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

Took my girls was such a perfect time! Extraordinary service and very caring and nurturing environment. I will tell everyone what a great time we had!

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb134 Reviews4.6

Fox and Pearl

2143 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Very cute place and excellent food!Starter: bone marrowMain course: pork chop and hanger steakPork chop was the BEST pork chop I’ve ever hadSteak came wi...

Take-Out

Delivery

Good92 Reviews4.2

The Antler Room

2506 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Amazing food and impeccable service! Atmosphere is nice, but the restaurant runs cold, which takes away from the experience. The seats by the windows are...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb85 Reviews4.6

The Russell

3141 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111

My roommate and I stopped in here for the first time today and it will definitely not be the last. We ordered the Russell burger and Turkey Club and both...

Delivery

Superb75 Reviews4.7

Charlie Gitto's On the Hill

5226 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

Hadn't been to Charlie Gitto's for years. We met some friends there on Sunday since most of The Hill is closed. The food was amazing and surp...

Take-Out

Superb690 Reviews4.5

Peacemaker Lobster & Crab

1831 Sidney St, St. Louis, MO 63104

Great service and excellent food! We came out to Peacemaker just before our trip back home and it did not disappoint. We even brought our Pomeranian pupp...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb175 Reviews4.3

Metropolitan Grill

2931 E Battlefield Rd, Springfield, MO 65804

This is one of Springfield‘s best restaurants. The food is excellent and it is a very large restaurant so it’s easier to get a table. It’s a little loud ...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb68 Reviews4.6

CC's City Broiler

1401 Forum Blvd, Columbia, MO 65203

Cc's City Broiler and our waiter, Victor made a Wednesday evening very special. We ordered Steak Sinatra and every aspect of the meal was wonderful....

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb125 Reviews4.4

Ernie's Cafe & Steak House

1005 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201

Great food. Great Staff! Mimosas, French toast, hash browns, bacon, etc. was excellent. Staff was attentive and friendly. If I lived here I’d be 100 Lbs....

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb62 Reviews4.6

Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown

225 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201

We were in town visiting friends we wanted pizza for dinner and we went with the place with the most hype and review rating. This location is run by st...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb92 Reviews4.5

Café Cusco

234 E Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803

Nice place. We sat outdoors and our service was spotty (which is somewhat to be expected, out of sight/out of mind and all that). My meal was too salty. ...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb156 Reviews4.6

Golden Ox

1600 Genessee St #110, Kansas City, MO 64102

Absolutely wonderful! This was our second time visiting in about three months and we were just as pleased our second time as we were the first. Service...

Take-Out

Delivery

Good116 Reviews3.8

Hoof & Horn Steak House

429 Illinois Ave, St Joseph, MO 64504

Haven't been there since I was a kid. Down in the old stockyard area so perfect atmosphere for great steak and it was!

Take-Out

Delivery

Good80 Reviews4.2

IL Lazzarone Neapolitan Pizzeria

1628 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64501

The server was delightful, the pizzas were imaginative and tasty. The in- house made balsamic was resplendent, especially drizzled over the Brussels pizza.

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb115 Reviews4.5

Mythos

1306 S Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64801

Amazing food prepared exquisitely to make the taste buds dance. Plus their dessert, if you don't try the strawberry shortcake you're going to m...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb119 Reviews4.5

The Bruncheonette

424 N Main St Rd, Joplin, MO 64801

Amazing food, amazing atmosphere.My only gripe is there is a host at the door to guide you inside (availability) or waiting outside. That whole interacti...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb109 Reviews4.8

Red Onion Cafe

203 E 4th St, Joplin, MO 64801

Y'all, this is my first visit. I am VERY PLEASED. I had an amazing dinner salad. I had the bourbon pork chops. Dinner was great. Service was...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb147 Reviews4.7

Recently Opened Restaurants

Hitea

8 1/2 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

Ordered off doordash. The ramen is very tasty, I loved the corn! 4 stars only because the broth was VERY oily. It was flavorful but felt punishing to sip...

Delivery

Good30 Reviews4.2

Thai Kitchen

2360 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139

The Thai food scene in STL has been in dire straits recently, with Chao Baan falling off hard and King & I departing for the county. So you can imagi...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb13 Reviews4.3

Neon Greens

4176 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

I love the concept and have been waiting for a place with good salads to open in Saint Louis since I moved here. It was a decent salad, but I was really ...

Delivery

Superb34 Reviews4.6

Chipotle Mexican Grill

9621 Manchester Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119

This branch is new, just a few months in operation. Decor is really nice, so we can't help dropping by. We have Chipotle dinners twice monthly. Howe...

Delivery

Poor26 Reviews2

Park Place Grille

160 English Landing Dr, Parkville, MO 64152

We're going back and taking friends. The food is good but the service was not. We were the only ones there and everybody was busy doing other things...

Good17 Reviews3.6

Dining Facility BCT

755 Colorado Ave, Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Poor0 Reviews0

Aranda's Mexican Bar & Grill

645 Vine St, Kahoka, MO 63445

the food tasted great and the service was excellent for how packed the place was when we're were there.

Superb4 Reviews5

Hunt Brothers Pizza

8314 Liberty Rd, Jefferson City, MO 65101

Poor0 Reviews0

Hunt Brothers Pizza

2755 Militia Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65101

Poor0 Reviews0

Broth House

110 S Oak St, Eldon, MO 65026

Definitely will be back for the food! the decor/interior for the broth house/green Chile restaurants could Def use some work. it's a bit stuffy in t...

Superb2 Reviews5

Hunt Brothers Pizza

122 N 14th St, Rich Hill, MO 64779

Poor0 Reviews0

Hunt Brothers Pizza

502 SW Outer Rd, Archie, MO 64725

Poor0 Reviews0

Hunt Brothers Pizza

4833 State Hwy 86, Blue Eye, MO 65611

Poor0 Reviews0

Hunt Brothers Pizza

4194 MO-101, Bakersfield, MO 65609

Poor0 Reviews0

Pizza Family

320 Tall Oaks Dr, Branson, MO 65616

Poor0 Reviews0

Recent Reviews

The Irish Gypsy

1250 Bryan Rd, O'Fallon, MO 63366

St. Patty's night was fun fun fun!I stopped in after attending a Ball dressed in my tux and the people there were so much fun! Great music outside a...

Take-Out

Superb143 Reviews4.5

PENGUIN'S KITCHEN

336 N State Rte 291, Liberty, MO 64068

Found on Facebook & sent message, they responded on being gluten free. Showed up they were very helpful, & understood my wife being Celiac, our g...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb122 Reviews4.4

El Mexicano Restaurant

407 E South St, Advance, MO 63730

I love eating at El Mexicano. Mandin, Armando and Monica his mom and dad are awesome. So friendly! They treat us like family, always asking about Bryle...

Superb97 Reviews4.4

Wheelhouse Grill

103 Stewart's Dr, Eminence, MO 65466

It's always great when somebody who clearly loves food and people starts their own business - we all get the benefit! I was really glad there were ...

Superb3 Reviews5

Bowling Green Diner

19 Business Hwy 61 N, Bowling Green, MO 63334

Large amount of food for your money, plenty of side's and dessert with your meal.

Superb155 Reviews4.3

Saucys's Pizzeria - Catawissa

115 Amber Wy, Catawissa, MO 63015

Went there last night, took an hour to get our order, others arrived after us and served long before us. Order was received in portions. 5 people getting...

Delivery

Good29 Reviews4

Pop's Place

11886 MO-7, Warsaw, MO 65355

What an awesome place, food was fantastic, had the gouda burger with caramelized onions. Burger was made to perfection and delicious. The bun was slightl...

Superb10 Reviews4.6

Sonic Drive-In

1108 W Jackson St, Ozark, MO 65721

I want to share with you that the food today was a awesome got and fresh. The shift manager Kylie, is amazing always smiling and very friendly. Thank you...

Take-Out

Drive-Through

Good196 Reviews3.3

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

1231 W Kearney St, Springfield, MO 65803

If I could give 0 stars I would. My girlfriend brought home chicken and two sides of red beans and rice from this location. The rice that was on top of t...

Take-Out

Drive-Through

Poor108 Reviews2.1

Dori's Bar and Grill

6100 State Hwy Y, French Village, MO 63036

We have been going to Dori's since we bought our lot at Goose Creek. Love the food, Brittany is absolutely amazing as a server! We can't wait t...

Take-Out

Superb115 Reviews4.4

Summit Grill

520 W 75th St, Kansas City, MO 64114

Typically enjoy HH at Summit in Waldo however, that was not the case for Easter. With 10 am reservation (made a month in advance) the 6 of us were placed...

Take-Out

Delivery

Good113 Reviews4.2

Capital One Café

430 Nichols Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112

Excellent customer service. Great vibes. Chill. Beautiful space, allows me to get in my zone to work. Shay helped us and she was super kind and accommoda...

Take-Out

Superb56 Reviews4.4

PT's

501 S Broadway, Oak Grove, MO 64075

Best Tenderloin and Onion Rings in the Galaxy! A must eat, good old fashion homestyle restaurant.

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb265 Reviews4.4

Bacon me Krazy

1313 W 7th St, Joplin, MO 64801

I could have visited a Sam's much closer to me instead we drove 67 miles to the Sam's in Joplin just because we HAD to go to Bacon Me Krazy fir...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb91 Reviews4.5

Scooter's Coffee

718 State Hwy 47, Warrenton, MO 63383

I get a blended mocha twice a day, once in the morning and a second one in the afternoon, they can be very addictive, but in a very good way. The girls a...