Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Belleville

"Next up is Fox Park's Lona's Lil Eats, situated at 2199 California Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 541 reviews on Yelp, the Asian fusion, vegetarian and Chinese spot has proven to be a local favorite."

"Lona’s Lil Eats delivers big on both portion size and flavor. Stumped on where to start?. Begin with their giant rice paper wraps."

"This upscale French restaurant is perfect for a leisurely and indulgent evening out. Located in the Central West End, one of St. Louis' top neighborhoods, this dinner or brunch option is surrounded by eclectic shopping, and a rich history. Try the roasted vegetable tart, which is filled with lentils, caramelized onions and perfectly cooked veggies."

"If you’re looking for a spot with great ambiance and the perfect croque madame, Brasserie is the place for you. In addition to stellar food from Gerard Craft's team, the restaurant's patio is great for dining al fresco and enjoying the bustling Central West End. True to its name, the brunch items at Brasserie are inspired by French cuisine."

"What’s a trip to St. Louis without a plate of their world-famous barbeque?. Visitors from Oakville to Mehlville rave about the authentic offerings at Pappy’s Smokehouse, a St. Louis institution that offers a menu filled with delectable slow-cooked meats, hearty sides, and an atmosphere that keeps locals coming back. Location: 3106 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO"

"If you only eat barbecue once in St. Louis, it should be at Pappy’s. This classic in Midtown is what you wish all barbecue places could be, and since everyone else in a large radius agrees, you’ll have to wait. They serve Memphis-style barbecue and while they do all the classics well, the ribs are their house specialty."

"Although it hasn’t opened its doors to sit-in diners yet, the grill is sizzling and ready for your order. Pappy’s offers curbside pickup and no contact delivery, keeping you safe and satiated until their dining room reopens. Limited outdoor picnic tables are available."

"If you love a chocolate chip cookie with walnuts, head to Russell's on Macklind, where chef Russell Ping has mastered the chocolate chip cookie. Always in the kitchen growing up, Ping has been making this cookie since the age of 8. The chef, whose first entrepreneurial venture was selling cookies at his neighborhood pool, has "been hooked on the food biz ever since." Today, Ping sells his chocolate chip cookies at Russell's on Macklind, as well as Russell's Cafe & Bakery in Fenton."

"There are three locations, and all of them boast home-style cooking with options like hand-cut pasta and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. In addition to signature sandwiches and salads, the restaurant also has a dinner menu of delicious American dishes and pastries. The restaurant is known for its breakfast sandwiches and classic American dinner."

"Like its sister location in Fenton, this South City spot emphasizes locally sourced products. Enjoy candlelit dinners on the tree-covered patio. $$$, 101 Best Restaurants 2016, Bakery, Best Restaurants 2018, Cafe/Coffee Shop, Clayton, Retail, South City"

"The burger joint's specialty is the #RipFries, which are topped with a sweet and spicy seasoning blend. Tasty burgers made with local, pasture-raised protein with unconventional flavors keep patrons coming back for more. Mac's partners with farmers that are committed to the ethical treatment of its animals, and almost everything on the menu is made in-house from scratch."

"Vin de Set is a French restaurant that was born after the owners’ trip to Provence in 2004. They were inspired to bring approachable French dishes to St. Louis, and the restaurant has become one of the city’s most popular rooftop eateries. The menu is made from fresh ingredients, many of which are grown locally–in fact, they come from the restaurant’s own urban farm and hydroponic greenhouse!"

"New York City may have Central Park, but St Louis has the bigger (by 528 acres) Forest Park. The superb, 1371-acre spread was the setting of the 1904 World's Fair. It's a beautiful place to escape to and is dotted with attractions, many free. Two walkable neighborhoods, the Loop and Central West End, are close."

"One of the largest (and best) city parks in the country–it gives NYC’s Central Park a run for its money. You can walk, bike, golf, visit various museums & attractions, attend festivals, ice skate (in the winter), & more."

"Designated a National Memorial since the 1930s, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park is located by the Mississippi River and covers over ninety acres. Here, you will not only be able to take in the beauty of the park itself but also take in iconic sights such as the Gateway Arch. You will also be able to explore other features such as the Old Courthouse and the Museum of Westward Expansion so you can look forward to a diverse and educational experience when you visit."

"Next up is downtown's Gateway Arch National Park, situated at 11 N. Fourth St. With four stars out of 243 reviews on Yelp, the landmarks, historical building, museum and park has proven to be a local favorite."

"The focus is on the towering Gateway Arch, but the park also features the Old Courthouse, a museum, and walking trails. Read my Guide to the Gateway Arch"

"This boutique bakery and gourmet coffee bar is far more than just an adorable place to get a cupcake. Their standout item is the savory Drunken Pig cupcake that won Cupcake Wars, but if you want something sweet, there are plenty of other fabulous options (they have 15 daily flavors), like Cherry Garcia, Banana Split, and Butterfinger. Some other notable menu items are the convenient "Cookie Dough To Go," whoopie pies with flavors like gooey butter, chocolate, banana, and red velvet, as well as flavor packed coffees in variations like the White Chocolate Lavender Mocha or Turtle Frappe."

"A cute little cupcake shop, The Sweet Divine is in the historic Soulard neighborhood and just around the corner from Mission Taco Joint. We love stopping into local places for treats and both the cupcakes and macrons hit the sweet spot for us after a yummy dinner. Their Drunken Pig cupcake with Newcastle Beer, bacon, and cheddar was a winner on Cupcake Wars if you’re looking for something unique."

"The $12 lunch special gets you a soup (Kale & Garbanzo) or a salad (Little Gem) paired with one of two half sandwich options. It might sound basic, but it’s a deal you don’t want to miss. The sandwiches alone may convert you, as they’re all built on the bakery’s much-buzzed-about bread."

"Using fresh bread as its foundation, this bakery/café in Botanical Heights blends sandwiches, salads, and soups with a lively space. $$, 101 Best Restaurants 2016, American, Bakery, Best Restaurants 2018, South City. Photography by Kevin A. Roberts"

"This family-run coffee shop has been going for the last six years or so and is one of the best you will find in the city. Their family spirit comes out in the service and the atmosphere, as they treat everyone like family themselves. This is a very warm and welcoming place, where everyone and anyone can sip on their specialty coffee, eat a freshly made pastry, and feel like you are in your own living room."

"A post shared by Living Room Coffee and Kitchen (@livingroomstl). Check their website here. Living Room Coffee & Kitchen is fueled by its parent company, ArtHouse Coffees."

"Ever since I've moved to Maplewood last year, I have been coming to Living Room for a quick bite or a needed caffeine buzz. I love their rotating lunch…”more"