St. Louis, situated along the mighty Mississippi River, is well known for its quality restaurants, many of which have operated for several decades. In addition, the city's large Italian and German populations have influenced St. Louis's cuisine and contributed to the long-standing success of some of the most well-known eateries in this historic Missouri city.
Founded in 1917 by beer tycoon August A. Busch, Sr., this south-side German restaurant---known throughout the city for its enormous outdoor windmill---is a registered historic landmark with the City of St. Louis. For close to 100 years, Bevo Mill served a full menu until it changed ownership in 2009. The restaurant now hosts rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions. Every week, however, Bevo Mill offers a Sunday brunch, with fare like omelets, smoked salmon, prime rib and peel-and-eat shrimp, as well as German favorites such as braised red cabbage, bratwurst and potato pancakes. Bottomless bloody Marys and mimosas are also served. Reservations are required.
The Bevo Mill
4749 Gravois Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
314-832-6776
thebevomill.com
A St. Louis institution since 1981, Charlie Gitto's serves refined pasta dishes and entrees in an upscale setting on "The Hill," the city's Italian neighborhood. The extensive menu offers starters such as crab cakes with chipotle mayonnaise, iceberg wedge salad and eggplant parmesan. Diners can choose from pasta dishes such as linguine with fresh clams, homemade lasagna and classic spaghetti and meatballs. Signature entrees such as chicken Nunzio with lump crab meat or shrimp scampi can be enjoyed with one of Charlie Gitto's many domestic and Italian wines. Reservations are strongly suggested.
Charlie Gitto's on the Hill
5226 Shaw Ave.
St Louis, MO 63110
314-772-8898
charliegittos.com
Open since 1925, the elegant and intimate Al's Restaurant, located in downtown St. Louis just north of the Gateway Arch, serves high-end classic American cuisine with Italian touches. First and second courses include stuffed mushrooms, Danish lobster tail, soft-shell crab and shrimp bisque. For entrees, Al's offers an array of beef, lamb, chicken and seafood dishes, such as lamb Ettinger, lobster diablo and peppercorn steak. The wine list includes domestic and international Cabernets, Rhones, burgundies and Merlots, available by the glass or bottle. Diners can finish off their meal with a cappuccino, liqueur or one of many desserts, such as cherry jubilee, bananas Foster and homemade spumoni. Reservations are required.
Al's Restaurant
1200 N. First St.
St. Louis, MO 63102
314-421-6399
alsrestaurant.net
