Missouri is the crossroads of the American heartland, where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers converge and eastern woodlands give way to western plains. From the gleaming Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the Ozark Mountains' ancient caves and the world-class barbecue pits of Kansas City, Missouri packs an extraordinary range of landscapes, history, and culture into a single state.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Arthur Bryant's Barbecue
Popular Kansas City BBQ restaurant in Missouri.
Known for: The grandfather of Kansas City BBQ. Open since 1930. Barack Obama and Harry Truman both ate here.
1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127
Jack Stack Barbecue (Freight House)
Popular Kansas City BBQ restaurant in Missouri.
Known for: The most refined Kansas City BBQ experience — upscale setting inside a restored 1920s freight house with a full bar.
101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Pappy's Smokehouse
Popular Memphis-Style BBQ restaurant in Missouri.
Known for: St. Louis's most celebrated BBQ — Apple and cherry wood–smoked ribs that routinely sell out before 3pm. Cash and card accepted.
3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Bogart's Smokehouse
Popular BBQ / Southern restaurant in Missouri.
Known for: A Soulard neighborhood institution combining BBQ and deli traditions. Breakfast BBQ plates from 8am make it unique in St. Louis.
1627 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104
Vicia
Popular Contemporary American / Plant-Forward restaurant in Missouri.
Known for: James Beard Award–nominated restaurant focusing on vegetables and sustainably sourced ingredients with daily-changing menus.
4260 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Charlie Gitto's On The Hill
Popular Italian-American restaurant in Missouri.
Known for: St. Louis's iconic Italian neighborhood restaurant on The Hill. Claims to have invented toasted ravioli in the 1940s — a breaded, deep-fried pasta dish ubiquitous across St. Louis.
5226 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
Imo's Pizza
Popular St. Louis-Style Pizza restaurant in Missouri.
Known for: The definitive St. Louis pizza experience. Provel cheese (a processed blend of provolone, Swiss, and white cheddar) and ultra-thin cracker crust are distinctive to this city. Party-cut (square slices) is the standard.
3172 Morganford Rd, St. Louis, MO 63116
The Schlafly Tap Room
Popular American / Craft Beer restaurant in Missouri.
Known for: St. Louis's pioneering craft brewery, founded 1991, operating from a restored 1900 warehouse. 20+ rotating taps of house-brewed ales and lagers.
2100 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Kansas City Bbq
Bakery
Coffee
Memphis
Mexican
Southern
St. Louis
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |