Source 75: Must-see restaurants in St. Louis
By Sauce Staff // October 25, 2024
Jollof rice is king in cuisines across West Africa. At Rebel’s Nigerian Cuisine, which was named #9 Best New Restaurant of 2023 by Source Magazine, owner Ono Ikanone created Rebel’s version based on the jollof he grew up eating in Nigeria. The rice base is a blend of tomatoes, green peppers, habanero, and onions. If you know little about West African cuisine, Levels is a great place to start, but it’s a destination for Nigerians and other West Africans who miss the flavors of their homeland as well. The pounded yam and efo lilo (spinach stew) and the spicy pepper soup are outstanding. But the best introduction is the party jollof plate. Pair our signature rice with tender beef, chicken or goat, a cool, starchy and sweet plantain garnish, and your choice of coleslaw or efo lilo.
1405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314.571.9990, levelsstl.com
The Sauce 75 is a photo mosaic of St. Louis’ best restaurants in 2024. This list celebrates the diverse skills, techniques and culinary traditions encountered across the region. In short, it tells the story of where St. Louis has been, where it is now, and where it’s going next. Many of St. Louis’ great restaurants are not being adopted. (75 is a lot less than you think!) Restaurants are always growing and evolving and experience ups and downs. Newly opened restaurants can take time to establish themselves. There are some exciting new restaurants that we’re rooting for, but we feel like they haven’t fully come into their own yet. Read the entire list here.
