When you think of great American food cities, what's the first one you think of? New York, right? And if not New York City, you might even consider Chicago or Los Angeles. However, one surprising city has been turning heads, and it’s right in the heart of Missouri.

St. Louis, better known for its tangy barbecue and sweet gooey butter cake, has a noodle house that’s been called one of the best restaurants in the country: Nudo House. With two St. Louis locations, this restaurant has elevated the local dining scene with its rich, flavorful bowls of noodles, vibrant broths, and thoughtful twists on traditional Asian cuisine.

At the core of this dining experience is an obsession with quality. Every bowl served here starts with broth that’s simmered for hours—sometimes upwards of 24—to extract every ounce of flavor. The result is a base that’s so deep and layered that it could stand alone, but the restaurant doesn’t stop there. Add some perfectly cooked noodles, a few tender slices of pork belly, or a slight bite of Thai basil, and each dish becomes a symphony of tastes and textures... and it's all customizable. You and your dining companion could order the same meal, but by the time you each put the finishing touches on your noodle bowls, they could taste significantly different.

The ramen isn't the only thing that shines at this St. Louis restaurant. Nudo House also offers a variety of other dishes that pack just as much flavor. The flavors are bold yet balanced, from salads and spring rolls to crispy chicken gyoza and the cleverly named YOLO Mein.

Take the banh mi, for example. This magical little sandwich is the stuff of dreams: braised pork shoulder, chicken pate, garlic aioli, cucumber, jalapeño, pickled carrot, and cilantro. Or maybe you’ll be drawn to the tamarind fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served with a dipping sauce that takes it to the next level. The creativity doesn’t end there, however!

Nudo House has a way of fusing traditional techniques with modern flair, making each visit feel like a new adventure. The dishes are constantly evolving, with seasonal ingredients and innovative ideas from the kitchen. One day, you're likely to find a ramen special featuring local produce; another, you'll find a bowl combining unexpected flavors from different cuisines. No matter what you order, you're definitely in for a culinary delight.

St. Louis is probably not the first place you think of when it comes to world-class ramen; however, that's what makes this restaurant that's tucked away in a city known for its toasted ravioli so special.

Nudo House has carved out a niche, and its reputation has only continued to grow. You might come for the noodles, but you’ll leave with a new appreciation for what a truly great bowl of ramen can be.

Next time you find yourself in the St. Louis area, you know where to bring anyone who considers themselves a lover of good food. Once you’ve experienced the rich broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and inventive dishes of Nudo House, it’s easy to see why it's getting national attention.

It's that good.

Nudo House isn't the only reason to visit St. Louis, Missouri, though. There's so much fun packed into this Midwestern town that an overnight stay is certainly in order. Here's a historic home that's now used as a vacation rental that we love. It's close to everything... and it has a hot tub!

Do you have a hot tip on a Missouri restaurant that's way better than you expected it to be? Nominate it here!