When it comes to exploring a new city, one of the most exciting aspects is discovering the local culinary scene. St. Louis, Missouri, is no exception, boasting a diverse range of restaurants that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. From classic American comfort food to international flavors, St. Louis has something to offer every palate. In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the city, highlighting the best places to eat in St. Louis and what makes them stand out.
Get ultimate traveler plannerOverview of St. Louis’ Culinary Landscape
St. Louis’ food scene is a reflection of its history and cultural influences. The city’s location at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers made it a hub for trade and commerce, attracting people from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in the city’s cuisine, which ranges from traditional Midwestern fare to international flavors from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Neighborhoods to Explore
St. Louis is divided into unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. From the trendy boutiques and restaurants of the Central West End to the historic Soulard neighborhood’s French Creole influence, each area offers a distinct dining experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the top neighborhoods to visit and the must-try restaurants in each.
Local Specialties and Hidden Gems
St. Louis is famous for its toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and provel cheese, but there’s more to the city’s culinary scene than just these local staples. We’ll delve into the city’s hidden gems, from family-owned eateries to innovative restaurants pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a great meal, this guide will help you navigate the best places to eat in St. Louis.
Where to Eat in St. Louis: A Foodie’s Guide
St. Louis, Missouri, is a city that’s rich in history, culture, and delicious food. From classic American comfort food to international cuisine, St. Louis has a diverse dining scene that’s sure to satisfy any appetite. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in St. Louis, from popular restaurants to hidden gems.
The Hill: St. Louis’ Italian-American Neighborhood
The Hill is a historic Italian-American neighborhood in St. Louis that’s known for its delicious Italian cuisine. This charming neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bakeries, and delis.
- Adriana’s: This family-owned restaurant has been a St. Louis staple for over 90 years, serving up classic Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and osso buco.
- Zia’s Restaurant: This cozy Italian restaurant is known for its homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and extensive wine list.
- Lombardo’s Trattoria: This casual Italian eatery serves up delicious pasta dishes, sandwiches, and salads at affordable prices.
Soulard: St. Louis’ Historic Soulard Neighborhood
Soulard is one of St. Louis’ oldest neighborhoods, known for its historic architecture, lively atmosphere, and delicious food. This neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars. (See Also: Where To Eat In Vienna Cheap)
- Annie Gunn’s: This upscale restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
- Soulard Farmers Market: This historic farmers market has been in operation since 1779, offering fresh produce, meats, and baked goods from local vendors.
- Vin de Set: This French-inspired bistro serves up delicious cuisine, including escargots, ratatouille, and duck confit.
The Central West End: St. Louis’ Trendy Neighborhood
The Central West End is one of St. Louis’ trendiest neighborhoods, known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and delicious restaurants. This neighborhood is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse range of cuisines to choose from.
- The Boathouse: This waterfront restaurant serves up delicious American cuisine, including burgers, salads, and seafood.
- Basso: This Italian restaurant is located in the historic Cheshire Hotel, serving up delicious pasta dishes, pizzas, and risottos.
- Brasserie by Niche: This French-inspired bistro serves up delicious cuisine, including escargots, steak frites, and duck confit.
Clayton: St. Louis’ Upscale Suburb
Clayton is an upscale suburb of St. Louis, known for its beautiful parks, upscale boutiques, and delicious restaurants. This neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, offering a range of cuisines to choose from.
- The Capital Grille: This upscale steakhouse serves up delicious dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and fine wines.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House: This popular steakhouse serves up delicious steaks, seafood, and desserts in an upscale atmosphere.
- Pastaria: This casual Italian restaurant serves up delicious pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads at affordable prices.
Delmar Loop: St. Louis’ Entertainment District
The Delmar Loop is a vibrant entertainment district in St. Louis, known for its live music venues, theaters, and delicious restaurants. This neighborhood is a great place to grab a bite to eat before or after a show.
: This casual deli serves up delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups, including their famous “Thanksgiving Sandwich.” - The Good Pie: This popular pizzeria serves up delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas, salads, and desserts.
- The Loop Ice Cream Factory: This unique ice cream shop serves up delicious homemade ice cream flavors, including seasonal flavors and vegan options.
Grand Center: St. Louis’ Arts and Culture District
Grand Center is a vibrant arts and culture district in St. Louis, known for its museums, galleries, and delicious restaurants. This neighborhood is a great place to grab a bite to eat before or after a show or exhibit.
- The Fox Theatre: This historic theater is home to a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and musicals. The Fox also has a restaurant and bar on site.
- The Grand Center Cafe: This casual cafe serves up delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups, including vegan and gluten-free options.
- Vicia: This farm-to-table restaurant serves up delicious seasonal cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Other Notable Restaurants
In addition to these neighborhoods, St. Louis has a number of other notable restaurants that are worth mentioning.
- Salt + Smoke: This popular barbecue joint serves up delicious meats, including ribs, brisket, and burnt ends.
- Pappy’s Smokehouse: This casual barbecue joint serves up delicious meats, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
- The Shaved Duck: This casual restaurant serves up delicious Asian-fusion cuisine, including Korean BBQ tacos and ramen burgers.
Food Trucks
St. Louis has a thriving food truck scene, with a variety of trucks serving up delicious cuisine throughout the city. (See Also: Where To Eat In Estepona)
- Guerrilla Street Food: This popular food truck serves up delicious Filipino-inspired cuisine, including adobo chicken and lumpia.
- The Sweet Divine: This food truck serves up delicious gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, including unique flavors like brie and fig.
- Cha Cha Chow: This food truck serves up delicious Asian-fusion cuisine, including Korean BBQ tacos and ramen burgers.
Conclusion
St. Louis is a city that’s rich in history, culture, and delicious food. From classic American comfort food to international cuisine, St. Louis has a diverse dining scene that’s sure to satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, French, or Asian cuisine, St. Louis has a restaurant that’s sure to please. So the next time you’re in St. Louis, be sure to check out some of these delicious restaurants and food trucks!
Neighborhood | Restaurant | Cuisine |
---|---|---|
The Hill | Adriana’s | Italian |
The Hill | Zia’s Restaurant | Italian |
Soulard | Annie Gunn’s | Contemporary American |
Central West End | The Boathouse | American |
Clayton | The Capital Grille | Steakhouse |
Delmar Loop | Blue City Deli | Deli |
Grand Center | Vicia | Farm-to-Table |
This table provides a summary of some of the top restaurants in St. Louis, organized by neighborhood and cuisine.
Recap
In this article, we explored the best places to eat in St. Louis, from popular restaurants to hidden gems. We covered a range of neighborhoods, including The Hill, Soulard, the Central West End, Clayton, Delmar Loop, and Grand Center. We also highlighted some of the city’s top food trucks and provided a table summarizing some of the top restaurants in St. Louis. Whether you’re a foodie or just visiting St. Louis, this guide is sure to help you find the perfect place to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in St. Louis
What are the must-try restaurants in St. Louis?
St. Louis is known for its toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and provel cheese. Some must-try restaurants include Pizzeoli Wood Fired Pizza, Salt + Smoke, and The Boathouse Forest Park. These restaurants offer a unique taste of St. Louis’ culinary scene.
Are there any good restaurants near the Gateway Arch?
Yes, there are several great restaurants near the Gateway Arch. Some popular options include The Arch View Cafe, which offers stunning views of the monument, and The Old Courthouse Restaurant, which serves up classic American cuisine. You can also try Broadway Oyster Bar for some fresh seafood. (See Also: Where To Eat In Honolulu)
What are some good breakfast spots in St. Louis?
St. Louis has plenty of delicious breakfast spots to start your day. Some popular options include Russell’s on Macklind, which serves up creative breakfast dishes, and The Original Pancake House, which offers a wide variety of pancakes and omelets. You can also try The Breakfast Club, which serves up breakfast favorites with a twist.
Are there any good restaurants in the Delmar Loop?
The Delmar Loop is a vibrant neighborhood with a variety of restaurants to choose from. Some popular options include Blue City Deli, which serves up delicious sandwiches, and The Good Pie, which offers gourmet pizza. You can also try Salt + Smoke, which has a location in the Loop and serves up delicious barbecue.
What are some good restaurants for families with kids in St. Louis?
St. Louis has plenty of family-friendly restaurants that are perfect for kids. Some popular options include Imo’s Pizza, which is a St. Louis staple, and Fitz’s Bottling Company, which serves up classic American fare and has a fun atmosphere. You can also try The Shaved Duck, which has a kids’ menu and a relaxed atmosphere.