If you’ve read my food lists from the past couple of years, you will know that I wait in anticipation every April for the release of Ian Froeb’s STL Top 100. If you’re new here, I like to play a game each year with my friends and I encourage you to play along. Count the number of restaurants you’ve visited as your “starting number”. My starting number this year is 65. Challenge yourself to try new ones off the list and find your “ending number” at the end of 2024. Comment with your starting numbers, and come back to see how far you’ve come! If you need some inspiration, check out my picks for both dinners with the kids and date night culinary experiences.
Bulrush
Grand Center
3307 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
It’s only fitting to start with not only #1 on the list, but also a current James Beard Awards Finalist. What Rob Connoley has created at Bulrush is beyond what anyone else is doing in St. Louis. It’s a personal, expertly crafted, tasting menu that you’ll be dreaming of for years to come.
Mainlander
Central West End
8 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
While we are talking about excellent tasting menus, Mainlander is new to town but already has a lot of well-earned hype. The decor resembles a 70s basement in the best way, and the service is impeccable. It’s a small, intimate experience perfect for a date night. Make sure to book ahead!
Balkan Treat Box
Webster Groves
8103 Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63119
Always in the top 5, this is the hottest place for lunch with the best food and the friendliest staff. Don’t be scared by the long lines; they always move fast and the food is worth it. I always recommend the pide in any flavor. Keep it for yourself or share one with your kids!
Little Fox
Fox Park
2800 Shenandoah Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104
Little Fox is excellent for a date night dinner, or a fun patio brunch with friends when the weather gets warm. The seasonal menu and the cocktail list are creative. The intimate neighborhood experience really elevates the meal.
Fleur STL
Downtown
622 Chouteau Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102
Fleur STL is a great elevated brunch spot in the old Eat Rite Diner in downtown St. Louis. It’s a small spot with counter service available but I love to pop in for breakfast with a friend. If you’re there during lunch the burger is incredible and the cocktails are refreshing.
Grace Meat + Three
The Grove
4270 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
Grace is hands down my #1 go-to for a family meal. It’s expansive and welcoming to families with great southern style food. The fried chicken is my favorite in town, and I 100% recommend that you get it spicy. The kids enjoy chicken tenders and Mac-n-cheese with a local Excel soda.
La Patisserie Chouquette
Botanical Heights
1626 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
One of my favorite spots on a weekend morning to grab a pastry. My favorite is the bourbon pecan bun paired with a chef’s survival coffee. My daughters love joining me for Harry Potter month or National Macaron Day. They grab a fun themed treat and a fresh strawberry milk yum!
Salt + Smoke BBQ
Saint Charles, South City, The Loop, Ellisville, Ballpark Village
Another family favorite for a weekend meal with young kiddos. We frequent their South City and Loop locations, which both have great patios. They have fun kids’ menus to keep them occupied while you enjoy a hush puppy appetizer and a cocktail.
Louie
Clayton DeMun
706 DeMun Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
Louie has quietly been one of the best restaurants in town for many years now. It made the news when they became Drake’s favorite St. Louis restaurant but there are a lot more reasons why you should come here for date night. Namely the broccolini pizza.
Sugarwitch
Carondelet
7726 Virginia Ave, St. Louis, MO 63111
It’s only fitting to finish this list with dessert! Sugarwitch is tucked away in the old Carondelet Bakery and is a magical ice cream sandwich dream. They have the most creative ice cream flavors and cones I’ve ever had in my life and it just keeps getting better. Push pops for the kids!
There are a lot of restaurants high on my list to try before the end of 2024 These include Nobu’s, Sado, Wright’s Tavern, Menya Rui, Bistro la Floraison, and Rated Test Kitchen. What’s next on your list this year?
