× Expand Photography by Kevin A. Roberts Lascelles Granite City

1818 Chophouse

Steakhouse. Options abound at this upscale eatery. Go all out with a bone-in Delmonico, midrange with the brown sugar–brined chicken, or casual with the lobster BLT with egg. Tip: The patio has comfy, deeply cushioned chairs. Lunch Tue–Sat, dinner Tue–Sun, brunch Sun. 210 S. Buchanan, Edwardsville, 618-307-9300; 1405 N. Green Mount, O’Fallon, 618-206-6451; 1818chophouse.com. $$$$

4204 Main Street Brewery

Bar & Grill. Order a malty German Alt, one of 4204’s many fine brews, and a flatbread that matches it perfectly. Be sure to add some fried pickles. Lunch and dinner daily. 4204 W. Main, Belleville, 618-416-7261, mainstreetbrewingco.com. $$$

Agostino’s Italian Restaurant

Italian. Classic fare—veal, steaks, fettuccine, and farfalle—is served in a romantic atmosphere. The stemware sparkles. The linens are crisp. The presentations are as impeccable as the service. Agostino's compares with any St. Louis ristorante. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 130 Ludwig, Fairview Heights, 618-394-1800, agostinosrestaurant.com. $$$

Andria’s Countryside

Steakhouse. The highest-grade steaks in the metro area meet the grill at this odd but delightful place. Andria’s Countryside is odd in that it’s a converted ranch-style house. It’s delightful in that the steaks and sides are extraordinary. Don’t forget to check the oft-overlooked Lounge menu. Dinner Mon–Sat. 7415 Highway 143, Edwardsville, 618-656-0281, andriascountryside.com. $$$$

Andria’s Restaurant

Steakhouse. Another family-run gem in a beautiful old home, Andria’s Restaurant makes things special with simple touches such as hot bread and bacon–blue cheese–stuffed turnovers. Though the beef gets top billing, consider the outstanding seafood dishes. Multiple rooms range from spacious to intimate. It’s folksy, bright—and a perfect destination for dinner. Dinner Mon–Sat. 6805 Old Collinsville, O’Fallon, 618-632-4866, andrias.com. $$$$

BEAST Craft BBQ Co.

Barbecue. Owner David Sandusky barbecues with focused intensity. It pays off with killer slabs, thick pork steaks that are tender to the bone, crazy-good chicken, and sausages that bite with a juicy snap. He only uses the best fresh ingredients, adheres to the standards, and serves food that’s “all killer, no filler.” Lunch and dinner daily. 20 S. Belt West, Belleville, 618-257-9000, beastcraftbbq.com. $$

Catrinas

Mexican. The fare is Mexican but with more twists and turns than the road out of Puerto Escondido. First timers at lunch should opt for one of the $9 specials (soup or salad and drink included) served until 4 p.m Monday-Friday. But good luck choosing between the Mission Taco-esque street tacos, Huevos rancheros, and the Quesadilla Gringadas, with charred pork, pineapple, and Chihuahua cheese. At night, choose from the basics or a dozen entrees, including Chipotle Penne with octopus. The décor is thankfully kitsch-free, prices are reasonable, and margaritas are a must. 1027 Century, 618-692-5522. $$

Cleveland–Heath

American. Warning: The deviled eggs here are potentially addicting. Limit yourself, and concentrate on the ever-changing seasonal menu. Housed in a 1930s-era building, Cleveland–Heath is one of the most popular restaurants in the Metro East. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so eat either Midwestern early or big-city late to avoid a long wait. Or consult the Nowait app and a table will likely be ready by the time you arrive. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 106 N. Main, Edwardsville, 618-307-4830, clevelandheath.com. $$$

Dewey’s Pizza

Pizza. This gourmet pizza chain serves inventive specialty pizzas, as well as seasonal offerings. Rotating craft beers are on tap, with an emphasis on local breweries. A full wine list includes Dewey’s own line from Novy Family Wines. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. 112 E. Vandalia, Edwardsville, 618-656-2200, deweyspizza.com. $$

Dreamland Palace

German. You probably can’t pronounce half of the items on the menu here, but it’s fun to try. Dreamland Palace is the place for German fare, a tchotchke-laden space where cafeteria meets hofbrau. The food’s authentic, and the beer is nearly as cold as the frosted mugs. A perfect spot for larger groups, the atmosphere is lively and loud. Vergnügen! Lunch and dinner Wed–Sun. 3043 Highway 156, Waterloo, 618-939-9922, dreamlandpalace.net. $$

Fletcher’s Kitchen & Tap0

American. Pastas, burgers, and sandwiches are served in a bustling, friendly atmosphere. You’ll sniff the hickory smoke a block away; the grilled ribs and thick burgers are as good as they smell. Don’t miss the grilled zucchini. Lunch and dinner daily. 6101 W. Main, Belleville, 618-239-3317, fletcherskitchen.com. $$

Gallagher’s

American. This comfortable Waterloo classic, which pays homage to the crispy browned bird, is a repository of local architectural details, with vintage doors, railings, and more. A wide-ranging menu includes premium steaks and a candied bacon cheeseburger. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun. 114 W. Mill, Waterloo, 618-939-9933, gallagherswaterloo.com. $$$

Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill

Cajun/Creole. Étouffées, jambalaya, and po’ boys are all deliciously authentic here. The atmosphere is New Orleans–meets–college bar—but with better food. Live music and daily drink specials add to the fun. Weekends demand reservations. Don’t miss the Eggs Chesapeake, poached eggs atop crab cakes atop English muffins. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch sun. 215 Harvard, Edwardsville, 618-650-9109, gulfshoresrestaurantandgrill.com. $$$

Hick’s BBQ

Barbecue. A vinegary Carolina-type sauce “with a kick” dominates at this small, rustic, invariably packed joint. The wait is worth it. The ribs are excellent, the brisket is properly moist and tender, and the pork sandwiches are decadently overstuffed. Oh, and don’t miss the homemade potato chips. Though the frills are few, this is serious barbecue. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun. 609 S. Illinois, Belleville, 618-234-7427, hicksbbqcompany.com. $$

J Fires’ Market Bistro

American. A beautifully restored Victorian home is transformed into unexpected dining elegance in the fields of Waterloo. The menu tilts toward Cajun: étouffée, gumbo, and boudin. Surprises such as lamb and whole fish keep things interesting. The vine-entwined patio is splendid for warm-weather dining. Dinner Wed–Sun, brunch Sun. 725 N. Market, Waterloo, 618-939-7233, jfires.com. $$

Joe Boccardi’s Ristorante

Italian. There’s an extensive menu of Italian favorites for lunch and dinner, but pizza remains the top seller. Try traditional choices such as Joe’s Special Original or the meat-laden Raffaele. Lunch and dinner daily. 117 S. Main, Columbia, 618-281-6700, joeboccardis.com. $$

Lascelles Granite City

American. This chef-inspired restaurant is housed in a century-old bank building. Menu items with simple descriptions, such as the Bacon + Eggs, give way to thoughtful plate presentations. Pair a steak of the month with one of a dozen craft brews. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 1324 Niedringhaus, Granite City, 618-709-7375, lascellesgc.com. $$

The Grille at the Mansion

American. An elegant, perfectly restored 1857 Italianate mansion hosts perhaps the most formal dining in the region. Reservations are vital. Everything is perfect and decorous, with effortlessly polished service. Steaks, pasta, seafood, lamb chops, duck—every meal is an artistic statement. Dress up, straighten up, and enjoy what “fine dining” really means. Dinner Tue–Sat. 1680 Mansion Way, O’Fallon, 618-624-0629, mansionsteakhouse.com. $$$

Mi Tierra Tienda y Taqueria

Mexican. The taqueria is there—really. A tiny space with a couple of tables in the back of a Mexican grocery, Mi Tierra serves delicious tacos: lengua, juicy al pastor, and carne asada, with just the right prickle of cilantro and chopped onions. Torta buns are stuffed with grilled steak. Don’t forget an order of the best lime-spiked guacamole around. Lunch and dinner daily. 3121 Collinsville, East St. Louis, 618-271-8168. $

Mr. Curry’s India Restaurant

Indian. Housed in another repurposed house in Illinois, Mr. Curry’s is a home for northern Indian fare. The food is delicious, with a choice of heat levels, and the Sunday buffet is a bargain. Curries, biryani, and masalas are all glorious—and the southern Indian dosa are fat and flavorful. Lunch Sun, dinner Tue–Sun. 7403 Marine, Edwardsville, 618-692-3892, mrcurrys.com. $

Mike Shannon’s Grill

American. Mike Shannon once played for some local team—there’s a couple (hundred) memorabilia reminders decorating this stylish steakhouse. You can order burgers and fries or excellent steaks and seafood. TV screens show every sporting event in the world. The upside-down apple pie should receive your complete dessert attention. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch sun. 871 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, 618-655-9911, mikeshannonsgrill.com. $$$

Peel Wood Fired Pizza

Pizza. The aroma coming from that oven makes waiting for a table a delicious agony. The pizzas are topped with innovative ingredients: BBQ pork, duck sausage, roasted sweet potatoes… In O’Fallon, there’s an entire brewpub upstairs; at the Edwardsville location, the patio is enjoyable. Lunch and dinner daily. 921 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville,618-659-8561; 104 S. Cherry, O’Fallon, 618-726-2244; peelpizza.com. $$

Seven Sushi Bar

Sushi. Simple, nearly austere, and small, this sushi-ya excels in its particularly extensive menu of toppings. Prices are reasonable. House-special rolls are inventive. Lunch specials are varied and affordable. Open until 2 a.m., Seven is a late-night favorite. Lunch and dinner daily. 28 E. Main, Belleville, 618-277-6702. $$

Sugo’s Spaghetteria

Italian. There are affordable Italian specialties with startlingly big portions. It’s southern Italian, whipped up by a well-known St. Louis chef who can duplicate Nonna’s classics. Lunch and dinner daily. 243 Harvard, Edwardsville, 618-659-4640; sugoscucina.com. $$

Thai House

Thai. When an unassuming Asian joint in a small town attracts customers from around the region (and beyond), it’s noteworthy. When standards like pad thai, tom yum soup, and even crab rangoon draw near-universal raves, it’s visit-worthy. And when a couple can dine there for less than $30, return trips get planned. Lunch and dinner daily. 109 S. Main, Columbia, 618-281-2777, columbiathaihouse.com. $$

Wang Gang Asian Eats

Asian. First-timers should consult the staff here. The menu boasts a tantalizing but bewildering collection of Asian-influenced dishes: stir-fries, noodles, and sandwiches. The emphasis is on bold flavors and creative interpretations of foods from all over the East. Lunch and dinner daily. 1035 Century, Edwardsville, 618-655-0888, wanggangasian.com. $$

Wasabi Sushi Bar

Japanese/Sushi. The popular local chain serves up sushi, noodles, and other Japanese fare. Go with the Wasabi combinations, or consider the generously portioned bento. Lunch and dinner daily. 100 S. Buchanan, Edwardsville, 618-655-9880, wasabisushibars.com. $$

The Wine Tap

Wine Bar. An impeccable wine menu is the draw, but a roofed patio and 80 craft beers don’t hurt. Sit near the outdoor oven and order baked Brie with a Rombauer Chardonnay. Dinner Tue–Sat, lunch Sat. 223 E. Main, Belleville, 618-239-9463, thewinetapbelleville.com. $$