Black Salt — Restaurant in Creve Coeur

This was my experience at their location on Olive in Creve Coeur.

It's a Saturday night, and I was on the hunt for something new—something that would wake up my taste buds and make my stomach do a happy dance. I didn’t want to sit down at a fancy restaurant, but I also didn’t want the usual takeout. Enter: the legendary Indian restaurant I had read about but never tried.

Scrolling through the online menu, nothing really grabbed me—partly because I’m a picky eater, partly because food allergies have me scanning ingredients like I’m decrypting ancient texts. But something told me, just go in. See it for yourself. Maybe the magic happens in person.

As soon as I walked in, BOOM! A man greeted me like I was a long-lost friend, with so much enthusiasm and energy that I immediately felt like I had stepped into the right place. I told him I was just checking out the menu, and instead of just handing me a piece of paper, he hit me with a question:

👉 "Are you looking for something safe and traditional, or something off the beaten path—something exciting?"

You already know which answer I went with.

He pointed out two dishes that were not your standard butter chicken or biryani (both great, but predictable). Instead, he introduced me to vindaloo—but not just in passing. Oh no. This man told me a STORY. He spoke about vindaloo’s deep history, its Portuguese-Indian roots, how it was originally a fusion of Portuguese "carne de vinha d'alhos" (meat marinated in wine and garlic), and how Indian spices turned it into a next-level masterpiece.

By the time he was done, I didn’t just want vindaloo—I felt like I needed it in my life.

The Moment of Truth 🍛🔥

I took that first bite and—WOW.

They have multiple meat options but I went with the Pork Ribs which were Tender, and Juicy. Marinated like it had spent the last 24 hours at a luxurious spice spa.

The sauce? A deep, rich, fire-kissed blend of spice and tang, with chilies that sneak up on you like a ninja before giving you a high-five.

The vinegar? That tiny acidic kick that cuts through the richness and keeps you coming back for more.

The warmth? Not just from the heat, but from the layers upon layers of bold, soul-hugging flavors.

Every bite had me questioning my past life choices. Why had I never ordered this before? Why had I spent so many years eating safe, boring food when this masterpiece existed?

Final Verdict

🔥 SPICE LEVEL: Just the right kind of heat—the kind that makes your mouth tingle but doesn’t send you running for milk.

🔥 FLAVOR: So much depth, it deserves a TED Talk.

🔥 TEXTURE: Velvety, rich, and perfectly balanced.

🔥 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 10/10. Would let this vindaloo ruin my life again.

And to the amazing guy at the door—thank you for leading me to one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. You weren’t just taking my order; you were guiding me toward greatness.

If you’re reading this and you’ve never had vindaloo before—GO. TRY. IT. Preferably from someone as passionate as the guy who recommended it to me. Your taste buds...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Black Salt, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the elegant ambiance, a perfect blend of modern sophistication and traditional Indian charm.

The menu was a celebration of India’s diverse culinary heritage, showcasing a thoughtful balance of classic dishes and innovative creations. To start, I tried the Pani Puri Duo as an appetizer, which was an absolute delight! The crisp puris paired with two unique, flavorful pani options offered a refreshing and creative twist on a beloved classic.

Next came the Mysore Tomato Shorba soup, a comforting burst of flavors – warm, tangy, and delicately spiced, perfectly setting the tone for the courses to follow.

For the mains, the Butter Paneer was pure indulgence, with its creamy, velvety gravy and perfectly cooked paneer cubes that melted in the mouth. The Chicken Vindaloo was equally spectacular, offering a bold, tangy, and spicy flavor profile that paired beautifully with the soft, fragrant naan and basmati rice. Both dishes were crafted with care and packed with authentic Indian flavors that left a lasting impression.

To finish, I was absolutely blown away by their signature Pistachio Kulfi, made from scratch in-house. This dessert was the perfect conclusion to an already spectacular meal – rich, creamy, and infused with the natural sweetness of pistachios. It was a delightful balance of tradition and artistry.

What truly set Black Salt apart was the impeccable service. The staff was warm, attentive, and deeply knowledgeable about the menu, offering spot-on recommendations that elevated the entire experience.

The attention to detail, from the exquisite table settings to the curated music, created an atmosphere of sheer indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an unforgettable meal, Black Salt is an absolute must-visit.

I can't wait to return and explore more of their incredible menu. A true gem in the fine...

Last night, I decided to dine at Black Salt, and unfortunately, it was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment I walked in, the hostess was neither friendly nor welcoming. She escorted me to the back without a word, making me feel like an afterthought.

Thankfully, my server, Victor, was a bright spot in the experience—he was kind, attentive, and helpful with the menu. However, the two other ladies working there made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. They engaged in conversation with the couple next to me and the two families in front of me but completely ignored me.

An older gentleman eventually came by and interacted with a nearby family. As he finished speaking with them, he noticed I had looked up and then came over to ask how things were. Later, the chef also came out to introduce himself and offer assistance, which I appreciated.

Despite these small gestures, the overall experience was disappointing. The lack of hospitality from certain staff members made me feel unwelcome, and I will never dine at Black Salt again. I’ve already shared my experience with my...