When visiting a city, the best thing to do is to taste it. But what if there’s so much to taste and you don’t know where to start?
St. Louis is an up-and-coming culinary destination! Food is a big part of making St Louis indeed a great city. You’ll find a wide variety of ethnic foods served in comfortable and authentic settings.
Centuries of cultural diversity have left the city with a uniquely diverse array of delicious international options. The wide range of cultural influences leads to interesting and innovative foods that fit collective taste buds deliciously!
No town in America offers such an extensive array of options that will keep you coming back year after year. St Louis offers something for everyone, from quintessential BBQ and soy sauce sandwiches to unique takes on Asian fare.
So whether you’re a foodie looking to explore the best of 21st century American cuisine or just looking to unwind with a good meal you know will be delicious, here are the best restaurants in St Louis!
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Restaurants In St Louis
Louie
706 De Mun Ave, Clayton, MO 63105 \\ +13143008188
When was the last time you ate something that made you smile? This is exactly what will happen when you’re dining at Louie!
You’ll be amazed at everything from the exceptional service to the nearly flawless execution of the Italian dishes.
Longtime restaurateur Matt McGuire has a knack for combining quality ingredients, simple recipes, and seasonal flavors into immensely satisfying dishes.
The atmosphere is warm and charming — perfect for a date or an evening out with friends.
Many hearty staples are on the menu, such as White Bean Hummus and Pomodoro Fresco Pizza.
While there is an extensive wine list, the bartender will be able to recommend something that will pair well with your meal if you’re seeking something more adventurous. And remember, every item on this menu is delicious!
Southwest Diner
6803 Southwest Ave, St. Louis, MO 63143 \\ +13142607244
Southwest Diner is a neighborhood diner with a Southwestern influence that you need to try if you love breakfast food!
Its vibrant turquoise and burnt red decor are like something out of a Wes Anderson film. However, it’s the food that’s the true draw.
In addition to the classic New Mexican breakfast burrito stuffed with house sausage and chorizo, Jonathan’s Famous Fiery Scramble and buttermilk cornmeal pancakes are local favorites. So why not try them all?
OLIO
1634 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 \\ +13149321088
Tel Aviv’s bohemian scene inspires olio’s unique energy and charm, and it is a favorite meeting place among creatives visiting from all over the world!
There are remnants of generational decay and urban blight that have been embraced and preserved in the renovated 1930’s Standard Oil filling station. Yet, the patio garden of Olio is a haven of peace amongst this urban industrialism.
This restaurant serves rustic, bold, and comforting food, emphasizing vegetarian dishes. A colorful mixture of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, traditional and contemporary, is second to none.
Their menu items include the Famous Egg Salad, Chicken Shawarma and Chicken Kefta ‘Sinnia’.
Also, bread in this restaurant is made in an old-fashioned manner, in the wood-burning hearth, by mixing, shaping, and crafting it by hand.
They also specialize in classical cocktails reinterpreted creatively by their bar staff. With their extensive list of spirits over the years, they focus mostly on vermouth, aperitifs, Amari, and anisette.
Olio’s array of wines-by-glass ranges from familiar varietals to obscure regions and producers, making them one of St Louis’ most diverse selections.
Salt + Smoke
392 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108 \\ +13147270200
On Euclid, as you stroll through Central West End, you’ll see a striking yellow sign that beckons you to walk forward. This is Salt + Smoke!
BBQ is a staple in St Louis, so it is necessary to consume the world-famous ribs, brisket and pulled pork offered by restaurants throughout the city. Visit Salt + Smoke in the Delmar Loop to satisfy your cravings.
Despite its lack of publicity compared to other BBQ restaurants, the dishes are just as good, if not better, at this local spot.
Among my favorite menu items are the sandwich with pulled pork, kale crunch salad and their apple pie for dessert!
There are also many healthy and inventive options for sides and appetizers as well as fantastic meat options that will leave you craving some more. Also available is an impressive drink menu offering over 100 bourbons, cocktails, and beers!
Guido’s Pizzeria and Tapas
5046 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 \\ +13147714900
Pizza made in the manner of St Louis and toasted ravioli are two city landmarks you shouldn’t miss when you’re there. A mistake would also be to skip The Hill, a neighborhood filled with Italian restaurants and bars. In the heart of this neighborhood is Guido’s Pizzeria and Tapas which delivers authentic family recipes cooked with passion!
Founded in 1988, Guido’s has been owned and operated by the Carretero Family.
Offering the best of Mediterranean cuisine with a menu full of classic Italian dishes and traditional Spanish tapas, this restaurant has something for everyone.
Guido’s serves up various dishes that will deliver a taste of Spain in the middle of Italy, including homemade lasagna, pizza, hot tapas, and rich caramelized flan.
Enjoy the tastiest Italian food in St. Louis while dining in the charming Italian neighborhood!
Vicia
4260 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108 \\ +13145539239
The Vicia sits quietly on the second floor of a busy street in the heart of the Central West End.
It’s a beautiful restaurant inside and out. However, when you enter Vicia’s dining room and bar, you’ll be greeted by a warm ambiance provided by a large fireplace that warms the entire dining room during the winter months.
Vegetables are at the core of great cuisine because they are locally sourced, inspired by the season, and prepared artfully by Vicia.
Vicia is an excellent restaurant. The decor and the food are both excellent. When I visited, I tried the Chef’s Tasting Menu and it was delicious.
Staff members were friendly and attentive. I like vegetables very much, which is why every item on my plate was pleasing to me.
I was very impressed with the main course, which was thoughtfully prepared with great care. There was a rustic feel to it, which contrasted nicely with Vicia’s minimalist look. I surely recommend you this place!
Mac’s Local Eats
5656 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 \\ +13143937713
The owner of the unique burger concept is Mac Shackson, former sous chef of an award-winning local restaurant. The moment Mac’s Local Eats opened its doors in 2012, it became a local legend.
Cooks at Mac’s commit themselves to quality, ordering from local farmers and butchers who support sustainable agriculture and humanely raised animals.
Burgers come in both meat and vegetable varieties, but don’t forget to try the boudin balls, udon noodle salad, grit cake (cheesy grits topped with a fried egg) and macaroni au gratin.
There are $5 drinks and $5 burgers during happy hour. They use raw milk from Burkhardt Farms and butter from Stolkholm Creamery, which they take pride in.
The burger lovers’ dream has come true at Mac’s Local Eats. Using local ingredients, such as dry-aged beef, they create one of the best burgers in town. There are also a few Cajun specialties at Mac’s, along with weekly specials. It’s a real neighborhood spot!
Blues City Deli
2438 McNair Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104 \\ +13147738225
Even if there is a line out front, the sandwich waiting for you inside is worth the wait. Thanks to owner Vinnie Valenza, it has become a staple in St Louis.
The diner is an authentic deli, where you place your order and wait until your number is called. Blues music and culture are prominently displayed on the menu and the decor doesn’t stray too far from the theme.
It’s difficult to decide what to order: With a good menu including PO-boys, muffulettas, New York deli sandwiches, Italian favorites, and vegetarian options, you’ll have to keep returning.
Take a break from all your work and enjoy a Po-Boy, an order of Red Beans and Rice, ice-cold beer or an Old Fashioned Soda and listen to some of the best blues music around. Every day it’s like a big old house party at the deli. You are not going to be disappointed!
Fork and Stix
549 Rosedale Ave, St. Louis, MO 63112 \\ +13148635572
Ever since it opened in 2007, Fork and Stix has brought authentic Northern Thai cuisine to the midwest—and the best part is that it’s not that far from the city.
Fork and Stix is tucked away on a side street, but it’s a hidden gem worth seeking out.
Menu items include spicy pork and crispy rice salads and pork belly curry and Nam Khao tod (spicy pork and crispy rice salad).
This egg noodle curry soup is a real show stopper, filled with everything you could desire in a bowl.
Union Loafers
1629 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 \\ +13148336111
Union Loafers is a bread bakery and cafe located in the heart of botanical heights. They bake naturally leavened bread modeled on old-world techniques.
You can sample one of many sandwiches, soups or salads, each freshly prepared. In addition, Union Loafers transforms their bread bakery into a pizzeria serving wine and beer during dinner hours as an extra option.
Here, you will find simple, classic foods that shine through in every bite with community spirit and quality ingredients. Trust me. You will not be disappointed!
Nudo House Creve Coeur
11423 Olive Blvd, St. Louis // +13142748046
Having spent years researching and developing, Nudo opened its doors in Creve Coeur in 2017 with a menu of seven different ramen styles and a small amount of pho.
The Classic Nudo, a traditional tonkotsu ramen, is the first thing you should order. Its broth is clabbery and rich, like the inside of a cloud, while the noodles retain their firm center, which is essential to the traditional tonk otsu.
In addition to ramen, they offer a variety of cold Asian salads, including lotus root and shrimp salad and Vietnamese shredded chicken.
Nudo’s serves spring rolls and crab rangoon every day, plus four types of banh mis that are perfect for dipping into the broth—as long as you don’t mind fussbudget foodies looking at you funny.
The immense amount of work, collaboration and study that created Nudo make it that much more delicious.
Nixta
1621 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis // +13148999000
This brightly colored townhouse looks like it was designed by a high school art teacher who dressed like Frida Kahlo (there is a portrait of Kahlo inside the house).
With its colorful space and abundant mezcal flowing around, this Mexican spot in Tower Grove is like a dinner party at a friend’s place with shared plates and drinks.
Although the menu changes frequently, the ceviche, octopus and guacamole are always excellent. It’s the only place you should dine in St. Louis if you have time for only one dinner.
Pappy’s Smokehouse
3106 Olive St, St. Louis // +13145354340
Pappy’s is the place to go for a barbecue if you’re ever in St. Louis. But, as all barbecue places strive to be like this one in Midtown, be prepared to wait since it’s a popular spot in a wide radius.
They specialize in Memphis-style barbecue, and while they do all the classics well, their ribs are their house specialty. You can order ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and Frito Pie and a few sides when you come in a big group.
Although waiting is definitely part of Pappy’s experience, you can call ahead if you’re in a hurry and pick up your meal.
Blueberry Hill
6504 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis // +13147274444
It’s hard to find kid-friendly dining options in St. Louis, but Blueberry Hill, located in the Delmar Loop, is an excellent place to bring children during the day, especially since many tables are equipped with board games.
In addition to antique jukeboxes and Pez dispensers, there is a music venue christened “the Duck Room” by Chuck Berry, and a wall painted in the style of Pac-Man.
With a wide selection of beers and rows of dartboards at night, it’s definitely less kid-friendly. Besides drinks, they also serve food, such as mozzarella sticks and burgers and a gooey butter cake for dessert.
Broadway Oyster Bar
736 S Broadway St, St. Louis // +13146218811
The Broadway Oyster Bar, located in an old downtown brothel from the 1840s, is the kind of place that you go to in the afternoon and spend the next 12 hours there.
You’ll find crawfish, po’boys and jambalaya on this restaurant’s menu located right in the heart of downtown. It feels like a little taste of New Orleans.
Moreover, they’re open until 3 am every night, so you can still get oysters and wings at 1 am, if those two things suddenly sound good to you.
Crown Candy Kitchen
1401 St Louis Ave, St. Louis // +13146219650
Visiting Crown Candy Kitchen is the closest thing you’ll ever get to time travel without causing parallel dimensions or history problems.
Their luncheonette, opened in 1913, makes its own candy, has a soda fountain and serves sandwiches that your grandparents enjoyed.
They’re best known for their bacon-topped BLT sandwich, which has 14 slices of bacon and will make you reconsider a few decisions.
The restaurant’s wooden booths, retro atmosphere, and classic cuisine make it the perfect choice for those who wish they were born another decade—no DeLorean required.
Union Loafers Café And Bread Bakery
1629 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis // +13148336111
St. Louis-style pizza is an essential part of the diet to anyone born in the 314 because of its cracker crust and provel topping. However, some of the best slices in town do not follow the local style.
In addition to a bakery making old-world, naturally leavened loaves, Union Loafers is also a full-service restaurant serving pizza in a kind of a gray area between New York’s chew and pull and the bubbly, blistered char of a Neapolitan.
There is pepperoni pizza with Calabrian chilis with perfect little cups of pepperoni, and mushroom pizza with pickled shallots and foxglove that will convert mushroom haters.
The menu features sandwiches on Loafers’ bread throughout the day, as well as soups and salads, including the little gem with fine herbs and shallots which could rival any salad you’ve had before.
Planter’s House
1000 Mississippi Ave, St. Louis // +13146962603
Planter’s House in Lafayette Square is where you can enjoy truly great cocktails that you’ll remember for days or even years to come.
This restaurant and bar, owned by Ted Charak, Jamie Kilgore, and Ted and Jamie Kilgore, celebrates the storied art of bartending.
Pair the Planter’s House burger with the Taco Cat: Milagro Blanco tequila, agave syrup, lime and cilantro infused with Old El Paso taco seasoning at the main bar downstairs.
Pour yourself a Down for the Count #2 cocktail, which combines Citadelle gin, Salers, Gran Classico, Cocchi Americano, celery bitters, and grapefruit tincture.
The bar radiates with warmth and laughter despite the excellent cocktails, tasty food and fantastic decor, and the mood is never dampened by elitist snots throwing around the term “mixologist.” Don’t forget to check out the seasonal thematic cocktail menus inspired by local roller derby teams and Ms. Dolly Parton.
Peacemaker Lobster & Crab
1831 Sidney St, St. Louis // +13147728858
It’s unlikely that fresh seafood is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of landlocked Missouri, but Peacemaker is trying to change that.
This Benton Park best seafood restaurant flies in fresh fish daily and serves everything from lobster rolls to steamers to po’boys in an environment reminiscent of Restoration Hardware and Cape Cod.
You can grab a frozen daiquiri and oysters while planning your next trip to the beach at this low-key spot.
The Lucky Accomplice
2501 S Jefferson Ave, St. Louis // +13143546100
Fortunately for the public, Fox Park residents couldn’t keep one of their best restaurants a secret from the rest of the city.
Soon after restaurant partners Brian Schuman and Logan Ely opened the Lucky Accomplice, diners began to look for the warehouse storefront with a neon sign of a bounding rabbit glowing in the front window.
Shift, the first restaurant that Ely opened, established his reputation as an adroit, sometimes cerebral chef. This time around, he offers beautiful, dynamic and a bit sly dishes.
Consider the tater tot, which is a delicious combination of cured salmon, cream cheese, fresh dill, and assorted seeds atop shredded potatoes that are both tender and unduly crunchy.
There is a playful, welcoming vibe throughout the clever, eclectic space and the warm, gracious service. Lucky has recently introduced a popular brunch service that, like their dinner service, is something you definitely should experience.
Summary Of The 10 Best Restaurants In St Louis
St Louis is a foodie’s dream! It’s no secret that this city is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, with a wealth of options available in every part of town.
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal at a restaurant on the Delmar Loop or a more upscale meal at a fine dining establishment downtown, St. Louis has something for every palate and occasion.
Finding your favorite restaurant can be challenging and time-consuming. So, if you’re planning a trip to St. Louis, this list can show you where you need to eat!
Visiting other destinations in Missouri? Check out our other delicious guides:
- 9 Best Lake Of The Ozarks Restaurants
- 8 Must-Try Restaurants In Springfield Missouri
- 10 Fun Things To Do In St. Louis MO
- 8 Best Restaurants In St Charles MO
- 9 Must-Try Italian Restaurants in Springfield
- 10 Must-Try Seafood Restaurants in Springfield, MO
- 11 Must-Try Restaurants in Downtown Springfield
- Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Springfield
Which of these STL restaurants will you try first? Let us know in the comment section below!
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever