Nathaniel Reid Bakery is an outstanding spot in Kirkwood

Sauce 75: the essential St. Louis restaurants right now

If you live close enough to this Kirkwood bakery, one of the best almond croissants in town could become a daily habit (or at least a perennial temptation). So, for that matter, could a poppy flower macaron, a four-cheese honey focaccia or a kouign-amann. Nathaniel Reid is a two-time James Beard Awards semifinalist for Outstanding Baker (2019 and 2020), but while the delectable pastries, cakes and cookies inevitably grab the attention, the selection of savory sandwiches, quiches and salads is equally noteworthy. The roasted turkey sandwich – smoked turkey, Havarti and Dijon aioli served on a croissant – is exemplary.

11243 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, 314.858.1019, nrbakery.com

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The Sauce 75 is a photomosaic of the best in St. Louis dining right now. 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.