The 32 Essential St. Louis Restaurants

"For over 20 years, the Grill at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis created a rather sober atmosphere with dark, walnut-paneled walls, austere oil paintings, and tuxedo-decked servers. After a massive renovation in 2021, the Grill was replaced by the new, light-filled restaurant, Casa Don Alfonso, the (highly anticipated) first U.S. restaurant from Italian Michelin-starred restaurateur Mario Iaccarino. The menu is a romantic homage to family and the culinary traditions of Italy’s Campania region. The tagliatelle with shrimp is sauced in a creamless bisque made from slow-cooking the shells and heads, while zuppe is seasoned and served tableside. Entrees, like the cod with potatoes and fennel salad and the Berkshire pork braciola stuffed with raisins, pine nuts, and herbs, are uncluttered, highlighting the flavors coaxed from ingredients flown in from every corner of the globe. If you want to pair your dinner with the perfect wine, the sommelier will help you navigate the restaurant’s curated list of 3,000 bottles. While the servers have retired their tuxedos, the Ritz-Carlton still shines when it comes to service, thanks to the attentive staff and the endearing general manager, Alen Tanovic, who quietly checks on every table." - Holly Fann