10 Special Occasion Restaurants in St. Louis
It’s almost my birthday and if you’ve ever met me, I like to go all out for my birthday. I’m usually a celebrate over several days kind of girl. That changed a bit when I had my youngest the day before my birthday (best gift ever!) but I still love to celebrate. And for me, there’s nothing better than a great meal to kick off a new year, celebrate one of life’s milestones or cheers a big win! Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, birthday, promotion, engagement, or just planning a long-overdue date night, St. Louis has no shortage of incredible restaurants that make an ordinary evening feel unforgettable.
You definitely don't need an expensive dinner to celebrate something special. Some of my favorite meals in St. Louis are at neighborhood gems with a much smaller price tag. But if you're looking for those splurge-worthy restaurants where the service, atmosphere, and food all make the night feel like an occasion, this list is for you.
I recently shared my 5 most expensive restaurants in St. Louis, and the response was overwhelming. While I absolutely stand by those original picks, so many of you shared your own favorites that I had to expand it into a list of ten.
Here are my favorite restaurants for celebrating life's biggest moments.
Cheers to celebrating the big and small wins in life!
1. Wright's Tavern
Some say it’s overhyped but personally I think it’s worth the expense and the effort to score a reservation. Wright's Tavern in Clayton is simply perfection for a celebration. It's intimate, incredibly stylish, and consistently delivers one of the best dining experiences in the city. Now I will say, it’s incredibly hard to get in. But reservations open on the first of the month at midnight and you can also walk in and try to snag one of the four bar seats.
My favorites: I haven’t had a bad meal. The pasta is just as amazing as the steak. The salads and the oysters are all delicious but you must try to save room for the epic sundae!
📍7624 Wydown Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105
Everything is delicious at Wright’s Tavern in Clayton.
2. Louie
Louie is probably my favorite restaurant in St. Louis. Somehow feels both trendy and timeless. The warm lighting, incredible wine list, and outstanding Italian-inspired menu make it one of my favorite date night spots. It feels elevated without being stuffy, and that's a combination that's hard to find. I also think it’s fairly reasonable in price for the service, hospitality and quality. We love to try to snag a seat at the bar.
Don't miss: The pastas, the peach and prosciutto in the summer, the cauliflower.
📍706 De Mun Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
Pro tip: Try to snag a spot at the bar or the pizza counter for dinner at Louie.
3. Mainlander
Looking for an experience instead of just dinner? Mainlander in the Central West End offers one of the city's most unique tasting menus. It feels like you’ve been transported to your grandma’s living room in the 1970s in the best way. The owners take such care to craft a menu that fuses Midwestern classics with French and Taiwanese cruise. It’s a three course prix fix menu and you pay up front when you make your reservation (and no tipping allowed). There are two seatings. We’ve done the cocktail pairing and it’s always very creative! Reservations can be difficult to score, but it's well worth planning ahead. Always keep an eye out for cancelations and next door is their walk-in only concept the Jujube Inn.
📍392 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
The supper club dining experience at Mainlander is such a vibe!
4. Sado (and Pavilion)
Chef Nick Bognar continues to raise the bar with Sado. His James Beard nomination was so well deserved! Whether you're ordering incredible sushi or opting for the omakase experience, every meal feels memorable. For something extra special, check out Pavilion, it's an even more elevated dining experience. Located on The Hill, where so many have dined on special occasions for years, Sado offers something a little different.
Must orders: Crab ragoon, acorn squash tempura and of course nigiri and sashimi
📍5201 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
5. Vicia
Seasonal, local, and beautifully executed, Vicia has long been one of my favorite restaurants for celebrations. The tasting menu lets the kitchen truly shine, and the service always makes you feel like you're celebrating something important. It's refined without feeling intimidating. They also offer a great happy hour menu now.
Must orders: Let them wow you with vegetables.
📍4260 Forest Park Avenue Entrance On Boyle, At Corner Of, Duncan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
6. Little Fox
Little Fox proves that a restaurant doesn't need white tablecloths to feel special. The cozy dining room, thoughtful cocktails, and creative menu make it one of my favorite places for a date night. Its approachable while still feeling like somewhere you'll remember.
Order: The potato churros, any of the pastas, the duck if you are a duck fan!
📍2800 Shenandoah Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104
The patio at Little Fox is always a favorite.
7. The Crossing
A longtime Clayton favorite, The Crossing has earned its reputation over the years. I’'ll be honest, it’s been years since I’ve been but it is consistently a favorite for find dining. The seasonal menus combine French and Italian influences with locally sourced ingredients, creating one of the most consistently excellent fine dining experiences in St. Louis. The Crossing
📍7823 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105
8. Idol Wolf
One of the newer additions to St. Louis' dining scene, Idol Wolf combines bold Spanish flavors with one of the city's most beautiful dining rooms. I love the bar for a date night. Between the cocktails, shareable plates, and lively atmosphere, it feels festive from the moment you walk in. Plus the 21C Hotel where it’s located is so cool. The upstairs is an art gallery.
Go with a group so you can order as many dishes as possible. But definitely get the churros for dessert.
📍1528 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103
9. Olive + Oak
Olive + Oak has become one of those restaurants that locals recommend over and over again, and for good reason. The food is consistently outstanding, the cocktails are some of the best in town, and the service always feels polished. It's one of those restaurants where every celebration feels a little more special. I also love a place that can be just as special for a Tuesday dinner at the bar as a celebratory dinner! I also love love love their sister restaurant O + O Pizza.
📍216 W Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119
10. Sidney Street Cafe
This one always holds a special place in my heart because it’s where we went when we got engaged. It’s a St. Louis classic that continues to impress year after year. Sidney Street Cafe blends fine dining with warm hospitality, making it a favorite for anniversaries and milestone celebrations. The menu from James Beard award winning chef Kevin Nashan changes regularly, but the attention to detail never does.
Must order: Lobster turnovers!
📍2000 Sidney St, St. Louis, MO 63104
Honorable Mentions
These restaurants came up again and again when I asked for recommendations, and they're absolutely worth adding to your own special occasion list:
The Capital Grille (Yes, it's a chain—but I genuinely love the service and consistently excellent food at the Clayton location.)
Nobu's (still on my personal list to try!)
Final Thoughts
The best special occasion restaurant isn't always the most expensive one, it's the place where you leave saying, "That was worth it." Every restaurant on this list offers something different, whether it's impeccable service, unforgettable food, a stunning dining room, or an experience you simply can't recreate at home. It also continues to showcase what a power house of a food scene we have in St. Louis!
Did I miss your favorite? Let me know, I'm always looking for another excuse to make a reservation.
