Missouri Restaurant and Dining Guide

Among rich cultural backdrops, such as the Gateway Arch of St. Louis, the rhythmic blues wafting from Kansas City, and the historic trails of St. Joseph, there’s a diverse and captivating culinary evolving. Bet you didn't see that coming, huh? Missouri's food game is on point. From Golden Ox's classic steaks in Kansas City to Songbird's aromatic coffee vibes in St. Louis, every city got something for you. Fancy a taste of Peruvian zest in Springfield? Café Cusco’s got you covered. Then, there are the legendary cuts at St. Joseph's Hoof & Horn Steak House. Remember, it ain't just about the food; it's a blend of history, culture, and downright deliciousness.

Intrigued? I mean, I would be! These aren’t just places to eat; they’re local legends dripping with flavor. Consider this guide as your ultimate cheat sheet to Missouri’s mouth-watering eats. Let’s discover the Show-Me state’s best kept culinary secrets together.

Kansas City: Jazz, Art, and Food Magic

Kansas City combines the soulful sounds of jazz with the tempting scent of grilled steaks. You feel it too, right? That old-world charm that KC effortlessly dishes out, mingling with the hip and happening flavors of today.

Think about it: places like Golden Ox have been around since the '40s, a testament to the city's rich history. Their Duroc Pork Chops is classic – beer brined with a touch of ancho-chili, topped with a sweet root beer demiglace and gingered cherries. And if you're hunting for a trendier vibe, The Russell's got you. Their Russell Bowl's a party of brisket, quinoa, and veggies, all grooving together in a green goddess dressing. Places like The Antler Room and Fox and Pearl, offer dishes that taste like an artful fusion of traditional and avant-garde. And speaking of art, a trip to The Nelson-Atkins Museum will leave you in awe, just like the Smoked Oxtails from Fox and Pearl.

A stroll in the Country Club Plaza, with its Moorish-themed buildings, feels almost like a time-travel experience. It’s a lot like the city’s food scene: deeply rooted in tradition but constantly evolving, with new flavors popping up left and right. And if you're feeling wild, swing by the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium - it's got as much variety as the city’s food joints.

St. Louis: Culinary Melodies Along the Mississippi

St. Louis, standing proudly by the shimmering Mississippi River, boasts a storied past, one where cultures converged and birthed a deeply varied culinary scene. If you got a hankering for some Italian, dive into Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill, a local legend, and let the flavors of Ziti Primavera or Nunzio sing to you. But if you're craving a hint of the coast, Peacemaker Lobster & Crab promises a seafood spread that'll have you coming back for more. And who knew breakfast could feel like a warm hug? Songbird does that - with dishes like Lox on a Sesame Seed Bialy, they've turned morning grub into an art.

For those who appreciate nature, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a peaceful retreat. Alternatively, if you're after stunning city views, the towering Gateway Arch is the spot. And speaking of views, how about them served alongside a plateful of Strozzapreti from Bowood by Niche? Dive into this dish, and you'll soon understand why St. Louisans rave about it.

St. Louis's vibrant streets, still resonating with the echoes of blues, perfectly complement its culinary offerings. From the grandeur of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis to the plates bursting with flavor at every corner café, this city's got the vibe that makes you wanna say, "Let's go!"

Springfield: Crossing Culinary Bridges

There was the time when Route 66 was the heartbeat of Springfield, drawing travelers from coast to coast. Those days might've morphed into nostalgic tales, but the spirit is alive and cookin’ in places like Metropolitan Grill. Dive into their Wagyu Meatballs and you're tasting a little bit of history with a side of modern flair.

How about some Peruvian kitchen in the heartland of America? Café Cusco's Chicken Mojo brings the vibrant flavors of Peru right to Missouri's plate. And if you’re yearning for a European twist, Van Gogh's Eeterie serves up Dutch delights, like the savory Meatball Macaroni. Now that’s a global trip without the jet lag!

Speaking of trips, no visit to Springfield is complete without a stroll in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Picture this: meandering pathways, the delicate flutter of butterflies, and the serenity that only nature provides. Then, there's The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, where every step transports visitors to a peaceful haven in Kyoto. And if you're a car enthusiast, the Route 66 Car Museum showcases wheels that'll send your heart racing.

Columbia's Comfort Cuisine

Columbia, with its deep-rooted college town identity, offers a charm that extends beyond its academic reputation. You may know the city for its architecture or music, but its culinary delights are just on another level!

Let's dive into Ernie's Cafe & Steak House. Operating since 1934, it whispers sweet tales from the bygone Art Deco era. Their Ernie’s Chicken Breast Salad is a delightful mix that feels like a hearty hug. And their Cheese Steak Or Chicken Philly Sandwich is legit the talk of the town! If you’re looking to up your dining game a notch, CC's City Broiler might just hit the spot. Their Steak Sinatra, placed delicately over lobster mashed potatoes, feels like an opera for the taste buds. And speaking of classics, what's more iconic than Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown? With pizzas that practically echo the bard’s dramas, like The Meat Lover’s Pizza, it’s where the heart (and stomach) truly feels at home.

Now, after satiating your hunger, take a breezy walk at Stephens Lake Park or maybe explore the natural marvels of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. Feelin' that countryside itch? Shryocks Callaway Farm offers that rustic feel, right from tractor rides to the simple joy of pumpkin picking.

St. Joseph: Steaks, Slices, and Stories

If you're into gastronomic gems, then St. Joseph is your spot. Historically rich and bursting with flavors, this city serves more than just meals; it serves memories.

Did you know the Hoof & Horn Steak House has been keeping the legacy of Stockyard Meat Packing Company alive since the 1800s? Their commitment to quality is evident in every bite, especially in their Two Signature Pork Chops. It's no wonder they’ve made their mark in the Missouri Beef Hall of Fame. For the pizza enthusiasts, Il Lazzarone promises a slice of heaven. The Supremo Pizza isn't just a dish; it's an artwork of flavors. Pepperoni, Brussels sprouts, and a splash of extra-virgin olive oil on a wood-fired Neapolitan base - yep, it’s as delish as it sounds!

After all that grubbing, take a curious stroll in the Glore Psychiatric Museum – it’s a deep dive into the history of mental health treatments. And for a chill day out, Krug Park's got you covered with its scenic lagoon and playful trails.

Joplin: Mining History to Plates

Joplin, once a heartbeat of mining and trade, today dishes out flavors that are pure gold. A city that has seen booms and lulls, its culinary scene has evolved, taking cues from its vibrant past.

Have you tried Mythos? It's a treasure chest of cuisines! Their Bacon Wrapped Atlantic Salmon will make your taste buds dance. And their Filet & Prawns? Let's just say it's as legendary as Joplin's tales. Then there's Red Onion Cafe, standing tall in its century-old building, serving dishes like Ensenada Chicken, which speaks of fusion, just like the city itself. Their Ensenada Chicken oozes flavors from south of the border, and the Metro dish, with its bacon-wrapped filet, will have you coming back. For those brunch lovers (and who isn't?), The Bruncheonette crafts dishes that are downright crave-worthy. Ever tried Pulled Pork Pancakes? If not, this is your spot.

While you're in town, don’t skip on Grand Falls. The cascading water feels like a nod to the city's ever-flowing legacy. Also, a stroll in the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center, a symbol of Joplin's commitment to nature.

Missouri's culinary scene is like peeling back the layers of a scrumptious pie, revealing delicious tales of yesteryears. From Kansas City's smoked BBQ echoing jazz-age vibes to the sophisticated bistros of St. Louis, each city adds its own zest to the state's gastronomic tale. It's not just about the food though. Missouri meshes its gastronomic magic with stunning attractions. Imagine biting into a St. Louis toasted ravioli while gazing at the Gateway Arch. Or, savoring a Joplin wood-fired pizza after marveling at Grand Falls. Sound good?

So, why Missouri? Because Missouri’s got the goods, no doubt about it. There aren't much places in our world, where culinary traditions and scenic views dance together so gracefully. Thankfully, Missouri is one of those. Don't just take my word. Explore and let your taste buds do the talking. Missouri’s table is set and waiting.

Must-Try Restaurants in Missouri

Bowood by Niche

4605 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63108

One of the best brunch places in CWE, I like the outdoor seating behind the restaurant. Their plant collection is incredible.

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Superb204 Reviews4.6

Fox and Pearl

2143 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108

I waited months to come here for my birthday and it did not disappoint! The atmosphere was perfect-intimate, warm, welcoming, and unique. I loved having ...

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Good126 Reviews4.2

The Antler Room

2506 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Went in for a birthday dinner on a Wednesday night with a reservation for 2. Arrived at 730pm and was seated immediately. Staff were very friendly. Asked...

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Superb117 Reviews4.5

The Russell

3141 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111

I had the Steak Chimi* rare as possible with tomato bisque ? it was delicious! Staff was fast & friendly. Loved it, I will be back.

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Superb95 Reviews4.8

Charlie Gitto's On the Hill

5226 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

Outstanding Italian. Highly recommend the lasagna as comfort food on a cold December night. Huge portion, delicate noodles, and a perfectly sweet and sav...

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Superb752 Reviews4.4

Peacemaker Lobster & Crab

1831 Sidney St, St. Louis, MO 63104

First time visiting and everything was delicious! My wife said it was the most lobster she ever had on a lobster roll. The shrimp Po Boy was fantastic an...

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Good235 Reviews4.2

Metropolitan Grill

2931 E Battlefield Rd, Springfield, MO 65804

Many great experiences!
All fabulous from staff appetizer meal drinks dessert

Vegetarian options: They do what you ask if po...

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Superb67 Reviews4.7

CC's City Broiler

1401 Forum Blvd, Columbia, MO 65203

We were seated next to the wine cooler and walk in cooler. We were cold the whole time. The same day reservations is a joke. No one does that. Our wait...

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Superb162 Reviews4.4

Ernie's Cafe & Steak House

1005 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201

I came there and had pork chops. And the pork chops were hard. I informed the manager and they would not replace them. They are very rude and not profess...

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Superb100 Reviews4.6

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown

225 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201

Kid-friendliness: This place is very kid friendly. They will give them some dough to play with if you ask the cooks

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Superb156 Reviews4.5

Café Cusco

234 E Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803

Amazing authentic Peruvian dishes made with natural ingredients! Loved that I could order and not worry about getting any gluten cross contamination, I h...

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Superb271 Reviews4.5

Golden Ox

1600 Genessee St #110, Kansas City, MO 64102

All around great experience and not super expensive. Highly recommend and we will definitely be back!

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Good155 Reviews3.9

Hoof & Horn Steak House

429 Illinois Ave, St Joseph, MO 64504

Ms Krystal is the BEST!!!! Always asked for ms.krystal!! She will take care of you an you won't feel like you got shorted in anything!!! Love this ...

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Superb118 Reviews4.4

IL Lazzarone Neapolitan Pizzeria

1628 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64501

IL Lazzarone has wood fire pizza. Every pizza we have had has been delicious. The atmosphere is great and the service is always wonderful.

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Superb154 Reviews4.4

Mythos

1306 S Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64801

Fantastic service with authentic Greek cuisine suitable for people who don’t know if they like Greek or not. Large portions. They will customize your d...

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Superb141 Reviews4.5

The Bruncheonette

424 N Main St Rd, Joplin, MO 64801

Outstanding food! Great service and great attitudes by all employees. Quaint and cozy atmosphere.

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Superb133 Reviews4.8

Red Onion Cafe

203 E 4th St, Joplin, MO 64801

Food probably would have been good, but didn't get that far. Went with my daughter and 1 yr old granddaughter, they seated us were quick with drink...

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Superb221 Reviews4.7

Recently Opened Restaurants

La Pizza St. Charles

340 N Main St, St Charles, MO 63301

Our first visit @ La Pizza and we loved it! We had a party of 13 for family birthday. The staff was very accommodating. The pizzas were great.

Superb28 Reviews4.7

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants- Kansas City - Northland, MO

1900 NW Tiffany Spgs Rd, Kansas City, MO 64154

After a long day, we decided to order takeout from our favorite restaurant. Unfortunately, when the food arrived, we noticed there was a mistake with our...

Superb4 Reviews5

Prima Facie Bistro & Market

12 E 1st St, Parkville, MO 64152

We had a 7:30 reservation for four people , arrived at 7:20. Was told to wait in lobby near piano we did a server walked by asked if we wanted cocktails ...

Superb17 Reviews4.8

Yum Tea

8990 NW Skyview Ave, Kansas City, MO 64154

Yum Yea offers an extensive selection of boba tea options, featuring a diverse range of flavors and toppings to cater to every palate. From classic choic...

Superb4 Reviews5

Abelardo's Mexican Fresh

420 W 85th St, Kansas City, MO 64114

The food is always spot on! I had not idea that the Texas bowl had all the fixings inside that were delicious. I always get chips and queso cause why not...

Superb5 Reviews4.8

Laney's Get Down

4057 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111

I know this location well. When I used to visit Westport, I had been there when it was Mickey's Hideaway and ever before that when it was McCoy'...

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Good15 Reviews4

Mochinut Zona Rosa

8610 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153

Nice, a Korean corn dog and mochi donut option in the Northland. This could save me a trip to Blackhole bakery on Troost for my mochi and Overland Park f...

Superb7 Reviews4.6

Wings and Burgers (Halal)

6151 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64129

We were very satisfied, super food very delicious very fast service and very kindly people, fresh and halal thank you so much.

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Superb40 Reviews4.6

Wingstop

1855 Wentzville Pkwy Space 8, Wentzville, MO 63385

Probably the least cleanest place i’ve been to, girls in the kitchen with their hair down, going on there phones and then not washing there hands before ...

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Poor98 Reviews2.3

milano kabob

602 Westgate Ave, University City, MO 63130

Best food not much to say go and try you will know how good the quality and amount of food they give you.

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Superb12 Reviews5

Disco Burger

319 Delaware St, Kansas City, MO 64105

This is the best smash burger in KC. Get a double. The sauce is excellent. The fries are nice and crispy. This is an all around win.

Superb115 Reviews4.8

McDonald's

111 Catlin Xing, Barnhart, MO 63012

The design of the front counter is not the best they can not see when you are at the counter. Help is non existent

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Average25 Reviews2.5

Station No.3

10463 Manchester Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

I liked it but I don't understand why when a person comes around and asks how things are , Why can't you order from them? It seems very impersonal

Superb22 Reviews4.8

Grand Mediterranean

519 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103

Very tasty. Actual Turkish doner, and great pide selections, too. Very friendly owners and staff.

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Superb7 Reviews4.4

Green Dirt on Oak

1601 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Green Dirt on Oak houses 4 concepts under one roof -- a cheese shop, daytime cafe, dinner restaurant, and rooftop hangout. I have visited several times s...

Superb151 Reviews4.3

Recent Reviews

KFC

704 S Main St, Salem, MO 65560

I will avoid this place from now on. The little mouthy imature little girl working the drive-thru needs to go. Rude and obnoxious.

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Average27 Reviews3.1

Lucky Buffet

2931 S Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64055

Food is very good. Area is clean. Could use a little outdoor improvement at the front of the building facing Noland RD to make it more appealing. May...

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Average96 Reviews3.2

Colton's Steak House & Grill

85 NE 501st Rd, Warrensburg, MO 64093

My wife & I went to Colton's for dinner last night. The place was packed, but other than the wind coming in the door every time it was opened, ...

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Good172 Reviews3.6

The Reserve Restaurant & Lounge

11411 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63141

I have eaten here several times in the last few months, and I was very pleased with every aspect of the restaurant. The food selection and preparation w...

Good180 Reviews3.8

Breadeaux Pizza

513 Main St, Boonville, MO 65233

The delivery service is as good as it can get. The people are friendly and high quality. They sometimes make us old people feel better.

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Superb55 Reviews4.5

Sunny Street Cafe

2480 Taylor Rd, Wildwood, MO 63040

went for breakfast orderd over medium eggs. they came out over easy at best. same with avocado toast. egg ordered over medium came out very runny. also h...

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Good69 Reviews4.2

CJ's Restaurant & Bar

2974 State Hwy K, O'Fallon, MO 63368

We’ve been here twice and both times service and food were excellent. May be my new favorite restaurant in this area. Highly recommend!

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Superb102 Reviews4.3

The Donut Hole

7125 Metropolitan Blvd, Barnhart, MO 63012

Bought some donuts for my kids Halloween party, they were a hit with the kids and adults as well ! The donuts were so delicious ! I found my new donut 🍩 ...

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Superb32 Reviews4.8

Raging Bull Steakhouse

433 E Russell Ave, Warrensburg, MO 64093

First time going in 5yrs ,Chicken prosciutto dry enough to choak a chicken..sent back ordered chicken cordon Bleu not much better and extremely smoky..we...

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Good99 Reviews4.1

Al's Place

233 South Main Street, Mc Bride, MO 63776

This place is amazing! They have great food, wonderful staff and speedy delivery! 10/10 totally recommend

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Superb43 Reviews4.3

do SHAGGY'S

429 S Church St, St Peters, MO 63376

Best burger I have ever had.. Fries and onion rings are delicious as well. Don't forget the malts.

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Superb250 Reviews4.9

Addison's - South

4005 Frontgate Dr, Columbia, MO 65203

We have visited this restaurant several times as I have two grandchildren at MIZZOU. We have always been more than pleased with the food and the service....

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Good72 Reviews4.1

Misty's Restaurant

30 US-24, Buckner, MO 64016

The best patty melt I've ever had. My wife had the tenderloin sandwich and it was delicious! Our server was prompt and courteous. We were there at 1...

Good36 Reviews4.2

Stumpy's House of Bar-B-Que/Cecil Whittaker's Pizzeria

620 Jungermann Rd, St Peters, MO 63376

Delicious pizza! Lots of topping and cheese. Wings were also tasty. Their ranch tastes housemade. Reasonable price. Friendly staff. We'll be back!

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Good49 Reviews3.9

El Oso Mexican Grill

522 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201

Chanced to eat here as a pleasant day and they had outside seating. Their caldo pollo (chicken soup) was excellent. Caldo Pollo is a sentinel dish. If ...

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