15 Destination Restaurants Near St. Louis That You Need to Experience

Firefly Grill
1810 Avenue of Mid-America
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 342-2002

Firefly Grill is all about sustainability, from the the building (the frame is made of recycled steel, and the exterior is reclaimed barn wood) to the food. Firefly Grill farms much of its own ingredients in its own pesticide- and chemical-free garden, and it gets other ingredients from artisan foragers, farmers and fishermen. Whether you're there for dinner, lunch or brunch, there's plenty to pick from on the menu, from bangers 'n' mash to swordfish piccata.

Claverach Farm
201 Beckwoods Dr.
Eureka, MO 63025

Spanning 300 acres in the Ozark Hills, Claverach Farm is an excellent place to go for a true farm-to-table experience. Make a reservation (they're required) at one of Claverach Farm's dinners, which are served patio-style in the farm's 100-year old renovated barn. Between courses, you can wander the vineyards, orchards and gardens around the barn.

Overlook Farm
901 MO-79
Clarksville, MO 63336
(573) 242-3838

A trip to Overlook Farms is truly a special occasion. Made up of 327 acres, five greenhouses and 26 hoop houses, Overlook Farm produces products all year long. You can try that amazing food at special events, which you can find on the website's calendar and social media, when the farm is open to the public. The kitchen makes dishes with the farm's produce, and ingredients from local suppliers. If you want to make a weekend of it, you can stay at one of the inns on the property.

Montelle Winery
201 Montelle Dr.
Augusta, MO 63332
(888) 595-9463

There's nothing quite like a winery for a full dose of relaxation — and when it comes to the St. Louis area, Montelle Winery is difficult to beat. Here you'll have chance to eat delicious snacks, take in a beautiful view and, of course, drink award-winning wine.

The Loading Dock Restaurant & Bar
401 Front St.
Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-3494

If casual dining is more your style for true relaxation, make your way to the Loading Dock, located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. With inviting umbrella tables and a waterfront view, you'll still get that vacation vibe without any reservation requirements or obligation to dress up. Kick back with a drink and a burger, catfish fritters or fish tacos, and take in the live music as boats pass by.

Scratch Brewing Company
264 Thompson Rd.
Ava, IL 62907
(618) 426-1415

Scratch Brewing Company is a microbrewery and farm all in one. Located just outside Shawnee National Forest, you can anticipate beautiful scenery in addition to food and drink. Locally farmed and foraged ingredients are the name of the game here, where you'll find farmhouse beers as well as other styles. The small food menu is also largely locally sourced and changes seasonally along with the beer.

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery
24345 State Rte WW
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
(573) 747-1000

Sure, Chaumette Vineyards & Winery is home to award-winning wine — but that's not the only focus. The food at Chaumette Winery, served at the winery's Grapevine Grill, is just as wonderful. You'll find a contemporary American menu made up of locally sourced ingredients, featuring Cajun, creole and southwestern influences. Reservations are highly recommended.

Sycamore
800 E. Broadway
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 874-8090

When people think of Columbia, images of Mizzou and tiger mascots may come to mind. But that's not all that's there — there's also Sycamore, an excellent restaurant with an American menu that features seasonal, local ingredients. If you judge a place by its drinks, the wine and beer list is sure to satisfy, too.

Stone Hill Winery
1110 Stone Hill Hwy.
Hermann, MO 65041
(573) 486-2221

As Missouri's oldest winery, Stone Hill Winery is a must-visit for all the vino's out there. In addition to beautiful scenery and outstanding wine, Stone Hill Winery is also home to its own Vintage Restaurant. The menu is largely influenced by the area's German heritage, and the restaurant itself is set in a restored carriage house and horse barn.

Audobon's
9 N. Main St.
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
(573) 883-2479

Audubon Bar and Grill is named after the famed ornithologist and artist, John James Audubon, who once owned a merchant shop in downtown Ste. Genevieve. Once the location of the historic Hotel Audubon, today the restaurant serves contemporary American dishes with locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.

Cleveland-Heath
106 N Main St
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(618) 307-4830

Gourmet comfort food is at your service at Cleveland-Heath, a stylish spot in downtown Edwardsville. Consisting of contemporary American cuisine made with fresh ingredients and plenty of attention to detail, the menu is delicious whether you're ordering lunch, dinner or weekend brunch. With expert husband-and-wife team Eric Heath and Jennifer Cleveland at the helm, you know your meal is in good hands.

Hermann Wurst Haus
234 E. 1st St.
Hermann, MO 65041
(573) 486-2266

Meat lovers will be in heaven at Hermann Wurst Haus, which is home to award-winning bratwurst, house-smoked bacons and German sausage — more than 40 varieties, in fact. To top it off, this restaurant and deli also has German-style beer and locally crafted sodas. Try some samples, place an order and enjoy at one of the indoor our outdoor tables.

Dreamland Palace
3043 IL-156
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-9922

Originally a general store, dance hall, tavern and stage-coach stop used by Waterloo's German immigrants, Dreamland Palace sticks to its historic roots as a restaurant offering traditional German food. While it has gone through renovations since it was initially built in 1875, much of its historical elements are still in tact, too.

Balducci Vineyards
6601 S. Missouri 94
Augusta, MO 63332
(636) 482-8466

Amazing wine that is paired with wonderful food — what more could you need? Made up of a winery, tasting room and restaurant, Balducci Vineyards has a delicious menu of rustic Italian dishes in addition to its fine wines. Be sure to try the thin crust or deep dish pizza.