A guide to local favorites in Botanical Heights St. Louis
Botanical Heights has completely transformed from what it was just a decade ago. Modern houses line the streets leading up to the Tower Grove and McRee intersection, which can accurately be described as the best dining corridor in St. Louis. Choose from the best bread bakery in town, a Martha Stewart-approved French pastry shop, contemporary Israeli cuisine served out of a refurbished gas station and more.
Meet your local
Spencer was born and raised in St. Louis but found his passion for food in Singapore, where he lived for three years. Now, you’ll find him photographing and writing about his hometown’s food scene. He’ll pass on BBQ, but he’ll never turn down soup dumplings.
WhiskeyAndSoba whiskeyandsobaWant to get in touch? Email bytheway@washpost.com
Where I live:
Webster Groves, mostly because it’s centrally located between my favorite restaurants and I’m too lazy to sit in traffic.
Best way to get around the city:
There are buses and the MetroLink, but if you’re trying to make the best use of your time, you’re probably best off renting a car or using a ride-hailing service.
Don’t leave without having:
Toasted ravioli. There’s nothing more St. Louis than pasta filled with meat, breaded and deep fried. You can find them everywhere.
But the local favorite is really:
Forest Park. Not only is it about 500 acres larger than Central Park, but it’s home to the zoo, free museums, a golf course, and is all-around the best place to be outside in St. Louis.
If I moved, I’d most miss:
The food community. I’ve never been around such a talented group of people who are so eager and willing to help people out.
Botanical Heights
Olio
Contemporary Israeli cuisine in a refurbished 1930s gas station. No, it’s not a Mad Lib; it’s one of St. Louis’ most unique and enjoyable casual restaurants and bars. Order the famous egg salad.
Olio, 1634 Tower Grove Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63110
Elaia
Olio’s sister restaurant, Elaia, is an intimate 28-seater with food reflecting its chef and owner, Ben Poremba, and the high-quality produce of Missouri. The choose-your-own-adventure tasting menu is great for meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
Elaia, 1634 Tower Grove Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63110
La Patisserie Chouquette
Whimsical cakes, modern and classic French pastries, and cookies that could easily be mistaken as art fill the display cases at this wonderland of a patisserie.
La Patisserie Chouquette, 1626 Tower Grove Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63110
Indo
Japan meets Southeast Asia at Indo. Try one of their signature raw plates, like the Thai-infused Isaan hamachi, or the Nikkei-style madai ceviche with leche de tigre, herbs, hominy, and aji amarillo, pictured above.
1641 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63110
Union Loafers
Union Loafers might as well be called the Temple of Carbs. Easily the best bakery in St. Louis, Loafers also offers great sandwiches for lunch and massive 18-inch pizzas for dinner.
Union Loafers, 1629 Tower Grove Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63110
Honeycomb
Honeycomb sells toys, clothes and other children’s gifts that are sustainably made and meant to last. The store was designed for “shop and play,” so while you peruse, your kids can have fun.
Honeycomb, 1641B Tower Grove Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63110
Union Studio
This cute shop features only items made by local designers and creators, making it a great stop to find something unique. Offerings change often, but you’re sure to find jewelry, wall art, tableware and more.
Union Studio, 1605 Tower Grove Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63110
Spencer Pernikoff
Spencer was born and raised in St. Louis but found his passion for food in Singapore, where he lived for three years. Now, you’ll find him photographing and writing about his hometown’s food scene. He’ll pass on BBQ, but he’ll never turn down soup dumplings.
@WhiskeyAndSoba @whiskeyandsoba
