Tamara Keefe, founder and CEO of Clementine’s Ice Cream, has spent the last decade transforming a single Lafayette Square scoop shop into a microcreamery empire known far beyond St. Louis, which we discussed extensively on her recent podcast episode. But a woman cannot survive on ice cream alone. Here, she shares five of her favorite St. Louis restaurants that reflect the same creativity and neighborhood love that fuels her brand.
Akar
“To begin with, it’s the sexiest restaurant in St. Louis. Bernie Lee’s love for his native Malaysia shines through in every single authentic dish. His thoughtful nature and impeccable palate shines through on every single work of art that comes out of his kitchen. And I love that my vegan and gluten-free friends always have lots of options to choose from.”
7641 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, akarstl.com
Casa Don Alfonso
“When dining there, you feel like you are stepping into an incredible Italian restaurant in New York City, but we’re fortunate enough to have it right here in St. Louis! From scratch-made pasta that is to die for to house-made buffalo mozzarella. It’s my go-to for a fun girls’ night out. Don’t forget to start with their Filippo Bianco cocktail; it’s lovely and refreshing. And always ask for some focaccia to go, it’s the best in St. Louis.”
100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, casadonalfonsostlouis.com
Lona’s Lil Eats
“Lona does a magnificent job of blending authentic Asian cuisine in a way that resonates with so many people, and at just the right price. I can’t get enough of her lime-peanut-ginger salad, and her dry-rubs protect the flavors in her proteins so well. Her smoked turkey is to die for, with her signature sauce on top. A weekly go-to in our house.”
2199 California Ave., St. Louis, lonaslileats.com
Paul Manno’s
“When my fiancé first told me he was going to take me to an Italian restaurant in a strip mall in Chesterfield, I said no way. He promised me I would like it, so I went. Flabbergasted and totally surprised, it was so good. It’s not fancy; it’s very warm and inviting. It’s like stepping back into Little Italy in the 1950s. Classic Italian with old-world charm and impeccable service. And the lamb chops are famous for good reason. I order them every time.”
75 Forum Shopping Center, Chesterfield, paulmannos.com
SweetArt Bakeshop + Café
“If you’re looking for the best cinnamon roll in St. Louis, look no further than SweetArt. Reine is so talented and I was lucky enough to collaborate with her on a special ice cream flavor this year called Reine’s Thick Mint. It’s vegan and out of this world!”
Multiple locations, sweetartstl.com