Photo by J.B. Forbes (Post-Dispatch)
Nathaniel Reid Bakery
If you doubt the growth of the St. Louis food scene over the past two decades, consider Nathaniel Reid Bakery, a world-class patisserie tucked like no big deal into a Kirkwood shopping plaza a generous passer-by would describe as unremarkable. The interior is anything but. Inside the display case, colorful macarons, exquisite miniature cakes, breakfast pastries and even savory fare such as sandwiches and quiche compete for your attention. Reid and his team of bakers give equal due to classic pastries (croissants, the kouign-amman, the Paris-Brest) and Reid’s own creations, including the Kyoto, a hazelnut cake with milk-chocolate mousse, hazelnut praline and lime caramel. The Kyoto is one of the aforementioned exquisite miniature cakes, but its sticky-smooth-crunchy textures and swanky take on familiar flavors make this the best grown-up candy bar I’ve eaten.
Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday (closed Sunday)
Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best
Opened: 2016