Indo could barely reflect on its sensational 2019 before the pandemic struck. My pick for the best new restaurant of that year, it debuted at No. 3 on the 2020 edition of this list and was named one of the best new restaurants in the country by GQ and Esquire magazines, while Food & Wine tapped owner Nick Bognar as one of its coveted “Best New Chefs” of 2020. Two years later, Bognar’s unique style — drawing on sushi tradition, his Thai heritage and Southeast Asian cuisine more broadly (the lamb larb, based on his grandmother’s recipe) and a playful, flavor-first streak (such signature dishes as the shrimp toast and Isaan hamachi in coconut naam pla) — keeps Indo among the best and most exciting restaurants I’ve experienced over the past two decades in St. Louis.

Sauce’s Best New Restaurant of the year in 2019, Indo in Botanical Heights blends a unique combination of signature Thai flavors and classic Japanese techniques with a wild sense of fun. The Isaan hamachi – arguably Indo’s signature dish – is a useful cipher for understanding the restaurant’s genius. Salted hamachi (yellowtail) sashimi with coconut naam pla (a sauce made with chile, garlic, fish sauce, fish caramel, coconut milk and a lot of lime), roasted chile oil, Thai kosho (a paste of Thai chiles, Thai basil, lime, palm syrup and fermented fish paste) and candied garlic is a feast for the eyes and senses.

Headed by James Beard Award semifinalist Nick Bognar, Indo (1641D Tower Grove Avenue, 314-899-9333) combines his stunning command of sushi with the Thai cuisine that is his heritage as the son of Nippon Tei owners Ann and Mike Bognar. Offering Hot and Cool Tastings, larger shareable plates and an impressive nigiri selection, Indo's menu respects tradition without being married to it. Instead, Bognar uses classic techniques and recipes as a jumping-off point for exploration, whether with candied pine nuts in lamb laarb or a rice flour and water "lace" that lies atop two flawlessly cooked gyoza.

Today, the two most singular sushi experiences can be found at indo in Botanical Heights and at Nobu’s in University City. A lot of praise has been heaped upon the former and its owner Nick Bognar, who’s also planning to open Japanese/sushi restaurant Sado (named by Bloomberg as one of “14 Most Anticipated Restaurants in America” for 2023) on The Hill later this month. Nobu’s, founded by Noboru “Nobu” Kidera (one of the city’s aforementioned itamae), recently reopened off a small paseo in the Delmar Loop as an 18-seat sushi bar/restaurant with a worth-the-splurge prix fixe omakase menu.

For the high rollers, or if someone is paying for you, Olio does fantastic Mediterranean small plates, and iNDO, headed by one of Food and Wine’s Best New Chefs in Nick Bognar, is a Southeast Asian fusion place with incredible cocktails and wine pairings. For a reasonably priced night, check out Drunken Fish for sushi and sashimi or Salt + Smoke for St. Louis-style barbecue. And if you really just want a low-key time with friends, El Burro Loco’s margaritas (and portion sizes) are comically large!

iNDO is decorated with awards applauding its nuanced twist on regional favorites, presenting dishes that look as beautiful as they taste. Think dry-aged king salmon in a red curry cream sauce, shrimp toast, and a top-notch sashimi selection. The cocktail menu ups the cool factor another notch with drinks like Elixir of the Moon — a blend of Japanese gin, lemongrass-ginger shrub, and Lillet Blanc.

Featured in GQ Magazine in 2020, iNDO is a can’t-miss spot serving southeast Asian cuisine. Curated by James Beard Semi-Finalist Nick Bognar, the seven-page menu is creative and whimsical. Victuals include the likes of crispy tofu made with fermented black beans and vegetable crunchy rice with pickles, avocado, tare, crispy shiitake, and furikake.

– Rating: 5.0 / 5 (17 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: Japanese, Asian– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 1641D Tower Grove Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63110-2261– Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated Chinese restaurants in St. Louis, according to Tripadvisor

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (17 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Japanese, Asian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1641D Tower Grove Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63110-2261- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in the St. Louis metro area

Thai flavors and Japanese techniques combine to create the extraordinary dining experience at Indo. When dishes such as shrimp toast, palm sugar ribs, lamb tartare and crab fried rice hit the table, the date will become a party. “It gets you in the mood to continue ordering and having fun,” chef-owner Nick Bognar says.

Nick Bognar's iNDO was the talk on everyone's lips both locally and nationally, when the deft, masterfully sound, and slightly rascally, sushi chef opened his debut in Botanical Heights. And the city is going to pass out soon as we hold our breath waiting for his sophomore sushi spot, SADO, to open this fall.

The customer-friendly chefs prepare all dishes with organic ingredients. The elegant ambiance is super classy to dine with your buddies or sweetheart. Though you are going to relish all the meals at the restaurant, some must-try signature dishes will make you an Asian cuisine fan.

Indo is another special night out option as the food is higher end, but it’s an incredible culinary experience. Also, it’s located on one of my favorite foodie blocks in the city!. It includes many of the restaurants I mentioned in the family-friendly version.

Next up is Botanical Heights (formerly McRee Town)'s Indo, situated at 1641D Tower Grove Ave. With five stars out of 143 reviews on Yelp, the sushi bar, pan Asian and Thai spot has proved to be a local favorite.

Louis, MO 63110(314) 899-9333 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Indo, completed in June 2019, is a well-known dining establishment boasting Southeast Asian fare.

1641D Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110Phone: 314-899-9333 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by indo (@indo.stl)

iNDO Asian food in The Grove 314-899-9333