From globally inspired fine dining in South City to a revolving sushi bar in the Delmar Loop, a Midtown market and a new spot for Mexican food in South County, these are the new restaurants we’re loving.
Mortar & Pestle
Tucked into Southampton, Mortar & Pestle brings globally inspired, spice-forward cooking to a space that feels intimate and transportive. The restaurant comes from partners Nhat Nguyen and Remy Javed, who previously ran a catering operation together. They opened the brick-and-mortar in the former Copper Pig space, previously owned by Nguyen, a legacy that now lives on in the cocktail list. Inside, the polished but comfortable room glows. Moody, low lighting casts everything in a warm golden hue, with earthy furnishings in greens, tans and beiges.
On the food side, the marinated skirt steak sliders deliver strong flavor thanks to a punchy chimichurri. The steak is thinly sliced to avoid chewiness, though a slightly higher meat-to-bun ratio would improve the balance. The Korean BBQ duck confit stands out. Paired with warm noodles and vegetables, the duck is rich without being overly fatty, with just enough heat to keep things lively. The tempura enoki mushrooms offer great flavor and a crisp crown, though the base can be a bit dense. Start from the top for the best texture.
Among the cocktails, The Girl With Green Eyes is a bright, vegetal mix of gin, kiwi, cucumber, lemon and St. Germain. Served up, it is fresh and light, but definitely a bit funky. The Copper Pig, a nod to the previous restaurant that operated in the space, is a bourbon-based cocktail with pear notes that was the favorite of the night. Served on ice, it leans slightly sweet and crowd pleasing. It also arrives with noticeable pulp, a textural element some will enjoy and others may not.
Overall, the menu carries a steady hum of spice, and the cooking feels thoughtful and well executed. Mortar & Pestle pairs that heat with atmosphere, creating a dining experience that is equal parts glow and depth.
4611 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, mortarandpestlestl.com
Ozzy’s Market
Downtown West has a new daytime gem in Ozzy’s Market, a compact café and corner market hybrid that blends retro charm with neighborhood convenience. The space features green hues and vintage touches, with a genuinely friendly staff that makes it feel instantly familiar. Beyond breakfast sandwiches and lunch staples, there is a small market section stocked with grab-and-go essentials, from milk and produce to pantry basics like toilet paper.
Our favorite was the chopped cheese, a hoagie-style sandwich packed with ground beef, American cheese, lettuce and tomato jam that lends just enough sweetness. Think burger energy, but stretched into sandwich form with impressively soft bread. The Italian sandwich offers a sharper profile, layered with meats and pepperoncinis that bring a pleasant tang. It is a bit firmer in texture and more savory than sweet, a solid counterpoint to the chopped cheese. A happy accident brought the potato salad to the table instead of coleslaw, and it turned out to be a win. Even for those who typically pass on potato salad, this version stands out for its pronounced dill flavor and balanced creaminess. Whatever sandwich you choose, add a bag of chips for crunch. And save room for the blueberry jam bar, basically a handheld cobbler.
1933 Washington Ave., St. Louis, ozzysmarket.com
Sakatanoya Revolving Sushi Bar & Ramen
Delmar Loop just got a jolt of futurism. Sakatanoya Revolving Sushi Bar & Ramen pairs conveyor belt sushi with tablet ordering and robot food runners, creating a unique dining experience. Plates of sushi and sashimi glide by at eye level while hot dishes are delivered straight to your table via polite, non-threatening little robots that quietly do their job and roll away.
The pricing model is refreshingly straightforward. Four plate colors correspond to four price tiers, ranging from $3 to $7, and each tray holds four pieces of sushi, two pieces of sashimi or a few other bite-size options. That structure makes it easy to sample widely without committing to a full roll, which is exactly the appeal. Among the rolls, we tried the sweet potato, the Bootylicious and the Snow White, but there are plenty more options circulating, so part of the fun is simply grabbing what looks good as it passes. Beyond sushi, the ramen menu offers customizable bowls with various proteins and toppings. For appetizers, we enjoyed the potstickers and salt and pepper chicken, which improved dramatically after a dip in the spicy ramen broth we selected.
Quality-wise, this is not aiming for high-end omakase. The fish and rolls are good, not transcendent, but the futuristic concept carries the experience. Between the conveyor belts, the tablet ordering, and the adorable robot servers, it is a place you visit as much for the vibe as the food. When we stopped in, alcohol was not yet available as the restaurant was still awaiting its liquor license. The final bill was lower than expected for a generous spread, making it an especially strong option if you are dining on a budget but still want something interactive and fun for your next outing to the Loop.
6683 Delmar Blvd., University City, sakatanoya.com
Takeiros
After much anticipation, the team behind Illinois-based Tequila Mexican Restaurant has opened Takeiros in South County with a sprawling menu and a casual, counter service setup. The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, with attentive service and a steady buzz of activity. You can hardly go wrong with queso dip, and even the house table salsa won over everyone at the table. The à la carte quesabirria was the winner in our hearts, served with a rich consommé and a bright, punchy salsa verde that quickly became multitaskers across the table. For heartier fare, the Cowboy Candy fajitas deliver a generous portion of steak in substantial chunks. Cuts that size can sometimes skew chewy, but here the meat stayed tender and flavorful. The Monster Chimichanga lives up to its name, with a massive plate that could easily feed more than one person. Beans and rice round out the meal in solid, dependable fashion. Overall, Takeiros offers familiar Mexican favorites executed well, with plenty of options to satisfy a range of appetites.
5828 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, tequilamex.com
This article appears in March 2026.