Bar Les Freres

When this enchanting jewel box of a restaurant opened in 2012, it filled a yearning St. Louisans didn’t even know they had for a place of romance and luxury. But restaurateur Zoë Robinson knew, and she delivered, with lobster tail and caviar, duck confit and filet mignon, brioche toast points and soufflés.

The cozy world of Bar Les Freres, its golden fixtures gleaming in candlelight, is only one facet of Robinson’s restaurant universe. Across the street is her flagship, I Fratellini, an Italian eatery which opened in 2001. Nestled nearby is two-year-old Billie-Jean, where Robinson lets her hair down a little, playfully evoking the famous Michael Jackson song—even though the restaurant is actually named for her parents—and accentuating the mood with black-and-white décor and minimalist artwork.

Robinson and her longtime collaborator in the kitchen, executive chef Ny Vongsaly, ensure that each restaurant’s food is just as memorable as the setting. At Frenchinfluenced Bar Les Freres, customers savor the elegant sauces, the richness of the broths, the perfect accent of flavors in each bite of salad. The cocktails and wines were ahead of their time when the restaurant opened, and between the food, the drinks and the ambience, Bar Les Freres continues to fend off would-be challengers to its title as the city’s most romantic dining destination.

WHILE YOU'RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

Akar

Bernie Lee’s new restaurant pays homageto his roots in Malaysia, his family’srecipes and comfort food the world over.

7641 WYDOWN BLVD.

314.553.9914

UKRAFT Café and catering

Build-your-own options—grain bowls,salads, sandwiches and avocado toasts—with a healthy flair, just like the foodtruck that came before the café.

8182 MARYLAND AVE.

314.757.7075

The Bao

This “bun bar” specializes in Chinese steamed buns from a signature dough recipe with both traditional and Americanized fillings—even for breakfast.

14 N. CENTRAL AVE.

314.899.9089