This is a neighborhood found east of S. Vandeventer Ave. and between I-64 and I-44 and north of the well-known Missouri Botanical Gardens, with 79 acres of gardens, at 4344 Shaw Blvd. Here you will find some wonderful restaurants. My recommendations include:
Olio at 1634 Tower Grove. Open for lunch and dinner, in a former gas station from the 1930’s, this is a wonderful spot with a creative menu, great design and really outstanding food. I would go back in a minute.
Elaia: Upstairs from Olio, is Elaia. This is a small, contemporary space featuring a wonderful creative menu. A four course prix fixe menu is available or you can order by individual courses.
Across the street is La Patisserie Chouquette at 1626 Tower Grove. They have wonderful pastries, teas and coffees. This is a perfect spot for dessert or tea in the afternoon. The space is beautifully done as well. They do offer breakfast and lunch items. Loved the pear tart! They offer special events, classes and special order items.
Just a short drive west is Farmhaus Food & Wine. This well-known restaurant, with chef Kevin Willmann, received the award from Food & Wine Magazine for Best New chef 2011. It features farm-to-table Southern and Midwestern cuisine. 3257 Ivanhoe Ave.
South of Botanical Heights in the Tower Grove South Neighborhood is a recently opened restaurant, Crispy Edge. They feature a curated potsticker menu that offers new flavors from around the world alongside familiar favorites. “Crispy Edge believes that potstickers are the perfect vehicle to explore authentic global flavors from breakfast to dessert: handheld, wrapped in dough, and CRISPY!” They feature both indoor and outdoor seating along with a café lounge. It is owned by the son of longtime friends. I can’t wait to try it when I am back in St. Louis. 4168 Juniata Street
North of Botanical Heights is Grace Meat + Three. It is getting good reviews for Southern cuisine at 4270 Manchester Ave.
In Tower Grove South is the Tree House restaurant known for its vegetarian and vegan cuisine. 3177 South Grand Blvd.