St. Louis has quietly become one of the Midwest’s best food cities, and its restaurant scene reflects that. From old-school fine dining institutions to modern neighborhood spots that try not to take themselves too seriously, there’s no shortage of places to impress a date (or your partner of 10+ years!). Whether you’re planning a first dinner out or celebrating a decade together, these are the restaurants worth booking. And yes, one of them serves BBQ. And no, you won’t regret it.
1. Salt + Smoke
We know, we know. A BBQ place? But here is why it’s the perfect place for a date night: warm and buzzy without being loud, incredible hospitality that makes you feel instantly like their bestie (what they’re known for!), and comforting food that will take your date night up another level (if that’s what you’re after).
BBQ is inherently a sharing food, which makes it perfect for a date. You’re pulling apart brisket, passing sides, deciding which BBQ sauce is your favorite (My Sweet Bestie?), and ordering another round of cocktails because the night is going well.
We think brisket is the move here, as it’s smoked low-and-slow until it hits that perfect line between bark and tenderness. Pair it with the White Cheddar Cracker Mac and the Pig Candy (brown sugar-glazed smoked bacon).
But don’t sleep on the cocktail menu. The Walnut Old Fashioned is a genuinely excellent drink, and the Sazerac is the real deal, not a shortcut version. Salt + Smoke has put real thought into its bar program, and it shows. Order the whiskey flight if you’re both into it, as it’s a good excuse to slow the night down.
2. Louie
Louie is the kind of Italian restaurant that makes you wish you lived in the neighborhood (when can we move in?). Tucked into the DeMun area, it has a dark, polished dining room that feels dressed up without requiring you to be. The staff has a way of making everyone feel like a regular, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth. Start with the crispy cauliflower fritto or the prosciutto plate, and don’t leave without trying the roast chicken, as it’s one of the best in the city. Pizza is also a strong call here, obviously. The same team runs Wright’s Tavern if you’re in a steakhouse mood. Book through Resy or OpenTable.
3. Wright’s Tavern
In the former home of St. Louis institution I Fratellini, Wright’s Tavern has stepped in and made the space its own. It’s definitely become one of Clayton’s best restaurants with its bistro-style linens, an open kitchen, impeccably professional service, and a focused menu. The halibut and the New York strip are the standout mains, while you must order the Dauphinoise potatoes for the table. Reservations book out fast, so plan at least a month ahead, or try for one of the four bar seats held for walk-ins on the night.
4. Olive + Oak
Olive + Oak is the kind of restaurant that makes you understand why people love Webster Groves. The space is beautiful with upscale American food. The restaurant has an incredible wine program, where the staff know their list and will steer you well. It draws a loyal crowd from across the city, which is an endorsement in itself. If you haven’t been, it belongs on the list.
5. Sidney Street Cafe
Sidney Street Cafe has been one of St. Louis’s most respected fine dining restaurants for decades, and it’s earned that reputation by consistently turning out exceptional food in a neighborhood that rewards the commitment. Chef Kevin Nashan’s contemporary American cooking is precise and personal, and the Soulard setting gives the whole evening a character you won’t find in Clayton or Ladue. Want to make an amazing first impression? Take them here.
Plan Your Date Night in St. Louis
The best date night restaurants in St. Louis have one thing in common: they understand that a great dinner is about more than the food. It’s the room, the pacing, the drinks, the way the night unfolds. Every restaurant on this list delivers that in its own way, from Salt + Smoke’s low-lit BBQ warmth to Sidney Street Cafe’s polished Soulard dining room.
If you’re deciding where to start, start with Salt + Smoke. Book a table, order the brisket, get a round of Old Fashioneds, and see where the night takes you. It’s the kind of dinner that turns into a regular thing.
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