Best Restaurants in St. Louis (2025)

Nick Bognar’s elegant sushi house is a city touchstone—meticulous nigiri, inventive small plates, and a dining room that hums. Named No. 1 by Post-Dispatch critic Ian Froeb in 2025 and celebrated by national editors, it’s a must for special nights.

Bognar’s other hit leans Southeast Asian—bright, balanced flavors, pristine fish, and considered cocktails. Recognized by Esquire and praised on Eater’s citywide list, it remains one of the most consistently exciting dining rooms in town.

The Gallinas’ vegetable-forward flagship showcases live-fire cooking and Midwestern sourcing with polish and warmth. Frequently honored by local critics and national outlets, it’s the city’s benchmark for seasonal, thoughtful dining.

Matt McGuire’s Italian-leaning spot is beloved for wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and an upbeat room that runs like clockwork. Voted Best Restaurant by Riverfront Times, it’s where many locals take out-of-towners to understand St. Louis hospitality.

Steven Pursley’s ramen shop makes its own noodles and draws nightly lines. He’s a Food & Wine Best New Chef; Post-Dispatch also highlighted the shop after Yelp ranked it No. 2 in America in 2024. Slurp at the counter—no takeout.

A polished neighborhood steakhouse from veteran restaurateurs, with textbook Caesars, impeccable fries, and expertly cooked steaks. Lauded by local critics for precise cooking and gracious service, it’s classic done right.

Ben Poremba’s vibrant Mexican-inspired restaurant returned to the Delmar Maker District in 2025 with ceviches, aguachiles, and a lively bar program. Covered extensively by St. Louis Magazine, it remains a celebratory, flavor-forward staple.

Opened in 1985 and credited as the city’s first Vietnamese restaurant, Mai Lee is still essential—think salt-and-pepper calamari, pho, and canh chua. Celebrated in recent features by St. Louis Magazine and praised by Sauce’s editors.

From food truck roots to wood-fired breads and ćevapi, this Webster Groves favorite captures Balkan flavors with heart. Chef Loryn Nalic is a 2025 James Beard finalist, and local critics regularly tout the shop’s expanded hours and specials.

A bakery-café with cult breads, standout sandwiches, and some of the city’s favorite pizzas. A fixture on local best-of lists and recommended by national writers, it’s a delicious snapshot of Botanical Heights’ food culture.

A modern neighborhood restaurant with seasonal plates, a thoughtful wine list, and an easy, celebratory vibe. Frequently praised by local critics, it anchors Fox Park’s dining scene and rewards both casual nights and date-night plans.

One of Missouri’s few Afghan kitchens, Sameem enriches The Grove with manta dumplings, qabuli pulao, and charcoal-grilled kebabs. Spotlighted by Southern Living and long respected by local guides, it’s a soulful, community-rooted staple.