In the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis offers a culinary landscape bursting with bucket-list-worthy adventure. From inventive takes on comfort food to one-of-a-kind international flavors, this city has it all. St. Louis is known for its iconic toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake, yet its dining scene stretches far beyond tradition. Picture quirky retro diners, hidden speakeasies, and globally inspired fusion spots—all waiting to wow your taste buds. Whether you’re a foodie or just craving something out of the ordinary, St. Louis promises a lineup of insanely unique restaurants that redefine the art of dining.
👉 Pro Tip: You’ve gotta try this St. Louis food tour! Think gooey butter cake, the crispiest toasted ravioli, and a lineup of local breweries tailored to your taste—whether it’s the boutique vibe of Side Project Brewing or the massive Anheuser-Busch campus. You’ll get epic beer-and-BBQ pairings and a crash course in St. Louis’s food history.
Unique Restaurants in St. Louis, Missouri: 19 Incredible St. Louis Eateries
Are you ready to explore the most unique restaurants in St. Louis? As noted earlier, there’s a wide range of places to eat in St. Louis to suit all tastes and budgets. Keep reading to find out where to eat in St. Louis, MO.
Are you looking for a rooftop dining experience with panoramic city views? Or would you rather dive into a fusion dish where East meets West? Whatever your palate desires, St. Louis can accommodate your needs. Here’s your in-depth guide to the most unique restaurants in St. Louis.
1. Terror Tacos
If you’re craving a bold twist on classic comfort food, you’ve got to check out Terror Tacos. This all-vegan spot goes all in on metal vibes – think black walls, neon skulls, and a playlist packed with thrash and punk that somehow just works with their colorful tacos. The must-try here is the “Crunchwrap” (their answer to a fast food legend, but plant-based and way more adventurous), plus their signature Chupacabra taco, which spikes jackfruit with zippy salsa verde. It’s counter-order style and pretty informal, but the energy is infectious and feels genuinely St. Louis. They’re on South Grand, so after you eat, snag a coffee at MoKaBe’s or wander Tower Grove Park nearby. Honestly, I was floored by how intense and fun vegan food can be.
2. The Fountain on Locust
- 📍 Location: Midtown
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Retro Soda Fountain / American Cafe / Ice Cream & Cocktails
- 🔥 Standout Features: Art Deco interior, “ice cream Martinis,” hand-painted murals.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Unique dessert dates, retro glamour fans, and boozy ice cream.
Step into a dazzling Art Deco dream at The Fountain on Locust! This Midtown St. Louis gem is a beautifully restored 1930s soda fountain, complete with stunning hand-painted murals and an atmosphere of vintage glamour. The air is sweet with house-made ice cream.
You’ll certainly want to try one of their famous “ice cream Martinis,” like the “Chocolate Raspberry Rendezvous.” Their classic, over-the-top sundaes and the “World’s Smallest Hot Fudge Sundae” are also delightful. The savory menu offers tasty soups and sandwiches.
3. Savage & The Accomplice
For those who like a little mystery on their dinner plates, Savage & The Accomplice doesn’t just serve food – it drops edible art bombs. Their ever-changing tasting menu showcases local meats and unusual preserves, served in an intimate, minimalist room where the open kitchen steals the show. The potato custard with pork fat and the foraged mushroom course are both unforgettable, but ask for their wildest wine pairing and you won’t regret it. Seating is limited, so it feels almost like a speakeasy – romantic, but not stuffy. It’s tucked in the laid-back Fox Park neighborhood, just a few minutes from the quirky Cherokee Street district. You leave full, inspired, and honestly a little in awe of how creative St. Louis dining is now.
4. Winslow’s Table & Bakery
- 📍 Location: University City
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Farm-to-Table / Bakery & Market
- 🔥 Standout Features: Market/restaurant combo, local/seasonal focus, beautiful bakery.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Stylish brunches/lunches, locavore foodies, and artisanal baked goods.
Experience a charming blend of neighborhood market and sophisticated eatery at Winslow’s Table & Bakery in University City. This beautifully curated spot is all about celebrating local, seasonal ingredients, with a delightful bakery, a small market area, and a restaurant.
You’ll certainly want to try their amazing brunch dishes, like the seasonal frittata or their famous biscuits with gravy. The grain bowl is a popular healthy choice, and their selection of homemade pastries and artisanal breads is not to be missed.
5. Sister Cities Cajun
If you want a true taste of Louisiana in St. Louis, Sister Cities Cajun nails the vibe. This breezy, easy-going joint brings New Orleans flavor north, right down to the Mardi Gras beads scattered across the dining room. The crawfish étouffée and the voodoo fries (loaded with andouille and cheese sauce) are not to be missed, paired best with their house Hurricane. Picnic tables and art-covered walls invite impromptu conversation, and on sunny days, the patio is where it’s at. Walk off your feast along Carondelet Park, just a couple blocks away. Every visit puts me in a festival mood, especially when the zydeco soundtrack kicks in.
6. Crown Candy Kitchen
- 📍 Location: Old North St. Louis
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Historic Soda Fountain / American Diner / Candy Store
- 🔥 Standout Features: Iconic STL institution, famous BLT/malted milkshakes, vintage candy.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Nostalgic diner experiences, BLT connoisseurs, and old-fashioned sweet treats.
Take a delicious trip down memory lane at Crown Candy Kitchen, a St. Louis institution that’s been serving up sweet treats and classic diner fare since 1913! This Old North St. Louis gem is like stepping into a time capsule, with its vintage soda fountain.
You absolutely have to try their legendary BLT sandwich, piled high with crispy bacon. Wash it down with a thick, hand-dipped malted milkshake or a chocolate phosphate. Their chili dog is another classic. Don’t forget to grab some homemade candy!
7. Nudo House Delmar
This noodle haven is fast, fun, and always buzzing with students from nearby Washington University. Decor is playful, with ramen murals and bar seating by the window for prime people-watching on Delmar Boulevard. The “Hebrew Hammer” ramen (with smoked brisket and matzo ball) gives their menu unique St. Louis flavor, though you can’t overlook the spicy “Red Hot Riplet” ramen inspired by a local chip legend. Slurp your bowl in a lively, casual setting, then stroll The Loop to pick up vinyl at Vintage Vinyl or peek into the landmark Tivoli Theatre. As a self-confessed noodle snob, I’m obsessed with their house chili oil…add it to everything!
8. Fox & Hounds Tavern
- 📍 Location: Clayton, The Cheshire Hotel
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: British Pub Fare / Gastropub
- 🔥 Standout Features: English pub ambiance, cozy/historic hotel, classic pub grub.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Anglophiles, cozy fireside drinks, and British comfort food.
Cheerio! Escape to a cozy corner of Britain at Fox & Hounds Tavern, nestled within the charming, Tudor-style Cheshire hotel in Clayton. This place is the epitome of an authentic English pub, with dark wood, roaring fireplaces, and a wonderfully warm atmosphere.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
A smart move is to try classic British pub fare, like hearty fish and chips, a traditional shepherd’s pie, or satisfying bangers and mash. The Scotch egg is also a popular starter. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a pint.
11. Steve’s Hot Dogs
Steve’s Hot Dogs is legendary for over-the-top creations you won’t find anywhere else. It’s ultra-casual, with graffiti art on the walls and an always-eclectic crowd. Their “Chicago Dog” nails the classic, but it’s the “STL Mac & Cheese Dog” (yep, pasta + dog + smoked cheddar) that always gets Instagrammed. Vegan options are legit as well. This spot is just steps from Tower Grove Park, so grab your food to go for a picnic, or stick around for Thursday trivia nights. The vibe is pure happiness, and honestly, Steve’s never met a hangover it couldn’t fix.
10. Salt + Smoke
- 📍 Location: Multiple locations including The Loop, Hampton
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: St. Louis Style BBQ / Southern
- 🔥 Standout Features: St. Louis BBQ, craft beer, bourbon selection, lively.
- 🎯 Perfect For: BBQ lovers, bourbon drinkers, and casual group meals.
Get your St. Louis barbecue fix at Salt + Smoke! This popular spot, with multiple locations, serves up delicious slow-smoked meats with all the classic Southern sides. The atmosphere is always lively and filled with the tempting aroma of barbecue.
You really should try their St. Louis cut ribs or the tender pulled pork. The beef brisket is another standout. For sides, the white cheddar cracker mac and pit beans with bacon are crowd-pleasers. Their extensive bourbon list is also a draw.
11. Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
If you’ve never tried Ethiopian, Meskerem is a must. It’s warm, welcoming, and all about sharing big platters of spongy injera bread and spiced stews. Their combo platter is the best intro – you get samples of classics like doro wat (chicken in red pepper sauce) and misir wat (lentils), and every plate comes with vibrant, photogenic veggies. Low lighting, Ethiopian art, and communal seating make it feel like a festive family dinner. Located right on South Grand, you’re close to cool independent shops and Tower Grove Park. The friendly folks here love introducing newbies to their cuisine, and I left wanting to try everything.
12. Blueberry Hill
- 📍 Location: Delmar Loop
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Pub Grub / Eclectic
- 🔥 Standout Features: Iconic STL institution, pop culture memorabilia, live music (Duck Room).
- 🎯 Perfect For: Music/pop culture fans, casual fun/history, and iconic St. Louis.
Get ready to rock ‘n’ roll (and eat!) at Blueberry Hill, an absolute St. Louis icon in the Delmar Loop! This place is a vibrant explosion of pop culture memorabilia, and a legendary live music venue, home to the Duck Room where Chuck Berry frequently performed.
A wise choice involves grabbing one of their famous burgers, like the “Blueberry Hill Burger”. A hearty sandwich or their homemade chili are also popular. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a museum of cool and a fantastic place to hang out.
13. Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions
This Maplewood favorite is part full-service butcher shop, part lunch counter, and it’s a carnivore’s paradise. What sets Bolyard’s apart is its focus on sustainable, local meats – you can taste the care in every sandwich. The “Porchetta” sandwich, loaded with juicy, herb-rubbed pork, and the insanely juicy burger are standouts. Seating is at a long, sunny communal table, with patio space for warm days. Maplewood’s charming boutiques and Strange Donuts are just down the block, perfect for a little post-meat stroll. I love chatting with the butchers here – you’ll walk out with dinner and a few kitchen tips, too.
14. The Mud House
- 📍 Location: Cherokee Street
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Coffeehouse / Bakery / Eclectic Cafe Fare
- 🔥 Standout Features: Cozy coffeehouse, excellent coffee/baked goods, creative vegetarian/vegan.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Coffee lovers, casual breakfast/lunch, and relaxed artsy vibe.
Settle into a cozy, bohemian haven at The Mud House on Cherokee Street. This beloved neighborhood coffeehouse and bakery is the perfect spot to unwind with an excellent cup of coffee and some delicious, homemade food. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
You absolutely have to try one of their amazing lattes or pour-overs. Pair it with a fresh scone, a slice of their quiche, or the popular “Slinger” for breakfast. Their creative vegetarian and vegan sandwiches are also fantastic.
15. Olive + Oak
- 📍 Location: Webster Groves
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $75 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Upscale Casual
- 🔥 Standout Features: Acclaimed neighborhood spot, seasonal ingredients, lively bar.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Upscale neighborhood dining, special occasions, and seasonal food fans.
Experience culinary excellence in a lively neighborhood setting at Olive + Oak in Webster Groves. This highly acclaimed restaurant is known for its consistently delicious modern American cuisine, focus on seasonal ingredients, and a warm, bustling atmosphere.
You’ll want to make a reservation well in advance. Consider their renowned O+O Burger or the flavorful blue crab gratin. Their fresh pasta dishes and perfectly cooked scallops are also frequently praised. The cocktails are top-notch.
16. Seoul Taco
- 📍 Location: Multiple locations, including The Loop
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Korean-Mexican Fusion / Street Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Korean-Mexican street food, food truck origins, vibrant/casual.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Korean BBQ taco fans, adventurous street food, and quick flavorful eats.
Get ready for a flavor collision that’s pure magic at Seoul Taco! This hugely popular spot brings the incredible flavors of Korean BBQ and Mexican street food together in perfect harmony. The vibe is always energetic and fun, with a vibrant, modern feel.
You absolutely, positively must try their signature bulgogi beef tacos or a loaded gogi bowl with spicy pork and kimchi fried rice. Their kimchi slaw and the sweet potato waffle fries are also fantastic, tangy sides.
17. Union Loafers Cafe and Bread Bakery
- 📍 Location: Botanical Heights
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Bakery / Cafe / Sandwiches & Pizza
- 🔥 Standout Features: Artisan bread bakery, wood-fired pizzas, seasonal sandwiches.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Bread enthusiasts, wood-fired pizza lovers, and casual cafe dining.
Prepare for bread nirvana at Union Loafers Cafe and Bread Bakery. This Botanical Heights gem is renowned for its incredible artisan breads, which form the foundation for their delicious sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas. The aroma of baking bread is simply divine.
It’s a great idea to try their wood-fired pizzas, like the classic Margherita or a seasonal special. Their sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, such as the “Little Gem” salad sandwich or the smoked turkey, are exceptional. Don’t leave without a loaf to take home.
18. Rooster
- 📍 Location: South Grand & Downtown
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: European Cafe / Crepes / Brunch
- 🔥 Standout Features: Sweet/savory crepes, European cafe ambiance, popular brunch.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Crepe lovers, delightful brunches/lunches, and European cafe culture.
Bonjour, St. Louis! Get whisked away to a charming European cafe at Rooster. This bright and airy spot is renowned for its incredible selection of both sweet and savory crepes, alongside other delicious brunch and lunch fare. The atmosphere is bustling and cheerful.
You’ll certainly want to try one of their amazing crepes – perhaps a savory one filled with ham and Gruyère or the goat cheese & fine herbs. For a sweet treat, the Nutella and banana crepe is a classic. Their frites are also fantastic.
19. Vicia
- 📍 Location: Cortex Innovation Community
- 💲 Price range: $75 – $150+ per person (Tasting menu focus)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Vegetable-Forward / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Vegetable-focused tasting menus, innovative/artistic plating, focus on local/seasonal.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous fine dining, vegetable lovers, and special occasion splurges.
Experience an innovative and beautiful approach to dining at Vicia, located in the Cortex Innovation Community. This acclaimed restaurant focuses on vegetable-forward cuisine, transforming seasonal, locally sourced ingredients into works of art. The tasting menus are a journey.
You’ll find standout dishes like the crispy potatoes with aioli, the chicken fried oyster mushrooms, or inventive turnip shell tacos. Their tasting menus showcase the best of what’s in season with creative flair.
