St. Louis, Missouri, is a city renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, offering a diverse array of dining experiences that cater to every palate. Whether you are a local or just visiting, here’s a guide to help you navigate the best restaurants in St. Louis.
Fine Dining and Global Cuisine
For those seeking an upscale dining experience, the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis is a standout. Here, you can enjoy:
Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay: This restaurant takes guests on a global culinary journey, featuring dishes inspired by Chef Ramsay’s travels. The menu includes elevated yet approachable plates, entrées, and craft cocktails. The adjacent RK Bar offers al fresco cocktails and bar bites with stunning views of the Gateway Arch[1].
Local Eats and BBQ
St. Louis is famous for its BBQ and local eateries. Here are some top recommendations:
Pappy’s Smokehouse: Known for its slow-smoked ribs, Pappy’s is a local favorite with over 4,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating. It is part of a management group that also operates Bogart’s Smokehouse and Dalie’s Smokehouse, all highly rated for their BBQ[2].
Bogart’s Smokehouse: Located in the Soulard area, Bogart’s offers another excellent BBQ experience with a 4.5-star rating and over 1,300 reviews[2].
Dalie’s Smokehouse: Though newer, Dalie’s has quickly gained a reputation as a favorite for BBQ, with a 4.7-star rating on Google and over 1,100 reviews[2].
Italian and Traditional Favorites
For a taste of Italy and traditional St. Louis cuisine:
Charlie Gitto’s On The Hill: This Italian restaurant is a St. Louis staple, known for its rich history and delicious dishes. It boasts a 4.5-star rating with over 1,000 reviews[2].
Adriana’s on The Hill: Another highly-rated Italian restaurant, Adriana’s has a perfect 5-star rating with over 270 reviews. It is praised for its authentic Italian cuisine and cozy atmosphere[2].
Other Top-Rated Restaurants
Blues City Deli: With a perfect 5-star rating and over 370 reviews, Blues City Deli is a must-visit for deli lovers. It offers a variety of sandwiches and deli items in a lively atmosphere[2].
The Fountain on Locust: Known for its unique ice cream and dining experience, The Fountain on Locust has a 4.5-star rating with over 660 reviews[2].
Salt + Smoke: This restaurant offers a blend of BBQ and contemporary American cuisine, with a 4.5-star rating and over 760 reviews[2].
Yelp and OpenTable Recommendations
According to Yelp and OpenTable reviews, other top restaurants include:
Napoli 2: An Italian restaurant in Chesterfield with a 4.9-star rating on OpenTable, known for its Spaghetti Lobster dish[5].
Annie Gunn’s: An American restaurant in Chesterfield with a 4.9-star rating on OpenTable, praised for its extensive menu and excellent service[5].
The Crossing: A French restaurant in Clayton with a 4.9-star rating on OpenTable, known for its Tagliolini and upscale dining experience[5].
Special Mentions
Topgolf Swing Suite: Located at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, this is not just a restaurant but an entertaining experience with virtual golf simulators and elevated pub fare[1].
Crown Candy Kitchen: A historic candy store and restaurant with a 4.5-star rating, known for its nostalgic charm and delicious treats[2].
Most Important Facts About the Best Restaurants in St. Louis
Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis offers globally inspired fine dining.
Pappy’s Smokehouse, Bogart’s Smokehouse, and Dalie’s Smokehouse are top-rated for BBQ.
Charlie Gitto’s On The Hill and Adriana’s on The Hill are highly recommended for Italian cuisine.
Blues City Deli and Adriana’s on The Hill are the only two restaurants with perfect 5-star ratings on the local eats list.
Napoli 2, Annie Gunn’s, and The Crossing are top-rated on OpenTable for their exceptional dining experiences.
Topgolf Swing Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis combines dining with entertainment.
Local eateries such as The Fountain on Locust and Salt + Smoke offer unique and highly-rated dining experiences.
These recommendations provide a comprehensive view of the best restaurants in St. Louis, ensuring that you can find the perfect place to suit your culinary preferences.
