My neighbor recently asked me for a restaurant recommendation for her upcoming 14th anniversary dinner with her husband. This question always stumps me because recommending a restaurant for someone can be very personal, outside of the obvious food preferences or dietary restrictions you might need to work around. It also depends on what someone is looking for with regard to the experience, something more casual or elevated? Is it a weeknight or do you have more time to spend on multiple courses? Is price point something to be considered? Given all the numerious variables I put together very quickly a 3 x 3 list. Nine total restaurants that fall into three different categories (of my own creation). Use this as a quick reference point for your next night out.
Always very good, will not disappoint
Olive + Oak in Webster Groves: Excellent and interesting food, more casual dining room, excellent outdoor space. Do not miss the burger, it is a revelation. https://www.oliveandoakstl.com/
Louie on Demun in Clayton: Perfectly executed Italian in a gorgeous space (it's the bold floral wallpaper for me), cozy patio. Do not miss the prosiutto di parma to start and broccolini pizza. https://www.louiedemun.com/
Brasserie in the CWE: Classic french brasserie in menu and design. A see and be seen patio. Do not miss the french onion soup and the braised beef. They also have a very good burger. https://brasseriebyniche.com/
Newer and Trendy
The Lucky Accomplice on Jefferson: Menu changes seasonally. Outdoor dining available. The beet cocktail was extremely distinctive and delicious. https://www.theluckyaccomplice.com/
Indo in Tower Grove/Botanic Heights: Truly unique southeast Asian with a menu that always provides a wow factor, even as it's changed through Covid. Indulge in the seafood, it can be pricey by STL standards but is worth it. https://www.indo-stl.com/
Little Fox in Fox Park: The perfect neighborhood spot with a high level of quality but extremely reasonable prices. Outdoor dining available. Do not miss the white negroni on draft, fingerling potatoes and the half chicken. https://www.littlefoxstl.com/menu
Foodie Heaven
Bulrush in Midtown: Coursed, Ozark-influenced cuisine with wine pairings. Menu changes seasonally. Unlike anything I've experienced in St. Louis. http://bulrushstl.com/
Vicia in the Cortex: 3 course "Farmer's Feast" menu is being served indoors and on the covered patio. Menu tends to lean into seasonable vegetables but they always have delicious meat and fish options as well. https://www.viciarestaurant.com/
Elaia in Tower Grove/Botanic Heights: Menu changes daily, four courses or the chef's tasting menu with wine pairings in a simple, unfussy dining room. I talked our server into selling me a loaf of the bread they served during their bread service, it was that good. https://www.elaiastl.com/
Thank you to Candlefly Studio for the beautiful imagery used in this post. Check out more incredible photos @candleflystudio on Instagram.