pulled pork and chicken. Sides, like mac and cheese and smoky gouda casserole, are dazzling. 100 Ash, Wentzville, 636-856-9227. $$
Italian. It may be located in an unassuming strip mall, but this Italian spot boasts a history dating back to north St. Louis County in the 1970s when the Pulizzi family opened the first location. After moving to St. Charles in the 1990s, the restaurant has become a staple of the area’s dining community thanks to its Sicilian-inflected specialties. 951 Jungermann, St. Peters, 636-928-0112. $$
Barbecue. This popular spot boasts a sprawling patio, complete with sand volleyball courts, as well as some of the best barbecue and comfort fare in the area. 8505 Veterans Memorial Parkway, O’Fallon, 636-978-7755. $$
Chinese. Traditional soup dumplings and flaky sandwiches, called roujiamo, make this casual St. Charles eatery one of the best places in the area to experience modern Chinese cuisine. Dim sum and boba tea are also available. 2013 Zumbehl, St. Charles, 663-757-3086. $$
American. Imbibers are lured by a waterfall of backlit liquor bottles and the signature Double Black Diamond pineapple-infused martini; diners succumb to the signature Durango Burger, fresh seafood, and the blue cheese filet, all cooked on an oak- and fruitwood-burning grill. 1501 Beale, St. Charles, 636-866-0984. $$$
Food Trucks. The sister spot to Affton’s 9 Mile Garden, Frankie Martin’s is a family-friendly site, with 25 trucks rotating for lunch and dinner and a sprawling yard for outdoor dining and recreation. The namesake was community fixture Frankie Martin, known for his charitable nature and fun personality. His home has been transformed into a whiskey and wine bar. 5372 St. Charles, Cottleville, 636-244-2420. $$
Italian. From the Tuscany vista murals to the scratch-made sauces, this North County-turned St. Charles mainstay doesn’t get more “St. Louis Italian.” It’s affordable, enjoyable, and dependably good. 2061 Zumbehl, St. Charles, 636-949-9005. $$
Barbecue. A darling of the competition barbecue circuit, Heavy Smoke made a name for itself thanks to its ribs. However, the mouthwatering burnt ends might just be its essential dish. 4270 North Service Road, St. Charles, 636-244-5874. $$
Barbecue. There’s a rustic roadhouse vibe upstairs, a blues bar downstairs, a massive patio overlooking the Katy Trail, and exceptional barbecue. First-timers should opt for either a combo platter or one of the daily specials, all of which are worthy. 1200 S. Main, St. Charles, 636-724-8600. $$
Peruvian. This small, wonderfully comfortable comida wins the most incongruous location, with traditional Peruvian cuisine served in a space along St. Charles’ historic Main Street. Ceviches, fried seafood, and rice dishes are exciting and authentic. It’s a welcome addition to the area’s dining scene. 323 N. Main, St. Charles 314-303-0144. $$$
Pizza. With three area locations, JJ Twig’s has a well-established clientele. Order the signature Double-Decker, which allows customers to build two layers of toppings for the monstrous double-crust pie. See website for locations. $$
Italian. After selling out of pizza at its University City flagship for decades, the folks at La Pizza decided it was time for a second location – and lucky for St. Charles diners, they decided to do so on the west side of the Missouri River. Known for their traditional New York pies, the restaurant boasts a loyal following of Big Apple transplants who insists this is the only pie in town worth their time. 340 North Main, St. Charles, 636-493-0303. $$
La Vie Vegan Bistro
Vegan. Born in Guadeloupe, La Vie owner Dr. Natacha Douglas had made it her mission to not only bring traditional French cuisine and culture to St. Charles, but to do so in a way that interprets this often buttery, rich fare for plant-based diners. Cafe fare includes crepes, BLTs and excellent pastries. 524 South Main, St. Charles, 636-410-8787. $$
American. A charmingly restored 18th-century space, a delightful second-story patio, and superior elevated gastropub fare like steaks, chops and pastas make this one of Main Street’s brightest gems. Save room for the signature Mud Pie, an indulgent, coffee-inflected ice cream cake. 217 S. Main, St. Charles, 636-947-3334. $$
Mexican. Located in the Streets of St. Charles, the humble nacho has gone uptown. If it’ll fit on a tortilla chip, chances are you can find it here. There are renditions inspired by crab Rangoon, T-ravs, jerked chicken…You get the idea. The menu constantly changes. Consider pairing those nachos with a frozen drink from sister concept Narwhal’s Crafted, located next door. 1450 Beale, #130, St. Charles, 636-202-0841. $$
Bar & Grill. It’s boisterously happy—and not just because of that beer menu that’s longer than a Stephen King novel. It’s suitably pub-ish, with old brick, dark wood and some of the best fish and chips in the bi-state area. See website for locations. $$
Napoli III
Italian. A refreshing haven of formality also happens to be the place to go for splendid and high-end Italian fare. The atmosphere here is relaxed but genteel, with impeccably polished service. Specialties, like arancini, fresh pastas, and excellent salads are lovely; the stylish ambience is wonderful. 1450 Beale #105, St. Charles, 636-757-3418. $$$
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Seafood. The iconic restaurant brand lends its Italian prowess to seafood at this stunning Streets of St. Charles hot spot. The raw bar is one of the best in town, and the shrimp and clam chowder dazzles with a puff pastry crust. A visit is not complete without the signature dish: seafood risotto finished inside a hollowed-out wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. 1450 Beale, St. Charles, 636-800-2341. $$$$
Italian. A friendly, remarkably sophisticated Italian place dishes out delicious, outstanding VPN certified Neapolitan pizzas and other Italian dishes—think handmade pastas—in this intimate setting make you understand why this St. Peters spot is one of the most difficult reservations to secure in the area. 5105 Westwood, St. Peters, 636-317-1143. $$$
Italian. This historic Main Street spot features delicious Italian fare with a bookstore inflection. Try dishes like meatball parmigiano or baked ziti, but don’t sleep on the popular breakfast and lunch offerings offered during daytime hours. It’s a perfect cozy gathering spot for friends or family, especially when the weather’s nice and you can head out to its quaint patio. 201 N. Main, St. Charles, 636-896-4800. $$$
American. This elegant addition to bustling Cottleville represents the upscale dining component of a multi-use hospitality complex located in a converted historic property. The kitchen draws from the season’s bounty and local purveyors to craft the menu. 5521 Oak, Cottleville, 636-720-1901. $$$
Italian. Fortunato “Forto” Pietoso has made a name for himself as one of the area’s top Italian cooks over the years thanks to his years spent at his family’s institution, Cafe Napoli. Now, in his own space, he brings that same magic to dishes like pork rib chop saltimbocca and lobster al cognac. 2509 Highway K, O’Fallon, 636-294-1435. $$$
Barbecue. This award-winning spot serves arguably the best Memphis-style barbecue in its class. Sample the dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork to see why people don’t mind waiting in long lines. See website for locations. $$
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, toasted ravioli and that iconic salad. Pizza, burgers, and sandwiches are also available. See website for locations. $$
American. This Instagrammable daytime cafe boasts an impressive menu of breakfast and lunch favorites and a fantastic coffee program. Located in the heart of quaint Cottleville, it’s the area’s essential brunch spot. 5523 Oak, Cottleville, 636-733-6896. $$
Pizza. Bespoke pizzas are the centerpiece of this family-friendly spot in historic downtown Cottleville. The setting is enjoyable: rustic meets pizzeria. It’s informal, with enticingly fresh ingredients, warm service, and elegant simplicity. 5212 Highway N, Cottleville, 636-477-6155. $$
Mexican. Need a break while shopping at The Meadows? Prados is the place for excellent modern Tex-Mex fare. The spacious, bright space is inviting for a light snack or a full dinner. 23 Meadows Circle, Lake Saint Louis, 636-695-8600. $$
American. The menu bounces from sushi to tacos to braised short ribs. The atmosphere’s easygoing yet sleek, with a sizable craft beer selection. There’s a patio, and memorable design makes even the interior seem “outside.” 1520 S. Fifth, St. Charles, 636-277-0202. $$$
The Rack House Kitchen Wine Whiskey
American. As the name implies, this destination has something for just about everyone. Dinner entrees include wine and whiskey pairings. Brunch specialties include a Crab Stuffed Pretzel and an excellent signature Bloody Mary. 5065 Highway N, Cottleville, 636-244-0574. $$
American. Situated in a vintage house in Augusta, Root’s ambience is as rustic as the food is sumptuous. Drawing almost entirely on local sources, chef Phillip Day plates extraordinary, multi-course combinations that change daily – and has a James Beard Award nomination to show for his efforts. 5525 Walnut. Augusta, 636-544-1109. $$$
Barbecue. A singular focus on “barbecue, bourbon, and beer” translates to loads of meat, craft and barrel-aged cocktails, and more than 40 bourbons. The burnt-end T-ravs are a must. See website for locations. $$
Italian. The family behind the popular St. Charles restaurant Fratelli’s bring their Italian culinary magic to fast-casual dining at Sauci Pasta. This customizable concept (think Chipotle of pasta) gives diners convenience and value without sacrificing quality. 1990 First Capitol, St. Charles, 636-757-3307. $
American. Crawfish ravioli served in a century-old building in historic St. Charles is alone worth a visit. Add impressive burgers, beguiling cocktails, and live music on the weekends to the fun. The beautiful interior is a look back in time. 221 N. Main, St. Charles, 636-800-4830. $$
Session Taco (formerly Mission Taco Joint)
Mexican. A legal challenge with a corporate behemoth may have forced brothers Adam and Jason Tilford to change the name, but the Mission Taco Join spirit remains the same at this Cali-cool restaurant. Specialties include house-made corn tortillas and authentic Mexican street food reminiscent of the offerings in San Francisco’s Mission District. Carne asada fries and brisket birria are also notable, as are the handcrafted cocktails. See website for locations. $$
Shay’s Creole Smokehouse–Hosted by the Old Millstream Inn
Creole and Cajun. Creole and Cajun fare meet outstanding barbecue at this Main Street St. Charles spot. Gumbo is a must-try, as is the smoked brisket reuben. When the weather is nice, the tree-covered patio, which sits alongside a creek and old mill, is one of the historic district’s most inviting al fresco dining venues. 912 South Main, St. Charles, 314-852-2803. $$
Greek. Specialties at this iconic, old-school mainstay include pepperloin a la tenderloin and an outstanding Grecian style rack of lamb. Created tableside, a Greek salad is a nice touch. Save room for baklava. See website for details. $$$
Bakery. Husband and wife pastry chefs Aaron and Agi Groff consistently turn out some of the best European-style pastries from their St. Charles bakery. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, the pair draw upon Agi’s German heritage to produce stunning cakes, tarts, croissants, cookies and galettes that are great to grab and go, or tuck into inside the modern cafe with a European coffee beverage. 700 South Fifth, St. Charles, 636-410-8505. $
Barbecue. Sugarfire boasts inventive dishes and exquisite pulled pork, ribs and brisket. The smoked turkey is a sleeper hit, and the over-the-top specials add an air of whimsy. It’s fun and decidedly informal, with patrons eating superior smokehouse fare off metal trays. See website for locations. $$
Thai. Working your way through Sunisa’s extensive menu is a rewarding tour of Thai cuisine. Specialties include mouthwatering soups, curries and sweet black sticky rice. 6057 Mid Rivers Mall, St. Peters, 636-922-4888. $$
American. On your stroll along historic Main Street, it’s only fitting that you stop and dine in a 19th-century townhouse. The main dining room is casual but classy, the event space is worth a trip downstairs, and the brick patio (overlooking the river) is as charming as it gets. It’s the perfect setting for enjoying excellent fare like roasted chicken, steaks and chops. 500 S. Main, St. Charles, 636-493-6332. $$
Italian/Steakhouse. A fixture in historic St. Charles, this popular restaurant manages to put out superior food while maintaining a neighborhood-joint feel. Don’t miss out on the excellent steaks, topped with the restaurant’s signature steak butter. In the mood for Italian? They have that covered too. And, if you’re really feeling like fusion, get a ribeye with a side of fettuccine 132 N. Main, St. Charles, 636-940-1960. $$$
South American. This small chain of restaurants has successfully created a Brazilian-themed churrasco steakhouse priced well below the competition and featuring a dozen skewered proteins served tableside. 1520 S. Fifth, St. Charles, 636-724-4499. $$$
Japanese/Sushi. The popular local chain serves up sushi, noodles, and other Japanese fare. Go with the Wasabi combinations, or consider the generously portioned bento. See website for locations. $$
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