The Best Restaurants to try in St. Louis (Local Picks from STL Tour Guide Lady)
- Star Houze
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you’re searching for the best restaurants in St. Louis, you’re in the right place. As the STL Tour Guide Lady, I spend my days and nights exploring the city — not just the attractions and landmarks, but the flavors that make St. Louis unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or you’re a local looking for your next favorite spot, this guide covers some of the best places to eat in St. Louis right now.
The Stellar Hog (Holly Hills)
You cannot talk about food in St. Louis without talking about BBQ.
The Stellar Hog award willing ribs that melt in your mouth.
What to order:
Melt in your mouth ribs
Brisket
Creamy Cabbage
Tourist tip: Expect a line — but trust me, it moves fast and it’s worth it.
Blood and Sand (Downtown)
If you're looking for a sophisticated dining experience in St. Louis, Blood and Sand is a must visit spot for locals and visitors. This upscale restaurant is known for its intimate atmosphere, chef-driven tasting menus, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Why I recommend it:
Elevated seasonal tasting menus
Curated wine pairings
Upscale downtown vibe
Tourist tip: Perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, date night.
The Gramophone (The Grove)
When the night is strikes 10pm and you're still hungry, The Gramophone is the move.
Located in The Grove, this late-night sandwich shop and bar is known for creative, hit the spot sandwiches and music-driven vibe.
Why I recommend it:
Kitchen open late
Huge, creative sandwich menu
Rotating craft beer selection
Casual, fun atmosphere
What to order:
The Jive
The Meatball
Tourist Tip: It’s one of the best spots for late-night eats in St. Louis — especially after concerts and late-night events.
hatch’d STL (Princeton Heights)
If brunch is your love language, hatch’d STL needs to be on your list.
Located downtown, hatch’d is known for bold breakfast flavors, creative twists on classic dishes, and a fun, upbeat atmosphere. Whether you’re fueling up before exploring the city or recovering after a late night out, this spot delivers.
Why it stands out:
Delicious omelets and brunch classics
Loaded breakfast sandwiches
Lively weekend vibe
What to order:
I Now Pronounce You, Chicken and Waffle
Specialty pancakes
Tourist tip: Perfect for weekend brunch dates, girls day out, solo brunch
801 Fish (Clayton)
If you’re craving premium seafood in St. Louis, 801 Fish delivers an upscale dining experience that feels polished from start to finish. Located in Clayton, this elevated seafood restaurant is known for fresh oysters, expertly prepared fish, and an impressive wine and cocktail menu. The atmosphere is swanky yet comfortable — making it a standout choice for elegant evenings in the city.
Why it stands out:
Fresh seafood flown in daily
Raw bar and oyster selection
Elevated steak and seafood combinations
Refined downtown atmosphere
What to order:
Fresh oysters
Crab Cakes
Lobster mac & cheese
Tourist tip: If you’re searching for fine dining seafood in St. Louis or an upscale restaurant, 801 Fish is a top contender.
Turkey Luxe (Downtown)
If you’re looking to support a Black-owned restaurant in St. Louis while enjoying comforting soul food — Turkey Luxe deserves a visit.
Known for creative turkey-based dishes and hearty comfort food, Turkey Luxe brings something different to the STL food scene. From loaded turkey legs to flavorful sides, the menu delivers big portions and big flavor.
Why it stands out:
Black-owned and community-driven
Creative turkey-centered dishes
Comfort food with personality
What to try:
Signature stuffed turkey leg
Mac & cheese and signature sides
Tourist tip: If you’re searching for Black-owned restaurants in St. Louis or want to experience something uniquely STL, Turkey Luxe is worth adding to your list.