These oatmeals are to brunch as high-quality faux fur coats are to wool pea coats. They’re soft, warm and cozy but also gussied up in ways that make them feel extra special – definitely better than the best version of the instant stuff you could make on a cold weekday after rolling out of bed.
Russell’s on Macklind
Tall and fluffy with crispy edges, Russell’s baked oatmeal has an almost coffee cake-like aspect to it; it’s an oatmeal to eat with a fork rather than a spoon. A generous portion is served with a small pitcher of steaming cow’s milk or coconut cream, which seeps into the oatmeal’s crevices, softening and lending extra sweetness without making it mushy. The non-vegan option is made with dried apricots and toasted almonds, while the vegan is made with tart cherries and walnuts; sweet, chewy and crunchy, both are fabulous, regardless of your dietary needs or preferences.
5400 Murdoch Ave., St. Louis, 314.553.9994, macklind.russellscafe.com
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria
If you’ve ever wondered if oatmeal can be sophisticated, Katie’s is here with a resounding “yes.” Swirled with Sicilian pistachio butter, olive oil and wildflower honey and dressed with dates, sliced bananas and chopped pistachios, it’s the Mediterranean sun in a bowl.
9568 Manchester Road, Rock Hill, 314.942.6555; 14171 Clayton Road, Town & Country, 636.220.3238, katiespizzaandpasta.com
Bowood by Niche
Bowood’s oatmeal is truly next level. Multiple grains cooked to a creamy-yet-still-toothsome consistency give textural variety, which is then boosted by three forms of fruit – fresh, dried and jammed. Almonds give a little crunch and brown sugar an additional layer of sweetness. The coup de grace, however, is the presentation: It’s served in the most adorable miniature Le Creuset dutch oven we’ve even seen.
4605 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.454.6868, bowoodbyniche.com
This article appears in May 2022.