4 Best Cafés In University City, St. Louis

4 restaurants available nearby

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1. Bowood by Niche

new

4.7

Exceptional(39)

$$$$

• Café • Central West End

At Bowood by Niche, we’re inspired by the beauty of nature, the rhythms of the seasons, and the simple pleasure of a thoughtfully prepared meal. Tucked inside Bowood Farms in the Central West End, our café offers a light-filled, garden-adjacent setting perfect for everything from a relaxed weekday breakfast to a lively weekend brunch. Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Gerard Craft, Bowood celebrates local ingredients and heartfelt hospitality in equal measure, inviting guests to slow down, savor, and connect in a space where food and community flourish.

A photo of Clover and the Bee restaurant

2. Clover and the Bee

4.9

Exceptional(59)

$$$$

• Café • Webster Groves

Clover and the Bee in Webster Groves masterfully delivers Contemporary American cuisine with a refreshing twist of authenticity and simplicity. This vibrant café and wine bar excels in offering “unique dishes and excellent service” that leave a lasting impression on diners. The restaurant's commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients shines in every dish, from exquisite small plates crafted by Executive Chef Mike Risk to the delectable risotto with morel mushrooms and the beloved lobster grilled cheese. Guests rave about the “unpretentious” atmosphere and “thoughtfully sourced” wines that perfectly complement the menu. For an unforgettable dining experience, Clover and the Bee is a standout choice.

A photo of The Fountain on Locust restaurant

3. The Fountain on Locust

4.8

Exceptional(47)

$$$$

• Café • St. Louis

The Fountain on Locust is the home of the Ice Cream Martini with delicious fresh-made food, over-the-top ice creams, and retro cocktails - all in a one-of-a-kind, hand painted Art Deco interior! The Fountain's menu includes a rotating selection of more than 52 award-winning scratchmade soups including their famous Polish Dill Pickle Soup - their most popular of them all! A Must Visit St. Louis Restaurant - The Fountain on Locust is where old-school glamour meets modern indulgence. Step into this retro soda fountain & cafe in the heart of St. Louis, where witty banter and retro flair come together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Immerse yourself in an era of swing and swank, as you sip on our iconic ice cream martinis and savor our scratch-made cafe fare while taking in floor-to-ceiling Art Deco murals. Indulge in soul-satisfying soups, vibrant salads, and delectable sandwiches. But it doesn't stop there. Our true claim to fame lies in our irresistible ice cream sundaes, handcrafted to perfection. From classic favorites to inventive creations, each spoonful will transport you back to a time of soda jerks and timeless charm. Here, we take pride in being the guardians of nostalgia, reviving the spirit of the 1930s and 1940s. So sit back, relax, and let our witty staff transport you to a world where 'flapper' is slang for fabulous and 'spiffy' is the ultimate compliment. Come join us in celebrating the extraordinary. Cheers to good times, great company, and the glorious fusion of past and present. This is The Fountain on Locust, where indulgence meets artistry, and every moment is a masterpiece in the making.

4. Lydia's

4.5

Awesome(5)

$$$$

• Café • St. Charles

Booked 1 time today

Lydia’s by Sugar & Slice is a dessert lounge where baked goods, craft drinks, and community collide. Lydia’s offers a warm and elevated gathering space for everything from morning coffee hangouts to late-night cocktails. Guests can enjoy a rotating case of sweet favorites: cupcakes, scones, macarons, cheesecake squares, and layered cakes alongside signature lattes and seasonal handcrafted cocktails. Whether you’re stopping in for a quiet treat, celebrating something big, or sharing desserts and drinks with friends, Lydia’s brings a personal, small-town hospitality that keeps people coming back.Charming. Creative. Local. A little indulgent. Always welcoming.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

Best Cafés in University City, St. Louis

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4 restaurants available nearby

1. Bowood by Niche

2. Clover and the Bee

3. The Fountain on Locust

4. Lydia's

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