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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of University City

Food spots

A hunger that demands something substantial is finally ready to be satisfied.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Spicy Chef 湘遇·湘菜馆 image 1
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Spicy Hunan cuisine shines with bold flavors in a spacious dining area featuring traditional Chinese flair. Cozy yet lively atmosphere mimics a small town in China, making it a standout for authentic tastes and ambiance.

Food here delivers authentic Hunan cuisine with bold, spicy flavors. The dishes offer a full flavor profile that captures the essence of traditional Chinese cooking.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here has amazing wok hei and fragrant flavors."

"I thought the food here was very authentic, like a small town in China."

"The Chinese food here has amazing wok hei and bold flavors."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends, especially for dinner.

2

Parking is plentiful and free, making access easy.

3

The restaurant offers a $10 off coupon for first-time visitors.

02
Katsuya STL image 1
Restaurant

Minimal design and modern interior create a cozy spot with excellent Japanese music. Generous portions of flavorful katsu bento satisfy despite higher prices. Some tables show wear and space feels warm without air conditioning.

Food comes with generous portions and consistent high quality. Dishes taste delicious and satisfy despite higher prices.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and the portions are generous."

"This lunch spot's pork katsu bento is tender, moist, and perfectly golden-fried."

"I found the bento boxes to be delicious, filling, and affordable."

Good to know

1

Parking in the Loop area can be paid during weekdays, but it can be difficult to find on busy nights.

2

Menu prices are 15-20% higher for online orders; order in person to save money.

3

The bento box costs $16, which is slightly more than expected.

03
Olive Grill Halal image 1

Small restaurant shines with authentic shawarma and fresh ingredients that bring bold flavors. Bright, welcoming space feels relaxing despite some noise. Large portions offer great value, making it a satisfying spot for tasty meals.

Food here is consistently fresh and flavorful with large portions that offer good value. Shawarma stands out as a delicious and tasty option that many find satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"I thought the Mediterranean food here was delicious and authentic."

"I found their burgers to be legitimately good and delicious."

Good to know

1

Lunchtime specials from 12 to 2 pm offer affordable options.

2

Expect generous portions that provide good value for the price.

3

Online orders can be cheaper than delivery services like DoorDash.

04
Milano Kabob image 1

Modest indoor space offers juicy kebabs and creamy dips with authentic Iraqi flavors. Inviting atmosphere features a large TV playing a thriller and aromatic scents. Clean setting enhances the rich Middle Eastern vibe.

Authentic Iraqi cuisine stands out with fresh kebabs and delicious flavors. Food quality remains consistently outstanding and fresh.

People are saying

"I found the food here outstanding and delicious."

"The mshakal sandwich is a delightful mix of textures."

"I confidently said this place had the best falafel I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Seating is very limited, accommodating only about five people.

2

Expect a wait when visiting, especially during busy hours.

3

Generous portion sizes mean there may be leftovers for later.

05
Nobu's image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi bar seats six, offering an intimate omakase experience with rare Japanese ingredients. Atmosphere blends coastal charm and traditional style, feeling like a private home. Food and service are consistently top-notch, making each visit unforgettable.

Offers an intimate omakase dining experience with superb flavor combinations and rare Japanese ingredients. Food and service are consistently top-notch, creating an unforgettable evening.

People are saying

"The Omakase here is exceptional, with incredibly fresh fish."

"I loved the omakase experience and talking with the chefs."

"I thought the food here was the finest Japanese cuisine I ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations should be made ahead of time.

2

Nobu's now offers a fine dining only experience.

3

Expect a unique omakase-style dining experience.

06
FUFU N' SAUCE image 1
Takeout Restaurant

Offers authentic African cuisine with bold, comforting flavors like egusi and fufu. Cozy, homey atmosphere with efficient service supports quick takeout and catering. Food is homemade, wholesome, and superbly spiced to open up your sinuses.

Authentic African dishes feature superb spice flavors that open up your sinuses. Food comes homemade, wholesome and clean, served from a small spot or large catering orders.

People are saying

"The egusi and fufu here is rich, deeply seasoned, and comforting."

"The oxtail stew was meltingly tender and flavorful."

"You have to try the hibiscus tea, it's a perfect blend."

Good to know

1

FUFU N' SAUCE is a takeout-only restaurant, not a sit-down place.

2

Parking is limited, so plan accordingly if you need close access.

3

Expect generous portion sizes for a fair price.

07
Cate Zone Chinese Cafe image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space with buzzing atmosphere feels like a cafe in China. Serves authentic Szechuan cuisine with fresh, unique flavors. Seating is tight and environment can get hot, but food arrives fast, keeping the experience lively and genuine.

Offers authentic Szechuan cuisine with fresh, unique flavors that differ from typical Americanized Chinese food. Food arrives quickly after seating, balancing out any wait time.

People are saying

"You have to try the hot crispy fish; it's amazing."

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic."

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The space is small, so be prepared to wait for a table.

2

Expect a wait by 5:30 pm, especially on weekends.

3

The kitchen closes at 9:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

08
Vegas Wok image 1
Restaurant

Cozy dining hall with ambient Mandopop music creates a calm vibe. Food is consistently flavorful and stands out for its rich taste. Limited seating and free cold water add to the welcoming atmosphere of this hidden gem.

Food here is consistently flavorful and delicious, whether dining in or taking out. The dishes offer a rich taste that stands out among other Chinese cuisine options.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, bursting with flavor."

"The Chinese food here is so authentic, with rich, mouthwatering flavors."

"I found this place to be a legit hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 15-30 minutes during peak hours.

2

The restaurant has a small seating area, so it can fill up quickly.

3

Prices are generally budget-friendly, with most dishes under $15.

09
Noodle Story小面故事 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Two-story spot blends authentic Szechuan flavors with a modern, clean space featuring artistic decor upstairs. Loud music creates a trendy atmosphere that can challenge conversation. Spacious seating offers great street views from upper tables.

Food features authentic Szechuan flavors with perfectly cooked noodles served in good-sized portions. The dishes offer fantastic, flavorful tastes without being too hot at first bite.

People are saying

"The spicy beef noodle soup has tender beef and a rich broth."

"The food here is super flavorful and tastes authentic."

"The food here is amazing and always fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

2

You place your own order via QR code, making the process convenient.

3

The restaurant is a great spot for groups of 5-6, with potential for larger groups.

10
La Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Tiny space with cozy atmosphere feels like a classic New York pizza shop. Excellent New York-style pizza with standout homemade sauce pairs well with friendly service. Popular spot often sells out early, making it a family-friendly place with great prices.

Excellent food pairs with great prices and friendly service. The atmosphere supports good conversation and a welcoming vibe.

People are saying

"I thought La Pizza served the best New York style pizza in town."

"I enjoyed the pizza and salad here."

"I found the pizza to be amazing, especially the perfect crust."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to order, especially on weekends, to avoid selling out.

2

Expect a 40-minute wait if you don't order in advance.

3

Limited seating means arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

11
Ocean grill 2 (University City) image 1

Fresh fish dishes shine with great flavor and chefs customize meals to keep quality outstanding. Friendly vibe and clean atmosphere make it a chill spot open late till 2 AM. Seating is limited, so expect some wait for quick bites and hanging out.

Food stays hot and fresh with great flavor and reasonable prices. Chefs customize dishes and maintain outstanding quality consistently.

People are saying

"The food here is tasty, fresh, and hot."

"The fish here is always cooked to perfection and tastes delicious."

"I found the food to be great and affordable."

Good to know

1

They stay open late until 2 AM.

2

The wait time is usually short for hot, fresh food.

3

They charge a 50 cent service fee for debit or credit card use.

12
Tous les Jours image 1

Open, artistic displays create a visually appealing space with plenty of seating for work or socializing. Food is fresh and delicious with allergy-friendly options and quick service. Self-serve setup encourages sampling in a lively, modern environment.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious with a great selection of items and drinks. Allergy-friendly options make ordering easy without pressure, and service moves quickly.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be absolutely incredible."

"The matcha drinks here are rich and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

They are currently giving out a free glass mug for purchases over $30.

2

The establishment is wheelchair accessible.

3

There was free parking in the back of Tous les Jours.

13
Olive Bakery image 1

Spacious bakery shines with fluffy breads and mochi donuts that taste delicious and look adorable. Bright, clean space feels peaceful despite repetitive music. Extended hours suit steady traffic in a busy area, making it more like a food store than a traditional bakery.

Food here tastes delicious and adorable with a good variety of options. The place feels more like a food store than a traditional bakery.

People are saying

"The bakery goods here are so delicious and tasty."

"You have to try these mochi donuts; they're amazing."

"I thought the food and drinks were adorable and delicious."

Good to know

1

The bakery is self-serve; checkout is at the register.

2

Everything is very affordable, often under $10 per person.

3

Parking availability varies; it can be tight during busy hours.

14
The Posh Nosh Deli & Grill image 1

Bright, airy cafe offers outstanding Reuben sandwiches and a chill, welcoming vibe. Food is consistently delicious and amazing, making every dish a great taste experience. Spacious interior blends classic New York deli style with a fresh, open feel.

Food here is consistently delicious and amazing. Every dish offers a great taste experience.

People are saying

"I thought the soup tasted like my grandmother's cooking."

"I had the best Reuben I ever had here."

"The food here is great, especially the Tuna Melt."

Good to know

1

Prices for sandwiches range from $14 to $20, excluding sides.

2

Credit cards are the only accepted payment method; no cash transactions.

3

A service charge is added to all bills, so check your total carefully.

15
The Press Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Bright space with natural light and colorful art feels lively and hip. Families enjoy the kids' play area while workers use sound-proofed rooms for calls. Outdoor patios offer sunny spots. Great coffee and yummy food complete the solid cafe experience.

Great coffee pairs with yummy food consistently. Service supports a solid cafe experience.

People are saying

"It's a great work-friendly spot with lots of space to spread out."

"The outdoor seating here is really nice and quiet."

"The avocado toast here is amazing, served on thick, soft bread."

Good to know

1

Black Lab hosts workshops and art exhibitions regularly.

2

There is plenty of parking available near The Press Cafe.

3

Both cafes are dog-friendly and have outdoor seating.

16
ALDI image 1
Supermarket

Supermarket offers budget-friendly prices on fresh and non-name brand food. High-quality produce draws crowds near the front. Space feels clean and well stocked despite being small.

Fresh food stands out with consistently high quality and competitive prices. Non-name brand items offer great value without sacrificing freshness.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really fresh and the prices great."

"I found the grocery items here to be great quality and affordable."

Good to know

1

ALDI offers affordable prices on groceries, especially fresh food.

2

Bring a quarter to unlock a shopping cart at ALDI.

3

Recyclable shopping bags are recommended for your purchases.

17
Sikao Life Chinese BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small space with communal tables offers a busy, inviting vibe and clean seating inside and out. Authentic banh mi and fresh bread draw spice lovers seeking traditional flavors. Grilled lamb skewers, tofu, and potato shine with strong, authentic taste and quick, made-to-order meals include a thank-you treat.

Grilled foods like lamb skewers, tofu, and potato stand out for their authentic Chinese style and strong flavors. Meals come made to order and are ready quickly, often packaged with a small thank-you treat.

People are saying

"The Chinese barbecue here tastes authentic, especially the pork and beef."

"The banh mi here is authentic and well-made."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on Washington Avenue and Melville Avenue, just 20-30 steps from the shop.

2

The ordering process involves scanning a QR code at the table.

3

The restaurant specializes in Chinese BBQ and offers authentic Banh Mi.

18
Sakatanoya Revolving Sushi & Ramen Bar image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Rotary sushi and robot servers offer a futuristic dining vibe with quick, tasty food. Interactive conveyor belts and tablet ordering keep meals engaging. Spacious, lively space buzzes with families and kids, creating a noisy, energetic atmosphere.

Rotating sushi and robotic food delivery create a futuristic dining vibe. Food arrives quickly and tastes super tasty with great variety.

People are saying

"The revolving sushi bar here is such a fun experience!"

"The robots bringing food were so cool, it made the meal fun."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to dine, as many are turned away without one.

2

The price for purple plates is incorrectly billed at $4.99 instead of $3.50.

3

Expect limited options on the conveyor belt; ordering from the menu may be necessary.

19
The Delmar Loop image 1
Tourist attraction

Eclectic streetscape with colorful murals sets an artsy vibe. Diverse cuisines like Asian and Mediterranean shine alongside a lively bar scene. Music venues and rooftop views create a vibrant urban experience with free trolley rides adding ease.

Offers a wide range of diverse cuisines including Asian and Mediterranean options. Food choices stand out with many unique dishes not found nearby, paired with a lively bar scene.

People are saying

"It's a cool place to hang out and walk around."

"It's an energetic neighborhood with great food and live music."

"The food here has a great variety and large portions."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available in The Delmar Loop.

2

Expect a vibrant atmosphere with frequent events in The Delmar Loop.

3

The Ice Festival features a drone show viewable from the Moonrise Twilight Room.

20
Wonton King image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dining room mixes traditional Chinese elements with neon signs for a lively vibe. Hong Kong style food offers authentic flavors served quickly by friendly staff. Tight tables and metal carts create a bustling atmosphere perfect for casual dining.

Hong Kong style Chinese food stands out with its authentic flavors and consistent deliciousness. Friendly staff serve meals quickly, making dining in or taking out a satisfying experience.

People are saying

"The chang fun noodles here are possibly the best I've had."

"I found the Hong Kong style Chinese food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I thought the food here was amazing."

Good to know

1

Dim sum carts are served on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

2

The restaurant is self-seating upon entry.

3

Lunch specials offer great value for the amount and quality of food.

21
G-san kitchen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Enjoy authentic Izakaya vibes with cozy decor and chill atmosphere. Food comes hot and fresh, always delicious. Friendly staff greet warmly, making it perfect for relaxed dining or casual hangouts.

Food arrives hot and fresh, with a consistently delicious taste. Staff greet warmly, adding to the positive dining experience.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, savory, and immaculate."

"You've got to try the skewers at this Lunch Spot; they're excellent."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The menu offers a great variety of choices to suit all tastes.

2

The $50 a month ramen program is great for the everyday visitor.

3

Most dishes are small portions, allowing for multiple orders.

22
U City Farmers Market image 1
Farmers' market

Small farmers market has a homely vibe with morning music and a rocking band. Offers organic, grass-fed products and several hot food stalls with good lunch options. Plenty of parking makes it easy to visit.

Several hot food stalls offer a variety of options for lunch. The place has lots of good food choices available.

People are saying

"The Farmer's Market had pastries, coffee, and handmade gift items."

"The Market vendors were very kind and helpful to me."

"The food vendors here were very friendly and kind."

Good to know

1

The market is open every Saturday from 8:30am to 12:30pm through November 2, 2025.

2

It is also open on Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm through September 25.

3

There are special events at the market.

23
Grill Stop image 1
Restaurant

Affordable prices meet quick takeout with honey glazed wings and catfish that impress. A small grocery area adds convenience while the straightforward atmosphere keeps focus on value. Enjoy solid comfort food like Philly cheesesteak in a no-frills setting.

Food arrives quickly, usually in less than 15 minutes, with consistently accurate orders. The menu features honey glazed wings and delicious catfish at very affordable prices, offering good quality fast food that many find amazing and worth it.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the chicken wings, is always fire."

"The sandwich flavor really complemented the ingredients."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The cheesesteak, fries, and a drink cost $7.99, which is a great deal.

2

Lunch combos are available for $6.99, offering good value.

3

Grill Stop accepts EBT, making it accessible for families in need.

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