Ben Poremba's Bar Moro offers robust assortment of Iberian-inspired food and drinks

Sauce 75: the essential St. Louis restaurants right now

At Bar Moro, Ben Poremba’s Bengelina Hospitality Group offers an assortment of Spanish- and Iberian-inspired food and drinks. We like the simply prepared gambas al ajillo, flavored with sharp, fresh garlic and cooked in sherry and olive oil, as well as the salt cod croquetas. The bikini sandwich, a Catalan take on the toasted ham-and-cheese sandwich, is served here with a mushroom-black truffle spread and cheese sauce. The bar offers a robust selection of sherry and vermouth, as well as an elevated sangria that is among the best in the city: It’s made with Spanish red wine, vermouth, a sherry-like white wine, passion fruit puree and Spanish orange liqueur, and garnished with orange slices and fresh gooseberries.

7610 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314.296.3000, bengelina.com/bar-moro

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The Sauce 75 is a photomosaic of the best in St. Louis dining in 2024. This list is a celebration of the diverse skills, techniques and culinary traditions that meet across our region. In sum, it tells a story about where St. Louis has been, where it is now and where it’s going next. Many great and good St. Louis restaurants have not made the cut. (Seventy-five is a lot fewer than you think!) Restaurants are constantly growing and evolving and go through ups and downs. Newly opened restaurants can take time to find their feet: There are a few exciting new places we’re cheering for, but which we feel haven’t yet fully hit their stride. Read the entire list here.