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    Cafe Nova

    4.4 (404 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Cafe Nova Photos

    CAFE NOVA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Nova

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    Saganaki
    Sami B.

    I've driven past this cute cafe in my neighborhood so many times, and finally stopped in, wish I would have done it sooner. I started with the seasonal sangria, very refreshing and was a good size cocktail. We started with the Mediterranean Platter, and Mushrooms and saganaki as appetizers then had the Nova Gyro & added feta as my entree, and ended with the Tiramisu. Everything was delicious, and flavorful. The inside isn't very big but they have a nice size patio & the service was quick and attentive. Already can't wait to go back

    Cocktail
    Wanda H.

    SHAME on my lack of pictures! My cocktail was delicious. I ordered the Cucumber & Feta Rolls to share with the table and everyone enjoyed them. I had the Spicy Chicken Gyro which didn't seem spicy at all to me. I had to give up on eating the pita, and ate all the inner ingredients which were good. But not spicy ‍. Desserts were excellent. Service was lacking, throughout the meal. There were numerous things on the menu that they were either out of or couldn't make because of equipment issues. We sat out front on the patio and once WE turned the music down, it was pleasant enough. But I think being out there was why the service wasn't great.

    Three cheese tiropita
    MaryAnn B.

    Small indoor space but a lot of outdoor seating which is nicely lit . Attentive service, maybe a little bit of communication difficulty but eventually understanding happens. If Mediterranean is a choice of your, this is the right place for some delicious dining. Great choice of appetizers, small and large plates of typical dishes but some excellent surprises, as well. Don't forget dessert!

    Suzane C.

    Food was very good. The ac was not working well on a hot summer evening and a large fan added a bit of relief but also added more noise. The service was good for as busy as they were. I wish I could have gotten more refills on my ice water. I like this place, and love the patio, but it was too hot today to enjoy that.

    Gracie L.

    I've recently been on a Mediterranean food kick, and it's safe to say that Cafe Nova provided me exactly what I was looking for! My partner and I visited on a beautiful Wednesday evening and decided to sit outside. I couldn't believe the expansiveness of their outdoor patio area. There's SO many seating options! The host at the entrance told us to sit anywhere we wanted. Our table was nicely shaded by an umbrella. Given the perfect scenery and weather, I was really looking forward to drinking a glass of moscato, but unfortunately my server let me know that they were all out. It seemed like they had run out of a few other types of wine as well, as I overheard another server share the same thing with a table nearby. My partner had a glass of cabernet sauvignon and loved it. We started with an appetizer of hummus. First of all, the presentation was stunning. Very picture-worthy! The taste was just as incredible. The pita bread was overall soft but also the tiniest bit crunchy on the edges, which my partner thought was a great switch-up from pita that we've had in the past that's completely soft. For our meals, my partner tried their classic gyro and was blown away. I had the veggie gyro and thought the same. Both were massive. I felt so bad that I couldn't finish the whole thing because it was so big, but it was insanely delicious and filling! Their oregano fries on the side were great, too. Can't wait to come back here!

    Seafood Bake with Salad
    Rebecca R.

    The service was very friendly, given that it was a slow day I got a lot of extra attention. Food was delicious; baked well with flaky layers and the salad was perfectly dressed with acid. As I'm not a fan of the sweet dressings most STL places use. I will be back to try more of the menu.

    Cafe Nova Gyro
    Courtney S.

    [July 2025] My friend and I met up for dinner here one night. It has street parking only. When we walked up, I was met with the cutesiest outdoor patio so of course we had to see about sitting out there! They have a signature cocktails menu along with their regular menu but boy it was hard to choose from the options. They all sounded amazing, but I landed with the Seasonal Sangria. It was fruit forward, crisp and garnished with mint. For my meal, I ordered the Nova Gyro. It was jam packed with flavor and came equipped with very well-seasoned fries. I devoured my gyro and took half the fries home (healthy serving!). I cannot wait until it's summer again so that I can sit on that patio! Just be mindful of mosquitos. They were eating on me while I was eating!

    Nova gyro
    Julia M.

    An incredible patio and restaurant in STL! One of the best patios with an incredible vibe. The food is also delicious and always hot and fresh. Can't go wrong with the nova gyro or any apps. Their fries are also incredible. Parking is always really easy. The service is usually pretty slow (very busy) but everyone is always so kind and hustling. So worth a try!

    Shrimp appetizer
    Madi B.

    Gyros got me through the door, the patio and signature cocktails made me cancel my afternoon plans. Excited to come back!

    Greek salad with gyro
    Joyce W.

    Came here on a Sunday, brunch time during the winter fluke where the temp reached the upper 60s. We have a lovely time on the gorgeous patio. We were one of the first tables occupied so our service and food was prompt. As the day went on, it got busier and noticeably slower and less attention. However we were fine with this since our group of 3 head embroiled in conversation. I had the greek salad with gyro. There was so much food I had to take it home. Same with my friends. Both had gyros that were so stuffed, easily the side of heads with fries. The food was delicious and I will absolutely come again, even if the service was slower later. I think they're under staffed, so that added empathy is needed.

    Mini spanikopita
    Beth K.

    The patio has huge , unfortunately it was raining l but we were able to sit in the screen in portion. The food was big portions which was nice but online prices are not accurate with in person menu prices. A gyro is around 12.89 instead of 8.99. The fries were great and the meat was tasty! The staff was friendly and attentive.

    Warm melty Feta Cheese with chili oil & fresh fried pita chip.  This wasn't on the menu, but suggested by our server.  SO DELICIOUS!!
    Michele H.

    Amazing food! Attentive and helpful servers. Beautiful outdoor seating garden. The Spanicopita is life-changing, seriously delicious!! The Gyros are moist, flavorful & not greasy. Get an extra Tziki sauce & feta cheese... So good! The summer seasonal sangria was light, refreshing (not too sweet) & garnished with fresh mint grown on premises I wish I lived closer & could come more often! The servers make you feel like a member of their family. They share their favorites & I have never been disappointed - TAKE THEIR SUGGESTIONS! I can't wait to come back!!

    Cucumber drink
    Kayla W.

    The food and service is always great! We go here at east once a week love cafe nova! The best patio in south city!

    Buffalo Gyro

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Wonderful place. Great food & service. The patio is amazing. Good place for big groups.

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    11 months ago

    Delicious food and beautiful outdoor patio! Have been there many times and have always enjoyed it!

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    1 year ago

    Excellent food, Always so delicious. Whenever I'm is STL we eat Cafe Nova. My go to is spanakopita, Greek salad and the best baklava ever!

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Never had eaten there before fantastic great team of people there the food was awesome and hot

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Asked for 4 straws gave me 2 and gave me 4 pounds of veggies with rice when I ordered chicken and rice

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    2 years ago

    One of the best patios I've seen if you're up for outdoor eating, and their caprese salad is delicious.

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    Page 2 of 11

    Ask the Community - Cafe Nova

    Do they take reservations?

    I believe they do. You need to call them. I have been there when they have certain tables and areas reserved.

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    Layali Halab

    Layali Halab

    4.6
    (88 reviews)
    9.7 mi

    This is my first time here, and I walked in very pleasantly surprised with the decor. Simple and…read moreyet, very charming, very Arabian. I read other reviews and immediately that I wanted to try their lemonade with mint, which was heavenly. It was extremely refreshing, not too sweet, not too sour, tiny chopped leaves of mint floating around like confetti. I ordered the lamb shank, a plate of pickles, and also ordered falafel and avocado dip to go. The lamb was very well seasoned and fall of the bone tender. The accompanying cucumber bits in yogurt sauce was refreshing. The side of mushrooms with carrots and corn kernels that came with the dish was mediocre, particularly since the consistency and look of the mushrooms looked like they came from a can, but I may be wrong. The plate of pickles was delightful. I will admit that I was very disappointed because I had read that lentil soup would be complementary with main dishes when anyone dined in until 4 PM, but I'd never had any lentil soup at all, unless I am mistaken about the offer. Service was fast, even though there was only one server, who was, by the way, very polite and attentive. All in all, I will be back and I might actually end up being regular here.

    Had the opportunity to try Layali Halab and was very impressed. We visited on a Saturday afternoon…read moreand seated without an issue. Our service was great, very patient in answering questions. The restaurant was very clean and very busy with customers. We were served lentil soup and was absolutely delicious. We ordered some traditional Mediterranean dishes and also very good. Prices were very reasonable and lots of dishes to chooses. Decor is very nice and plenty of seating for small and large groups. Great experience and will be back, highly recommend Layali Halab, give them a try.

    Photos
    Layali Halab
    Beef Shawarma Sandwich to go
    Beef Shawarma Sandwich to go
    Layali Halab

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    Sultān Mediterranean Restaurant

    Sultān Mediterranean Restaurant

    4.7
    (546 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    Last night, I stopped by Sultan Mediterranean before heading over to Word Up at Hot Java Bar. I'm…read moreglad I joined the waitlist when I did, as the wait was a bit longer than expected even on the list. The ambiance inside was like a cozy cafe with Mediterranean vibes, especially at the register. We were seated and already knew what we wanted. I ordered an Arnold Palmer, and the mint in the lemonade was refreshingly delicious. For my meal, I opted for the Chicken and Beef Combo. The grilled chicken kabob was incredibly tasty, and the beef kabob was bursting with flavor. It was served with rice, grilled tomato, and a cucumber and tomato salad, all of which complemented the main dishes beautifully. The tzatziki sauce was some of the best I've had in the city. This place is always bustling, and I can see why. The food was absolutely delicious, and my leftovers were just as good as they were when I first ate them. I'm already looking forward to trying more of the menu on my next visit, which will be sooner rather than later since every dish I saw looked mouthwatering. If you're searching for a Mediterranean restaurant in The Grove, you've found it. The staff was also very friendly and attentive.

    Our little supper club came in for dinner on Saturday. They do not take reservations but the wait…read morewas worth it. Our party got there a little before 6. We waited around 20-30 minutes to get a table to accommodate the 7 people in our party. We stood around by the entrance while we waited. When we were finally seated, they put us on the second dining room which has a better ambiance and much more quieter than the main dining room. Someone brought us a pitcher of water which fell slightly short of giving all 7 of us full glasses. Some of us ordered their lemonade mix. I had the one with pomegranate which tasted fresh and made in house. We shared 3 different appetizers: babaganoush, hummus and saksuka. They brought us a basket of naan. They were huge and still warm. The only thing I would have asked for would have been that the naans be cut into smaller pieces so people are not touching naans that others will have to eat. Our appetizers were all excellent. The babaganoush, specifically has fantastic flavors. This might have been the best babaganoush I have ever tasted! For my entree, I ordered the lamb kabob served with some dressed rice and salad. Okay, usually I don't care for rice. It's bland and pretty boring but they actually seasoned their rice here so well that I've completely forgotten I was eating rice. The kabob was so flavorful like it has been marinating for a while. The meat was tender and juicy. We didn't do any dessert as we were all very full in the end. At least 4 out of 7 brought home leftovers. My one friend had made a comment about his pilau being larger than his head! Service was good. You pay up front. If you come in with a large party and ask to split the check, they charge $1 per card. We asked to have our bill split 7 ways and then 2, 2, 2 and 1. She said she understood but then did the math wrong anyway. We didn't bother and just paid the even quarter split and my friends refunded me the difference. Other than a few nuisances, it was a great dining experience. No joke, this place has some seriously good eats. And to be honest, I can't wait to come back!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Chicken biryani
    Chicken biryani
    Sultān Mediterranean Restaurant

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    Jafra Mediterranean Restaurant

    Jafra Mediterranean Restaurant

    4.9
    (376 reviews)
    20.5 mi
    $$

    After living in the Middle East for decades, this restaurant is the closest in authenticity and the…read moreflavors I would expect in Lebanon/Palestine. It's delicious! The staff also offers the same personable service one would experience in the Middle East. They offer suggestions to the novice and indulge the connoisseur. Plus, I've used them for catering, for a more exotic flair, at an event. The guests raved about the taste. Jafra's location is hidden, making it feel like you've found a secret indulgence. It's a quiet location perfect for a tete a tete or a family gathering, where you feel wrapped in the experience. My husband will tell you, the only draw back is the price. It's not crazy expensive, but not cheap. But no matter what my husband says... it's worth every penny for delicious, exotic flavors that leave me satisfied, everytime. My husband too. LOL

    Amazing hidden gem in Saint Charles! This unassuming spot serves some of the best kibe I've ever…read morehad, perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious. The Arabic coffee is a must‑order, and my chicken dish was full of flavor. Service is warm and attentive, and you can feel the hospitality from this Palestinian family‑owned restaurant. Cozy ambiance, great food, and genuinely kind people. I'll definitely be back to try more dishes.

    Photos
    Falafel, yogurt dip w/feta cheese, tabbouleh salad, baba ganoush, hummus, muhamara, mint tea.
    Falafel, yogurt dip w/feta cheese, tabbouleh salad, baba ganoush, hummus, muhamara, mint tea.
    Hummus with shawarma (small)
    Hummus with shawarma (small)
    Turkish Coffee

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    Turkish Coffee
    J's Pitaria

    J's Pitaria

    4.7
    (323 reviews)
    5.8 mi
    $$

    I'd heard great things about this place and had been wanting to try it for a while. We ended up…read moregoing as a group when a friend was visiting from out of town. I didn't realize it was quite so far away, but it was worth checking out. Overall, I really enjoyed The Berliner with chicken, and the fresh Somun Bread & Kajmak was also a standout. The food was flavorful, and everyone in our group seemed to enjoy their meal. The only downside was that several of us ended up with upset stomachs afterward. That said, no one had anything negative to say about the food itself, and overall it was still a positive dining experience.

    I am truly disappointed after my recent visit for a late lunch. Service was prompt and my order…read morearrived at my table quickly. I ordered the Doner Salad, Hummus appetizer, and a Diet Coke. As always, the food is simply delicious. What really pissed me off? Upon leaving, I asked for a container to take most of it home because it was too much to eat. The young woman served me a brown cardboard wax-coated box to dump everything in. She said, "Will this do?" No bag to carry it home or prevent the 2 oz. Soufflé cup Olive Oil, and partially full- 2 oz. Soufflé cup of Tzatziki. I asked if I could get an extra 2 oz. portion of Tazatziki. The young woman looked at me rudely and as if she would be terribly inconvenienced, she said "We charge extra for that!" I replied "Just FORGET it!" She was very attentive to a table of females behind me who were obnoxiously loud! I regret I left her a tip after spending $40.00 + for lunch. Your To-go orders include very fancy packaging in orange bag, oversized white plastic bag. I'm a sure an extra 2.0 oz portion of Tazatziki wouldn't break your piggy bank and cost a helluva lot less. Truly disappointing snd pathetic. If you want similar, delicious cuisine and nicer service, spend your money at Balkin Treat Box. At least you won't be rudely, mistreated by arrogant, lazy "Millennial" wait-staff.

    Photos
    The Berliner
    The Berliner
    Stuffed Flatbread
    Stuffed Flatbread
    Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad

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    Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad
    Esca

    Esca

    4.5
    (106 reviews)
    5.1 mi

    A real treat yo self experience is to be had at this restaurant by the Bengelina Hospitality Group…read more Recommendations: At this coastal Mediterranean restaurant we enjoyed the Stracciatella consisting of grilled grapes, rosemary almonds, and aged balsamic and the shrimp oreganata as starters. For the grilled over charcoal portion of the menu, we enjoyed the the Denver steak and skirt steak. For the side, you can't go wrong with the fire baked potato with truffle fonduta. Dessert: The limoncello tiramisu is delightful and fresh. The homemade chocolate truffles are made by Chef's mom and are a must try menu item. Ambiance: Warm and intimate with great music playing in the background. Staff: Ellie was knowledgeable, friendly, and provided excellent recommendations. Jonathan's keen sense of hospitality and operational excellence further enhances the restaurant experience.

    I was excited to try Esca after friends were raving about it. My husband and I dined here for our…read moreanniversary meal, and I wish we would have chosen a place with a little more enthusiasm and less pretension. The server seemed annoyed with being there, never asked my husband if he wanted a refill, took forever to check on us, and messed up the bill, which I didn't catch until after signing it. I've been to plenty of fine dining restaurants where our server has introduced themselves and asked about the occasion, and this place did none of that. Esca has the service of a fast casual restaurant- zero rapport with the customer. Oh and I was charged a 20% service fee. Super tacky to do that for a table of two at a nice restaurant. Bruschetta was such a small portion and flavorless. The artichokes claimed to have anchovy but my husband said he couldn't taste any, so he essentially got a tiny $20 artichoke as an appetizer. My $16 spritz was so loaded with ice I had maybe three sips of the actual drink. I noticed every other table had bread service but we weren't offered any. Our dinner was finished and I finally asked our server for bread. The best part of my meal was the gelato with olive oil, that's it. I don't think I'll spend the $$ again at this place. It's such a bummer because I had high hopes for a stellar Mediterranean meal.

    Photos
    Esca's interior
    Esca's interior
    Shaved veal with tuna sauce capers and croutons
    Shaved veal with tuna sauce capers and croutons
    Espresso Martini for dessert

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    Espresso Martini for dessert

    Cafe Nova - coffee - Updated August 2026

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