Best Casual Restaurants in University City

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

DowntownLawrenceMidtownSouth CountyWest County

Neighbourhoods

AfftonCentral West EndClaytonCreve CoeurDes PeresDowntown St. Louis

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

72 restaurants available nearby

A photo of High Bar Clayton Rooftop restaurant

1. High Bar Clayton Rooftop

4.3

Awesome(28)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Tapas / Small Plates • Clayton

Booked 23 times today

High Bar pays homage to the high standards and aspirations of Clayton’s business professionals. Inspired by the rigorous bar exam—a symbol of dedication and achievement—High Bar stands as a beacon for those who strive for excellence. With its industrial-chic design and panoramic skyline views, it is the perfect setting in which to sip a cocktail and enjoy sophisticated American-style cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients.High Bar provides a space for meaningful connections and memorable moments, reflecting the precision and creativity of the community. Here, the elevated standards of Clayton's professionals and residents are mirrored in every detail, raising the bar for rooftop dining experiences.

2. Cafe La Vie

3.9

Excellent(220)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Clayton

Welcome to Cafe la Vie located inside the Le Meridien Hotel in Clayton! Indulge yourself in the wonderous French European style cuisine created by our amazing team of culinary artists or a signature cocktail poured by our talented bartenders. Our spacious 7,400 sq. foot restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, Sparkling Hour (our version of happy hour) and dinner in the heart of downtown Clayton. Cafe la Vie offers dishes highlighting European classics with local St. Louis flavors in a warm and inviting environment.

3. Olive + Oak

4.8

Exceptional(1402)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • St. Louis

Booked 77 times today

VIEW TODAY'S MENU HERE https://indd.adobe.com/view/4f193613-6d68-4eef-9d3c-177c76a63667. We set out to create a fun, lively, and approachable restaurant and bar in our own back yard — a friendly, bustling neighborhood spot where the very best in food and drink would be served in a welcoming setting. We are looking at every single detail to make sure that Olive+Oak will be the perfect place to enjoy great wine, craft beer, well made drinks and thoughtful, ingredient driven food with friends and family.

A photo of Edera Italian Eatery restaurant

4. Edera Italian Eatery

4.7

Exceptional(100)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Central West End

Booked 29 times today

Edera Italian Eatery is focused on serving simple, refined food in a more casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Chef Andrew Simon offers a fresh interpretation, sourcing the highest quality ingredients from Italy to Missouri. The menu features premium Neapolitan pizzas, signature pastas and premium entrees. Edera’s cuisine – featuring sauces, pastas and baked goods made fresh daily in the restaurant – are elevated enough for a special night out, while also being approachable enough for everyday fare. Concepted by the Koplar family in consultation with renowned Chef Mike Randolph, Edera has quickly become a fixture in St. Louis’s iconic Central West End neighborhood. We invite you to experience our newly renovated dining room or dine alfresco alongside towering ivy walls in our Italian style courtyard. We look forward to serving you!

A photo of Louie's Wine Dive - Saint Louis restaurant

5. Louie's Wine Dive - Saint Louis

4.7

Exceptional(484)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Wine Bar • Clayton

Booked 16 times today

Louie's Wine Dive is an unpretentious wine bar where guests can try an assortment of wine and some delicious food to go with them. Come check out our wine board with rotating specialty wines and cocktails. Monday is all day happy hour and we do brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Thank you to all of our wonderful guests who make this place amazing. Please call to make a reservation for a party of 5 or more and limited reservations are available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Walk ins are always welcome!

6. Diego's Cantina

4.5

Awesome(480)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • University City

Booked 4 times today

Owned and operated by Natasha Kwan, St. Louis Post Dispatch's Best Chef in St. Louis, our elevated Mexican restaurant blends vibrant flavors with a tropical atmosphere that feels like a vacation, taking you far from St. Louis. We’re located in a charming University City neighborhood, just steps from Clayton.Our menu features plates like queso flameado, costra and crunch tacos, enchiladas, nachos and a few Tex-Mex options. Cocktails and margaritas are crafted with fresh-squeezed juices and premium ingredients.  We offer all-day happy hour Tuesday through Thursday. We also accommodate parties of 10 or more for special celebrations. Other accolades: Best New Restaurant, A-List Restaurant (St. Louis Magazine)Best Queso (Ian Froeb of St. Louis Post-Dispatch)To Note: Gluten free friendly - our fryer is dedicated gluten free so eat all the chips you want!Many vegan optionsDog friendly patio and sidewalk

A photo of Maggiano's - St. Louis restaurant

7. Maggiano's - St. Louis

4.4

Awesome(5193)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Richmond Heights

Booked 37 times today

Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's Richmond Heights and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. The St. Louis Maggiano's is a centrally located restaurant with easy access to several freeways connecting us to all areas of the city and attractions, such as the Gateway Arch, the St. Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Zoo, and the local Sporting Arenas to name a few. Visit us at #2 The Boulevard St. Louis and book your reservation today!

8. Robust

4.4

Awesome(1275)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Webster Groves

Booked 4 times today

It is our desire to light a spark of adventure within you and encourage you to explore and rediscover a passion for life through truly experiencing what wine, food and hospitality are all about.When you experience wine, you experience life. Wine encompasses a world of history, food, travel, culture, and romance. Whether a novice wine drinker or expert, Robust wants to create an enjoyable and enriching experience that educates each guest to the next level. Sip wines, sample our tasting plates and shop our wines and gifts. Our menu of artisan cheeses, charcuterie and unique gourmet tasting plates are inspired by our wine selection.Wines are listed by Robust Factor™ - a friendly format to help you navigate through the vast world of wines. With more than 40 wines by the glass, wine flights, and a full bottle list, choose your favorites or our onsite sommeliers will be happy to accommodate you with a selection.

9. Chase Club

4.5

Awesome(254)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Central West End

Booked 1 time today

Inspired by bold designs of the Roarin 20’s and Art Deco 30’s, Chase Club at the historic Chase Park Plaza Hotel invokes the original spirit of times past. As Prohibition ended, the pendulum swung back to indulging & entertainment (Live Music, Great Food and Free Flowing Alcohol). Influenced by the Speakeasys and extravagant style of a bygone era, the concept for Chase Club was born. Chase Club features a well crafted gastro-pub menu, a huge bar, a dining area with large adjoining patio overlooking the Chase Park Plaza pool, and even a outdoor fireplace with seating area to keep you toasty on chilly nights. Big screen TVs and plush seating provide the perfect lounging atmosphere for an afternoon or evening of sports. Chase Club evokes an easier time with big style design, quality food and drink, and lively bands every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Enjoy brunch favorites every Saturday and Sunday!

10. Beyond Sweet

4.7

Exceptional(350)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • The Loop

Booked 16 times today

Beyond Sweet Kitchen + Bar is St. Louis' newest vibe.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MichaelVIP
St. Louis •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Another wonderful dining experience! Food, service and atmosphere was , as usual, Fantastic!
More info
Olive + OakPrice: Expensive• American• St. Louis
•
4.8
T
Terry
St. Louis •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Nice atmosphere with comfortable seating. Not many choices of food but I liked the grilled chicken
More info
High Bar Clayton RooftopPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Clayton
•
4.3
M
Mrs
St. Louis •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I have been here several times for brunch with my GFs. Food is consistently yummy. I did have the Sangria this time which unfortunately wasn’t one of my favorites. (I do recommend the Bloody Mary though!) I will be back. Monique was great!
More info
Louie's Wine Dive - Saint LouisPrice: Expensive• Wine Bar• Clayton
•
4.7
C
ConstanceVIP
St. Louis •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great food and wonderful service!!! My first time there but it won’t be my last!
More info
Edera Italian EateryPrice: Expensive• Italian• Central West End
•
4.7
S
sarah
St. Louis •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 14, 2025
Valentine's Day was a fixed menu - two entrees, two appetizers, two desserts options. They offered a lovely "palate cleanser" between the apps and the entree -- nice touch. They also offered us "free" champagne as we entered -- another nice touch. (I say "free" because it's a fixed price so I'm sure it was covered in there but, still, a lovely way to be greeted.) Our server was friendly, professional, and attentive without being intrusive. Parking was free (validated when we paid our bill) and convenient. We will definitely be back.
More info
Cafe La ViePrice: Expensive• French• Clayton
•
3.9

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