St. Louis might be known for its iconic Gateway Arch, but it’s also a treasure trove for food enthusiasts. If you’re a foodie or a travel enthusiast eager to explore unique dining experiences, this cool places to eat in St. Louis guide will take you on a journey through some great local eateries. Each establishment offers a distinct flavor and story, from artisanal pizzas to gourmet tacos.

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Casa Don Alfonso at Ritz Carlton
Casa Don Alfonso brings a touch of refined elegance to St. Louis dining. Situated in the Ritz Carlton, this chef-inspired restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Signature dishes include the Neapolitan-style pizza and the decadent pasta alla Genovese, each crafted with care and tradition. On a recent visit, I enjoyed lunch-size portions of several items, and topping the list were fresh lettuce salad (Greek feta, dried figs, and apricots) and the braised beef ravioli with a ricotta sauce. Perfection!
Indeed, everything at Casa Don Alfonso is special—from the bread and serving ware to the professional customer service and creative drink menu. I feel like “and a good time was had by all” finishes each meal here. I’m penciling in time for the brunch buffet on my next visit.

Urban Chestnut
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company stands out for its homage to European-style beers and its innovative menu. The brewery’s German-inspired dishes, like the Bavarian pretzels and schnitzel sandwiches, perfectly complement their meticulously crafted lagers and ales. A highlight here is the Midtown Biergarten, an outdoor dog-friendly space that makes for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.

What’s good? The burgers are awesome, but you do have the Companion Pretzels with whole grain mustard and yummy UCBC Zwickel beer cheese sauce to whet your appetite.
Fun Fact: Brass Burger (Niche Food Group) will serve Brass Burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, shoestring fries, and more at its Midtown location this summer.

Sugarfire 44
Sugarfire 44 has earned a reputation for its mouthwatering barbecue, but it’s also a cool place to eat in St. Louis while watching sports and meeting up with friends. Start with the pork belly hush puppies. Mains include ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and turkey, while enticing sides are baked beans, slaw, and potato salad.
My favorite thing about Sugarfire is the variety of sauces, from Alabama white BBQ and coffee BBQ to Carolina mustard and honey badger.

Each visit promises something new, thanks to their rotating daily specials, which often feature unique combinations like brisket cheesesteak. Save room for a slice of Sugarfire Pie, an exceptional sweet treat, or enjoy a creamy milkshake —boozy options are also available.
Sugarfire 44 boasts the 2018 Best Sandwich in the World title from the World Food Championships.

Want more to do in Missouri? This fascinating state is filled with cool things to see and do. Check out offerings in Springfield, Columbia, and along Route 66.
Idol Wolf at 21C Museum Hotel
Located within the eclectic 21C Museum Hotel, Idol Wolf and Executive Chef Matthew Daughaday offer a fusion of Spanish and Latin American cuisine. The tapas-style menu allows diners to sample various dishes, with highlights including patatas bravas, Spanish cheese board, and chorizo-stuffed dates.
The ambiance and contemporary art installations throughout the restaurant make every visit a feast for both the eyes and the palate. If paella is in your wheelhouse, it is a very tasty work of art, loaded with squid, shrimp, mussels, and smoked paprika. My favorite dish was the Roasted Cauliflower with almonds, cashews, pipits, and sesame seeds.

If you are lucky enough to sit in Idol Wolf’s private dining room, as I was, you’ll feel like a queen who has arrived for a special coronation. Pay attention to the cocktail and zero-proof libations menu; it is righteous.
Fun Fact: Idol Wolf has a decadent weekend brunch.

Learn more about 21C Museum Hotels in this post.
Katie’s Pizza and Pasta
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta is a beloved local family-owned and operated award-winning gem that focuses on a modern interpretation of classic Italian dishes. Everything is homemade, so you can’t go wrong with any pasta dishes or pizzas (Ezzo pepperoni with wildflower honey is the best seller!), which could easily transport you directly to Italy. It is easily tops the list of cool places to eat in St. Louis.

My favorite pasta was the Lemon Paccheri with lemon butter, charred cauliflower, cream, and pistachios. The appetizers (burrata with blood orange chutney!) and salads are just as appealing. The best dish of my St. Louis travels is (hands down) the Famous Fried Artichoke Salad, every bit as delicious as it is creative, with asparagus, spring greens, pistachio, and Beetle Farms goat cheese.

You can order this plus a lunch portion of the Lemon Paccheri (or a few other pasta dishes) for the lunch special, which is highly affordable.
There are three locations of Katie’s Pizza & Pasta, with Ballpark Village being my pick and super easy to access. Want more of Katie’s? Take it home from the frozen section grab-and-go options.

Mission Taco Joint
Mission Taco Joint puts a creative spin on the traditional “street tacos wrapped in a West Coast experience,” as they describe it. Their tacos, like the Baja Fish, made with beer-battered mahi-mahi, pico, queso, and cabbage slaw, are a hit among locals, plus they stack neatly in the silver taco racks.

My top picks for tacos are the hot fried chicken and spicy chorizo with grilled pineapple pico and pickled jalapeños.
It’s hard to say no to the array of Mission Taco Joint’s apps, like the Dip Trip (guac, fire-roasted poblano salsa, and queso con cerveza), chicken flautas, beef empanadas, and Mexican street corn fritters. The laid-back vibe and colorful decor make this an ideal spot for a casual yet memorable meal. Check out the margaritas and Tiki drinks — I think they are the best in St. Louis.

Rigazzi’s
Serving the best Italian food on The Hill, Rigazzi’s has been delighting palates and patrons since 1957. I loved the decor, with plenty to look at, including famous guests who have visited, namely Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini).

Whether you choose pasta, pizza, or a honkin’ big sandwich, they are all sure to please. I visited with my friends Sue and Kevin McCarthy, who live nearby. I had the full-on Welcome to St. Louis experience, starting with classic toasted ravioli and the signature cheese bread made with local Provel, salty and smoky gooey goodness.
For my main course, I chose the Northern Italian Delight, a generous half portion of cannelloni and manicotti. Rigazzi’s red sauce is smoky. I wasn’t expecting that, but it sure is good.
Please note: Rigazzi’s is closed on Sunday.

Condado Tacos
I first discovered Condado Tacos in Pittsburgh, PA. It is a vibrant spot known for its build-your-own-taco concept. You can create a taco precisely to your liking with an extensive list of fresh ingredients and house-made sauces.
I found happiness in a creamy horchata and the Three Buds appetizer (choice of three dips —five kinds of queso, Mexican street corn, four guac, and three salsas — and house-made chips to share)

Condado’s “Lucy’s Fire” taco, filled with roasted chicken, lettuce, smoked cheddar, corn salsa, and cilantro-lime aioli, is a must-try for those who love a bit of heat. Bad Habit, with tequila lime steak, rice, queso, and habanero-mango sauce is another. Vegetarian? No worries, there are plenty of options including plant based taco creations.
Salt + Smoke
For those who crave traditional Southern barbecue with a modern twist, Salt + Smoke is the place to be to make your mouth water. Their brisket burnt ends are legendary, offering a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors.

And who could pass on the specialty toasted raviolis for starters? I had burnt end ravs on my first visit, and pimento cheese ravs on the second. Yummy with a capital Y. Hush puppies with maple butter and deviled eggs with bacon are show stoppers, too.
Unlike the usual bbq menu, I am gaga over two options offered here that break the mold: Fried Jalapeño + Cheddar Bologna and Pulled Chicken Sandwich with pimento cheese and street corn relish. Pair either with the white cheddar cracker mac or the sweet pepper potato salad. Mmm, mmm, good.

Salt + Smoke’s award-winning extensive whiskey list also provides the ideal pairing for their rich, hearty dishes. There are three locations of Salt + Smoke in St. Louis. Kudos for having gluten-free and allergen menus.
Chase Park Plaza Hotel
The historic Chase Park Plaza Hotel has two great restaurants inside, one I enjoyed for lunch and the other for dinner and breakfast.
Elegance meets innovation at The Preston. Its menu features contemporary American dishes with international influences for breakfast and dinner. Dinner standouts are the lobster or mushroom bisque, steak au poivre, and Croque Monsier.

This intimate upscale dining spot offers a refined atmosphere perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated night out. You’ll approve of the craft beer choices and curated wine selection.
Lunch at the Chase Club is sensational! This casual with an upscale sports bar feel restaurant is a popular spot on the Central West end of St. Louis.
The crispy fried calamari is a big hit, while the jalapeño creamed corn (on a ton of St. Louis menus) was my favorite part of the meal. Try the Birdie Burger chicken patty sandwich with fontina cheese and sweet & spicy slaw, or go directly for the comfort food dish that will make you moan— the short rib Mac & cheese, dripping with aged white cheddar. Dear goodness it is amazing!

Clementine’s
We can’t miss the best dessert stop in St. Louis, at least for ice cream and crazy flavor combinations that work nicely. Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery offers a delightful indulgence with its small-batch, handcrafted ice creams. Known for using natural, high-quality ingredients, many from local breweries, bakeries, and farms, they offer both alcohol-infused “naughty” flavors and classic “nice” options.
A standout is the gooey butter cake ice cream, a nod to a St. Louis specialty that’s as decadent as it sounds. Clementine’s wins best vegan ice cream in the world with flavors like tahini chocolate chip and lemon poppyseed.

St. Louis is brimming with culinary hotspots that cater to every taste and preference. Embark on your own culinary journey and discover the flavors of St. Louis today!