Pastaria
For the love of all things Italian and edible, Pastaria is here. James Beard award-winning Chef Gerard Craft has brilliantly merged a modern dining concept with the rich tradition of Italian cooking, and everyone’s a fan. Nothing breaks the mold here and that’s quite alright. The menu is chock full of standards like hearty minestrone, delectable pizzas, and homemade pastas, but also features left-of-center items like crispy risotto balls and roasted beet bruschetta. The full bar has got you covered, and even gluten-free diners will be well taken-care of. There’s free parking in the garage, too. Just come for high-quality Italian cuisine you can count on. Buon apetito!
THE VIBE
Modern open kitchen? Check. Soaring ceilings? Check. Satisfied foodies? Check. This trendy trattoria doesn't take reservations and the moderate prices can’t be beat, so expect a wait at times. Also to be expected: noise, but not enough to drive you away from the delicious menu of pizzas and organic pastas.
KNOWN FOR
Homemade Italian cuisine; start with the risotto balls and end with the gelato.
Peacemaker
Break out the bib and get messy. In a town not known for many seafood options, Peacemaker shines as a dependable place for oysters, shrimp boils and clam chowder. The bread comes from local favorite Companion Bakery which helps complement the poorboys and lobster rolls. We recommend starting with a dozen East Coast oysters and moving on to the po' boy of your choice. Wash this all down with their boozy slush concoctions or end the meal with a slice of delicious homemade pie.
THE VIBE
A little slice of Nantucket right here in the Midwest. A loud and bright space with exposed white brick, concrete floors and one hell of a classic rock playlist.
KNOWN FOR
Lobster rolls and the raw bar.
Reeds American Table
Some of the all-stars of the local restaurant scene came together and had a restaurant baby and its name is Reeds. The collective front of the house and back of the house expertise come together to bring about a truly wonderful dining experience. It’s American cuisine with an ode to the Midwest, with locally sourced fresh ingredients and inventive cocktails to boot. Impress a date or go with a group of friends. With a great location along the main drag in downtown Maplewood, this cozy spot packs a punch with hearty and filling portions. Don’t fall too in love with anything on the menu as sadly it changes with the seasons. The good news is something just as tasty will likely be in its place.
THE VIBE
Intimate and warm; the place can get a bit loud when crowded, which is often.
KNOWN FOR
The menu changes seasonally but get the beef cheeks if they are on the menu.
Brasserie
French cuisine, romantic string lights, outdoor café-style seating just like what you’d see in Paris…. Brasserie is perfect for a special occasion dinner or Sunday morning brunch with friends. With acclaimed chef Gerard Craft at the helm, you know you can’t go wrong. For Sunday brunch or a date with your special someone, Brasserie is one of the best bets in town. If the weather allows, request a table outside under the string lights, and enjoy some people-watching along with beautifully cooked French dishes and maybe even a bottle of champagne.
THE VIBE
Classy and romantic—that means a gold ceiling and Parisian art, but not in a corny way.
KNOWN FOR
The roasted chicken. How is it so good? Butter.
Grace Meat + Three
The evolution of chef Rick Lewis (formerly of Quincy Street Bistro and Southern) continues! Expect all your favorite Southern "meat and three" dishes with a chef's touch. This family-friendly spot in The Grove is already a St. Louis classic. There's no reason NOT to eat here. There are solid choices for everyone, vegetarians and children included, plus some delicious craft cocktails. Come in for a light meal or go all out. The world's your oyster.
THE VIBE
With huge windows on nearly every wall, Grace feels bright and welcoming, no matter where you sit. It's modern and comfortable, all at once.
KNOWN FOR
Hot chicken, a gargantuan sweet tea-brined turkey leg, and what are maybe the best ribs in STL.
Union Loafers
This café and bakery serves lunch and freshly baked bread till sold out, offering a small menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches – all of which are delicious and fresh. The cheese bread is like crack. Get it! Same goes for the Little Gem salad with bacon, and the roast beef sandwich, and the baguettes, and the...everything.
THE VIBE
Busy, but with enough tables that you shouldn’t have to wait too long. The decor is simple, but the exposed brick, industrial-style bulbs and raw wood keep it warm and friendly.
KNOWN FOR
Carbs. You really can't go wrong.
Mai Lee
This restaurant serves up some of the best Vietnamese and Chinese food in the area. Mai Lee brings all the flavors of the far east to the midwest in approachable and flavorful dishes. The menu is ten pages long (!) and full of made-to-order, flavorful dishes from the appetizers to the noodle bowls. We recommend asking the knowledgeable staff what they recommend.
THE VIBE
Contemporary and bright. There’s outdoor seating but it’s not the most scenic - the view is of a street and parking garage.
KNOWN FOR
#89 Bo Luc Lac- marinated steak cubes.
Mac’s Local Eats
Let's just cut to the chase: Mac's (located inside Tamm Avenue Grill) may have the best hamburgers in St. Louis. Think Carl's Drive-In smashed burgers made with dry aged beef, accompanied by french fries tossed in Red Hot Riplet seasoning, and all the local beers you could want. We recommend The Captain, a four-burger mountain. No, wait, we recommend the Dirty Sancho, a Southwestern bite made with pork patties. Oh god, it's too hard to pick favorites. Chris McKenzie has long been St. Louis restaurant's go-to for the best quality meats and produce in the region, and he brings that same dedication to Mac's Local Eats. Everything from the bun to the burger is the highest quality. Besides the pork and beef options, he's also got one of the finest veggie burgers in town, plus a smattering of Cajun specialities (like boudin balls) and weekly specials.
THE VIBE
Tamm Avenue was once a dive bar, but it's now...less of a dive bar. The interior has been revamped and cleaned up, making it totally family friendly (at least during the day).
KNOWN FOR
The best smashed burgers in town. Or anywhere.
