10 Best New Restaurants in St. Louis
The 10 best new restaurants in St. Louis include Sidney Street Kitchen, Niche Food & Drink, Eleven Eleven, Pappy's Smokehouse, Farmhaus Restaurant, The Crossing, Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co., Nudo House, Good Company, and Bridge Tap House. St. Louis’ culinary landscape is defined by the proud coexistence of old-world neighborhood traditions and a nationally recognized modern dining movement. People line up for Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs, while tables in Italian-American restaurants fill up for toasted ravioli. Sidney Street Kitchen provides a multi-course journey in a Benton Park building, Pappy's Smokehouse offers a loud, fast-moving line for world-class barbecue, and Farmhaus builds their entire menu around meats and produce from nearby Missouri farms. A meal at a popular new restaurant in St. Louis averages $45 per person.
Sidney Street Kitchen ranks #1 on our list of best new restaurants in the city for its inventive fine dining and long-standing role as a standard-bearer for culinary excellence in the STL. Pappy's Smokehouse is the undisputed destination for Memphis-style barbecue ribs.
The top ten best new restaurants in St Louis are listed below.
10 Best New Restaurants in St. Louis are listed below.
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1
Eleven Eleven MississippiEleven Eleven is a rustic Tuscan-inspired eatery in the Lafayette Square neighborhood. This is a popular spot for enjoying wine and hearty fare, a great new restaurant for a night out in St. Louis.- Item Prices 6
- Average Item Price $27.13
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian, Mediterranean
Signature Dishes:Grilled Salmon
Assorted Wild Mushrooms & Pecorino Polenta
Eleven Eleven Bistro Burger
Location:1111 Mississippi Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104
Special Feature:The restaurant is housed in a beautifully renovated former factory, with a large, charming patio.
What Makes It Special:The warm, rustic atmosphere feels like a trip to the Italian countryside.
What Sets It Apart:Its long-standing reputation as a reliable and romantic destination for a high-quality meal.
Operating Hours:Sunday - Monday: ClosedTuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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2
Pappy's SmokehouseSandwiches American BBQPappy's Smokehouse is a world-famous barbecue joint in the Midtown neighborhood. A meal here is a quintessential experience for anyone seeking classic ribs and a rite of passage for visitors trying a new restaurant in St. Louis.- Item Prices 35
- Average Item Price $11.54
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Barbecue
Signature Dishes:Beef Brisket
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Burnt Ends
Location:3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Special Feature:The ribs are slow-smoked over apple and cherry wood and served with a signature dry rub.
What Makes It Special:The "fall-off-the-bone" tender quality of the ribs has earned it a national reputation.
What Sets It Apart:The long lines and casual, bustling atmosphere are a key part of its iconic status.
Operating Hours:Sunday, Wednesday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PMTuesday: ClosedThursday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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3
The CrossingThe Crossing is an elegant fine-dining spot in the Clayton neighborhood. This is a premier location for a sophisticated meal that blends French and Italian techniques, a top-tier new restaurant in the St. Louis area.- Item Prices 1077
- Average Item Price $22.40
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:French, Italian
Signature Dishes:Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Tartare
Sea Scallops
Blueberry Cheesecake
Location:7823 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105
Special Feature:The restaurant is known for its extensive and expertly curated wine list.
What Makes It Special:The refined and precise execution of classic European cuisine.
What Sets It Apart:Its status as a long-standing and reliable destination for high-end business dinners and special occasions.
Operating Hours:Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 5:00–9:00 PMSaturday: 5:00–9:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:Over $100 per person
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4
Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co.Peacemaker brings the feel of an East Coast seafood shack to the Benton Park neighborhood. This is a fun and casual spot for lobster rolls and fresh oysters, a unique new restaurant concept for St. Louis.- Item Prices 46
- Average Item Price $11.60
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Seafood
Signature Dishes:Hush Puppies
Connecticut Lobster Roll with House Chips
Peacemaker Oyster with Remoulade
Location:1831 Sidney St, St. Louis, MO 63104
Special Feature:The restaurant has a large raw bar and serves a variety of fresh seafood boils.
What Makes It Special:The focus on fresh, high-quality seafood served in a laid-back, unpretentious setting.
What Sets It Apart:It successfully recreates the experience of a coastal seafood shack in a landlocked city.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:30–8:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:30–9:30 PMSunday: 12:00–8:30 PM
Price:$30 to $60 per person
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5
Good CompanyGood Company is a vibrant restaurant in the suburb of Webster Groves. This is a lively new restaurant for enjoying creative burgers and cocktails in the St. Louis suburbs.- Item Prices 170
- Average Item Price $6.36
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:The "Good" Burger
Green Chile Cheeseburger
Roasted Cauliflower
Location:4317 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
Special Feature:The restaurant is from the same team behind the acclaimed Olive + Oak, bringing a high level of quality to a more casual concept.
What Makes It Special:The focus on high-quality ingredients for its burgers and an inventive, well-executed cocktail program.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of a stylish, high-energy atmosphere with approachable and perfectly crafted comfort food.
Operating Hours:Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AM
Price:$30 to $40 per person
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6
Bridge Tap House & Wine BarBridge Tap House is a downtown beer bar and restaurant with an extensive selection of brews. This is a top location for exploring the world of craft beer and a great new restaurant for a casual downtown St. Louis bite.- Item Prices 77
- Average Item Price $9.43
Type of Restaurant:Bar, Casual Dining
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:Duck Tacos
Soft Pretzels
Cuban Sandwich
Location:1004 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63101
Special Feature:The bar features a massive and constantly rotating list of over 200 beers in bottles and on tap.
What Makes It Special:The knowledgeable staff can guide guests through the enormous beer selection.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of a world-class beer program with a high-quality food menu in a stylish, modern setting.
Operating Hours:Monday: 8:00 AM–2:00 PMTuesday – Sunday: Closed
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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7
Sidney Street KitchenSidney Street Kitchen is a long-standing fine-dining institution in the Benton Park neighborhood. A meal at this acclaimed new restaurant is a benchmark for upscale dining in St. Louis.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:New American
Signature Dishes:Lobster Turnovers
Veal Dumplings
Filet Bearnaise
Location:2000 Sidney St, St. Louis, MO 63104
Special Feature:The restaurant is housed in a historic, century-old storefront building.
What Makes It Special:The creative and consistently excellent menu has earned multiple James Beard Awards for its chef.
What Sets It Apart:Its reputation as one of the city's most important and influential fine-dining establishments for over a decade.
Operating Hours:Sunday – Monday: ClosedTuesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Price:Over $100 per person
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8
Niche Food & DrinkNiche was an influential spot that pioneered modern, Missouri-focused fine dining. Before it closed, it was a must-visit for any serious food lover and a model for a new restaurant in St. Louis.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:New American
Signature Dishes:Braised Beef
Roasted Chicken
Brasserie Burger
Location:4580 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Special Feature:The restaurant's menu was sourced entirely from producers within 150 miles of St. Louis.
What Makes It Special:The James Beard Award-winning chef's commitment to elevating and celebrating the food of his home state.
What Sets It Apart:Its groundbreaking role in putting St. Louis on the national culinary map.
Operating Hours:Monday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:$50 to $100 per person
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9
Farmhaus RestaurantFarmhaus is a small, chef-owned spot focused on farm-to-table dining. This is an intimate spot for a seasonal, ingredient-driven meal and a perfect example of a chef-driven new restaurant in St. Louis.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:New American
Signature Dishes:Roasted Ozark Forest Mushroom Salad
Nantucket Cape Scallop Gratin
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Location:3257 Ivanhoe Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139
Special Feature:The menu changes daily based on what the chef sources from local farms.
What Makes It Special:The James Beard Award-winning chef's personal and creative approach to cooking.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of high-end, ambitious food with a relaxed and unpretentious neighborhood feel.
Operating Hours:Monday – Thursday: 5:30–9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:30–9:30 PMSunday: Closed
Price:Over $100 per person
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10
Nudo HouseNudo House is a popular spot for authentic ramen and other Asian comfort foods. This is a go-to spot for a quick and satisfying bowl of noodles, a popular new restaurant for lunch in St. Louis.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Ramen, Asian
Signature Dishes:Classic Nudo
O’Miso Spicy
Curry Up
Location:11423 Olive Bivd, St. Louis, MO 63141
Special Feature:The ramen broth is slow-simmered for hours to develop a deep and complex flavor.
What Makes It Special:The high-quality, authentic preparation of classic Japanese ramen.
What Sets It Apart:Its reputation as one of the best and most popular ramen shops in the city.
Operating Hours:Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
What Makes New Restaurants in St. Louis Famous?
New restaurants in St. Louis, MO become famous for perfecting a single iconic local dish, like toasted ravioli or gooey butter cake. Some gain popularity for introducing a chef-driven farm-to-table concept that highlights Missouri's agricultural strengths. The food culture in this Midwestern city is intensely loyal, with excitement generated by word-of-mouth in historic neighborhoods like Benton Park and The Hill. Chefs become well-known by mastering specific skills, whether it's the precise smoking of pork ribs at Pappy's Smokehouse or the delicate art of French sauces at Sidney Street Kitchen.
What Types of New Restaurants are Commonly Found in St. Louis?
The types of new restaurants commonly found in St. Louis include modern barbecue joints, ambitious fine-dining rooms, and classic Italian eateries. The different kinds of St. Louis restaurants are discussed here.
- Barbecue Joints: Casual, high-volume spots dedicated to the art of slow-smoked meat. Pappy's Smokehouse is the most famous example.
- Chef-Driven Fine Dining: Intimate, ambitious restaurants led by nationally recognized chefs. Sidney Street Kitchen and Farmhaus lead this category.
- Neighborhood Italian Eateries: Restaurants in "The Hill" neighborhood that serve classic red-sauce Italian-American food.
- Modern Seafood Shacks: Casual spots that bring the flavors of the East Coast to the Midwest. Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. is a prime example.
- Craft Beer Houses: Bars that feature an extensive selection of local and international beers. Bridge Tap House provides this exact setting.
Does St. Louis Have an Authentic New Restaurant?
Yes, there are authentic new restaurants in St. Louis that are deeply committed to a specific culinary tradition, with places like Pappy's Smokehouse, Nudo House, and Eleven Eleven leading the way. Pappy's is an authentic Memphis-style barbecue joint, from its dry rub to its slow-smoking method. Nudo House provides an authentic Japanese ramen experience. Eleven Eleven is an authentic taste of rustic Tuscan cooking.
Do New Restaurants in St. Louis Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, new restaurants in St. Louis offer easy online reservations, especially for the fine-dining and more popular spots like Sidney Street Kitchen, The Crossing, and Farmhaus. These in-demand dining rooms use platforms like OpenTable, and booking ahead is crucial for weekend dinners. However, the city's most famous barbecue spot, Pappy's Smokehouse, is a counter-service, walk-in-only establishment where the long line is part of the experience.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best New Restaurants in St. Louis?
The signature dishes of the best new restaurants in St. Louis are a guide to the quintessential food in St Louis, showcasing local classics and chef-driven creations. The popular restaurant dishes in St. Louis are shown below.
- Pork Ribs: The quintessential St. Louis dish, slow-smoked and typically served with a dry rub. Pappy's Smokehouse is acclaimed for its version.
- Toasted Ravioli: A unique local specialty of breaded and deep-fried ravioli, often served with marinara sauce.
- Gooey Butter Cake: A rich, dense, and sweet cake that is a St. Louis original.
- Lobster Turnovers: A decadent and creative appetizer. Sidney Street Kitchen is famous for this dish.
- Lobster Roll: A classic East Coast sandwich of lobster meat in a buttered roll. Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. specializes in this item.
Does St. Louis Enjoy New Food?
Yes, St. Louis locals enjoy eating food at new restaurants. While the city loves its long-standing institutions, residents are also enthusiastic supporters of independent, chef-owned spots that bring new ideas and techniques to the forefront, fueling a culinary renaissance.
What is the Average Meal Price at New Restaurants in St. Louis?
The average meal price at a new restaurant in St. Louis is $45 per individual. A casual meal at a spot like Pappy's Smokehouse or Nudo House costs $15 to $30. A dinner for two at a popular sit-down establishment such as Eleven Eleven or Peacemaker runs from a total of $70 to $130. A full fine-dining experience at a high-end location like Sidney Street Kitchen or The Crossing will require over $100 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at New Restaurants in St. Louis?
Yes, there are vegan options at new restaurants in St. Louis, particularly at modern American spots with a focus on vegetables. Farmhaus, with its close ties to local farms, offers creative and satisfying vegetable-based dishes that can be prepared vegan. Many other chef-driven spots can accommodate vegan diets with advance notice.
Do New Restaurants in St. Louis Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, new restaurants in St. Louis offer gluten-free options, especially at its many barbecue and fine-dining establishments. The smoked meats at Pappy's Smokehouse are naturally gluten-free. Upscale spots like Sidney Street Kitchen and The Crossing have numerous grilled meat and fish entrees that can be served without gluten-containing components.
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