Tony Rich
B.S. Computer ScienceNetwork Engineer at Thompson Coburn
St. Louis Dining
Many of the choices in restaurants I've made have come from reviews on saucemagazine.com. You can search there by cusine, location, or other features. Below is my review of some restaurants:
Newest Addition: Norton's Cafe
* Newly added
Bailey's Chocolate Bar 3 stars
1915 Park Ave.St. Louis, MO 63104
Bailey's Chocolate Bar is a trendy bar/restaurant near Lafayette Park. A friend of mine recommended this place and I was excited to go. The first impression I had when entering was "decadent". The red walls and warm lighting, combined with the plush seating and rich woodwork immediately put you at ease.
To start, Anna and I ordered our drinks (Sweet Milk Chocolate martini for Anna, and a Young's Double Chocolate Stout beer for me). While we waited for our drinks, we perused the menu to find many choices for food, drink and dessert. By the time the waitress came by with our drinks, we had decided to order the cheese plate. We selected the Port Salut, Pont L'Eveque, and St. Andre cheeses and were duly impressed. The cheese plate was a little light on fruit, but the bread was wonderful! Served with plenty of focaccia and grilled pita, this was turning out to be a very good start.
We wanted to save room for desert, so we went with one of the small “pizettas” next. The Missouri pizetta has local mushrooms, roasted garlic, mahon, white cheddar, and gruyere cheeses. It was a little light on toppings, but full of flavor. I could have eaten a handful of these myself! To accompany this, Anna ordered a Lindeman’s Framboise – a sweet raspberry beer – that she liked very much.
Finally, it was time for the most important part – dessert! We decided to share two desserts and see which was better. I selected the “Fudgy Truffle Chocolate Cake” with Basil Oil and Fleur de Sel (Sea Salt), and Anna went for the more traditional Bailey’s Chocolate Bar (Chocolate cake layered with Bailey’s butter cream). Surprisingly, the desserts were very uninspired and didn’t impress me. Don’t get me wrong; they were good. I just expected more from a chocolate themed restaurant.
The conclusion: For $65, this was a good choice, but at $50 it would have been great. I would go again, but I wouldn’t order the desserts; I’d rather save those calories for something better.
BARCelona 4 stars
34 N Central AveSt. Louis, MO 63105
This tapas restaurant is fabulous, as is evident in the long waits on weekends. However, your wait will be rewarded; BARCelona offers a wide array of vegetarian and meat-a-tarian selections at good prices. For those of you that aren't familiar, a tapas restaurant serves appetizer-sized portions for around $4 to $6 a plate. Typically, your group would order a couple per person and then everyone would share. I think I've had almost everything off of the menu and I haven't found something I don't like. My highest recommendations are the potato-egg casserole and the goat cheese in tomato sauce bowl. Enjoy!
Bastante 1 stars
3315 Watson Rd.St. Louis, MO 63139
Bastante sounded good from the description I read. I was told it was a "grazing" approach to dining. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. Anna and I ordered the mushroom plate, lobster dumplings, and two other small plates. They were so unimpressive that I don't even remember what they were. We were so disappointed that we didn't even order desert! Oh well, better luck next time.
BB's Jazz, Blues, and Soups 3 stars
700 South BroadwaySt. Louis, MO 63102
Anna, her mom, and I went here on a night that they had live blues bands playing. The place was so packed that we had a difficult time finding a chair. Once we did, it was worth the wait. Anna's mom ordered the tomato florentine soup, Anna had the chicken fingers, and I had the cajun chicken sadwich. We also ordered their famous sweet potato french fries. Everything came out quickly and tasted great. Their soups are really worth the drive, and the fries were a weird, but good touch.
Big Sky Cafe 4 stars
47 South Old Orchard Ave.St. Louis, MO 63119
A sister restaurant to Remey's Wine Bar in Clayton, Big Sky Cafe lives up to its reputation. As you walk in, the decour is a bit eccentric, yet welcoming as you take in the lively murals, mirrors, and muted lights. Anna and I shared two meals: I ordered the Tilapia with a sweet and nutty sauce, and Anna had some kind of steak. Each meal came with fabulous garlic mashed potatoes. Both were very impressive and left us wanting more. Also, the bread service that came with the meal was amazng. I haven't enjoyed bread that much since I was in Europe. In the tradition of Remey's, Big Sky offers a wine sampling flight. We had the red wine flight and the white wine flight and found many new wines that we didn't know we liked. Overall, a very nice experience.
Bill Gianino's 3.5 stars
4571 Chestnut Park PlazaSt. Louis, MO 63129
Bill Gianino's is the place to go if you're hungry. The pasta plates that come out are the size of a serving platter. You can easily feed two or three people off of one meal. With reasonable prices and nice decour, this is a favorite. I would recommend the pasta tutto marie and the pasta con broccoli.
Buffet City 4 stars
1308 Clarkson/Clayton CenterEllisville, MO 63011
Buffet City offers a huge variety of Asian food. They have over 200 items on the buffet, which makes all other buffets look like the paltry choices of airline food. You can get crab legs, sushi, BBQ, and traditional chineese food. If this isn't enough, they will stir fry anything you want. Everyone can leave here happy, from the pickiest eater to Homer Simpson. He will definately get his money's worth. We once scrouged around for change until we reached the $9 admission... It's that good.
C.J. Muggs Bar and Grill 3 stars
101 West Lockwood Ave.Webster Groves, MO 63119
C.J. Muggs is a frequent haunt for Anna and me. I really enjoy their cajun pasta, which comes with sausage and shrimp in a spicy cajun sauce. They have daily specials that are usually pretty good. The only downside seems to be the service. We have often waited for what felt like hours to get our meals.
Cafe Provencal 4 stars
427 South Kirkwood Rd.Kirkwood, MO 63122
I was pleasntly surprised when Anna and I went here. We dined outside and enjoyed the wonderful French atmosphere. At times it seemed like we were in Europe again, especially once we got the menus, which were in French! Cafe Provencal has a wide variety of wines from the major regions of France. A new menu is printed each day, so you are guarenteed a new sampling of French cusine. Anna and I shared the Lox, which is some of the best in St. Louis. If one thing can be said about this place it is that each course is better than the next. Anna enjoyed her potato leek soup, followed by grilled hallibut with a topping of freshly chopped tomatoes. I had the French onion soup and a grilled pork chop in a tomato sauce. Both meals came with vegetables and mashed red potatoes. For desert we shared the creme brule and le tarte au chocolate. I can't think of a time where I've enjoyed desert more! The creme brule was very creamy and had a hint of cinnamon. The chocolate tart was decadent, like a rich fudge in a light pastry crust. Overall very memorable.
Cisco's Bar & Grill 2.5 stars
Telegraph near BaumgartnerSt. Louis, MO 63129
This is a little sports bar near my house that I normally would have overlooked. The only thing that drew my attention was that it is owned by the same people that used to own Dohack's restaurant (at the corner of Lindbergh and Lemay Ferry). I remember going to Dohack's as a little kid with my parents and I loved the fried chicken. So, when I heard that Cisco's has the same fried chicken as Dohack's, how could I not try it? Anna and I went here on 1/27/06 to give it a shot. While the fried chicken was everything I remembered, the restaurant itself lacked something. It wasn't the same family atmosphere as Dohack's and the service was pretty poor. If they changed the decor and improved the service, I'd definately be back. For now, I don't think I'll return.
Colossus 4 stars
3208 Ivanhoe AveSt. Louis, MO 63139
I don't know how I forgot to add this restaurant sooner. Colossus is probably our favorite Greek restaurant in town. the food is always good, and the service is great. The wait staff encourages you to try new things (that's how I found out I really like Ouzo). I've had just about everything on their menu, from the Saganaki and Dolmades to the Moussaka and Pastisio. This is a fun place to take a group of friends on a warm evening, as they have great a outdoor patio. Give it a shot - I'm sure you'll like it.
Courtsey Diner 2.5 stars
1121 Hampton Ave.St. Louis, MO 63139
Quite possibly one of the best "trucker food" places I've been. The food here is cheap, greasy, and good. Order one item at a time or multiples; it's all the same. You can get a BLT with some chili or a burger and fries. This is a really great place to go after a long night of drinking. I would recommend the slinger to cure all ailments.
Curry in a Hurry 3 stars
612 Olive St.St. Louis, MO 63101
With a name like "Curry in a Hurry", you might expect low quality food... but you'd be wrong. Curry in a Hurry offers fast, cheap, good Indian food. The heat is toned down a bit for American tastes and they have more meat choices that traditional Indian cuisine, but otherwise is very authentic. I have a friend who is from India and I have had his mom's cooking... Curry in a Hurry would make her proud.
Del Pietro's 1.5 stars
5625 Hampton AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63109
I had heard lots of good things about Del Pietro's and finally tried it the other day. Anna and I went there for dinner one evening and were sorely disappointed. She had the chicken spidini and I had the veal marsala, neither of which were very good. She ended up sending her meal back and I ate what I could of mine. Maybe it was just a bad night.
Everest Cafe 2 stars
1916 Washington AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63103
My friend Paul saw a good review for Everest Café and suggested we try it. Their claim to fame is a vegetarian-friendly menu, centered on Nepalese cuisine. For those of you unfamiliar with Nepal, it is sandwiched between China and India, and the fare is similar in taste and spice to Indian. The lunch menu is a buffet, featuring some meat and meat-less dishes. While many of the dishes were tasty, there were some that I didn’t care for. I left full, so I guess it couldn’t have been that bad. As it stands, I would have to say this was “just okay”. Perhaps I should wait until I try dinner here sometime, but for now, my opinion stands.
First Watch 3 stars
491 South Kirkwood RoadKirkwood, MO 63122
This is a relatively new breakfast restaurant that offers "made from scratch" everything. The food is good and there is always something new to try. This is not the place to go for the typical bacon and eggs breakfast, but great if you are willing to try the interesting crepe omelets. If you come on a Sunday morning, be prepared to wait up to an hour for a table, but it's worth the wait. They try to ease the pain of waiting by providing free coffee at the door. The service is commendable, too.
Fitz's 2.5 stars
6605 Delmar BoulevardSt. Louis, MO 63130
Fitz's is the local brewery for the root beer of the same name. They've opened a restaurant on The Loop in U. City and seem to be doing well - they're always busy. I've only eaten here once and I wasn't impressed; the food was good, but not great. This isn't the kind of place I'd choose again, but I wouldn't be opposed to it if friends wanted it.
Flannery's 3.5 stars
1320 Washington Ave.St. Louis, MO 63103
I have passed by Flannery's countless times, but finally stopped today - and I'm glad I did. I met some friends for lunch and enjoyed myself immensely. Flannery’s is a sports-themed bar and grill, with a little touch of sophistication. The atmosphere is casual, and the cuisine matches: burgers, sandwiches, and the like. I chose the chicken caesar wrap with fresh green beans and it was quite tasty. I would say the only thing holding this place back is the service; the waitress was slow in taking our order, and we waited what seemed like forever for our food to finally come out. If you aren’t in a hurry, this is a good choice for simple American fare.
Frank Papa's Ristorante 3.5 stars
2241 South Brentwood Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63144
A very nice restaurant situated about a mile from the Galleria, Frank Papa's offers traditional Italian cusine and an elegant atmostphere. Anna and I shared the flash-fried spinach as an appitzer and a bottle of wine from their extensive wine list. This was followed shortly with an order of cannelonni and a chicken breast in a white wine lemon butter sauce. During the week it is easy to get a table, but weekends are more tricky. Although it would be worth the wait, it is just easier if you get reservations.
Frankie G's 3 stars
4565 Chestnut Park Plaza (Telegraph Rd)St. Louis, MO 63129
Located in Oakville, this bar/restaurant is similar to Garvey's. They offer traditional hot wings and the lesser known trashed variety. The menu is full of typical bar food, but they also have things like crab legs and cajun shrimp. If you are looking to watch the game, this is the place to go. You can look any direction in the place and find a TV with one game or another on.
Frazer's 4 stars
1811 Pestalozzi St.St. Louis, MO 63118
I went to Frazer's today for a work lunch and was very impressed. A friend had recommended Frazer's a while back, and this was the first opportunity I had to give it a shot. I wasn't disappointed! First, the decor was modern, but warm and comforting. There are comfortable chairs around a coffee table by the bar, and the dining area was well appointed. I started with the Thai chicken soup, which is served in a coconut broth with a touch of ginger. Next, I had the blackened grouper, which was served with red beans & rice and a slaw made from jacima, onion, and bell peppers and dressed in red wine vinegar and cilantro. Everything was tasty, and it was apparent that the kitchen takes pride in what they do. To boot, the service was prompt and cordial. We never waited for refills, and the waitress made some good recommendations. I'll certainly go back, especially to try the crayfish etouffee.
Garvey's Grill 3 stars
5647 Telegraph Rd.St. Louis, MO 63129
There isn't much to compain about here. The trashed wings are excellent, as is the Garvey's special sandwich. This sandwich comes with ham, roast beef, and salami, on garlic cheese bread, covered in gravy. Food here is cheap and good, but not the place to go if you are counting calories. If I had a complaint it would be that the service is often slow. It doesn't matter how crowded they are, you will wait for your food.
Growler's Pub 2 stars
3811 South LindberghSt. Louis, MO 63127
This place is either hit or miss. If you find some good food, it is great, but there is often a chance that you'll find something gross. For example, they put beer in their mac and cheese. Trust me when I tell you this doesn't add to the flavor. However, if you are going to get a liquid lunch, this is a good choice. You can get any kind of beer you want, from Bud to Guiness.
Harry's Downtown 3.5 stars
2144 Market St.St. Louis, MO 63103
I've been to Harry's a couple of times for business lunches, and once for dinner. A bit on the pricey end, Harry's caters to your every need and desire. I really like the Lox, and often order the fillet sandwich. I would recommend reservations for weekend evenings. The only thing holding Harry's back is the price.
Harvest 3 stars
1059 South Big Bend Blvd.Richmond Heights, MO 63117
A friend who also enjoys fine food recommended me this place. Anna and I were shocked. I thought my friend had good taste, but it turns out he has great taste! Situated (almost) at the corner of Clayton and Big Bend, you are transformed as you enter this crowded looking building. Inside, the decor is elegant and spacious. In addition, service was great. We enjoyed the whole gamut: appetizer, dinner, and desert. Everything was delicious and artistic in presentation.
Hodak's 2.5 stars
2100 Gravois Ave.St. Louis, MO 63104
Hodak's is a fixture in South St. Louis. Renowned for their fried chicken, Hodak's has been around longer than I can remember. For those who wish, they offer fried frog legs, too. This is not elegant dining at its finest, but simply a good place to grab a bite to eat at a reasonible price.
India's Rasoi 3.5 stars
7923 Forsyth BoulevardSt. Louis, MO 63105
India's Rasoi has three branches - one by Forest Park, one downtown, and this one - near 170 and Delmar. This place is very authentic Indian food. The heat is great, as is the food overall. My only complaint is that there isn't a location near my house! I'd recommend the lunch buffet - lots to try and a reasonable price.
Joe's Crab Shack 1 stars
51 Ludwig Dr.Fairview Heights, IL 62208
In search of some good crab legs, Anna and I trekked over there. Unfortunately, this was the most disappointing experience I've had while dining out. The crab legs were soggy and over cooked with little flavor. The sides were average and service was poor. Perhaps we went on a bad night, but it will be a while before I try it again.
La Chaumiere 4.5 stars
2813 M St NWWashington, DC 20007
I was on a business trip in February of 2006 in Washington DC and ran across this gem. The concierge at my hotel recommended this for the quality of food and the reasonable prices. My coworker and I arrived without reservations and were promptly seated. I had the Saumon Mariné en Croute (Salmon fillet in a puff pastry shell with a dill cream sauce) and my coworker had the Magret de Canard (Duck breast with a black currant sauce). Both meals were excellent and accompanied by an appropriate wine. If that wasn't enough, the souflee at the end was one of the best I've had. For a grand total of $90, we ate like kings in a french contryside restaurant.
Mediterranean House Apollonia 2.5 stars
6836 GravoisSt. Louis, MO 63116
Anna and I went here with Scotino and Audrey. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that it was a little lackluster. They bill themselves as a Mediterranean restaurant, but they are strictly Greek. This was surprising, but certainly no deal breaker. Ultimately, what it came down to was that the food was of poor quality and the service was slow (even though the restaurant was empty at 6:30 on a Saturday night). As I was eating, I just kept thinking about all the better Greek places around (Colossus, Olympia, etc).
Nippon Tei 1 stars
14025 Manchester Rd.Ballwin, MO 63011
The words that come to mind are "just okay". Nothing here stands out... You can get sushi, but it isnt' fantastic. You can get another Asian meal, but again, nothing stands out. Maybe I'm just picky, but I wouldn't go here again.
Nobu's Japanese Restaurant 2.5 stars
8643 Olive Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63132
Nobu's is a good traditional sushi bar. They have a wide variety of fresh sushi, as well as other Japaneese selections. Service has always been good to boot.
Norton's Cafe 3.5 stars
808 Geyer St.St. Louis, MO 63104
Norton's is a Cajun restaurant in trendy Soulard. My coworker and I went here for lunch - I had the Crawfish Etouffee and he had the Cajun Combo. I don't know how they do it, but they manage to make the crawfish sweeter than lobster and more succulent than crab! I was also lucky enough to sample their muffaletta, which is definitely what I'll get next time. If you're near the Soulard area, definitely make this a stop!
Olympia Kebob House and Taverna 4 stars
1543 Mccausland Ave.St. Louis, MO 63117
I eat here quite often. This is probably the best Greek restaurant in town. I would recommend the appetizer platter for two, which comes with a nice variety of dips, along with olives, pita bread, pepperchinis, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Anna and I get this and are stuffed by the end! If you are looking for more of a meal, anything on the menu is great. Also, this is one of the few places that actually makes their own deserts. You have to try a piece of the baklava or the galaktobouriko before you leave.
Panama Red's 2.5 stars
1909 Locust St.St. Louis, MO 63103
I work about a block from Panama Red's, so I have eaten lunch here more times than I can count. This is a typical downtown bar with good food. I really like the cajun chicken sandwich with pepper cheese. Also, if there is a game downtown, Red's runs a shuttle to any of the stadiums. Preparty at Red's and get a free ride to the game! What a deal!
Pho Grand 3 stars
3195 South Grand Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63118
Pho Grand, located on Grand between Gravois and Arsenal, is a great find. They have great noodle dishes and clay pots. Clay pots are just that: a clay pot filled with rice, vegetables, and meats, which are then cooked in the pot. It is brought out steaming and continues to cook while you eat it. The rice around the edges gets crunchy and golden. A fine choice if you've never had one.
Red Sea 0 stars
6511 Delmar Blvd.University City, MO 63130
Anna and I just went here tonight for the first time and were quite disappointed. I had never been to an Ethopian restaurant before and was excited to go there. However, once we set foot inside, my excitement turned to worry, and finally to disappointment. When we went in, we should have noticed that there was one other person there on a Saturday night at 6:30. The place was dirty and not well lit. When the food came out (Red Sea Sampler I), we realized the worst. This meal came with the chicken, beef, and lamb dishes, each in a different sauce. The beef and lamb were so tough that you couldn't even chew them. The chicken had good flavor, as did some of the vegetables that came with the meal. There is an Ethopian bread that comes with the meal that is flavored like sourdough, but even more sour. I won't go back here again.
Riddle's Penultimate Cafe And Wine Bar 3.5 stars
6307 Delmar Blvd.University City, MO 63130
This is a nice change of pace. When you walk in, you notice the pleasantly muted decour. The staff is busteling by to service the customers as you are seated. The wine list is extensive, as are the dinner options. The vegetable platter we got as an appitizer was excellent, as was the whole experience. A little on the pricy side, this is a "special occasion" kind of place.
Robata of Japan 3.5 stars
111 Westport Plaza, floor 12St. Louis, MO 63146
This is one of Anna's favorite places to eat. Similar to Kobe of Japan, the cooks prepare the food at your table and do all of the cool tricks we have come to like. Not only is the show good, but the food is great. The hardest part here is deciding which meal to get. This is a great place for a first date, due to the upbeat nature. Also, since you are seated around the table with 10 people, you can chat with the other diners if your date sucks. I just found out that Robata's is no longer. They closed the doors in May of 2005. I'm very sorry to see them go and hope they open again somewhere.
Sansui 2.5 stars
4955 West Pine Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63108
Sansui, located one block west of Kingshighway in the Central West End is an average sushi place. My friend, Tim, thinks it is the best in town, but I beg to differ. The sushi is often poorly rolled, but with good flavor. Also, they tend to be a bit more expensive than other choices. Also, I don't care for their miso soup; it is too strongly flavored with garlic and mushrooms. Despite all these bad things, I would still eat here (if someone else was paying).
Seki's 3.5 stars
6335 Delmar Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63130
When I was taking classes at Wash U, I went here three times a week. Seki's offers a great selection of fresh sushi, and probably the best chirashi in town. Prices are reasonable and service is good. The only downside to speak of is parking. Located in the heart of Unniversity City (the Loop), parking is difficult to find. You may have to park blocks away and walk back to the restaurant. However, it is worth the walk.
Sen Thai 3 stars
1221 Locust St.St. Louis, MO 63103
Another Thai restaurant? Not quite. With a wide variety on the menu and fast service, this is one of the best in town. My personal favorite is the chicken red curry, you would be hard pressed to find a bad choice.
Spiro's Restaurant 2.5 stars
8406 Natural Bridge Rd.St. Louis, MO 63121
While my favorite greek place is still Olympia, Spiro's is pretty good. I really like their flaming cheese. Hootsba! I've enjoyed the Moussaka, among others, and haven't had a bad experience.
The King & I 3.5 stars
3157 South Grand Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63118
The King & I is a great Thai place in St. Louis city. The fact that it is often crowded speaks to the quality of their food. In particular, I really enjoy their Pad Thai (and ask for it extra spicy!). This fun and trendy joint is a good place for a first date.
The Tap Room 3 stars
2100 Locust St.St. Louis, MO 63103
The best in English food is here at the Tap Room. From the beer cheese soup to the fish and chips, this place reeks of England. I have had just about everything on the menu and I can't think of something I didn't like. The only problem is that service can be slow depending on the time of day and how busy they are.
The Top of the Riverfront 4 stars
200 South 4th StreetSt. Louis, MO 63102
Anna and I celebrated our first Anniversary at this restaurant. According to the restaurant website: "Twenty-eight stories above the cityscape, the Top of the Riverfront revolves 360 degrees, providing spectacular, panoramic views of St. Louis. Impeccable service and innovative American cuisine make a night at the Top one to remember. The Top also features an incredible Sunday Brunch with over 100 items." I was very impressed with almost everything. The hostess greeted us and wished us a happy anniversary... a nice touch. The waitress was very good at her job. She made suggestions where appropriate and was always attentave. We enjoyed cocktails, appetizers (tandoori chicken quiche, fried zuchinni, and wasabi shrimp), wine (Michelsburg Piesporter), main courses (filet mignon and veal cordon-bleu), and great dessert (chocolate tuxedo cake). The executive chef even came out and asked how we were enjoying our meals. The only thing I wasn't enamoured by was the veal cordon bleu. It was good, but for around $30, I would have expected a little more. Otherwise, "The Top of the Riverfront" would have received 4.5 stars. We will certainly come back. Perhaps sooner than later.
Tony's 4.5 stars
410 Market St.St. Louis, MO 63102
Tony's is one of 34 restaurants in America that has received the AAA five-diamond award and the only in Missouri. You can go to their website at www.tonysstlouis.com. Anna took me here for my birthday this year (2004) and I couldn't have been more impressed. The best quality of this experience was the service. You are never left wanting. Since this was our first time here, we decided to go for the "Chef's Tasting Menu for Two", which includes a little bit of everything. Each course of the meal was served with an appropriate wine selection. We started with an appetizer of smoked salmon with marscapone chesse and chilled asparagus with Belgian endive. This was followed shortly with a pasta dish that had lobster and shrimp tossed with penne noodles in a garlic and wine sauce. Thereafter, we were presented with the main course: tenderloin of beef, topped with fois gras and port wine sauce. This rich and decadent course was the peak of the meal. Not to be outdone, the next course was an assortment of cheeses and fruit that nicely complemented eachother. Finally, desert was a wonderful creme brulee, topped with blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. We got out of there for around $200. This is one of the most expensive establishments I've been in, but it was well worth it. If I could afford it every night, I would.
Tsevis' Pub and Grill 1 stars
189 Concord PlazaSt. Louis, MO 63128
This just a disappointing Greek restaurant.
Tumo's Ristorante 3.5 stars
6419 Hampton Ave.St. Louis, MO 63109
A friend of mine was a cook here, so maybe I'm a bit biased. All the food here is great. The steaks are to die for, especially the fillet mudega. Also, the chicken and pasta dishes are excellent. Perhaps the best part of the experience is the wonderful sauces on any dish. Whether you get the white wine lemon butter sauce, or a marinara sauce, you can't go wrong.
Wasabi 3 stars
1228 Washington Ave.St. Louis, MO 63103
Wasabi is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, located on trendy Washington Ave. in downtown St. Louis. Due to this prime location, one will often find a crowd in Wasabi, be it lunch or dinner. Since it is so close to work, I often eat here for lunch. What I’ve found during my visits is prompt service, good prices, and excellent quality. I’ve had just about everything on the menu, and can make some recommendations. In particular, I find most of their sushi to be excellent and fresh. Any of the three sushi lunch options are good. Also, the “bento” boxes are often my first pick. Finally, if you have a little extra cash to spend, try out the chirashi sushi. It is one of the best in town.
Yemanja Brazil 3 stars
2900 Missouri Ave.St. Louis, MO 63118
Yemanja Brazil is the real deal. Anna and I have eaten here twice and loved it both times. To start, I think everyone should try the Brazillian national drink. This is made with crushed limes, sugar, and rum. Very tasty! I don't remember exactly what we had each time, but I don't think you can go wrong with just about anything.
Zhivago's 3.5 stars
15480 Clayton Rd.Ballwin, MO 63021
Zhivago's is a Russian restaurant located on Clayton Rd. in West County. This is a bit of a drive for Anna and I, but it is well worth it. We had the bear and the sea bass the only time we went there and it was fantastic. The decour is traditional Russian and the atmosphere is fancy. A bit on the pricy side, perhaps this is best for special occasions. If you never eat here, you've missed out!
Restaurants to try
- Pumpernickel's - jewish deli/bakery, great breakfasts and lunches
- Lemon Grass - Vietnamese on S. Grand. Good hot pots
- Frasier's Brown Bag - Great mix of food. East of Yemanja's
- Little Saigon - Great vietnamese food in the west end. Pearl tea is excellent
- Mai Lee - Good Chinese/Vietnamese on Delmar right off of 170
- Duff's - Awesome brunch in the west end
- Chuy Arzola's - good tex mex for a decent price just south of Forest park
- Bar Italia - slightly pricey italian food, but excellent. Great selection of wines, especially grappa (italian hard liquor)
More suggestions? email me.
