With its dignified brick-and-wood interior, this Benton Park standard sits on the corner of Sidney Street and Salena Street like it owns the place. And it kind of does. Two decades since Kevin Nashan opened the restaurant with his wife Mina and brother Chris, Sidney Street remains synonymous with fine dining in St. Louis. Nashan weaves his Spanish heritage with his classical French training, stitching in a little nod here and there to New Mexico, where he spent his childhood. There’s more than a whisper of Spain to the housemade charcuterie and cheese plate: Served with artisanal cheese and olives on a large board, it’s reminiscent of a Luis Meléndez still life. Beauty is also created by pastry chef Amelia Lytle, who might perfume a strawberry shortcake with lilac.
2000 Sidney St., St. Louis, 314.771.5777, sidneystreetcafestl.com
The Sauce 75 is a photomosaic of the best in St. Louis dining. This list is a celebration of the diverse skills, techniques and culinary traditions that meet across our region. In sum, it tells a story about where St. Louis has been, where it is now and where it’s going next. Many great and good St. Louis restaurants have not made the cut. (Seventy-five is a lot fewer than you think!) Restaurants are constantly growing and evolving and go through ups and downs. Newly opened restaurants can take time to find their feet: There are a few exciting new places we’re cheering for, but which we feel haven’t yet fully hit their stride. Read the entire list here.
This article appears in December 2024.