Cuisines

Haley S., M1

Even though you might not associate dim sum with St. Louis, you should definitely check out Mandarin House! The menu is authentic and expansive, serving everything from boba, to shrimp dumplings, vegetable soup, and orange chicken. Furthermore, the venue is quite large, so it’s great for both small gatherings and large groups. If you want the full dim sum experience, I would recommend going for the weekend lunch special and make sure to order the steamed pork buns!

Vinay P., M1

The Mediterranean might be thousands of miles away, but there are plenty of options for its food right here in town. The Vine is my personal favorite with its hot beef, soft pita, and creamy hummus.

Anthony W., M1

Despite the fact that St. Louis is located in the Midwest, there is surprisingly a good variety of Vietnamese restaurants, specifically for phở. My current top two recommendations include Phở Grand and Phở Long for two separate reasons. On one hand, Phở Grand has a very diverse menu with many great dishes including, but not limited to, phở. The phở specifically has a flavorful broth and is priced reasonably for the quantity of noodles and meat provided. It will definitely quench your craving for phở without leaving you feeling unnecessarily full and/or greasy from the broth. Meanwhile, Phở Long has a smaller menu but really focuses on the phở. The broth itself is pretty flavorful, though somewhat lacking compared to Phở Grand, however the quantity of noodles and meat provided for the given price is higher than that of Phở Grand. Likewise, to note, the broth isn’t very heavy with oil. If you are looking for phở that, at a very slight cost in quality, is cheap with large portions, I would highly recommend Phở Long.

Kristin P., M1

While I personally love Imo’s, I assure you there’s way more to the pizza scene in St. Louis than just thin crust and provel cheese. If you’re craving pizza, you’ll have many delicious options, no matter your pizza style preference.

Mac E., M1

While BBQ and ribs are a staple of the St. Louis diet, if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, ramen is a great refresher to your restaurant routine. My personal favorite ramen at Nami is the Original Tonkatsu.

Allie L., M1

There are some great options for soul food that are pretty near to the medical campus! Grace Meat + Three is a restaurant in the Grove, which is about a five-minute drive from campus or a 15-minute walk. They have plenty of soul food options, like fried chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, burgers, collard greens, and chicken and dumplings. This great local eatery is perfect for indulging in your soul food cravings.

Bruin P., M1

The single most important reason to come to St Louis! Just kidding, but the ‘cue really is the best in the world. Here are the consensus best smokehouses around: Pappy’s was voted best ribs in America by the Food Network — and I’m inclined to agree! The meat is unbeatable and the walls are covered in menus signed by celebrities. It’s an iconic local establishment that absolutely deserves a visit from everyone. Try to get there early in the day before the burnt ends run out! Sugarfire was my parents’ favorite when they visited for the White Coat ceremony. The best part is the sauces (upwards of eight different flavors), plus your food is served right on the spot. The Meat Daddy combo is easily my all-time favorite meal in town. Salt + Smoke and The Shaved Duck are honorable mentions for their great atmosphere and quality sides!

Haley S., M1

Speaking as a Southern Californian and taco aficionado, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of taco places in St. Louis! If you want fast and cheap food, Mission Taco serves adequate food, but its main claim to fame is two dollar tequila shots and tacos after 10 p.m. If you are looking for okay tacos and excellent margaritas, El Burro Loco in the Central West End is also a good bet. But if you want authentic, out-of-this world tacos, go to Mi Ranchito in the Loop. The service is impeccable and the food is unforgettable!

Don’t go to Addie’s, let Addie’s come to you — they’re a heavy rotation favorite at WUSM lunch talks.

You have to give St. Louis-style Italian a try while you’re here, and besides Zia’s, there are so many great options on the Hill. For more pasta, check out Cunetto’s or Anthonino's. For St. Louis-style Italian sandwiches, try the hot salami at Gioia’s or Adriana’s. Not sure if you’re craving Spanish or Italian? Check out Guido’s.

Incredible Turkish spot that offers contemporary takes on Old World Turkish classics.

The only restaurant we know of where you can try the St. Louis backyard barbecue classic, barbecued pork steak. Great sauces, rotating sides, and your meal comes with a tortilla!

Memphis and STL-style barbecue, so you don’t have to choose.

Fast casual fried chicken with killer nuggz.

A WashU undergrad and WUSM student favorite featuring inventive cuisine from the Dongbei region of northeast China.

Fairly upscale Italian restaurant that is a favorite for special occasions for many St. Louisans. It’s Hill-style Italian, but upgraded. For pasta, try the baked spaghetti with meatballs or the penne borghese, but their meat entrees are also delicious.

Handmade dumplings, hand-pulled noodles swimming in soul fortifying broth, and quality boba, to boot. The perfect lunch spot to warm you up on a chilly day.

Fresh pizza with lots of veggie topping options.

Close to campus and popular with WUSM students. Lively Tex-Mex with huge, affordable margaritas, and room for large groups. Plus, they’ll give you a free tequila shot and let you wear one of the sombreros on your birthday!

Northern Thai cuisine, and hands down the best Thai in the city — get the Khao Soi!

Fried chicken, mac’n’cheese, burgers, barbecue, and collard greens. (The “three” means three sides.)

This Filipino restaurant started as a food truck and has really taken over with its multiple brick and mortar locations. You really can’t go wrong here, but the Bicol Express is bomb.

Go-to pizza delivery option for many a St. Louisan, give Imo’s Pizza a try while you’re here. Order some salad with Imo’s house dressing and t-rav while you’re at it, if you want the full St. Louis experience. See STL Food Quirks for more info about St. Louis’ unique, often controversial pizza style.

If you can scrape together the coin then OMG go here. Upscale, novel Southeast Asian cuisine, plus the best sushi in town.

Serving “cup bop,” Korean barbecue served over rice in a large froyo-style cup.

Artisan Italian pizza (with fancy toppings), pasta, craft cocktails, watermelon/ricotta salata salad, and also a fried artichoke salad that is not to be missed.

The go-to Korean bakery for classic cakes, red bean buns, chicken curry buns, and light, fluffy Korean breads. Right next to Addie’s Thai House.

Craving killer East Coast-style pizza? Pick up a pie at La Pizza (carry out only).

Cherokee Street is the hub for true Mexican taquerias. Stroll the small boutiques and Mexican grocers after you eat some street tacos and tortas at La Vallesana. Buy a homemade paleta or an agua fresca on your way out the door!

Burgers and shawarma close to campus.

Fresh Asian comfort food. Vegan-friendly. Make-your-own rice paper wraps.

More Olivette dim sum, plus other Chinese dishes.

Right off the MetroLink. Incredible pork buns and banh xeo, belly-warming phở, and their banh mi are a steal at $4. (Pro tip: Pick some Mai Lee banh mi before attending one of St. Louis’ many free, outdoor picnic-style events). Qui (@phokingqui on insta — he has a sense of humor) and his family put their heart and soul into this place and his new venture, Nudo House.

The go-to for dim sum on a Sunday morning along this strip of Olive Street Road home to many Asian restaurants and grocers.

Mango in downtown is another wonderful option for diners with allergies. The restaurant serves Peruvian food, with classics like lomo saltado and ceviche. Even if you have a seafood allergy, there are several other protein options available.

Fast-casual Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban food. Great rice bowls and Cuban sandwiches, plus bomb maduros y tostones.

Fast-casual Mediterranean food, fairly close to campus in Maryland Plaza.

This Mexican dive in a random U City strip mall (tucked behind the Loop) is a hit with WashU undergrads. They have an extensive menu, the typical beans and rice sides, lots of gooey chihuahua cheese, huge but mediocre margs, and of course, the standard fare of tacos/fajitas/enchiladas/quesadillas/burritos. If you’re craving Mexican but don’t want to go full throttle on beans and cheese, the chicken enchiladas verdes are truly great (filled with chicken breast, fresh avocado, cilantro, and queso fresco).