Best Restaurants
HOKKAIDO SCALLOPS
THE BENEVOLENT KING
These scallops are renowned for their sweet flavor and tender texture. Served over short-grain rice and doused in a sauce made of harissa butter, the dish melds the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine with the restaurant’s Moroccan roots. 7268 Manchester.
DONER
BALKAN TREAT BOX
Although it’s difficult to choose a favorite menu item at this popular Webster Groves luncheonette, the doner is a worthy contender for top billing. On first bite, the char of the wood-fired somun flatbread marries well with veggie-forward tastes of lettuce, tomato, onion, and cabbage, and the protein of your choice (seasoned chicken or tofu). Pro tip: Splurge for extra red pepper sauce, known as ajvar. 8103 Big Bend.
DISHES
MALA TOFU
CATE ZONE
The Chinese word mala translates to “numbingly spicy.” Fear not: The sauce that blankets these silky soft cubes of tofu isn’t too challenging. Rather, its beguiling mix of spicy, savory, and tingly flavors makes something as neutral as tofu exciting to eat. 8148 Olive.
TAIWANESE POPCORN CHICKEN
TAI KE SHABU SHABU
It’s called popcorn chicken for a reason: You’ll be popping these crunchy morsels of chicken in your mouth until nothing but crumbs remain. The spicy mix of peppers dusted on top makes the dish pop in another way, while the frizzled basil adds a crispy, herbal note. 9626 Olive.
PAWPAW MOLE TURKEY THIGH
BULRUSH
At this Midtown favorite from acclaimed chef Rob Connoley, the dishes are always well-researched and executed. Case in point: the pawpaw mole turkey thigh. A nod to historical Ozark diets, the dish is enlivened by the mole sauce, which balances the sweetness of the fruit. 3307 Washington.
BRAISED SHORT RIBS
AKAR
Accented by a sambal demi-glace, the rich and savory meat is served on the bone—but it won’t stay there for long. The sweetness of the accompanying pea mash and burnt carrots create a cohesive array of flavors. It’s just one of the reasons to visit chef Bernie Lee’s culinary gem. 7641 Wydown.
ONES TO WATCH
10 RECENTLY OPENED OR FORTHCOMING EATERIES, INCLUDING SEVERAL CONTENDERS FOR 2022 BEST NEW RESTAURANTS
1. SNŌ
The modern Asian/dim sum restaurant from accomplished chefs Tony and Jessica Nguyen emphasizes novel preparations and experiential fun. 3611 Juniata.
2. CASA DE TRES REYES
Jalea’s Andrew Cisneros and Half & Half’s Mike Randolph collaborated on the menu at this companion to Three Kings. 1181 Colonnade.
3. PRESS
Located next to sister restaurant Lucky Acomplice, this Logan Ely eatery features smashed and topped pizzas. 2501 S. Jefferson.
4. HONEY BEE’S BISCUITS + GOOD EATS
Customers come for biscuit sandwiches and leave with cinnamon rolls or Biscuit Bombs. 200 N. Kirkwood.
5. PIZZA CHAMP + SHARED
A perfect pairing: pizza from the owners of Elmwood and brews from the team at Side Project Brewing. 2657 Lyle.
6. WINNIE’S WINE BAR
The travel-themed wine bar from Hamilton Hospitality conjures a comfy airport lounge. 2101 Chouteau.
7. BAR MORO
Acclaimed restaurateur Ben Poremba takes over the Billie-Jean space, promising Moor-influenced Spanish, Mediterranean, and tapas dishes. 7610 Wydown.
8. SADO
James Beard Award nominee Nick Bognar is putting the finishing touches on this sushi-based restaurant in the former Giovanni’s space on The Hill. 5201 Shaw.
9. WRIGHT’S TAVERN
In late fall, Louie owner Matt McGuire plans to open “a city tavern and steakhouse” in the former I Fratellini space in Clayton. 7624 Wydown.
10. NAPOLI SEA
Café Napoli’s Pietoso family plans to drop anchor by year’s end with a new seafood concept in St. Charles. 1450 Beale, Ste. 115, St. Charles.
NEW & NOTABLE
CLEAVER & COCKTAIL
An in-house dry-aging room says it all. Try the 16-ounce rib-eye-or consider a seafood option. From the impressive list of classic cocktails, order an Aviation, which takes the martini to new heights. The inviting patio is typically in full shade by early evening and overlooks a small lake and trails—perfect for a post-dinner.
