Oh sweetie, you know how much I love finding new places to try! While I’ll always have a soft spot for our classic St. Louis eats (you know I can’t resist Imo’s pizza or Ted Drewes), I’ve been doing some exploring lately and discovered some absolutely wonderful spots that aren’t on every tourist list yet. These are the places my neighbors and I are talking about at book club – the ones that make us feel like we’re discovering something special right here in our own backyard.
A Taste of the World, Right Here at Home
You know what I love about St. Louis? We’ve got families from all over the world who’ve made this city their home, and thank goodness they brought their recipes with them! Here are some places that’ll make you feel like you’ve taken a little vacation without leaving Missouri.
Nixta (Botanical Heights) – Oh my stars, this place is fancy! I took my daughter here for her birthday, and we were both just amazed. It’s Mexican food, but not like the chain restaurants – this is what I call “dress-up Mexican.” Chef Ben Poremba (he’s got a few places around town) makes dishes that are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. The atmosphere is sophisticated without being stuffy, and honestly, it made me feel quite cosmopolitan! Perfect for when you want to impress your mother-in-law.
Balkan Treat Box (Webster Groves) – Now this is a success story that just warms my heart! They started as a food truck, and now look at them – they’ve got a real restaurant and everything. The owners are from Bosnia, and they make these incredible sandwiches called cevapi that my whole family has become obsessed with. The meat is so flavorful, and it comes in this warm, pillowy bread that’s just heavenly. My husband, who’s usually suspicious of anything he can’t pronounce, went back three times in one week!
Brasas (Maplewood) – Chef Andrew has another restaurant called Jalea that we love, and this one is just as good. It’s Peruvian food, which I’ll admit I didn’t know much about before trying it. But oh my goodness, the flavors! Everything is so fresh and bright – perfect for when you want something different. The ceviche is incredible if you like seafood, and even my picky teenage son found things he enjoyed.
Cate Zone Chinese Café (University City) – Don’t let the plain exterior fool you – this place is the real deal! My friend Susan, who lived in China for a few years, told me this is where she goes when she’s homesick for authentic Chinese food. They make the noodles by hand right there, and the menu is huge. Fair warning: it’s not like the sweet and sour chicken you’re used to, but it’s so much better. Go with an adventurous spirit!
Meskerem Ethiopian Cuisine (Tower Grove South) – This was definitely outside my comfort zone at first, but I’m so glad I tried it! You eat with your hands using this spongy bread to scoop up all these flavorful stews. It’s perfect for sharing – in fact, that’s how it’s meant to be eaten. The spices are incredible, and the whole experience feels like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home. My book club went there for our monthly dinner, and we had such a wonderful time.
Where the Fancy Folks Go (But We Can Too!)
Vicia (Cortex Innovation District) – This is where I go when I want to feel sophisticated! Chef Michael Gallina won a James Beard Award, which is like the Oscar for chefs. The menu changes with the seasons, and they do amazing things with vegetables – I never thought I’d be excited about cauliflower, but here we are! It’s definitely a splurge, but worth it for special occasions.
Wright’s Tavern (Clayton) – This place feels like a cozy neighborhood spot, but the food is restaurant-quality fancy. Perfect for date night when you want good food without feeling like you need to whisper. The wine list is excellent, and they do wonderful things with comfort food classics.
Olive + Oak (Webster Groves) – This has become our go-to spot for celebrations! The atmosphere is lively but not too loud, and the food is consistently excellent. They have a raw bar that my seafood-loving husband just raves about. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re having a special night out, even on a Tuesday.
Indo (Botanical Heights) – Chef Nick Bognar is quite the talent – he’s got a few places around town now. This one focuses on Japanese and Thai food, and the sushi is absolutely beautiful. It’s modern and stylish, perfect for when you want to try something new and exciting. My daughter brought her boyfriend here when she wanted to impress him!
Everyday Favorites (That Are Anything But Ordinary)
Union Loafers Cafe and Bread Bakery (Botanical Heights) – This is where I go when I want to feel like I’m in a little European café. Their bread is incredible – I always buy an extra loaf to take home. The sandwiches are amazing, and everything is made with such care. It’s become my favorite lunch spot when I’m shopping in the area.
The Shaved Duck (Tower Grove East) – Don’t let the name scare you off! This is comfort food at its finest. The duck is incredible, but they also do amazing things with pork belly and other hearty dishes. It’s cozy and warm, perfect for a cold day when you want something that’ll stick to your ribs.
The Fountain on Locust (Midtown) – This place is just delightful! It’s an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with this gorgeous art deco interior that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. But here’s the surprise – they also serve the most wonderful soups and sandwiches. The pickle soup sounds weird, but trust me, it’s amazing! Perfect for a light lunch with girlfriends.
Telva at The Ridge (Webster Groves) – This is such a unique concept – it’s inside a nursery! The food is Mediterranean and Turkish, and it’s all fresh and healthy. Perfect for brunch when you want something lighter. The setting is so pretty with all the plants around, and it feels like you’re eating in a garden.
The New Kids on the Block
Sado (The Hill) – Now this is interesting – Japanese food right in the heart of our Italian neighborhood! Chef Nick Bognar (yes, the same one from Indo) brings beautiful sushi and Japanese small plates to The Hill. It’s a testament to how our city is evolving. The food is exquisite, and the atmosphere is sleek and modern.
Idol Wolf at 21c St. Louis (Downtown West) – This restaurant is inside the art hotel downtown, and it’s got this wonderful Spanish-inspired menu. The tapas are perfect for sharing, and the cocktails are creative. It’s a great spot for when you want to feel like you’re somewhere exotic without leaving the city.
The Patisserie Chouquette (Botanical Heights) – Oh honey, if you have a sweet tooth, this is your place! They make the most beautiful French pastries and macarons. Everything looks too pretty to eat, but you absolutely must try them. Perfect for a special treat or when you want to bring something impressive to a gathering.
Side Project Pizza (Maplewood) – You know Side Project Brewing – they’re famous for their beer! Well, now they’re making pizza too, and it’s fantastic. The combinations are creative, and of course, it pairs perfectly with their beers. It’s casual and fun, great for families.
A Few Mom Tips for Your Food Adventures
Get out of your comfort zone – I know it’s tempting to stick to what you know, but some of my best discoveries have come from trying something completely different. Start with something that sounds interesting but not too scary!
Check their websites first – Hours and menus can change, especially at newer places. Save yourself a disappointing trip and check online or call ahead.
Make reservations when you can – Some of these places are small and popular with locals. A quick call can save you from waiting.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions – The staff at these places are usually passionate about their food and happy to explain dishes or make recommendations.
Try a food tour – If you want to sample several places without the planning, there are some wonderful local food tours that can introduce you to neighborhoods and dishes you might not find on your own.
The Bottom Line
What I love most about these newer spots is that they show how St. Louis is growing and changing while still keeping that warm, welcoming feeling we’re known for. These aren’t stuffy, intimidating places – they’re run by people who are passionate about sharing their food and culture with our community.
So next time you’re looking for something different, venture beyond the usual suspects. You might just discover your new favorite spot! And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one telling your friends about the next great hidden gem.
Remember, these places are still building their reputations, so be patient if things aren’t perfect. Supporting local restaurants, especially the newer ones, is one of the best ways to keep our food scene vibrant and exciting!
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