St. Louis' Finest Asian Restaurants

Many people think of St. Louis as the place for barbecue and blues. They think of it as just another mid-western city with not a lot of diversity in dining choices. Ah, but while this may have been true 50 years ago, it certainly isn't today. The local population of St. Louis has dozens of wonderful Asian and Asian-fusion restaurants to choose from when deciding on a place to enjoy dining out.

http://www.saucemagazine.com/zoepanasia/
Zoe Pan Asian is an eclectic upscale restaurant that combines lots of Asian recipes together with a wide assortment of vegetables and fruit, some of which are usually associated with the Caribbean, like bananas and mango. Guests can choose from appetizers like Tuna Sashimi with wasabi over mixed greens with a ginger vinaigrette or grilled Asian barbecue salmon over greens on the luncheon menu. Dinner offers even more intrigue: grilled lemon grass beef in Thai five-spice marinade with spinach; pepper encrusted tuna with boc choy, noodles and cilantro pesto; or caramelized Anise pork tenderloin with coconut sweet potatoes, boc choy. My very favorite was the cashew shrimp, mussels and scallops, broccoli, pineapple and peppers in a honey-soy sauce with crunchy noodles. At just $19, this has to be an incredible dish. Appetizers are equally as tantalizing, but what's special about this place is that these are priced per piece, making mix and match a great option. None is over about $3, either! Entrees are extremely reasonable at just $16 for the most expensive--a grilled beef tenderloin. They also have box lunches and dinners for takeout.
4753 McPherson
Saint Louis, Missouri 63108
ph: 314/361/0013

http://www.lemongrass-rest.com/
Lemongrass has one of the most extensive menus one could imagine. With dozens of selections in their appetizers, Rice platters/entrees, soups, vermicelli, noodles, rice, and specialty dishes. This is authentic Vietnamese cooking at its best. The restaurant is open Sun-Thurs., 11-10 pm., and Fri-Sat, 11-11 pm. They have three different lamb dishes, including char broiled lamb marinated in minced lemongrass. There are 22 different seafood entrees alone, most in the $9 or $10 range. This place is really reasonable on prices. Their vermicelli features rice noodle dishes, and even crepes--all again quite inexpensive.
3161 S. Grand
St. Louis, MO 63118
314-664-6702

http://www.609u.com/
609 Restaurant is a hip, vibrant restaurant that combines Asian fusion choices with some American traditional items. The blend of the two makes eating at this place an adventure into invention. Every day they have specials and a 3-course lavish lunch for just $10. The same dinner is $25 at night. There is outdoor dining in the warmer months, a smoking area in the bar/lounge, and the dress is casual. Ambiance in this place is stainless steel modern and totally hip. Fri-Thurs. they're open 5-9:30 at night and Sat. and Sun. they serve until 10. Appetizers include a squash soup, a tuna trio, lobster and crab wontons and other inventive dishes. The entrees are quite intriguing: Duck breast, a seafood noodle bowl, risotto, and miso salmon with lentils. The ingredient combinations are very "sassy." Desserts are very ample and rich, featuring the ubiquitous creme brullee sampler, ice cream and sorbets and a fascinating warm chocolate soufflé cake with banana ice cream and cranberry sauce. The prices are very reasonable, with entrees from $14 to just $27. I usually end up by just ordering a salad and some appetizers at these places since a little of everything is always an adventure. Since the U Lounge has nightly bands, people can get wind of special happenings at the restaurant or lounge by signing up for the newsletter online at the web site. 609 is in the University Neighborhood Loop.
609 Eastgate Ave., Delmar Loop
St. Louis, MO 63130
314-721-9168