Rasoi
As someone who loves Indian food, I have been personally recommended Rasoi many times by older medical students and Saint Louis residents. Rasoi has a tasty and affordable brunch buffet if you ever find yourself in the mood to stuff yourself with food and contentedly lay around all day after that. They also have some excellent lamb vindaloo (it’s my fave so it’s what I always order — sorry I can’t speak to their other menu options). The vindaloo has a fantastic level of spiciness and the meat is cooked well. Their cocktails are average but they do have some interesting options if you’re adventurous. It’s also a nice sit-down restaurant with large tables inside if you ever find yourself in need of a place that can seat a bunch of people. Overall, I’ve heard there are better Indian restaurants in the area but in my opinion, you can’t beat Rasoi’s combination of taste and convenience.
– Rina A., M1
Tom’s Diner
Tom’s may seem like a dive bar (and it is) but what I didn’t figure out until a whole two months into the school year is that Tom’s has great food. Their chicken tenders are some of the best I’ve ever had. Tom’s also have some of the cheapest drink specials I have ever seen in my entire life so take this review with a grain of salt since my judgment may have been impaired while eating there. If you’re in the mood for a quick American meal (e.g. tuna melt, hamburgers, fried stuff) and the famous St. Louis delicacy, toasted ravioli, check out Tom’s!
– Rina A., M1
Gringo
Really awesome Mexican food with a twist! It’s right on Euclid in the CWE and is a great place to go with classmates and friends/family that come to visit. The chips and fresh guacamole are on point and they have bottomless chips and lots of delicious different salsas. They make really awesome tacos that you can mix and match, as well as nachos, burritos, and loaded quesadillas. For more authentic options, they have handmade tamales made daily, enchiladas, chilaquiles and tortas. For a slightly lighter option, they have a taco salad that you can add any of their meats or grilled fish to and it’s super fresh and tasty. You also need to try the “street corn off-the-cob” on the side. Save room because they have a chocolate tamale, churro balls and a tres leches cake for dessert. Jeni’s ice cream is also conveniently right across the street if you want to grab dessert there instead (or after dessert at Gringo…)
– Gabby A., M1
Jeni’s
Jeni’s is always my pick for dessert when I’m in the Central West End. This gorgeous, spacious store has some of the creamiest and richest ice cream in the area, featuring flavors like Brown Butter Almond Brittle (a must try!), Churro and Wild Lavender. They also have great waffle cones, as well as sundaes and ice cream sandwiches. Jeni’s is a great place to hang out with friends or to go after a meal at one of the many restaurants within walking distance. Who needs frozen yogurt or gelato when you can get ice cream this good?
– Tina H., M1
Pi Pizzeria
If you are like me and contemplated going to medical school in Chicago for the pizza alone, I have good news for you. Pi Pizzeria sells delectable deep-dish Chicago-style pizza. The deep-dish at Pi is definitely on par with, if not superior to, a lot of pizza places in Chicago. Pi Pizzeria also happens to be President Obama’s #1 favorite pizza place, so you can’t argue with that. π = amazing pizza.
– Michael M., M1
Oasis
Oasis is a great restaurant located right in the Central West End on Euclid. Fairly priced with almost no chance of a wait, you’ll be sure to get authentic middle eastern food with even better arabic coffee. The gyros and platters are delicious and be sure to ask the owner/waiter/chef (one-man show!) for his recommendations. Oasis is a wonderful representation of the unique, traditional fare that you’ll find just a few feet from the medical school!
– Hari R., M1
Wildflower
You had me at goat cheese! But seriously, Wildflower has not one, not two, not three, but FOUR appetizers and salads featuring goat cheese. Whether you choose their warm Goat Buster (goat cheese fondue) or sweet Goat Cheese & Herb Roasted Beets appetizer (think walnuts and maple syrup!), or if you opt for the berry-fresh Golden Chèvre salad (candied walnuts, julienned apples!) or savory Wilted Radicchio salad, you can bet your goat cheese fix will be thoroughly satisfied. Wildflower also has a $5 Happy Hour Menu served daily daily from 4-6 p.m. with $4 cocktails, as well as weekend brunch served until 3 p.m. Medical school is challenging, but not so challenging that you cannot indulge in a mimosa, bellini or Bloody Mary every so often over brunch!
– Erin K., M1
Pickle’s
If you’re in the mood for a flavorful and robust sandwich spot, all you have to do is look down the street on Euclid from campus. Pickle’s Deli is a great spot to grab that sando that will satisfy your every hoagie craving. They have sandwiches to appease the meat-lover in the Reuben, the traditionalist in the Classic BLT, and the meatless-lover in the Famous Veggie. If sandwiches aren’t currying your favor at the moment, they also have plenty of fresh and delicious salads, sides, and desserts. Fair warning though: many workforce members in the area know about this Euclid gem, so don’t be surprised to see long lines and packed tables around lunch time!
– Yusef J., M1
Scape
Scape is exactly what is sounds like, an e-Scape from free pizza and Chipotle when you are in a Treat-Yo-Self mood. Located on Maryland next to Bissinger’s (delicious chocolate confectioner), Scape American Bistro offers a diverse palate-pleasing menu from ambitious, fruitful salads to TLC infused, hand crafted pastas, to fresh and succulent seafood. While prices venture into the “I should be making a doctor’s salary to eat here” range, Scape provides a great special occasion place with a relaxed yet upscale environment.
– Yusef J., M1
El Burro Loco
As a Texas native, finding good Mexican food in St. Louis was a huge plus. El Burro Loco offers a very convenient, fantastic option for Mexican food in the CWE. I can go there every day in a week and get something different, from the classics to some Burro Loco specialties. The margaritas are also great for those that want to chill out or take a break from studying. Located just north of the Euclid and Maryland intersection, Burro Loco is a must-try for those looking for delicious Mexican cuisine.
– Nick S., M1
The Hill
If you love some great Italian food like I do, the Hill is where you need to go. This area of St Louis, a short drive down Kingshighway from Central West End, has many restaurants to choose from. Guido’s is always a popular choice, with a variety of pizzas and tapas to choose from. Mama’s on the Hill is a long standing tradition in the area as well, with a variety of great pastas to choose from. For a fine dining experience, Charlie Gitto’s has the best food I have eaten in St Louis. Whether it has been the chicken marsala, spaghetti and meatballs, seafood risotto, arancini, fried ravioli, or steak, all of my meals at this restaurant have been phenomenal. For dessert, stop by Gelato di Riso for some traditional gelato (however it is closed in the winter). And for a great coffee spot to study, head over to Shaw’s Coffee!
– Natalie G., M1