15 Great Restaurants In St. Louis (The Best Of The Midwest!)

While it might not be recognized as a culinary center on the same level as New York or Los Angeles, St. Louis boasts a number of excellent restaurants providing food you might not have known was available in the Midwest. Whether you hail from the Show-Me State or plan on visiting soon, these 15 excellent establishments are sure to have you loving the Lou!

Farmhaus

Boasting a menu that supports local, sustainable farming, Farmhaus will make both your taste buds and conscience smile. Chef Kevin Willmann’s ever-changing menus will keep you both stimulated and satisfied. Try the famous bacon-wrapped meatloaf!

Mai Lee

The crown jewel of many excellent Vietnamese restaurants in St. Louis, Mai Lee has garnered a massive customer base despite its odd location in the ground level of a Brentwood parking garage. Try a bowl of the outstanding Pho Tai, or the Banh Xeo crepes!

Niche

Niche prides itself on elevating and showcasing common, local ingredients, and we think few do it better. Lead by chef Gerard Craft, a four-time finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef award, Niche provides consistent farm-to-table excellence.

Juniper

Elevated Southern food and cocktails are all the rage with foodies at the moment, and Juniper executes that cuisine beautifully. You’ll be back for more, we guarantee it!

Taste

Whether you come for the excellent food offerings (we loved the gnudi!) or the mixology, you will leave thoroughly impressed by both. Don’t take our word for it, see for yourself!

Sugarfire Smokehouse

Lead by former Emeril Lagasse disciple Mike Johnson, Sugarfire makes a strong argument for “Best Barbecue in St. Louis” status. If you love brisket, this is the place for you.

Mission Taco Joint

Mission uses fresh ingredients to create a number of imaginative and tasty tacos, but for our money nothing beats the fried Baja Fish taco. Show up late for $2.00 tacos from 10:00 p.m. until close!

Bailey’s Range

A sister restaurant of other fantastic Bailey’s establishments (such as Small Batch and Bailey’s Chocolate Bar), Bailey’s Range uses 100% grass-fed beef to make some of the best burgers in the city from scratch.

Acero

Known for dishes like its famous Egg Raviolo, Acero strives to make beautiful, simple Italian cuisine in a comfortable setting. If pasta isn’t your thing, however, we recommend the scallops!

Grapeseed

Drawing inspiration from numerous cuisines, owner and chef Ben Anderson has fashioned a menu that is truly modern American. Shrimp and cheese grits? Yes, please!

Blood & Sand

A members-only restaurant in the heart of downtown, Blood & Sand provides elevated food, extraordinary mixology and great service for those who love the finer things. Non-members are allowed a trial visit, but we have a feeling you’ll feel enticed to sign up afterwards.

Seoul Taco/Seoul Q

OK, so we cheated here; these are actually two distinct restaurants owned by David Choi that share a space, but can you blame us? Whether Korean tacos or KBBQ and hot pot are your flavor of choice, you’ll go home happy.

Brasserie by Niche

If you want French brasserie-style offerings in St. Louis, look no further than this aptly named establishment. Located next door to sister restaurant Taste, it will give you a taste of continental Europe here in the Midwest.

Salt + Smoke

Though it opened somewhat recently in June 2014, Salt + Smoke has already established itself as a St. Louis barbecue mainstay. With over 100 Bourbon options and a strong selection of craft beers on tap, it offers plenty to drink as well. Personally, we’d show up for the popovers alone!

Hiro Asian Kitchen

Offering modern Asian fusion in a hip setting in the loft district of Washington Avenue, Hiro provides a truly excellent experience. Whether you order ramen for lunch, Beef Rendang for dinner, or show up for the excellent Sunday brunch, you’ll wonder where this place has been your whole life.