Best Fun Restaurants in University City

83 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis restaurant

1. Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis

4.3

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Clayton

Booked 51 times today

*2024 WINE SPECTATOR BEST OF AWARD OF EXCELLENCE*Renown Italian restaurateur Mario Laccarino is pleased to invite guests for a taste of the Sorrento Coast at Casa Don Alfonso. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, the menu tells the story of traditions passed down for generations in the family homes of southern Italy. These recipes come from a magical place, ripe with the culture and beauty of the Mediterranean. Alongside an unmistakable commitment to hospitality and service, Casa Don Alfonso brings hand-crafted flavors and carefully chosen ingredients with every bite.Family of Iaccarino honors the culinary heritage of the Campania region, with seasonal ingredients that closely resemble the sun-kissed produce harvested at the Iaccarino family’s farm. Fresh, handmade pastas create an edible narrative of the Iaccarino legacy, while whimsical desserts transport guests to Naples’ nostalgic bakeries. From Sorrento to St. Louis, we look forward to welcoming you soon.

2. Café Napoli

4.9

Exceptional(2251)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 36 times today

Café Napoli is a family owned restaurant, established in 1989 by Tony and Kathy Pietoso. Quickly becoming a success, they moved the small basement restaurant to a larger location at the corner of Forsyth and Bemiston in the heart of Clayton. In 2003, sons Ande and Kye expanded their family restaurant by adding Bar Napoli, a swank cocktail lounge. A few years later, Napoli Reserve was added onto Bar Napoli allowing for private event space and an additional bar and lounge for the weekends. After years of a flourishing business, Kathy and Tony decided to take their ventures West to Town and Country where they opened their second location, Napoli2, managed by Ande. Kye has taken the reigns from his father and is now the front man for the 8,000 square foot establishment in Clayton. Café Napoli and Bar Napoli have recently undergone a face lift inside and out. Inside the kitchen, Executive Chef from Napoli2 Jon Berger was recently added to the team, bringing fresh ideas and innovation to the regional Italian specialties.

3. The Crossing

4.9

Exceptional(2550)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Clayton

Booked 28 times today

Featuring local "farm to table" cuisine using a breadth of farmers 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 Thu Rein Oo who brings passion and years of experience 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.

A photo of 801 Chophouse - St. Louis restaurant

4. 801 Chophouse - St. Louis

4.7

Exceptional(3491)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Clayton

Booked 36 times today

801 Chophouse at The Crescent is just minutes away from the heart of the Clayton business district in the heart of St. Louis. We combine the upscale atmosphere of intimate 1920s New York steakhouses with the vibrant downtown atmosphere of St. Louis. We are proud to offer a variety of different unique menu combinations for you to enjoy; using only the finest USDA prime steak, an award-winning wine list, exclusive bourbons and scotches, and a daily fresh sheet, you're sure to have an experience you won't forget. 801 Chophouse offers private dining rooms and an exceptional wine list. Book your reservation online today!

A photo of Edera Italian Eatery restaurant

5. Edera Italian Eatery

4.6

Exceptional(65)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Central West End

Booked 48 times today

Edera Italian Eatery is focused on serving simple, refined food in a more casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Chef Andrew Simon offers a fresh interpretation, sourcing the highest quality ingredients from Italy to Missouri. The menu features premium Neapolitan pizzas, signature pastas and premium entrees. Edera’s cuisine – featuring sauces, pastas and baked goods made fresh daily in the restaurant – are elevated enough for a special night out, while also being approachable enough for everyday fare. Concepted by the Koplar family in consultation with renowned Chef Mike Randolph, Edera has quickly become a fixture in St. Louis’s iconic Central West End neighborhood. We invite you to experience our newly renovated dining room or dine alfresco alongside towering ivy walls in our Italian style courtyard. We look forward to serving you!

6. Olive + Oak

4.8

Exceptional(1351)

Price: Expensive

• American • St. Louis

Booked 76 times today

Olive + Oak is a fun restaurant where you can enjoy great food, craft beer, and specialty cocktails in a lively atmosphere. The reviews rave about the 'fun atmosphere', 'great ambiance', and 'creative and interesting cuisine'. It's a place to enjoy thoughtful, ingredient-driven food with friends and family in a beautiful setting.

A photo of Louie's Wine Dive - Saint Louis restaurant

7. Louie's Wine Dive - Saint Louis

4.6

Exceptional(467)

Price: Expensive

• Wine Bar • Clayton

Booked 23 times today

Louie's Wine Dive is an unpretentious wine bar where guests can try an assortment of wine and some delicious food to go with them. Come check out our wine board with rotating specialty wines and cocktails. Monday is all day happy hour and we do brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Thank you to all of our wonderful guests who make this place amazing. Please call to make a reservation for a party of 5 or more and limited reservations are available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Walk ins are always welcome!

8. 801 Fish - STL

4.6

Exceptional(2150)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Clayton

Booked 32 times today

801 Fish offers only globally sourced finned fish and crustaceans from the world's most pristine waters. You'll find chef driven cuisine coupled with exemplary service in a sophisticated and modern aquatic atmosphere at the Clayton restaurant across the street from its sister, 801 Chophouse. In addition to our beautiful and social distanced dining room, we offer limited outdoor seating, available on a first come first served basis.

9. Herbie's

4.4

Awesome(2398)

Price: Moderate

• American • Clayton

Booked 16 times today

Herbie's is an American restaurant and bar inspired by the food & atmosphere of the French bistro as well as the cuisines of Italy, Asia, and the coastal American South. Our focus is on seasonal dishes with local ingredients, featuring rotating menus and daily specials with something to satisfy every palate. Renowned for our welcoming hospitality and gorgeous dining rooms & patios, we strive to make every guest feel at home, whether here for a business meeting, an intimate dinner, or any other occasion! We accept reservations online & over the phone. For parties larger than 6 guests, please email reservations@herbies.com with your name, party size, date, time, phone number, and any additional requests.To book an event, private room, or catering, please visit our website Herbies.com/private-events and fill out a contact form & a member of our team will respond promptly!We look forward to serving you soon!

A photo of Brasserie by Niche restaurant

10. Brasserie by Niche

4.8

Exceptional(4152)

Price: Moderate

• French • St. Louis

Booked 69 times today

Brasserie by Niche is located in the Central West End. We are open for dine-in, to-go, and delivery.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Rosemary
St. Louis •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Attending the Christmas Day Brunch Buffet was superb! The quantity of food choices was immense and of top-notch gourmet quality! Our server, Paris, was so cordial, attentive, and very professional. The beef, salmon, vegetable dishes, butternut squash bisque, breads, fresh honeycomb honey, and all of the elegantly prepared desserts were breath-taking and so delicious. Thanks for making our culinary experience so special!!!
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Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. LouisPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Clayton
•
4.3
V
Virginia
St. Louis •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Love 801Chop for Christmas Eve dinner with my family. The staff is very responsive but not overly attentive. The bartenders are professional and friendly and make delicious cocktails. The food is excellent and served timely. Love the location. The patrons are festive and friendly. The disaster of our initial seating was averted by us requesting to move away from the raucously loud 4 top table to a booth where everyone was happy!!
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801 Chophouse - St. LouisPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Clayton
•
4.7
S
Steve
St. Louis •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Paul was our server and he was great! The food was amazing, sea bass for me and steak and lobster for my wife. We both agreed the lobster was the best either of us ever had, incredibly delicious.
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Café NapoliPrice: Moderate• Italian• Clayton
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4.9
I
Ian
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Absolutely outstanding. Best restaurant in STL that I have experienced.
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The CrossingPrice: Very Expensive• French• Clayton
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4.9
R
Rose
St. Louis •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had Alex as a server last night in the igloos and he was fantastic! We had a great time and delicious food- we will be back!
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Edera Italian EateryPrice: Expensive• Italian• Central West End
•
4.6

Best Fun Restaurants in University City

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83 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis

2. Café Napoli

3. The Crossing

4. 801 Chophouse - St. Louis

5. Edera Italian Eatery

6. Olive + Oak

7. Louie's Wine Dive - Saint Louis

8. 801 Fish - STL

9. Herbie's

10. Brasserie by Niche

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