Photo by David Carson (Post-Dispatch)
Acero
Now into its second decade, Jim Fiala’s Acero isn’t resting on its reputation. Sure, the menu from Fiala, general manager Adam Karl Gnau and chef de cuisine Andy Hirstein delivers the famous egg raviolo, the should-be-as-famous gnocco fritto (essentially, prosciutto-topped doughnuts), gorgeous crudo and classic pastas. But at a winter dinner here, what I expected to be a straightforward dish of lamb chops over sweet-potato spaetzle popped with brilliant, springlike flavor thanks to a pomegranate sugo. The meal began with an equally impressive bruschetta with mortadella mousse, lemon zest, white balsamic and pistachio. As always, Acero’s $40 four-course tasting menu is the best approach.
Hours: Dinner Monday-Saturday
Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best
Opened: 2007
Must order: Gnocco fritto ($9)