Lindenwood Park, St. Louis MO 63139, 3453 Hampton Ave.
Steven Pursley is a chef who has dedicated himself to creating house-made noodle dishes. But that’s just a small part of what he does at Menya Rui. It’s a low-key concept which invites customers to experience the slow pace and sensory experience of Japan, where he spent 3 years honing the art of making noodles. If you can make it to the front of that ever-present queue, you will be rewarded by a few blissful moments inside as Pursley’s creations are presented. The menu focuses on Shoyu, Mazemen, and Tsukemen styles—each composed with such taut attention to detail that it’s impossible to name a favorite. The buzz surrounding his second concept is considerable. Kishimoto MendōPursley will dedicate this year to the exploration and study of Tonkotsu.
8106 Olive Boulevard, University City St. Louis MO 63130
It’s hard to find a place more minimalist than Soup Dumplings St. Louis. The decor matches the minimalist approach of the menu. Diners can observe the construction of the soup dumplings from their seats. Although the restaurant has a handful of other items, the dumplings are what to plan your visit around—the pork variety in particular will make you marvel at how much richness and complexity one can swaddle in dumpling skin. It’s better to dine in than takeout to enjoy the soup dumplings when they are at their best temperature.
2800 Shenandoah Ave, Fox Park, St. Louis, MO 63104
Little Fox may be the most popular restaurant in St. Louis. Its ability to consistently and subtly exceed expectations is what makes it so appealing. Cocktails that are sophisticated and familiar are served. Dishes are complex, but not overly so. You can always find the napkin or spoon you require. It’s a restaurant where everything—from potato churros to sea scallops to baked eggs—will be your favorite thing. Little Fox, despite its cozy neighborhood atmosphere, is consistently ranked at the top of the “best of list” for its beverage programs, hospitality and chef Craig Rivard’s exquisite menu.
3279 Hampton Ave. Northampton St. Louis MO, 63139
Mestiza looks like any other counter-service restaurant, but what goes on inside is nothing like that. Owners Angel Jiménez-Gutiérrez and Alex Ayala could have played it safe by sticking with familiar options like carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas. They chose to take a more risky route and offer regional tacos such as campechano, (mixed-meat) and cochinita, in the hopes that the city will trust their vision. It’s now as common to order tripa as it is to order birria. Carryout is easy here, but it’s best to sit in, cool off with a cantarito—a refreshing citrus-based tequila beverage served in a clay cup—and eat your way through the menu.
