Location: University City
Top Restaurants in University City
Where to Eat in University City: The Best Restaurants and Bars
University City (colloquially, U. City) is an inner-ring suburb of the city of St. Louis in St. Louis County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. The population was 35,371 in 2010 census.
Things to do in University City
1. The Crossing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Featuring local "farm to table" food using a breadth of farmer in the Missouri and Illinois communities. When asked to define of The Crossing, Owner/Executive Chef Jim Fiala often says that he is a chef that buys locally whenever possible and cooks as any French and/or Italian chef would given the ingredients sourced. Joining Jim is Chef Matt Abeshouse who brings a wealth of passion and expertise in classic French cuisine to the kitchen. Our food is fresh, organic (whenever possible), seasonal and by design very simple. The Crossing stays true to classic techniques and the chefs love showing off their skills and passion for elegant food.
Reviewed By Bob D - Saint Louis, Missouri
OK. Broken record. Another stellar review. New Year's Eve, limited menu, but it didn't matter. This fantastic restaurant has withstood the test of time and risen to the top of what St. Louis has to offer in the food department.
It is expensive, yes, but it's one of those places that really is worth a splurge. You can listen to the concierge hype about other local high-end eateries, but I say skip the overblown Italian place downtown and allow yourself to be spoiled here. You can thank me later.
This visit we were offered the opportunity to add shaved black truffle to any of our dishes, so we split a portion to complement our pasta course. Wow.
2. Missouri Baking Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 548 reviews
Reviewed By Alexis B - Nashville, Tennessee
Charming bakery in the heart of the Hill (St. Louis's historic Italian neighborhood). They have Italian pastries, German pastries, and more! They have freshly baked bread, sweets, cakes - everything you can think of! A friend and I visited on a Sunday morning when the Hill is quiet, and we were helped right away! The employees there that morning answered all the questions we had about the pastries we weren't familiar with and they were very helpful! They're cash only, but they have an ATM set up where you can get cash and they'll give the change for a $1.50 fee. My friend and I both left with boxes so that we could take a little bit of St. Louis home with us!
3. Maggiano's Little Italy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
Reviewed By CarolTwo - Saint Louis, Missouri
I have a severe garlic intolerance. So, why go to an Italian restaurant? Because my husband likes Italian food and I heard Maggiano's accommodates people with food allergies....and indeed they do!! The waitress brought Chef Brian to our table, where he ask me about my food issues and then suggested several options and how he might prepare them for me. He "custom created" my food. Everything I ate was fabulous and without repercussions. Although I could not eat their pasta dishes, I had flavorful choices.
4. Salt + Smoke
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
Salt + Smoke, BBQ Bourbon and Beer sources and smokes the best BBQ in town! We make everything from scratch from our fries to pies and can help you wash that delicious food down with any of our over 300 beers and whiskies!
Reviewed By Cre8tiv16 - Florida
Greeted by friendly hostess and seated quickly. Waitress was good, however did not seem to know all theBeer options.
The food order came quickly and was served Hot! Everything we ate was Delicious! Pulled pork, pulled chicken, chips, green beans, salad.. every single thing was absolutely tasty and sooo good! We had a great meal and would return when nearby. Would recommend. Not a fancy place, and it was a bit tight at the counter ( we opted not to wait for a table) but totally worth it. And we met some nice people as well!
Enjoy
5. Cafe Napoli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
When Tony Pietoso opened the original Cafe Napoli in the '80s, it quickly became a success. So Successful, in fact, that it moved to a bigger location at 7754 Forsyth Blvd. The restaurant continued to flourish with its generous portions of regional Italian specialties. Cafe Napoli has recently undergone a facelift and has added Bar Napoli next door. The swank cocktail lounge has soft lighting and a separate wine room that can accommodate 30 diners. The kitchen is headed by chef Jeff Davis, who has been with the restaurant for several years. Fortunato Pietoso, Tony's brother, has also returned to the kitchen. Tony makes rounds chatting with customers, many of whom appear to be on a first-name basis with him. The sons Ande and Kye split their time between the Bar and Cafe, as they are being groomed to take over the family business. Cafe Napoli is a must visit when in the St. Louis area. Some guests include Tony Bennett, Gloria Estefen, Joe Torre and Arnold Palmer to name a few.
Reviewed By elaine3Southport - Southport, CT
Try caprese salad with giant slices on fresh mozzarella cheese on tomatoes and nice basil pesto dressing. The ravioli was excellent and the prawn appetizers looked very big. I enjoyed the flourless chocolate cake.
This was an event which was held in a private room. The servers were innocuous and efficient during the presentation.
6. Vernons BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Tasha T - Chicago, Illinois
I've tried this place on a couple of occasions to only be slightly disappointed as I continue on my quest to find the best barbecue in St. Louis. The sauces here were great. The meats are average. The sides are ok. Still waiting to be wowed.
7. Oceano Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
We are St. Louis' premiere fresh fish bistro. Our chefs, in partnership with fisherman, farmers and food artisans have searched the worlds' seas to bring to the St. Louis area what is enjoyed by those who live on the coasts.
Reviewed By Jester122 - Saint Louis, Missouri
We were looking forward to a wonderful evening at Oceano Bistro with a large group to celebrate two birthdays. We had heard good things about this place and gave it a try. A couple of people in our group loved this place in the past. I don’t know if the quality has slipped or if this is the new normal, but the whole group left feeling very underwhelmed by the experience. Being Restaurant Week, most of us ordered off of the special menu with a few regular menu items added. The problems started when the servers forgot to bring out two of our chowders as the first course. Eight people in our group of ten were eating while two of us had to wait until they were almost finished before we had to chance to tell them that we had not been served our first course yet. Once the chowder came, it was pretty bland. It wasn’t bad, just needed more salt, pepper and spices. Next came our main course - mine was trout with mushrooms and green beans in a mushroom sauce. The trout was excellent. The mushrooms were very good, but were very sparse. Needed many more mushrooms. The green beans were too raw for me. I like a little fresh snap and crispness to my al dente vegetables, but these were way, way too raw and had no flavor either. Dessert course was either bread pudding with ice cream or a cupcake. The bread pudding was good, but the cupcake was very dry and non-edible.
Lastly, they did nothing to recognize the two of us that chose to celebrate our birthday at their establishment. No drink on the house or complimentary appetizer or anything. A small gesture goes a long way in showing your appreciation for your patrons and making a lasting impression.
This place was trendy and nice all around, but I was not impressed. The next time I celebrate my birthday, it will be at another establishment. There are plenty of wonderful places in which to spend my time and money.
8. Three Kings Pub House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Rotating craft beer taps, award winning burgers & wings, and global pub food! Located in both Des Peres and the Delmar Loop!
Reviewed By Toastwitheggs
It’s a bar, that has food. We sat at the bar, had beers and cider. We also had a great pretzel! I’d recommend it, pleasant staff and good selection of drinks.
9. Piccione Pastry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Located in the heart of the Delmar Loop, Piccione Pastry is a late-night pastry shop which embraces the time honored traditions in Italian baking. Our pastry chefs create recipes from scratch, bake in small batches & use the highest quality ingredients for their creations. Enjoy signature cannolis, rum baba, tiramisu & many other delicious desserts!
Reviewed By Julia D
The menu had lots of different pastries, coffee, drinks, including italian soda, and gelato. The cannoli had multiple flavors, too. Great staff and casual atmosphere
10. Adriana's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By gecco2003 - Evergreen, Colorado
I went to Adriana's this past week while traveling via St. Louis. The restaurant is clean and was nearly full when I arrived at around 2:00 PM. The staff was efficient and friendly. I ordered the Italian Beef half and half special based on reviews I had found. They offer a different take on the sandwich. It is made with provolone cheese, red bell peppers and onions. By no means your traditional Italian Beef. The portion was perfect but still generous. However, I was disappointed as the taste was good but not nearly as flavorful as other's I've had. The bread was a bit soft. The side was penne with tomato and basil sauce. Meh...not spicy enough for my taste. Overall a good/average experience. Maybe next time I'll try something different.
