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Photo: The Tavern at Trails End-Pan Seared Scallops
As the temperatures drop, take the opportunity to explore Missouri’s vibrant food scene and enjoy the warm, locally sourced flavors of winter. Missouri’s culinary scene warms up with comforting flavors, seasonal ingredients, and hearty dishes that highlight the best of local cuisine. From cozy comfort foods to festive cocktails, here’s a guide to the must-try winter dishes at some of the state’s top restaurants.
1. Dogwood Canyon Bison Meatloaf – The Ozark Mill Restaurant at Finley Farms (Ozark, MO)
A true taste of the Ozarks, the Dogwood Canyon Bison Meatloaf at The Ozark Mill Restaurant is a winter favorite. Made with locally sourced bison and blended with a savory mix of herbs and spices, this dish is served with creamy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a rich house-made gravy. It’s a hearty and flavorful way to enjoy a cozy winter meal.
- Address: 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, MO 65721
- Website: https://finleyfarmsmo.com/eat-drink/the-ozark-mill-restaurant/
2. Tagliatelle with Missouri Beef Ragù – The Crossing Restaurant (St. Louis, MO)
The Crossing Restaurant serves a standout Tagliatelle dish featuring a rich and savory Missouri beef ragù alla Bolognese. Slow-simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of cream, the sauce clings perfectly to the fresh house-made pasta, delivering a comforting and deeply satisfying winter meal.
- Address: 7823 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105
- Website: https://www.fialafood.com/the-crossing
3. Country Fried Steak– The Farmhouse (Kansas City, MO)
The Farmhouse elevates brunch with its Country Fried Steak, featuring Certified Angus Beef Sirloin smothered in country gravy, served with a flavorful corn relish and two eggs cooked to order. Paired with a side of white cheddar-poblano grits, this dish is the ultimate indulgence for a comforting winter meal.
- Address: 300 Delaware St, Kansas City, MO 64105
- Website: https://www.eatatthefarmhouse.com/
4. Pasta alla Norma Rigatoni – Sycamore (Columbia, MO)
If you’re looking to indulge in a rich and flavorful Italian dish, Sycamore’s Pasta alla Norma is a must-try. This dish features perfectly cooked rigatoni, which holds the sauce beautifully with every bite. The roasted garlic tomato sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, balanced by the subtle sweetness of eggplant. Sycamore’s Pasta alla Norma will not disappoint.
- Address: 800 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201
- Website: https://www.sycamorerestaurant.com/
6. Signature Dishes – The Tavern at Trails End (Sunrise Beach, MO)
The Tavern at Trails End offers a cozy atmosphere with standout dishes like scallops, sticky ribs, Tavern Wedge Salad with Butter bibb lettuce, flame roasted corn and poblanos, smoked bleu cheese, spicy smoked chili chipotle ranch, and their Sunday Chicken Hand-breaded, fried, with baby red mashers, veg du jour, duck fat black pepper gravy make it a must-visit winter dining spot.
- Address: 258 Trails End Drive, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
- Website: https://www.thetavern-trailsend.com/
Whether you’re dining in a cozy café, an upscale eatery, or a farm-to-table restaurant, these seasonal dishes are sure to delight your taste buds.