Lona's Lil Eats

This place had no business being this good. I ran into it during my travels through the state, and was excited to find a healthy spring roll joint. The spring roll was massive, and filled with all kinds of fresh veggies that cleaned my body from greasy gas station food. I didn't know STL could have fresh Asian food, but this proved me wrong and exceeded my expectations. I still dream of this place.

This is the kinda place I could eat EVERYDAY . The kale mushroom dumplings were so delicious. Service was wonderful. They have several rooms to dine in or dine outdoors . A rather vibey hipster type eatery. Loved everything .

This was my first time eating here. I wish I knew what I got bc I’ll have to get it again. the turkey was very delicious. It’s so cute and has a lot of character. My side was the spicy cucumber salad. I love that I felt full but not sluggish what so EVER!! It gave me energy. I will definitely go back.

My daughter had already had their food so I trusted her opinion on it. The neighborhood isn't the best and parking is a nightmare if you chose to dine in. We placed an order for pick up well in advance and received a confirmation of when it would be done. Arrived 5 minutes after that time and it wasn't ready yet and I had to wait for them to actually make our order even though it was after the time they said it would be ready but no real biggie other than my daughter was kind of parked in a no parking zone. We stopped at a park to eat and I ordered the Big Thai wrap and we ordered the spicy eggplant and spicy noodle salad. I for one hate cilantro so the spicy noodle salad was awful, the spicy eggplant was better but both were so spicy hot I let my daughter have both. As for my wrap..their wraps are in rice paper so they have a different appearance than other wraps you are use to. And they wrap them in saran wrap really tight so just getting to it was a challenge. It was crammed full of delicious tender slices of grilled chicken, stir fried rice and chopped salad lettuce and I enjoyed it very much. I would like to dine in some time in the future to fully experience but my initial take is it is a very eclectic place in an old building, the employees seem friendly and apologized several times for my wait and the food was good.

The food here is so good and the staff is delightful. I have not stopped thinking about the spicy tofu wrap since I had it 5 days ago. I think I will finally have to cave and drive back down here today.

As I understand, this restaurant was the catalyst to revitalizing this neighborhood and they have the James Beard award and additional accolades to prove it. I opted for a tofu noodle bowl with sesame and perhaps the sesame had too much of a vinegar quality to it, making my food tangy and acidic. It didn't balance well with the spice of the dish but overall I can tell there's some quality happening here, I just didn't order the right thing on my first go around. My friend gets the shrimp fried rice with the spicy eggplant and doesn't order anything else. I wish I'd asked for a taste but he scarfed it down like a ravenous animal. One bathroom available as the other in the 2nd dining area was locked and our table had the fried rice leftovers on my seat. They reserve tables of four for three or more people but we couldn't find a spot otherwise so our party of two sat there, we got a few looks but oh well. And they use non plastic silverware here which is a bonus. I also appreciate the Excel soda selection although I didn't get a chance to partake.

Stopped by here after a massage at Soma Therapeutic nearby and was highly satisfied. Food was great, customer service was superb, wait time was very minimal, and it gave good and laid back vibes! Would visit again; thanks Lona’s

Lona's Lil Eats is definitely worth visiting. The overall atmosphere is upbeat and homey. It definitely feels locally owned. The service was quick and portions were large. I loved how well seasoned the food was. Definitely didn't regret checking it out!

I went go Lona's after trying their dumplings at a dumpling dinner. I ordered the mushroom ones with a side of stir fried glass noodles. The dumplings here are delicious and they came out nice and hot. They come with a spicy dipping sauce that goes great with them. Service was great and employees were friendly and helpful. Food came out quickly and was nice and warm. I haven't been to Lona's since Covid, so I forgot how large the space is. There was plenty of seating. I need to go back and try the steak dumplings too, so I will def go back.

I was at Lona's Saturday night meeting a friend for dinner before heading out. Not my first visit, so I came in ready to order. I started with the Chicken Spring Rolls, and they were fantastic, especially with the extra peanut sauce. I would buy that sauce by the growler if they sold it. For my main dish, I did a build-your-own plate with grilled chicken, rice, and yes, more peanut sauce. Have I mentioned how much I love that peanut sauce? Everything was fresh and full of flavor. The vibe was great, the staff was friendly, and you could tell they enjoyed being there. I will absolutely be back. That peanut sauce will be calling my name again.

The good: Food: Plentiful and good Service: Attentive and friendly to the guests Ambiance: very simple, but OK overall The bad: They charge you an extra 3.99% if you pay with a credit card. I understand that credit card processing companies do charge the restaurant for that service. However, that is a cost of doing business and should be recuperated through the price of their product to their customers at large. That is like charging you extra if you eat-in because of the wear and tear on the light bulb the illuminates your table and because of the energy utilized by that light bulb. Or like charging a customer extra for using a napkin. Yes, they are costs to the restaurant, but all are costs of doing business. Nickle-and-diming customers is never a good idea... simply price the product so that you earn the profits you feel you need.

I totally see what the hype is all about! The giant rice paper wraps are amazing, especially for people who might be on a gluten free diet or a low carb diet. It's not exactly the most fanciest of places, but they have plenty of seating inside and outside, and the countertop service is really quick and easy. They don't accept cash, so make sure you come prepared. The neighborhood doesn't seem that nice, but be vigilant, especially in the dark, and you'll be fine. There's plenty of free street parking, which is a plus!

Lona's is amazing! The wraps are huge & straight up delicious. I had the big Thai and it had so much flavor all in one wrap - absolutely incredible! I think it would be easier to eat without the greens but they're a great addition to the overall taste. I enjoyed the spicy cucumber salad as my side but the person I was with had glass noodles and those were out of this world. The entire restaurant is so cozy and everyone there seemed so genuinely kind! I cannot wait to go back!

I'm always impressed by Lonas. This time I got steak bowl with Lona Q sauce. The cabbage was excellent today and cooked so well. I was a little thrown off by the cold steak, i was expecting it to be warm but it still tasted good! My all time favorite thing is their pineapple cookies. I want that recipe!

The grilled fish at Loan's Lil Eats exemplifies high quality, making it clear what good fish should be. The smoked turkey wrap had a nice smoky flavor without being dry; the rest of the ingredients were fresh, and Lona's sauce was perfect. The cilantro and all veggies were delicious, were delish pulled everything together - simple ingredients appropriately executed. Portions are generous for the price point, and I added spring rolls, which came out fresh with mint and basil you could actually taste. Service was quick and friendly, with the owner clearly running a tight operation. The space is clean, and there's room to sit. They also have takeout.

We placed a catering order from Lona's Lil Eats for work, and the experience was fantastic from start to finish. The staff was extremely helpful in setting everything up and making sure we had more than enough food with their 10 for 10 deal it fed us all and then some! Everything was absolutely delicious. The smoked brisket was a standout, especially with their incredible smoked sauce (I even made a salad out of it and loved every bite). The spicy cucumbers definitely pack some heat, so if you're sensitive to spice be prepared but they were still so flavorful and worth it. On top of the great food, the delivery was seamless and stress-free. Overall, superb experience and we'll definitely be ordering again.

Had no idea what I was craving on a saturday evening. Enter Lona's lil eats--my Savior. I was feeling something that would be both sweet and spicy, this delivered big time. This quaint little eatery is serving up some insane bites for all who enter. Perfect for a casual date night, take out. The mushroom dumplings were amazing. Packed with umami, and then boom! More umami! So delicious. The spicy sauce was great as well. The brisket wrap in the rice paper was so good. A bit smoky, good crunch from the greens. What tied everything together was that vinaigrette. A bit acidic, a bit spicy, and the perfect companion to the fatty brisket. I loved the rice paper wraps. Super light, but a great texture. Cannot wait to get back, i have heard rumors their peanut sauce is to die for. Well, i am willing to die for it!

I'm a sucker for some spring rolls. This is a spring roll lovers heaven! We got two order of the (3) spring rolls - chicken and steak. Both super yummy and bite size. Perfect appetizer. I wish I got one of the wraps. They are HUGE and look sooooo good. Next time! My daughter got the kids meal with chicken and stir fry glass noodles. They did have a kick to them. I would say it's spicy for a kids dish. But if your kid likes spice I'm sure they would love it! I ended up eating her noodles and they were DELICIOUS. I got her a side of rice because it was a 50/50 whether she would eat the noodles haha. She loved the rice and chicken. The shop was busy. We went around 1:30pm. Good line and pretty good wait. The kitchen as backed up. I wish they were on door dash for quick pick up. They do offer online ordering through their own sight tho if that is something you want. Service was good and everyone was friendly. The staff were constantly bringing out dishes and busing tables. For as busy as they are, they are quick with service. 10/10 I will be back and I will be getting one of those big wraps! I also saw they have hot tea by the pot! If we weren't getting it to go, I would of got one

This is the kinda place I could eat EVERYDAY . The kale mushroom dumplings were so delicious. Service was wonderful. They have several rooms to dine in or dine outdoors . A rather vibey hipster type eatery. Loved everything .

Lona's Lil Eats is a wonderful restaurant in the historic Fox Park neighborhood, featuring Victorian and Second Empire architecture. It is just south of Downtown St. Louis. Lona's Lil Eats received many different awards and nominations. I enjoyed the giant rice paper wrap with a side of spicy eggplant. The wrap can be customized as you wish. Ingredients are fresh and flavorful. The food presentation is nicely done.

Always so good! It's been years since I've gone since I moved away for a few years. The flavors and food are still as tasty as I remember it. If anything, things might even be better! Service is top notch, answering questions knowledgeably and in a friendly manner. It's the perfect neighborhood haunt and place to meet up with old friends! Lots of gluten free options, too!

Lona's is a go to spot for me. Been going for awhile now and they are constantly good. Service always on point, helpful with suggestions. So here's my go to order: Rice paper wrap with shrimp, jasmine rice, lettuce mix with Lona-Q sauce on the side. And the spicy noodle salad is a must. The wraps are filling, love pouring that Lona-Q sauce on with each bite. Nice size shrimp & a good amount paired with perfectly cooked jasmine rice & a fresh crunchy lettuce mix. I need the recipe for that spicy noodle salad. So simple yet so good! Spicy noodles mixed with pieces of purple cabbage, carrots, cilantro & peanuts. Gotta finish with one of their delicious crispy outer, soft & chewy center pineapple coconut cookies. Lona's will continue to be a favorite of mine!

We came here on a cold winter day, and I am still thinking about the village bamboo stew which warmed me right up. I built my own rice paper wrap with grilled chicken, stir fried glass noodles, and Lona-q sauce. I like that it was a huge portion and also includes a side--I got the village bamboo stew which was so flavorful, tangy, and hearty. I would totally order a big bowl of that stew. My cousin got a spicy tofu noodle rice paper wrap and the spicy eggplant side. I tried some of the spicy eggplant and it was delicious, had a great texture, and wasn't too spicy. Lona's always has great flavors in the wraps and stir-fried noodles. We will be back when we're in the area!

Very yummy food, was happy to have vegetarian options THOUGH would like to see more proteins than tofu. Enjoyed the flexibility in choosing each ingredient. Atmosphere was cute, 2 floors with some tables and picnic tables outside. Staff was super friendly and welcoming

I love this place. I used to live close by and order more regularly but since moving away it's become more of a treat. Was in the area and ordered pick-up. I ordered their half/half dumpling order, shrimp plate with eggplant, and the brisket wrap with village bamboo stew. It was so good! Loved the portions, quality and flavor. The service was great and we were greeted very kindly. Although we didn't eat inside it was just a welcoming and beautiful as I remember. The front/entrance looked so good.

A Go To Spot My wife and I love Lona's. It's been a go to for years. Amazing flavor combinations and food that leaves you feeling good ...like healthy lol. This place is always friendly and has a great dive feel. We love the patio especially on a beautiful evening! It's hard to make a bad move with the menu but I will advise that the spicy items build on each other and can really get you if you're not ready for it. I'm not saying don't order spicy items I'm just saying I got the spicy sauce, spicy egg plant and spicy something... lol and I needed a little water. Also, I will order those again! So good!

I have had this spot on my list for what feels like forever and I am so glad that I was finally able to try it! The rice spicy tofu wrap was truly phenomenal. The staff were unbelievably kind while I picked up my take out and the patio looked like it would be amazing to sit out on tonight! I will absolutely be back soon!!

My son and I stopped in for lunch at Lona's today, and I'm glad we did! The restaurant is not fancy, but that adds to it's charm. All the staff were very friendly and attentive, and they were very helpful with the ordering process. They have a variety of Asian fusion dishes to pick from. I had the Sautéed Shrimp with glass noodles and peanut sauce. The dish is spicy but not overpowering. Very tasty! I also had the Spicy Cucumbers and Spring Rolls, both of which were well made and seasoned perfectly. Highly recommended!

Everything was so incredibly fresh, flavorful, and delicious. Definitely be sure to ask for their spicy peanut sauce when ordering. Favorite dishes: Big Thai wrap, dumplings

Food: Serving portions are big for the wraps. The food is very flavorable and the sauces were good. Service: Very polite over the phone and people inside were very attentive. Ambiance: Quiet place, surrounding area might be a little intimidating for some people but the food is good. I would come back again.

I got a rice paper wrap with chicken, stir fry glass noodles, and spicy sesame sauce, as well as a side of spicy cucumber. It was all so spicy and wonderful! Total came out to $17 (including tip), and portion was decently sized, like a normal burrito size. Cashier was helpful in helping me select what to order - always appreciated!

Love the food here . It's so flavorful and adaptable . The rice paper rolls ( spring rolls ) and the bowls are fantastic. Also the eggplant, so spicy and delicious !! The ambience is casual with outdoor and indoor seating . Service is quick and casual . Have eaten here forever and will 100% continue to do so !

Lona's Lil Eats: I love stopping in here for lunch, very close to Fox Park. They normally to get busy between takeout and dine in orders so be patient - the food is all very fresh and made to order, so it does take some time (or at least did for us this time). My friend and I both got the build your own options - they have an option for spicy and non-spicy tofu, the stir fried noodles are not super spicy but very flavorful, and the glass burritos are packed with fresh greens/salad. I got the Lime-Ginger Peanut Sauce - VERY good! Usually I get the spicy sesame, but I am glad I branched out this time! I also got a side of the spicy cucumber which was delicious - refreshing and not too spicy. Lona's is counter serve and then you can find a spot to sit, we love it!

Fantastic food always! Such unique items like the bamboo stew and spicy eggplant. I highly recommend this place!

We love Lona's. You will love Lona's. I promise. Be brave and try a new taste combo, but sample the spiciness before, or get it on the side. Really delicious and spicy!

Never a bad meal! Prices and atmosphere are great. Get any of their wrap and you won't be disappointed. I especially like the spicy Thai wrap.

After a very long flight from California my cousin who's been raving about this place suggested we pick up some Wraps. I ordered the Grilled Chicken Wrap (size of a burrito) which included a side of Glass Noodles. I also ordered 3 Steak SpringRolls. We picked up the order curbside. As soon as I got settled in at home I dug into my meal. My goodness EVERYTHING was so delicious even the that peanut sauce. Before I return back to California I will definitely order another Wrap to take back California

We came by here for a quick dinner. The restaurant was a little cute place, and while we had a park a few blocks away to walk over, it wasn't bad of a walk. I got the 5-star sampler, and overall, was left feeling pretty disappointed. I tried 5 different proteins, but none of them seemed to hit right. The chicken was slightly dry, the beef wasn't as tender as it could've been, and the turkey was also dry and not as smokey as I hoped. None of the flavor balances really was blending as well together as it could've been. I felt like every flavor was trying to fight for the spotlight, leaving a very disharmonious experience in my mouth. Usually, while sometimes, I can let that go, none of the flavors that did win out over the others seemed to be spectacular in my opinion, more average tasting. While usually I can let this go if there are other redeem qualities, I really couldn't find any with this place. There was no texture contrast throughout the whole dish. The sauces themselves didn't really help improve the experience at all. Overall, while the vibes here were good and the waitstaff were very nice, the food itself was subpar. I likely won't return. Overall 2/5 stars.

It's sooo fresh and delicious! I was very impressed by the flavors and freshness. I loved being here with my wife. I only wish it were closer!

Good food and cute location. It's perfect for before or after a trip to the Botanical Garden or Tower Grove Park.

I visited this place while visiting STL. I loved it! First time going, so I had many questions. The staff were sooo very helpful with their recommendations. They have outside and inside seating. We chose outside and with outdoors comes bugs, so be mindful. The food was very good. It came out super fast. My favorite thing I tired were the mushroom dumplings, I'd definitely recommend those. It was such a cute little vibe inside, so much art on the walls and very vibrant decor. Loved it here, will be back in my next STL visit.

What a darling local hangout! There are lots of choices from vegan to carnivore, spicy or not, glass noodles or stirfry rice. The lines can grow long, but it moves fast. This place is obviously a mecca for everyone. There are a few tables downstairs, but there is another room past a flight of steps, with more room to enjoy your meal. The cashier was incredibly kind and patient, and took time to explain things to my elderly aunt. Diners get a great deal for the price paid! Parking was free , but in a residential area. It was my first time here, and it will not be the last! I got the spicy tofu rice paper roll with glass noodles and the smoked vinaigrette. It was large, and delicious, but not spicy! It came with a salad that had a peanut dressing, also not spicy. We also shared spicy Eggplant, which was very spicy, and Mushroom dumplings. The dumplings weren't spicy, but the chili oil dipping sauce had heat!

Lona's Lil Eats was busy when we went for dinner. Located in a historic part of Saint Louis on the corner, there was ample street parking available. But be aware that the places next to the restaurant are marked for 'curb pick up.' The food was excellently prepared with an eye to flavor and freshness. I truly enjoyed all my selections. However, my mouth was on fire from the sauces to the point of tears streaming down my cheeks. A compassionate employee went and found me a dish of white rice that went far to calm the heat I was experiencing. Their website does take table reservations, however they were not necessary when we arrived as there were numerous tables available. Entry is at the front of the building and a line forms on the side of a room to a cashier. There are signs with the day's offerings. Dining can be on that same level inside, or up about five stairs to another level. There was also outside dining which looked very inviting as Lona's is located on a quiet street. I truly enjoyed the experience. Staff were wonderful, food excellent. It was unfortunate that my mouth was disagreeing with my selection. However there are a number of other sauces that do not carry the heat that I would be willing to try on a return visit.

I tried the brisket fried rice and went with the larger portion, as recommended by the cashier. It was a good-sized meal, and adding the spicy sauce really elevated the dish--that's what made it stand out. The brisket itself was decent, and the overall experience was solid for a quick local bite. While it didn't blow me away, I wasn't disappointed either. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area!

My #1 favorite spot in St. Louis!! This place is so unique and fresh and delicious I love it so much. I live about 15 min away but get it almost every week still. It's my go to place for sure. They have such great service and the vibe is very casual. It's great for a little date night, hanging out with friends, or even picking it up to go. I get the big Thai chicken wrap every time and it never fails to hit the spot. I recommend this to anyone and everyone for sure. I've never found anything like it anywhere in the states (trust me I've looked)! Not everyone likes rice paper wraps because of their texture but I recommend giving it a shot :) The only thing is the wraps won't stay good in the fridge because the fridge dries out the rice paper so they have to be eaten fresh!!

I struggle to find a single thing negative to say about Lona's. The people and food here are both amazing. The brisket wrap will forever live in the back of my head for being the perfect mix of fresh and hearty. The spicy eggplant is a 10/10 for me, just know it can have a bit of a kick. The patio is solid and the interior is fun. If you're in the area this should be at the top of your list.

I can't believe it's taken me so long to write a review for Lona's! Whenever I'm in St. Louis, I come here at least 3 times a week. The food is fast, healthy, and delicious, served in a comfortable and colorful environment by friendly people! Lona's is such a unique place that it can be hard to describe; I've really never been anywhere like it. The food is Asian fusion with Lona's own creative twist. I usually go for the build your own plate with tofu, and the delicious mushroom dumplings. Seriously, these dumplings are off the charts. My food is always out within a few minutes of ordering, so it's a good place to go if you're short on time. There's plenty of seating both inside and out. You order at the cash register, take a number, and someone brings out your food when it's ready. It's a great system that works well even when they're busy. I can't say enough great things about Lona's-- don't miss them if you're in St. Louis!

Unique, flavor-packed bite that keeps you wanting more! Environment: We ordered takeout at this visit. Order at the counter and grab a seat and the really friendly staff will bring the food to you. They have a lot of great options to choose from and the staff is very knowledgeable about each option, catered to specific dietary needs... an aspect that made this experience a lot better. Despite the food ordering model, the staff is also evidently very attentive to other patrons dining in which was a pleasant surprise. Food: I got my go to order, the rice paper wrap with stir fried rice, spicy tofu, and spicy peanut sauce. The heat is mild to medium, definitely nothing to be shy of trying even if you don't have a good tolerance. I've tried the chicken as well, but the tofu is so much more flavorful and spiced... almost as if it is their signature. All of their sides are very good as well, it's a shame you only get to choose one. My side dish was the stirfry glass noodles which were light, but carried and authentic taste. The rice paper wrap is a stand out because of the flavors they're able to pack while mellowing it out with some fresh green creating a wonderful refreshing balance. However, it would have been nice to see the greens dressed in the sauce because it felt a little bit lacking when you get a bite of only the greens. Regardless, this place is fantastic for warm spring or a hot summer day!! Rating: 4/5, great service, and very unique, great tasting food. There's a reason why this restaurant is a STL staple and I recommend that everyone try it at least once!!! It easily falls in my top 10 in St. Louis for quick lunch bites.

I guess this is an update to my numerous reviews of Lona's Lil Eats. As usual the food is excellent, and the service is quick. There's usually very interesting music playing in the background that seems to change from day today. If you're a vegetarian or would like to try a little less meat in your diet, I highly recommend the spicy tofu wrap. They also, if you're lucky have coconut, pineapple cookies, and really flavorful chocolate brownies for dessert.

Why haven't I been here sooner???! I love when the owner is present in their establishment. Shows that they really love the place and pay attention to their patrons. The person that helped me really knew what they were talking about and recommended things for me to get. A seasoned pro when it came to the menu and knew what was in everything, asked if I had any allergies or dietary restrictions. Please come here if you have allergies and dietary restrictions, they pay so much attention to detail and the menu labels everything so you know what things you can and can't get. Food is yummy. Will come back for sure.

This will always be one of my favorites! The big Thai chicken wrap is so good, the eggplant is so spicy, the meat choices are all great, the dishes can be made to order. Supporting this business is important! It's a gem!

First time visiting and was very satisfied with our experience. The staff was very friendly helping us order our first time and I enjoyed ordering then sitting to have our food brought out. The eggplant app was delicious and the wrap was huge! Nice cozy environment with a few outside seats. Will be returning soon!

Used to be a pretty solid place. Was on my classic dinner rotation to go to atleast once a month. I have gone 3 times the past few months and quality has really dipped. Takes longer to get food and portions are laughably small. They are really emphasizing the lil in Lona's lil eats. Almost about half the portion they used to be. Here is a picture of my $25 meal this week. Normal spoon size for reference.

I really wanted to love this place based on others reviews, but it didn't live up to the hype in my opinion. Customer service is excellent and everyone was friendly. My issue is the saltiness of the food. It overpowered the natural flavor. Same issue with the cucumber salad. The kids chicken and rice noodles deserve a 4/5 because it had a sweet teriyaki style sauce. If you want to try it out, I recommend not getting the spicy noodles or the spicy sauce. Again, too much salt.

Plenty of vegetarian options, I made my own spring roll with tofu, stir fried noodles, and peanut sauce on the side. The sauce was thinner than expected but very flavorful. The roll is hard to eat as it starts to fall apart so I was glad I was eating in the comfort of my own home lol, next time I might opt for a bowl. The spicy cucumber salad is amazing would definitely get again. Servers are very friendly, cute spot in the middle of a more residential area.

Lona's is a top tier place. They have some of the best food in the St Louis area. I am never disappointed going there. Please is always clean. Service is fast!

Came her for dinner last night! The place is so close and we love it here! The food is always amazing and staff are great! I get the rice, tofu plate with peanut sauce and cucumber salad as the side! It never disappoints. Serving sizes are big and it's still just as good for leftovers. Which is why we keep coming back. Laid back ambiance, great place to catch up with friends or swing by for quick dinner pick up! Never disappoints