Haley is back, sharing recommendations from Ian Froeb’s 2025 STL Top 100 restaurants in the area.
This is my fourth year writing this food list, and it’s definitely my favorite blog of the year. I am passionate about the amazing, diverse food scene we have in St. Louis, and I can’t wait to share some of my picks from the last year with you.
For those of you who are new to the Lou, Ian Froeb’s STL Top 100 is the food bible of St. Louis. My friends and I wait in anticipation every April for the new list to arrive, and we always play a game to see who has the highest starting and ending numbers. As in, the number of restaurants from the list we have had the pleasure of experiencing. Last year my starting number was 65 and my ending number was 73. This year, with a lot of newcomers on the list, my starting number is only 56. What this means is I have a lot of work to do in 2025 to catch up!
Sado
The Hill
5201 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
Number one on Ian Froeb’s list this year (for good reason) is Sado. Nick Bognar is killing the restaurant game in St. Louis. Indo in Botanical Heights is fantastic, and Sado is incredible. The Pavilion, located within Sado, is number one on my list of “must trys” this year. Sado has a beautiful selection of sushi and small plates. It’s great for a date night or girls’ night out.
Mainlander
Central West End
8 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Mainlander is back on my list for this year because one, if you haven’t tried it yet that’s a travesty. And two, it’s been closed while they move into a new location and I can’t wait to see what they’ve done with the space. The menu changes monthly, it’s creative and flavorful, and the best part, it’s one of the most affordable upscale tasting menus, even including the cocktail pairing!
Wright’s Tavern
Clayton
7624 Wydown Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105
Wright’s Tavern is an incredible date night or special occasion restaurant. It’s dark and intimate with a small amount of tables. Getting a table takes a little bit of effort staying up late to snag one when it releases for the month, but it’s worth it. The food and the service are top of the line. Save room for dessert, the ice cream sundae is spectacular!
Menya Rui
South City
3453 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109
The hole-in-the-wall ramen shop has a line out the door every single night. The space is small but the line moves quickly and there’s no takeout. At first this annoyed me, but then I quickly realized how comforting it truly is to eat hot ramen right out of the bowl at a countertop seat. This place is family-friendly, as long as you have kiddos who are tolerant of a line. This is great for a casual date night or dinner with a friend.
Taberu
Delivery and Catering
I don’t usually include two sushi restaurants in the same list, but Taberu is a hidden gem, special occasion worth mentioning! Chef Heidi Hamamura creates the most gorgeous sushi platters for private catering. For those of you who are on a budget like me, I follow her on Instagram so I can get a chance to try her creations during pop-up events. One of my favorites, Red Lantern Festival, is coming up soon in July.
Telva at the Ridge
Webster Groves
If you have been following my lists for a while, you are likely wondering why I didn’t include one of my tried and true favorites, Balkan Treat Box, this year. That’s because it’s little sister, Telva at the Ridge, deserves their time in the sun! This gorgeous restaurant tucked away within Rolling Ridge Nursery is the perfect spot for a girls weekend brunch. Complete with amazing Mediterranean food and Turkish coffee favorites. I highly recommend enjoying some breakfast outside and taking home a plant or two.
La Patisserie Chouquette
Botanical Heights
This one is a frequent addition to my list and it’s still one of my favorites. I have highlighted how you can get beautiful French pastries, creative drinks, and lots of kid-friendly options. What I want to highlight this year is how magical their special events are. Every October, the shop turns into a celebration of everything Harry Potter. I finally was able to snag a ticket to the Harry Potter tea filled with lots of adults geeking out in good company. Everything about the experience was magical and I would love to do it again!
Bagel Union
Webster Groves
Something as simple as a bagel can be so satisfying. I have been a big fan of Union Loafers in Botanical Heights since it opened, so I was understandably excited for their new bagel shop close to home. It’s set up deli-style where you grab a number, order at the counter, and grab a high bar stool to enjoy your bagel. My kids absolutely love coming here! My favorite is the cherry crunch bagel with luxardo cream cheese if I’m feeling sweet, or an everything bagel with jalapeno cream cheese when I’m feeling salty. If I am looking for a little extra, I love a salmon sandwich and a cold brew.
Napoli Bros Pizza and Pasta
Chesterfield
Napoli Bros is located in the popular entertainment location The District in Chesterfield. The location has a great outdoor patio and a happy hour menu. We came here for a girls’ night out and enjoyed a visit to Game Show Battlerooms, ordering Napoli Bros to be delivered next door at Narwhal’s. We could sit and enjoy our drinks while the food was brought over quickly to our table. Their staff were so nice and helpful, even better … the food was amazing!
Sugarwitch
Carondelet
All good food lists always end with dessert! I will sing Sugarwitch’s praises from the rooftops, they truly are a special place in St. Louis. Located in the Old Carondelet Bakery, it’s the most creative little ice cream sandwich shop and all are welcome. Everything is handmade with new flavors switching monthly. I recommend indulging in a queen cone or ice cream taco. They are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. Grab a seasonal cold brew while you’re at it with fun flavors like cereal milk. Mom hack – grab a pack of ice cream sandwich ends so you always have a stash of fun ice cream bites in the freezer!
*****
These are some of my favorites from the 56 on this year’s list that I have already tried. There are a lot that I am looking forward to trying throughout the year. Some of the ones that are highest on my list are:
Nobu’s – University City
Root Food + Wine – Augusta
Esca – The Loop
Bar Moro – Clayton
No Ordinary Rabbit – Botanical Heights.
