Idol Wolf (1528 Locust Street, 314-325-0360) is a breathtaking Spanish restaurant with an artistic flair located in the 21c Museum Hotel in Downtown West.
Dining at Mainlander (8 South Euclid Avenue) is not only a great meal, it's an experience that transports diners to mid-century America, complete with all the period's nostalgic kitsch. But don't let the stylish trappings fool you: owners Gordon Chen and Blake Askew have sunk just as much effort (and likely more) in creating a prix-fixe menu full of flawlessly executed dishes.
One bit of Shay Landry's Reuben — stuffed full of succulent, smoke-laden meat — and you'll know that you're in the presence of one of St. Louis' great pitmasters. And it's not only the Reuben that stuns at Shay's Creole Smokehouse (912 South Main Street, St. Charles, 314-852-2803). Try the gumbo, and you'll be transported to Landry's Grandma Hazel's kitchen. Nibble on a rib and you'll marvel at how it has the perfect amount of tender chew. The burnt ends will leave you speechless.