My vote would be Tony's or Balabans.

Tony is certainly a good suggestion with all their awards. - downtown

Closer to Washington U-

Cafe Napoli -(Italian) excellent - you could reserve a small wine room for privacy. There is a lively martini bar with live music attached for some fun afterwards.

Remy's - more subdued - great food.

Fio's La Fourchette - great French Restaurant
7515 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis MO; Tel. 314.863.6866

I also think Balabans (central westend) is very good, although I have not eaten there in years.

Eau
212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis MO; Tel. 314.454.9000
It's always rewarding to see an old landmark rise from the dead, and the pièce de résistance of the resurrection of the Chase Park Plaza has been the dining room of the "bistro" side of Eau, a soaring, airy space of muted reds, greens and beiges that -- along with Rob Uyemura's clever, inventive menu -- has re-established the Chase as a social and culinary focal point in St. Louis. Simply put, it's just a lot of fun to sit in the middle of this ornate, old-fashioned salon of a dining room.

Just some ideas!!!

Happy Bday to your husband!!

Good Morning Ellenwm....
I would recommend Dominic's, on the Hill...traditional restaurant, good service, nice atmosphere.

Some more specifics on your part would be helpful. Are you staying near wash u or someplace else? What type of food does your family enjoy? What is your price range?

Everybody says Tony's is the best restaurant in town. Their food is good, their service is pretentious and unnecessary IMHO. I grew up in NYC and I have never taken my parents to Tony's when they visit. They would find the whole scene terribly overdone and too "midwestern" for their tastes.

Your best suggestions you have received so far are Cafe Napoli and Dominics (also stuffy Italian, but less stuffy than Tony's). For closer to Wash u, I would add Arthur Clays in Maplewood, Pomme in Clayton, Chez Leon in the Central West End, to your list. Also, I think Trattoria Marcella, located sort of South Mid-city is the best Italian in STL.

And, "Fio's La Forchette" that Anne refers to is really Cafe de France, at the address Anne listed.

Best place to check out restaurant info for St. Louis is www.saucemagazine.com

Have a great visit with your son and birthday celbration.

Liz - thank you for the correction! It certainly is Cafe de France. I drive by there at least once a day!!!

I agree with you about Tony's actually, but people still think it is the mecca! As my best friend says..."If you put enough melted butter on anything, it is bound to taste good" And there is butter on everything there!!

I forgot about Chez Leon - great choice

Trattoria Marcella - also great choice.

I still will plug Cafe Eau at the Chase Park Plaza. I have always had a lovely meal. Also, one can stay at the hotel and not worry about driving - Very close to Wash U.

Kemolls, in the Met Square building, has really good Italian food and would be a good choice. We ate there for Valentines Day and were very pleased with our meal and with the service.

I also agree with Eau. I have had several excellent meals there.

Tracy

I forgot about Kemolls. Very good and worth considering. Cafe Napoli, also a good choice. We have eaten at Pomme a couple times and had mixed reviews each time but both times the seafood dishes were overcooked. The other dishes were wonderful. I love the "vibe"

(continued from above) of the place. (posted too soon)

Staying at the Chase Park Plaza is a great idea...and there's always The Tenderloin Room, in the Chase. What about The Sidney Sreet Cafe?

TTT for ellenwm

The board has been so odd the last day or so, and this has slipped way down the list.....