Best Restaurants Saint Louis - Top 5 Best Places to Eat in St. Louis
St. Louis is a foodie city and they have some of the best up and coming restaurants and chefs in the country. If you’re visiting the St. Louis area or are lucky enough to call this city home, then you should definitely try some of the places on this list of the best restaurants in Saint Louis that I found during my 18 years as an adult living in the St. Louis area.
Idol Wolf Restaurant - Saint Louis Missouri
Hendels Restaurant in Florissant
Hendel’s Restaurant in Old Town Florissant feels like a warm hug and is definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in St. Lous area. We have visited Hendels for 2 out of my last 3 birthdays because I love it so much. The food, the ambiance, and the style of Hendels is what every restaurant should strive for. You feel like family when you walk in because of the superb service and homey vibes. Even though Hendel's is in Florissant, it’s listed as the number 1 restaurant in St. Louis on TripAdvisor, and for good reason. It’s a perfectly cosy restaurant with an amazing menu in the St. Louis area.
Old Town Florissant
Hendel’s is located in a historic building in old town Florissant that used to be a general store. I love the welcoming touches like the cast-iron lanterns, higher quality dishes and coffee mugs. While it’s not a fine dining restaurant, I would say it’s more of an upscale bistro and would wear attire to reflect that.
Hendels Menu
The food is what truly makes Hendel’s restaurant stand out. I still think about this pasta I had there over a year ago because it was THAT GOOD. The pasta tastes freshly made and cooked perfectly al dente. I highly recommend anything with their cream sauce- it’s amazing. Hendel’s menu changes based off the season and what is fresh so I don’t want to reference specific items. I love restaurants that update their menus and make things from scratch. I would describe Hendel’s menu as upscale modern American food. They are a perfect example of this higher caliber type of restaurant.
2. Peel Wood Fired Pizza
You might think a pizza restaurant has no business being on a “best restaurant" list, but I didn’t say fanciest restaurants. Peel Wood Fired Pizza is an elevated pizza restaurant with a great menu and is probably the restaurant we visited most while living in the Metro East. While they don’t technically have a location in St. Louis proper, there are 3 in the St. Louis area, so I think they should definitely be included.
Best Appetizers in St. Louis
The Prosciutto Involtini from Peel gets a special shout-out because it’s our favorite appetizer and we have to get it every time we eat at Peel. These prosciutto and cheese filled roll ups come with 3 dipping sauces and my mouth is watering just thinking about them. Second honorary mention goes to their apple gorgonzola salad. I am not typically a salad-ordering girlie but this salad is different. Sweet and tangy in all the right ways but still healthy and full of fiber. It’s a win-win!
3. Yemanja Brasil
Delicious appetizers, sangria with fresh muddled fruit, and fun decor? Sign me up! My husband and I always have the best time at Yemanja Brasil for dinner and drinks in St. Louis. This amazing local small business has been around for a long time but has had a rough go of it (as many small restaurants have) these past few years.
Location & Vibe
Yemanja Brasil is located in the historic Benton Park neighborhood in St. Louis. The space is so fun and welcoming with lush greenery, eclectic art, and bright décor. You will instantly be transported to the owners’ home country of Brazil. There is a surprising amount of seating for any event you may need a space for both inside and on the patio. There’s even a bar, a foosball table, and a selfie area in the upstairs event space that you could request for your event or party.
Yemanja Menu
The Brazilian menu at Yemanja Brasil is out of this world! They let us try many of their small plates and appetizers and I was truly blown away. My favorites were probably the torradinhas leme and empanadas de bife (pictured above). I also had the best sangria of my life here.
4. Idol Wolf
Idol Wolf is located inside 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis and is definitely one of the most memorable dining experiences in the city. 21c Museum Hotel is a uniquely artistic hotel with very interesting architecture and art exhibits throughout the hotel. I recommend visiting this hotel even if you don’t choose to eat at Idol Wolf but the restaurant is one of the best in St. Louis so don’t miss out!
Idol Wolf’s Menu
Idol Wolf has a Spanish style tapas menu with imaginative creations such as Coffee-rubbed Hangar Steak with Passion Fruit Brown Butter and “Chorizo” Roasted Hen of the Woods (mushrooms). I absolutely loved trying all of their tapas and sides and can’t wait to go back to try more. I love the elevated dishes served in a more casual tapas/family style manner.
5. Polite Society
Perfect for your next date night out in St. Louis, Polite Society has low lighting and delicious dishes. The book decor, vintage leather menus and exposed brick gives literary cafe vibes that I really enjoy.
Unique Seasonal Dishes
The menu at Polite Society changes with the seasons and promises fresh ingredients. While they have it on the menu, I highly recommend the Spatzle and pan seared salmon. I found the Spatzle comforting and aromatic while the salmon and its sides were inventive and fun.
Pan Seared Salmon
If I had to pick one dish to recommend at Polite Society it would be the pan seared salmon. Its sides including Chili Crisp Shiitake Rice, Miso Braised Napa Cabbage, and Black Garlic Molasses make this dish so unique and delicious.
Best Restaurants in Saint Louis
I hope this list of my top 5 places to eat in St. Louis helps you find your next culinary adventure or favorite date night restaurant in St. Louis. Follow on Instagram or join the St. Louis Restaurant and Things to Do Facebook Group for more local restaurants and things to do in the Saint Louis area.
