St. Louis’ Food Scene Is Heavily Slept on — Here’s Everywhere You Should Be Eating and Drinking
2023 F&W Best New Chef Steven Pursley shares his favorite spots in St. Louis for toasted ravioli, country-fried steak, and more.
Left to right: Mike Kline / Notkalvin Photography / Getty Images; Alex Lau; Spencer Pernikoff
Opening Menya Rui, one of the first and only ramen joints in St. Louis, was a risk for 2023 F&W Best New Chef Steven Pursley. But the restaurant has only been met with love and support from the community. “We have the opportunity to purvey a whole new food culture,” he says. It’s an exciting time for St. Louis — new, independent restaurants have the space to make a name for themselves while staples continue their decade-long legacies.
For the best places to eat, drink, and shop in St. Louis, follow Pursley’s lead with these incredible recommendations.
Toasted ravioli
“One of St. Louis’ signature dishes is toasted ravioli. Monte Bello Pizzeria has the best because they don’t have the hard, crusty edges that assault the roof of your mouth. Instead, they are pillowy, fried, meaty dough puffs filled from corner to corner.”
Diner done right
“I’m a simple, greasy spoon man. I’ll take an $8 breakfast plate, usually with country-fried steak and gravy from Courtesy Diner and keep it pushin’.”
The sweet spot
“Nathaniel Reid Bakery makes my favorite pastries, hands down. From croissants to cakes, everything is elegant and tasty.”
Best bake
“Our neighbors on the other side of our plaza, Knead Bakehouse + Provisions makes awesome sourdough loaves and doughnuts.”
Courtesy of Curbside-STL and KNEAD Bakehouse + Provisions
A doughnut from KNEAD Bakehouse + ProvisionsThe go-to
“Sado by [2020 F&W Best New Chef] Nick Bognar is the place to be right now. Elegant but approachable with straight-up tasty food.”
Related: Steven Pursely Studied in Japan to Make the Most Tender, Bouncy, Delectably Slurpable Ramen Noodles
Barbecue to beat
“The barbecue at The Stellar Hog is heavily slept on. They have killer beef ribs and pastrami. Everything is seasoned beautifully to the point where the sauce is not even necessary.”
St. Louie
“Louie keeps a nice wine list and even better service to complement it. All hits, no misses.”
Raising the bar
“Kira Webster and her team are pumping out some great drinks at Indo and Sado.”
Poppin’ patios
“The outdoor patios at John D. McGurk’s in Soulard, Venice Café in Benton Park, and The Boathouse at Forest Park are all great vibes.”
Shopping trip
“I shop at Pan-Asia for Asian things, DiGregorio’s for Italian, and Schnucks for everyday.”
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