Kurdish immigrants Jenar Mohammed and Akram Saeed’s restaurant in the Grove flawlessly executes classics like hummus, falafel and kebabs, as well as less common offerings, like the signature Sultan pilau. Crack open this phyllo dough pot pie to find savory rice studded with morsels of lamb shank, oven-roasted nuts and plump raisins that add a sweet contrast. You should also try the qali, a beef stew slowly simmered with green and orange bell pepper, tomato, garlic and a hint of oregano. Though it’s complimentary, the lentil soup is also worth mentioning. Every velvety bite is impeccably seasoned. Feeling indulgent? The housemade coconut and walnut custard paired with a pot of strong Turkish coffee is worth the splurge.
4200 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314.390.2020, sultan-stl.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.