Eating Through the STL Top 100 – 2023 Edition

If you read my blog post around this time last year, you’ll know that I wait in anticipation for the STL Top 100 to be released by Ian Froeb. My “starting number” is much lower this year (66), but with good reason because there are so many new restaurants featured alongside old favorites. Although there are tons on the list I am still hoping to make my way to, for now, here are some of my picks from the 2023 STL Top 100:

Balkan Treat Box

8103 Big Bend Boulevard, Webster Groves, MO 63119

First and foremost, I have to give recognition to #1 on the list and one of my personal favorites. The pide is life-changing in flavor and made by the kindest people. If you don’t like waiting in lines, I recommend ordering takeout, although as the weather warms up they have some cute tables lining the sidewalk out front.

Bulrush

Grand Center

3307 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103

#2 on the top 100 list is my favorite special occasion restaurant in St. Louis. The hyperlocal Ozark tasting menu is an incredible experience paired with the history behind the food. I recommend getting the drink pairings as they are equally thoughtful. It’s a fantastic experience you won’t soon forget.

iNDO

Botanical Heights

1641D Tower Grove Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

Another fantastic date night option that has anything from an upscale experience to more casual hand rolls. The chef also just opened Sado, one of the most anticipated restaurants for 2023, and I can’t wait to check it out. 

J’s Pitaria

South County

91 Concord Plaza Shopping Center, St. Louis, MO 63128

New to the top 25 this year and well deserved. Wonderful Mediterranean food in a casual atmosphere, welcoming to the whole family. I enjoy the pita pie or flatbread while my kids love the somun and cheese (I tell them it’s a fancy grilled cheese). 

Bowood by Niche

CWE

4605 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63108

Great brunch spot with friends in a gorgeous atmosphere at Bowood Farms. The food is delicious and creative. They also have beautiful outdoor seating options as well.

Fire Chicken

Olivette

10200 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132

This restaurant is a hidden gem and guilty pleasure of mine for a quick lunch. This little walk-up counter restaurant has fast, friendly service and wonderful crispy chicken in a variety of flavors. I get the spicy fire chicken for me and sweet for the kids.

Lona’s Lil Eats

Fox Park

2199 California Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104

Wonderful little casual restaurant tucked away in the Fox Park neighborhood. I can’t come here without getting the dumplings, and the giant rice paper wraps are customizable for foodies and picky kids alike. Don’t forget to enjoy a pot of tea.

Nudo House

Creve Coeur / The Loop

11423 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63141

6105 A Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112

Who doesn’t love a giant flavorful bowl of noodles served so fast you can barely sit down? Nudo House is a favorite of mine for a quick lunch. I get the curry ramen which has incredible flavor and crispy chicken.

Station No. 3

Benton Park

1956 Utah Street, St. Louis, MO 63118

Bar food, but make it vegan! The faux-chicken sandwich will make a believer out of anyone. Even if vegan food isn’t your thing, they do have a few meat items available. Great for families with mixed diet preferences.

Southwest Diner

Maplewood

6803 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63143

A unique place for breakfast and lunch where you can get everything from cornmeal pancakes to tamales and enchiladas. I usually get a fiery scramble with honey-drenched sopapillas on the side that remind me of a favorite restaurant back home.

Taberu  – Catering Only

If you are looking for a wow factor for a special occasion, Taberu sushi platters delivered to your home are a work of art. I was lucky enough to snag some tastes at events around town, so if home catering isn’t your thing keep an eye out for her next pop-up.

Sureste, 4 Hens Creole Kitchen, Chez Ali, Chicken Scratch, Fordo’s Killer Pizza

City Foundry

I put all of these fantastic restaurants together for a reason— because they are all located within one place at City Foundry! I love this option when I want to be more adventurous with food than my family. I can even work through a taste-testing progressive dinner while my kids munch on chicken and fries. 

There are so many more great restaurants I would love to recognize, many of which are on my 2022 lists. St. Louis is truly a great culinary city, and I’m so proud of the diverse food scene we get to enjoy here. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!