Lona's Lil Eats image

Lona's Lil Eats

Restaurant Chinese restaurant Catering service Vegetarian restaurant Asian restaurant Thai restaurant Vegan restaurant Health food restaurant

One of the Top rated Chinese restaurants in St. Louis


Address

2199 California Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104

Website

lonaslileats.com

Contact

(314) 925-8938

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: spicy (25) wrap (24) time (18) good (17) staff (16) menu (16) great (15) friendly (15) rice (14) order (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Suzanne C. 9 months ago on Google • 477 reviews
    Trendy place located in a historic neighborhood of St. Louis. The food is prepared fresh with an eye to freshen, flavor and texture. Most items come with a sauce. This is where I suggest caution. Anything marked as spicy is very hot to the mouth and tongue. However there are other options not so perilous. They do have diet soda, but it is in small print on the soda dispenser. I liked the diet cola I tried, even though I was unfamiliar with the brand. The serving dives are large. I had to get a takeout box to get my leftovers home. The staff were very helpful and present when we needed them.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jody Parrish, Realtor with The Parrish T. 1 year ago on Google
    This was an amazing experience! The food was great! We tried several different things and they were all wonderful. My favorite was the turkey with the Lona Q sauce. The staff was unbelievably helpful. Since it was our first time there they even talked us through all of the options.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 R C. 2 years ago on Google
    I was excited to visit Lona's for the first time and try some of their rice-paper-wrapped creations. Unfortunately, the night I visited, they had run out of rice paper! Yes, really. I ordered the spicy tofu wrap (on a tortilla, unfortunately) with spicy eggplant and an order of mushroom dumplings. The tofu wrap was good, tortilla and all. Delicious blend of flavors with the spice, the cilantro, the sweet cabbage... I could eat that every day. I bet it's even better on rice paper. 😝 The dumplings were also addictive. Savory, with a spicy sauce. Either item probably would have been enough on their own. I appreciated the dedication to minimizing waste by setting chopsticks aside to be washed and reused. I'm not clear on the wisdom of serving everything on butcher paper, but okay. 🤷 I'll be back another day to try the rice paper.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samuel W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place in fox park! Really enjoyed walking over the other night from our Airbnb. Prices are reasonable, service was excellent, and the overall friendly vibe made this a great experience. Adult beverages are for sale as well. The menu is varied with several vegan and vegetarian options of their Asian fusion cuisine. As always, you simply can’t go wrong with smoked brisket. A real must try if you’re in the area!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steph C. 1 year ago on Google
    Love, love, love it! Was my 1st time there, the service was great, everyone was friendly & personable especially the cashier & it had a home feel to it & the food was delicious! And if you can have it, don't forget to get some "Punch"! I will definitely be back!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Beth J. 2 years ago on Google
    I liked this place a lot. The giant rice paper wraps were delicious and stuffed full. The stir fried veggie was bok choy, which I liked, and the spicy eggplant was okay. My husband really enjoyed his Thai chicken wrap. The only real drawback for me is that they don't seem to know what to do with a kid's palate. We talked about using plain tofu, which I got and enjoyed, but my kid's plate had spicy tofu. It's pretty dang spicy, and she just couldn't eat it. He very nicely agreed to bring out non-spicy tofu, but unfortunately it was soaked in some very strong soy sauce. Also, note that even though they have a kid's section on the menu, they apparently don't really have a kid's menu. He mentioned that, but I guess I didn't understand that the "tofu" in that section was the same as the "spicy tofu" on another part of the menu. All this to say: be very explicit if you have strong preferences or dietary needs, particularly if you have a finicky eater in the group.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Operations M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice little restaurant with outdoor seating And vegan as well as vegetarian options !!! Has won several awards. Nice size portions created with love. The staff are friendly And accommodating. You do have to wait on line a little. They also have take out options. Five star experience!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K M. 11 months ago on Google
    Wow. Wow. Wow. I literally have nothing else to say. This place is absolutely incredible. First time in today & the food did NOT disappoint. Staff are super friendly & walked us through the menu. I built my own wrap with the rice paper, stir fried glass noodles, and chicken and it was sooooo so good. The side stir fried veggies were a little bland/oily but honestly when my burrito finally burst at the bottom, I just mixed everything together and it was great. & the dumplings omg 😮‍💨 Will definitely be coming back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily B. 7 months ago on Google • 91 reviews
    This food was absolutely amazing. You order at the counter and then it’s brought out to you. I had absolutely no complaints about this food; I especially enjoyed their creative sauces. Would definitely recommend the sesame chili oil and lemongrass pesto. The staff was super friendly and made recommendations that were delicious. I will definitely be going back to try their wraps and other dishes.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Richard J. V. 3 years ago on Google
    Rating: 2.9 Stars People rave about this place, but I am not sure why. I've been there once for lunch. I ordered #9 Smokey Chicken Wrap; and, for my side, I got the Stir-Fried Glass Noodles. The sauces were pretty tasty. My wrap was easily the most bland thing I've had in a while. I am thinking that they forgot the smoked vinaigrette because it was dry and very bland. There is nothing like a smokey chicken wrap without a smoked taste! The noodles were better, and the dumplings were tasty. While not exactly the same, I liked Guerrilla Street Food a lot better.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George B. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been to hundreds of restaurants and this is some of the best food I've ever eaten! Absolutely phenomenal! The sauces are fantastic and be sure to try their pork!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenae M. 2 years ago on Google
    The young lady (with pink hair) was friendly and full of positive energy! We had the veggie spring rolls with the ginger peanut sauce, spicy eggplant, spicy tofu plate and wrap… oh and the spicy cucumbers!!! It was refreshing and delicious!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryli A. 8 months ago on Google
    The chicken Thai wrap was 10/10 and the steak wrap was good as well! Also the pickled cucumber salad is great. Loved the atmosphere and food. Will be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Noor I. 10 months ago on Google
    YUMMY!!!! I love this place soooo much. The food was AMAZING, the workers were very friendly. Literally, words can't describe this place. Please please go and try their food. You will thank me later🫶🏼 oh make sure to try their lona-q sauce!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom K. 3 months ago on Google • 217 reviews New
    Quaint little place with good food. Had one of the bowls with bone broth that was really good.

  • 1/5 Maximiliano 6 months ago on Google • 105 reviews
    First and foremost the atmosphere and service were perfect. The wrap served along with the plate were okay but nothing which made me feel like I need to go out my way to eat here! Was a little underwhelmed by the quality of proteins on their own, can be compared quite visually and tastefully to that of Subway. Plenty of vegetarian options, could see why very loved but unfortunately not just for me. Would not recommend. EDIT: Yes, owner, the meats can be compared to Subway. That does make sense and it is my opinion. It's more unbelievable to hear the meats were grilled and smoked because what's going on back there in the kitchen? The meats felt like they could've been boiled, definitely not grilled. I do not have any photos because why would I want to keep pictures of something so unappetizing on my phone.

  • 5/5 Amy H. 2 months ago on Google • 77 reviews New
    WOW!! What a flavor EXPLOSION!!!👀 🤤 Drove an hour north to try them out. The reviews sounded fabulous and, the pics looked amazing. A must stop. I got the giant rice paper wrap. Wasn’t a fan of the wrap itself BUT, the ingredients within were AMAZING!!! Then, I added the lime, ginger slaw side to it and, OH MY GOODNESS!! Will definitely go again and, try more things!! The gentleman who took our order (at order desk) was extremely helpful! He went above and beyond for us. Another gentleman brought us our fantabulous order was great, as well.

  • 5/5 The Smith S. 11 months ago on Google • 65 reviews
    Our first time here and wow!! Great food. Smoked brisket wrap & spicy eggplant for the win! WARNING: SPICY 🔥 but good spicy. My wife got the Thai chicken wrap & spicy noodle salad. Mine was better but she got a side of peanut butter sauce to dip hers in.. 🫠 yummy Can't wait to go back!

  • 5/5 Sinem A. 5 months ago on Google • 60 reviews
    I absolutely love Lona's Lil Eats! Every item on the menu is fantastic, but my personal favorites are sautéed shrimp, the spicy sesame sauce, and the lime ginger peanuts – they're my go-to picks. To be honest, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu here, it's all amazing! Additionally, the staff are super friendly, and the whole place has a really cool vibe.

  • 5/5 mary s. 7 months ago on Google
    Such a cute little eatery! Amazing food and Lona is so nice and sweet. Long made sure my food was made perfectly to fit my dietary restrictions. I will be back!

  • 5/5 Connie S. 3 years ago on Google
    It was so tasty. Had a friend come into town and she asked me to take her here again. Makes me feel like I in Nashville again.

  • 3/5 Jared R. 3 years ago on Google
    Great, fresh, tasty, healthy food. The menu is cluttered and confusing, they have too many rules (pre and post COVID) and customer service is not their strong suit. I think with a good restaurant consultant they could easily support several more locations and maybe even franchise.

  • 5/5 A C. 3 years ago on Google
    Arrived at five, it wasn't busy. The place has an awesome atmosphere. Food is similar to a place in San Francisco I liked.

  • 4/5 Theotis J. 3 years ago on Google
    Was quite surprised with this one. Was looking for something quick but healthy and Lona’s delivered. Well didn’t deliver to me but they delivered on hit my taste buds and solid menu options!

  • 5/5 Derek M. 3 years ago on Google
    I had a cousin come into town and she asked me to go back here.

  • 4/5 Elizabeth D. 3 years ago on Google
    Very friendly staff. Fed me even though I showed up as they just closed... It was much appreciated since I confused it with a different restaurant... love the spicy noodles and their spring rolls!! Yummy. Will be back soon to try other deliciousness!!😋

  • 5/5 Nomes 10 months ago on Google
    I like how basic the menu is. Plenty of options on how you have it, but not overwhelming. Had the lemon grass turkey wrap and egg plant. Delicious! Except the wrap fell apart towards the end. Really fun place!

  • 5/5 Cristy M. 6 months ago on Google • 54 reviews
    I got a rice paper wrap with chicken, stir fry glass noodles, and spicy sesame sauce, as well as a side of spicy cucumber. It was all so spicy and wonderful! Total came out to $17 (including tip), and portion was decently sized, like a normal burrito size. Cashier was helpful in helping me select what to order - always appreciated!

  • 5/5 Cade D. 1 year ago on Google
    I posted a takeout order from Lona’s for lunch today. It was my first time trying their food. The online ordering was very easy, and the food was ready within 15 minutes, at or better what I am used to. The restaurant itself is very fun, with good music and friendly staff working the counter. I ordered the chicken spring rolls with spicy peanut sauce and eggplant side salad. Very reasonable price for what I am used to for takeout ordering, and what did not seem like a bunch of food at first left me with a nutritious and filling meal for a big guy! I can see why the past reviews are so good! It was highly enjoyable. Thanks and will be back for more!

  • 5/5 Shannon R. 9 months ago on Google
    I love this place! Vegan and gluten free options! We come visit this restaurant every time we are in town!

  • 4/5 Joshua W. 1 year ago on Google
    Something for everyone. This is an excellent fusion of Asian food and modern American cuisine. The rice paper wasn't my style but the fillings are fantastic! Everything is worth trying but I highly recommend splitting to our meal with someone so you can try more flavors. Also, very good people. Wonderful staff.

  • 5/5 Kelli Z. 10 months ago on Google
    Have been wanting to try this restaurant for some time and did not leave disappointed! Stopped in for Saturday lunch - no wait and fast service. Had the Summer Noodle Bowl with brisket - delicious cold noodle dish with plenty of flavor, lots of textures and veggies, and delicious brisket. I can't wait to come back to try more!

  • 3/5 Erin W. 11 months ago on Google
    I ordered a create your own plate with white rice and steak for $10.75. This was a good sized portion to eat. The sauce I chose was a bit too spicy for my liking. Also would have liked to add more veggies but overall a healthy dinner!

  • 5/5 Chelsea S. 1 year ago on Google
    10/10 recommend!!! I always get the rice-paper wrap with their smoked turkey and stir-fried rice. Its a little messy, but SO worth it! And whenever it's available, their spicy cucumber salad is my absolute favorite! And their sauces are the perfect combo of flavor packed with some serious spiciness! I've never once had a bad experience here, and I already cant wait for my next order!

  • 5/5 A M. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great restaurant to have in St. Louis! This is such a unique take on SE and East Asian cuisine and always so delicious. Staff is so accommodating and helpful. They make great recommendations and options are so customizable. I’ve never had any staff hesitate to help and their service is super prompt. The meal deals are affordable and come with a considerable amount of food. I always look forward to going back.

  • 5/5 Padma B. 3 years ago on Google
    We always leave Lona's Lil Eats happy with the service from their friendly staff. The quantity of food is great for the value. The quality of their food is where they really shine though! We have tried most items on their menu and it's all wonderful! You will not be disappointed.

  • 5/5 Tosha P. 3 years ago on Google
    Love eating here!!! Everything is fresh and tasty!

  • 5/5 Vanessa J. 3 years ago on Google
    a-mazing wraps.

  • 5/5 Connor N. 3 years ago on Google
    If you want delicious food and want to feel good after, this is the place to go to! Shrimp and glass noodles for me almost every time :)

  • 5/5 Joel N. 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious asian fusion in Fox Park!

  • 5/5 Christa G. 3 years ago on Google
    Lona's Lil Eats is one of our top favorite restaurants in St. Louis! The Big Wrap with chicken, lettuce mix, stir fried glass noodles, and lona q sauce is The Best! And their dumplings are to die for! 🙌🏼

  • 5/5 Phillip L. 3 years ago on Google
    Super accommodating, terrific customer service. The food is my favorite in the area- Big Thai Chicken Wrap never disappoints!

  • 5/5 Patrick K. 3 years ago on Google
    Always a winner. Never had a bad meal, to date.

  • 5/5 Brad C. 3 years ago on Google
    Went here for the first time today, definitely won’t be the last.

  • 5/5 Rob T. 3 years ago on Google
    Great wraps and fresh food. I would definitely recommend this place, it can easily become a regular.

  • 3/5 Andrew G. 3 years ago on Google
    Service was great and very friendly. Covid friendly service and very attentive. We ordered the steak dumplings and two wraps. The dumplings were good, but not memorable. The wraps were... different. The brisket itself was very good, but the wrap exterior is made from rice paper and doesn't add much flavor to the wrap. I honestly thought it was additional plastic wrap at first. This may be a case of not knowing what to order, but if you've never been here, or never had rice paper, you should know before you buy. I am sad to leave a lack luster review because I can see a lot of people like this place. I am glad I tried it, but it's not for me.

  • 5/5 Shilan H. 3 years ago on Google
    New yorker here visiting St. Louis for the first time since undergrad. Easily some of the best quality and most flavorful food I have ever had. I'm even more amazed now than I was at 20. The food has so much flavor and the flavors are so different from one item to the next. So happy to know it's still here and will undoubtedly visit every time I come back to St. Louis!

  • 5/5 Katy B. 3 years ago on Google
    This is hands down my favorite restaurant in Saint Louis. I always build my own rice paper wrap but I would eat anything on this menu. Be sure to order the spicy cucumber salad! There is truly something for everyone at this restaurant and the staff is incredible.

  • 5/5 Rajiv R. 3 years ago on Google
    This is one of my favorite restaurants in St. Louis. Some of my favorite items are their mushroom dumplings, Hill Tribe soup, and the pesto shrimp plate. Great food and great service. Go eat there, NOW!

  • 5/5 Noelia V. 3 years ago on Google
    Best customer service!!! High quality food and always fresh! They are fast and efficient, too! My last visit they were very busy and forgot my order for a few minutes (first time and completely understandable). When they realized, they instantly apologized and offered free desert or side options- wow!! Thank you for being so considerate. Well done Lona’s staff 👏🏻

  • 5/5 Rachael K. 3 years ago on Google
    Went this weekend for curbside pickup and it was fast, easy, the staff was friendly and wore their masks. The food was great! I love that they have a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options that are really delicious! Would definitely recommend stopping by.

  • 5/5 Emily O. 3 years ago on Google
    the food is AMAZING! I love that they are taking extra precautions to keep their staff and the customers safe during the pandemic!! You must order ahead of time and do not pull onto the street for pickup until it is pickup time. they will email you the window of time that you can pull up for curbside pickup. when you pull up, you call and let them know you have arrived and the number you are parked at. turn on an audio book or some good tunes and wait patiently! will definitely be returning!

  • 5/5 Ian R. 3 years ago on Google
    Very good food & very consistent. If you're in the neighborhood definitely check it out. Their online menu & curbside system works really well!!

  • 5/5 Jessica R. 3 years ago on Google
    I love Lona’s! I was first introduced to them through my aunt. It’s close enough to walk from her house so we used to go often, a few summers ago. It’s dog friendly too, with a water bowl outside. I’m very happy that they’ve found a way to make curbside work, and still be open through the pandemic. Good food at great prices. And great people. They also use Ski as their soda, which is always fun to see.

  • 5/5 Kate K. 3 years ago on Google
    Incredible flavors in burritos and plates and the best dumplings anywhere. Plus, very affordable.

  • 5/5 Chamunda W. 3 years ago on Google
    Tried Lona's for the first time last week, and had to order again today. The rice paper wraps are so delicious. This is now my all-time favorite healthy restaurant option. The spicy eggplant is an umami explosion. Soooo good. Literally the only way I could see this place improving would be to add a calorie count to the menu.

  • 5/5 Jennifer P. 3 years ago on Google
    If you haven't tried the bone broth soup, it's worth the trip. Great staff!! Great food.

  • 5/5 Alison13 E. 3 years ago on Google
    Cool place to meet and catch up with coworkers. I'll return with my relatives. The place has a great feel to it.

  • 5/5 Summer C. 3 years ago on Google
    you will not be disappointed in the menu and service.

  • 5/5 Hayley I. 3 years ago on Google
    I really loved this place. Mood here reminds me of San Diego's scene.

  • 4/5 angela m. 3 years ago on Google
    Got the 5 star plate, delicious! Only drawback was the beef was super tough, couldn’t eat it😞. Other than that amazing as usual, I’ll be back!!

  • 5/5 B1bravo 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent place to eat...food is fantastic!

  • 5/5 John V. 3 years ago on Google
    Lona's has always has excellent food, and their curbside setup is top notch.

  • 5/5 Brad R. 3 years ago on Google
    The food is ALWAYS AWESOME

  • 5/5 Amy S. 3 years ago on Google
    I am not exaggerating in any way, but I would sell my soul to the devil himself to be able to cook like the Lona’s team. So until the opportunity arrives, I will just keep getting the Thai Wrap and mushroom dumplings.

  • 5/5 Kristen H. 3 years ago on Google
    Best customer service!!! High quality food and always fresh! They are fast and efficient, too! My last visit they were very busy and forgot my order for a few minutes (first time and completely understandable). When they realized, they instantly apologized and offered free desert or side options- wow!! Thank you for being so considerate. Well done Lona’s staff 👏🏻

  • 5/5 Helen H. 3 years ago on Google
    Flavors were fresh and dynamic. Large portion and includes a side. Their covid safety practices were also convenient and efficient. I enjoyed my experience there and enjoyed my wrap in the car 😁

  • 5/5 KB D. 3 years ago on Google
    Lona's is consistently delicious. I can't stop ordering the tortilla wrap with spicy tofu and sesame sauce. So. Good. Though the name suggests otherwise, portion sizes are pretty large. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Dreaming U. 3 years ago on Google
    I love the Food it reminds me of the Amazing Homemade goodness my wife and i find on our world travels! We had the sample plater we got to choose from a large selection of the menu.


Call (314) 925-8938 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Counter service
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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