The Lobby Lounge — Restaurant in Clayton

Exceptional Omakase at The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis.

Last night, we had the privilege of experiencing the omakase dinner at The Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis, and it was truly outstanding. This experience rivaled some of the best omakase meals I’ve had in Japan, both in quality and execution.

Chef Joseph is a master of his craft, curating a beautifully paced progression of courses that highlighted the freshest ingredients, impeccable technique, and a deep understanding of flavor. From the melt-in-your-mouth toro to delicately balanced seasonal selections, every piece was a testament to precision and artistry.

Beyond the food, Chef Joseph’s warm and engaging personality made the evening even more special. He took the time to explain each course, creating an interactive and immersive experience that added to the enjoyment of the meal. His passion for sushi and dedication to perfection were evident in every bite.

The setting at The Ritz provided the perfect backdrop—intimate, refined, and ideal for appreciating the craftsmanship of a truly elevated omakase experience. St. Louis may not be the first place that comes to mind for world-class sushi, but this omakase is a hidden gem that should not be missed.

If you’re a sushi enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Chef Joseph and his team deliver something truly special. I’ll definitely be back!

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Quick and high quality sushi here at the Ritz Lobby Bar. Nothing says “I might be high maintenance but I’m also in a rush” quite like knocking back high-quality oysters and sushi in a freshly remodeled luxury hotel lobby. It’s giving sophisticated speed date and I’m here for it.

Let’s start with the remodel. It’s clean, it’s shiny, it smells like expensive hand lotion. You’ll probably want to Instagram your drink. Or your shoes. Or both. But pro tip, and I cannot stress this enough: grab the seats by the fireplace. Do it. I don’t care if it’s July. Those seats say “I know what I’m doing.”

Now to the food. The oysters are slurp-worthy. Briny little ocean hugs. The sushi is legit, considering you’re in a lobby. But let’s not beat around the spicy tuna ha! the Clayton roll is the moment. Whoever rolled it clearly had divine inspiration or at least watched a lot of Chef’s Table.

Come for the oysters, stay for the fireplace, and pretend you’re on a...

Honestly at a luxe hotel bar you’re pretty much just not looking to be disappointed. Can’t say that was the case tonight. Ordered a few bar snacks and two drinks while we decided where to go for dinner. Very surprised there wasn’t a single nonalcoholic wine available. The fries were soggy to the point of wet—not sure how that happened within 5 minutes of being open. The tempura prawns were limp over battered and tiny (if they were prawns, I’m a mermaid). The arancini was the lone bright spot in that I was interested in having a second.

The atmosphere was clean and bright, no music. Would have been...