The best restaurants in Missouri offer one of the best ways to experience our great state. Whether it’s a neighborhood spot or a Zagat-rated find, these standout restaurants in Missouri all hold a special place in our hearts.

We’ve embarked on an almost impossible task: pinpointing the top restaurants in Missouri. Whether you’ve lived in the Show-Me State for just a few years or you’re a lifelong resident, chances are you understand just how impressive our culinary scene can be. From hole-in-the-wall barbecue restaurants to iconic eateries known the world over, the following is a list of some of the very best Missouri restaurants. It’s a dining bucket list, and somehow, we’ve narrowed it down to just 17 establishments. So the next time you’re curious to try somewhere new, or perhaps revisit an old favorite, the following will serve as a guide for experiencing the best food that Missouri has to offer. One thing’s for sure: you’ll need your appetite!

1. Blues City Deli, St. Louis
Gerry / TripAdvisor
Blues City Deli is one of the most unique places to eat in Missouri. The popular St. Louis eatery is best known for its po'boys and muffulettas. You'll also find old-school sandwiches on the menu. While you can order for takeout, you might want to embrace the southern vibe. After all, one of the top places to eat in Missouri also hosts jazz performers on a regular basis, promising a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Visit the official website of Blues City Deli for more information.
2. Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, Crown Center, Kansas City
MrsHandley / TripAdvisor
If you're looking for one of the most unique places to eat in Missouri, you've just found it! Fritz's Railroad Restaurant appeals to train lovers of all ages with it's train theme. Even more amazing? Your food will be delivered to your table by a toy train. It's a must visit! View a menu and more information on the official website of Fritz's Railroad Restaurant.
3. Kehde’s BBQ, Sedalia
Kehde's Barbeque/Facebook
Kehde's Barbeque / Facebook
Speaking of trains, this barbecue spot is located in a classic 1920s train car! Kehde’s has been family-owned for three generations, and a local icon. Besides barbecue, they also serve croissants, sandwiches, burritos, and their famous Posh potatoes. Kehde's BBQ is the kind of place you won't mind spending a few hours (and possibly sampling everything on the menu!) Stay up-to-date with the latest information by visiting Kehde's BBQ on Facebook.
4. Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine, Cape Girardeau
Butterflydays / TripAdvisor
Gerry S / TripAdvisor
Located in the heart of Cape Girardeau, Broussard's Cajun Cuisine is a family-owned Cajun-style restaurant and one of the top restaurants in Missouri. Their authentic recipes bring the taste of Louisiana Cajun into Missouri. Spicy Cajun goodness is brought to you by a friendly wait staff (there are less-spicy options as well). Try the Catfish Po’Boy, six inches or a foot long and served with Cajun Fries. The building housing Broussard’s is true to the history of the downtown/riverfront area, with vintage architecture. A must for anyone visiting Cape Girardeau, this Missouri restaurant has actually been featured on several best-of lists, including a couple of our own.
5. Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop, Branson West
khristystrange / TripAdvisor
Danna's BBQ & Burger Shop / Facebook
No list of the best restaurants in Missouri is complete without mentioning Danna's BBQ & Burger. Danna’s is well known for being the place to go in the Branson area for old-fashioned, made-from-scratch BBQ. All three of their locations are family-run and owned, and the atmosphere is casual and friendly. They smoke their beef and pork for 12-14 hours every night with locally sourced hickory wood. Their ribs, chicken, and sausage are smoked for four hours twice a day. Using their own barbecue rub and barbecue sauces for chicken and ribs, these are available for you to purchase for use when you barbecue at home. Burgers are made to order from fresh beef or turkey. Try the Smoked Pork Plate piled high with tender pork and served with homemade coleslaw and signature Memphis rolls. Other options include their BBQ Nachos, Boss Man Salad, along with a variety of sandwiches and burgers.
6. Pappy’s Smokehouse, St. Louis
Pappy's Smokehouse/Facebook
The line outside the door most days is a giant indicator of the quality of Pappy’s Smokehouse. They are well-known and loved throughout St. Louis and the rest of the country and earn props as one of the top places to eat in Missouri. Serving the best Memphis Style BBQ from their mid-town St. Louis location, they slow smoke their meats for up to 14 hours over sweet apple or cherry wood. Choose from your choice of meat and a selection of their own unique, delicious BBQ sauces including Pappy’s Original, Jane’s Sweet Sauce, Holly’s Hot Sauce and Hoodoo Sauce. Daily lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. might include your choice of a pulled pork or chicken sandwich with a side and drink at a great price.
7. Lambert’s Café, Sikeston
Lambert's Cafe - Home of the Throwed Rolls/Facebook
Lambert's Cafe - Home of the Throwed Rolls / Facebook
You’ve probably heard about Lambert’s, "home of the throwed rolls," and originally opened in 1942. A restaurant bucket list would not be complete without their inclusion. After all, they are one of the most unique places to eat in Missouri. They have three locations, the most well-known being the original one in the town of Sikeston. People come from all over to dine on generous servings of food, all while having some fun and allowing people to throw rolls at them. They don’t accept credit cards or take reservations, so come prepared to wait and bring cash.
8. Blueberry Hill, St. Louis
Blueberry Hill / Facebook
Blueberry Hill / Facebook
This St. Louis landmark is most famous for Chuck Berry performances on the third Wednesday of each month in the Duck Room. He once played every single month from 1996 through his 88th birthday week in October 2014. Besides Chuck Berry and the Duck Room, Blueberry Hill is also famous for its decor, its cheeseburgers and its darts room. Since opening in 1972, the restaurant has expanded into the adjacent spaces to the east and the west, and it now occupies an entire block of Delmar Boulevard. Outside the restaurant, you’ll find the St. Louis Walk of Fame by Joe Edwards, lining the sidewalks on both sides of Delmar, and made up of bronze stars and informative biographical plaques honoring St. Louis-area natives who have made major national contributions to American cultural heritage.
9. Charley’s Buffet, Cole Camp
Charley's Buffet / Facebook
Arguably the best country-style buffet in Missouri, Charley’s offers American comfort food in a casual setting. Since they are only open Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30-8:30 p.m., there is usually a line of people waiting before they even open! Dinner items like pulled pork, ham, fresh veggies, mashed potatoes and chicken and homemade noodles are some of the offerings. Don’t forget dessert! The dessert table is something to see with a huge variety including homemade pies and cobblers. Charley’s is the best place for home-style food, reminiscent of a church potluck. They even make their own butter!

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10. Booches Billiard Hall, Columbia
S. Johnston / TripAdvisor
criticblock / TripAdvisor
Booches is a well-known Columbia establishment that has been around since 1884! This restaurant and pool hall is famous for their cheeseburgers served on wax paper. In fact, USA Today named them one of the top ten burgers in America on more than one occasion. Known for witticisms posted on their walls, they are most known for the saying "Closed on Sunday, see you in church." Booches' name comes from the nickname of original owner, Paul Blucher Venable. Male-only until the 1970s, the restaurant has seen many owners over the years, but still thrives. Today it gets plenty of University of Missouri and St. Louis Cardinals fans as customers, and has become considerably more family-friendly than they once were.
11. Bristol Seafood, Steak + Social, Kansas City
management / TripAdvisor
Bristol Seafood, Steak + Social KC / Facebook
Bristol Seafood Grill is an upscale seafood restaurant with a chic but casual atmosphere offering simply-prepared fresh fish, premium steaks, an impressive wine cellar and handcrafted cocktails. Imaginative seafood dishes made with quality fresh ingredients set Bristol’s above the rest and their Kansas City location has been a city icon since 1980. Valet parking is also available at one of the top restaurants in Missouri.
12. Bella Napoli, Kansas City
Bella Napoli/Facebook
Bella Napoli is known for their delicious, fresh, and extremely satisfying Italian food. Pasta that melts in your mouth. Tomato sauce that is light and flavorful. Some of their signature dishes include the Melanzane Alla Parmigiana, Tagliatella Alla Bolognese, and the Puttanesca, made with Olives, capers, anchovies, pepper flakes, and tomato. Bella Napoli is also a deli, coffee shop and grocery.
13. Garozzo’s Ristorante, Kansas City
Garozzo's Ristorante/Facebook
Garozzo's Ristorante / Facebook
Zagat-rated as one of the top Italian restaurants in the country, It's certainly one of the best restaurants in Missouri. Gazarro’s opened in April 1989. The Garozzo family runs this popular and award-winning restaurant offering moderately priced fine dining in a family atmosphere. Their signature dish, Chicken Spiedini, was originally created here, and is now often imitated around town (but never duplicated!) Chicken Spiedini is a marinated chicken breast rolled in Italian bread crumbs, skewered & grilled.
14. Kemoll’s, St. Louis
Kemolls/Facebook
Kemoli's Chop House/Facebook
The view is amazing from Kemoll’s, located on top of the Metropolitan Building in St. Louis. However, the food and extensive wine list make Kemoll’s a great place for a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience. You’ll truly be amazed by the remarkable 360° views from the 42nd-floor, overlooking such iconic St. Louis sights as the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River. Start your experience with cocktails in the impressive lobby, then move to the dining room and enjoy delicious classic Italian fare, all while enjoying incredible views. You can make reservations and check out the menu on their web site. They also have several rooms available for larger groups up to 400 people.
15. Stewart’s Restaurant, Lake Ozark
Stewart's Restaurant/Facebook
Stewart's Restaurant/Facebook
Huge portions of mouthwatering American breakfast classics make Stewart’s a great place for breakfast. A don’t miss: their delicious homemade cinnamon rolls. It’s best to arrive earlier in the morning, as it always draws a large crowd, but it’s definitely worth the wait. The family friendly environment with comfortable seating options includes outdoor seating when weather permits. They also offer carry-out and catering.
16. The Shaved Duck - St. Louis
The Shaved Duck/Facebook
The Shaved Duck / Facebook
Another must-visit restaurant in St. Louis, this amazing barbecue and soul food restaurant smokes their ribs all day each day, delivering them fresh off the pit. The locally sourced menu is smoked in Ole Hickory Pits, built in Cape Girardeau, with a combination of wild cherry and hickory wood from Terry, "the woodman," from Perryville. The cherry gives the meat a subtle sweetness and gorgeous color, balanced with a touch of hickory for a well-rounded, uniquely smoky finish. The award-wining culinary team cooks up fresh dishes, mouth-watering sides, gumbos, flatbreads, and decadent desserts. The burnt ends are legendary, and they make their own bacon to create their famous Walnut Bacon appetizer. Or try the fresh cut smothered French fries. These are just some of the reasons to try the Shaved Duck, and a visit will leave you full and truly satisfied. Check out the Shaved Duck on Facebook for updates and more.
17. Sybill’s Saint James, St. James
Sybill's Saint James / Facebook
management / TripAdvisor
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best restaurants in Missouri, Sybill’s provides elegant fine dining in a beautiful country-style manor, complete with a gift shop. Big-city dining without big-city prices, they have served New American cuisine and fine wine in St. James since 2007. Excellent service, great food, and a quality beer and wine selection complete the unique and sophisticated dining experience. Planning a visit soon? Be sure to check out Sybill's Saint James on Facebook for all the latest updates.

Do you agree that these are among the best restaurants in Missouri? What do you think are some of the other top places to eat in Missouri? We’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

And if you’re looking for more top restaurants in Missouri to try, check out our list of the best barbecue joints in Missouri — these places sure give Texas a run for their money!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best restaurants in Missouri

Beth C. | February 22, 2021

What are the most famous restaurants in Missouri?

Missouri is blessed with an abundance of delicious restaurants, and many of them are considered to be quite famous. Call us biased, but we think that these places are totally worth the hype. While you may think of barbecue as the most famous food to come out of Missouri, there are several other culinary dishes worth trying as well. For some of the most famous restaurants in Missouri, you should visit any of the following: Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston, Q39 in Kansas City, Broadway Oyster Bar in St. Louis, Arthur Bryant's Barbecue in Kansas City, Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis, Shakespeare's Pizza in Columbia, Blues City Deli in St. Louis, The Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Stroud's Restaurant in Kansas City, and Pappy's Smokehouse. Learn more about these famous restaurants in Missouri worth waiting in line for.

What are some of the other best restaurants in Missouri?

As you might have guessed from the above article highlighting the best restaurants in Missouri, the Show-Me State has no shortage of fine dining. You learned about restaurants that are both relatively new and those that have stood the test of time. Of course, the list above only scratches the surface of all the incredible local options. Some other fantastic restaurants that belong on your radar are Toot-Toot Family Restaurant in Bethany, MacCheesy in Joplin, Rustic Oak Cabin Steakhouse in Perry, The Depot Cafe in Fredericktown, Smith's Restaurant in Bolivar, Cafe Poland in Columbia, The Glenn in Charleston, Bair's Sports Grill in Springfield, and The Ozark Cafe in Plainfield. Have you been to any of these delicious restaurants hiding in Missouri?

Where can I find the best pizza in Missouri?

If you're someone who appreciates the art of delicious pizza, Missouri will not disappoint. From classic Italian-style to deep dish, wood-fired, and some totally creative options, Missouri's pizza scene is positively brimming with must-try eateries. Some of the best pizza in Missouri can be found at any of the following local establishments: 1889 Pizza in Kansas City, Pizzeoli in St. Louis, Shakespeare's Pizza in Columbia, Rocco's Pizza in Branson, Saucy's Pizzeria in Hillsboro, PW Pizza in St. Louis, Grinders in Kansas City, Minsky's Pizza in Blue Springs, Pizza By The Chef in Branson West, Melo's Pizzeria in St. Louis, Artego Pizza in Kansas City, Parmesan's Pizzeria in Kimberling City, TK's Pizza in St. Robert, Pizza Head in St. Louis, Good News Brewing Company and Wood-Fired Pizza in O'Fallon, Johnny Jo's in Kansas City, and Vito's Original Pizza in Blue Springs. Learn more about some of our favorite pizza spots in Missouri.

Where can I go in Missouri that only the locals know about?

If you're planning a trip to Missouri, you likely are curious to check out some little-known places and hidden gems. Tourist attractions have their merit, but sometimes it's nice to experience the authentic, under-the-radar places. Fortunately, we've compiled a list of hidden places in Missouri that only the locals know about. These places include Prairie Garden Trust in New Bloomfield, Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, Mark Twain Landing and Splash Landing Waterpark in Monroe, Rockbridge Memorial State Park in Columbia, Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Wild Animal Safari in Strafford, Kozy Kaboose at the St. Louis West KOA Campground, Stone Soup Cottage in Cottleville, and Wakonda State Park in La Grange. Learn more about these hidden gem destinations in Missouri.

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Featured Addresses
2438 McNair Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
Fritz's, 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Kehde's Barbeque, 1915 S Limit Ave, Sedalia, MO 65301, USA
114 Main St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA
Pappy's Smokehouse, 3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Lambert's Café, 2305 E Malone Ave, Sikeston, MO 63801, USA
Blueberry Hill St, Boutte, LA 70039, USA
23799 State Hwy B, Lincoln, MO 65338, USA
Booche’s, 110 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
51 E 14th St, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
6229 Brookside Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64113, USA
526 Harrison St, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA
323 W Port Plaza Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146, USA
1151 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, USA
2118 Schotthill Woods Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
2900 Virginia Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118, USA
Catalpa, 302 Main St, Arrow Rock, MO 65320, USA
Sybill's Saint James, 1100 N Jefferson St, St James, MO 65559, USA