Lona’s Lil Eats
2199 California Ave, Saint Louis, MO, 63104
Lona’s Lil Eats Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Saint Louis for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Saint Louis for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Saint Louis for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
2199 California Ave
Saint Louis, MO, 63104 - Phone (314) 899-5582
- Website https://www.lonaslileats.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Chinese Cuisine
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
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Tauren S.
The best place I have ever eaten at never had anything like it I will definitely eat here alot more. If you have not had the Dumplings they are a must those scrumptious things are so mouthwatering, and the meats are always perfect and the staff is very polite and helpful. The wait time for food is not bad for a place as busy as Lona's and don't get me started on the music selection makes you want to sleep there!!!
(5)Steve S.
Four stars counting a bonus for being a little different and creative. I don't generally include "nice" or "service" on the plus side in terms of stars, but they were notably good here. I hope they keep it up and occasionally add new temporary creations to the menu.
(4)Brittany K.
Holy rice wraps! Stopped in for lunch after reading reviews and this place definitely lived up to expectations. We were lucky enough to be the first customers upon opening that day. I was thankful for that, because the line can be slow moving and long during the lunch rush. Go for the wraps. They are customizable, but I ordered the Grilled Chicken off the menu. The fresh greens and generous cilantro made me feel like I was being healthy despite the massive portion. I was surprised by how well-seasoned the side salad was. The soda fountain exclusively dispenses Excel Bottling products including the Southern Illinois nectar of the gods, Ski. Trying each flavor was really fun, so I imagine older children might enjoy Lona's just for that. Skip the appetizer, because entrees are generous. We ordered dumplings and they were average.
(5)Muja B.
What a little gem! The food tastes so authentic, the place is adorable, the staff and service are excellent and the prices reasonable. I tried a variety of vegeterian options and they are all fantastic! I wish I had discovered this place sooner.
(5)andrea t.
I am new to Lona's food and though i have walked by their stall in Souland's Farmer's Market, i have never tried any of their offerings. Their new restaurant is a different story :-). To date i have tried the plate with the variety of your choice of meat, sides, sauces; dumplings (twice); rolls, and even beer (and I don't really drink beer but it was good)! Everything has been flavorful and tasty. The picked side and the eggplant side were also good. Thanks for opening this place, for the friendly smiles, and help with describing both the menu and food.
(5)Marcus M.
My wife had the tofu wrap, and it was excellent. Good portions, very fresh ingredients. The "village stew" was pretty good as well. Sodas here are all made with cane sugar, and they are spectacular - very refreshing!
(5)Keith T.
I popped in here for dinner while I was visiting friends in TGE, and am so glad I did. I had the steak in rice paper with jasmine rice and one of the sauces recommended by Pierce, one of the owners. I went with medium spice cause I had heard good things about the chilli sauce. And I had the side for the night too, which was a bamboo stew that was kind of like Chinese collard greens. Man that was such a good meal! Everything was great, the steak was flavorful and not too chewy or heavy, worked perfectly in the wrap. The sauces were amazing, I'm a big fan of the Huy Fong Foods chilli garlic sauce (the sriracha people), but Lona's blows it out if the water. They grow the chillis themselves and you can really tell; the sauce is so fresh tasting. Finally, the bamboo stew was great too, good flavor without being heavy at all, like the whole meal really. This is the kind of place I could eat at two to three times per week if I lived in the area. Good food, and I didn't feel like I needed to sit on the couch and digest for hours afterward. The owners are really nice people just starting out a great new place, do yourselves a favor and go support them!
(5)Pibi P.
The potstickers at Lona's are unique & flavorful -the best I've ever had. It's rare to find beef potstickers & from what I've read this is how Lona started. It's more of a quick service place with very kind & extremely hard working staff. The greens stew is definitely a unique earthy ethnic flavor with pickled bamboo which I've never had. We've been here 3x so far & I'm looking forward to this again. Love the healthy & light rice paper wraps too!
(5)En J.
The giant spring roll is my new food obsession. Try the stew as a side..spicy and delicious. Will be back - a lot!!
(5)John M.
Hip and Healthy place to eat. Loved the rainy day vibe and the great rice wrapped spicy glass noodles. Chose the lime peanut sauce and Chicken. Really enjoyable.
(4)Mike H.
Extremely good food. I've yet to try anything I didn't like at Lona's. If you haven't tried Lona's you are missing out.
(5)Nancy A.
So good! Had the wrap with stir fried glass noodles and Lona's sauce, yum!! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Donn G.
This place is amazing! Its not really Asian food but with an Asian type flair. Everything is fresh, evident by the peppers growing in back as u walk up to the front door. It's so good I forget that it's healthy. A cool clean atmosphere that I highly recommend. Five stars is not enough!
(5)K W.
Really interesting, delicious food. We went tonight to check this place out for the first time. The mushroom dumplings alone were worth the trip. They are so good, I wished I'd gotten my own order instead of splitting them. Sooooooo tasty, with and without the dipping sauce. The other food we had (#5 and #8 wraps) were also good. We kept trading and couldn't decide which we liked better. Overall, a great, quick meal where there was no fault to be found with the food or service.
(5)Kat V.
I have to admit I can be a pain in the butt when it comes to dining out due to my many dietary restrictions. I simply forgot one of the restrictions, but quickly told the staff after they brought out my order wrongly done. The staff accommodated to these ridiculous restrictions & brought out one that was done right. My rice wrap was full of flavor. Kind of an Asian burrito. I wasn't a fan of the stir fried glass noodle side dish & the spicy cucumbers. Just not my thing. The place was packed today within an hour of opening for lunch. The soda served was local. Ski brand. Love it. The ambiance was very cool & bright. This place is second to Wolfgang Puck's Chinois on Main. Delectable & delish Asian fusion. This is Asian fusion gone right. All in all, I love this place. Two thumbs up. Many thanks to the staff for a wonderful experience. Note to self: keep a handy list of dietary restrictions on my phone.
(4)Phil B.
Keith T you were right, this small place is the bomb!! All the food was super fresh and nice portions. Excellent!!!
(5)Ellen D.
I found Lona's first at Soulard Market and wow, was the food good! As soon as they opened up an actual restaurant I couldn't resist giving it a try! This little gem is tucked away in a cute corner of Fox Park. The decor is really trendy and the staff are so friendly! And of course, the food is fantastic! Delicious, home-cooked asian fusion at it's finest, but minus the huge price tag that would come from most other places in St. Louis. All of the ingredients are fresh, so you don't leave feeling like you are about to explode from salt and preservative intake! The spring roll wraps are amazing--especially with the homemade peanut sauce, which is to die for! (ask for extra- it's worth it!) The platters are delicious and so are the wraps. The noodles are SO good--definitely get those on the side! And there is a pesto sauce that is awesome on everything too. This place is by far the best asian food, with the best price tag, in St. Louis! I definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone!
(5)Candace G.
Absolutely delicious!! Fresh ingredients, yummy sauces, and many choices yet a simple menu. I hate, I mean I love that they are down the street from me -- walking distance. This could be a dangerous habit. But yummy!!
(5)Brad C.
Yum. Great flavor!! Dumplings and steak are fantastic. Restaurant name delivers on atmosphere ... It's like Nacho Mama ... Asian style.
(4)Laura M.
Just went here for dinner tonight. Absolutely delicious! The steak dumplings are some of the best I've had. I feel like the steak that you typically get in dumplings is fake, rubbery garbage... The steak in these was amazing! Everything we had was great. The service was also top notch. Every single person in the place was super attentive and friendly. I only wish they were open on Sundays. We'll definitely be back!
(5)Go B.
Sorry Lona's, but today's service was simply some of the worst I have ever encountered. First, my chicken was overcooked. It was burnt. I haven't sent something back to a kitchen in nearly a decade but the chicken was so hard from being burnt that I had to. Second, I had to ask 3 times for our side that we ordered and it seemed like we were bugging the workers because we wanted to have our side within 20 minutes of receiving our meal. So when I finally got a hold of someone to change our chicken, the guy was like a rude version of Ben Affleck from Boston in a movie to us. Rude looks. No composure. Ishmael, who is the only reason I will potentially ever go back since he was so kind, told us he would get us a new plate and he apologized since they were busy. Then the rude Ben Affleck comes in and tells me he will give me some new chicken but he was perturbed why I wouldn't want to eat black chicken that you can't bite into. So it's awhile inbetween and I am scared what the heck I am going to get from behind the kitchen and I just say if I can just knock my meal off the bill. One person brings me a brand new plate with everything. Then someone comes in with just chicken. Then the Ben Affleck comes in, grabs my entire plate, is very threatening and wonders why I wanted a new plate when I never asked for any of that - I simply just wanted to leave. So now I have food on my table, that the crazy Ben Affleck picked up with his hands while I am eating, and my entire party feels so uncomfortable. If I want to eat burnt chicken, I can do it myself and spend less than $50 with even better beer. And I can do that without some guy threatening my family basically. I can understand everyone has off nights and the place was busy, but how in the heck do you start acting like a jerk to your customers when they aren't being served parts of their orders for over 20 minutes and one of the plates tastes awful? The reason I may come back is the food is good and I have been here plenty of times so that's why I am so disappointed with the service. I recommend not coming at a busy time or anytime in the evening on a Saturday. And the only other reason I may come back is the server Ishmael was extremely kind and actually knew how to treat customers who were not receiving their sides (20 minutes after our meal came and the food was cold!). I hope Lona's doesn't lose what it once had because as a frequent visitor, I may just never return. I love the show curb your enthusiasm, but I don't appreciate being put into a quasi-episode with upset workers threatening me to eat overcooked food. I feel awful now for Larry David knowing that is how his life really feels! It's too bad Lona wasn't there that night.
(1)Koutney J.
When I first was told about this place by a couple of friends, I was skeptical. I saw some of the pictures on yelp and wasn't very impressed. When we came here for dinner a couple weeks ago I was totally blown away. That even puts it mildly. This is some of the BEST Asian food I have ever had. I would recommend this to any of my friends. The sauces take the dishes to the next level. UNBELIEVABLE.
(5)Shale H.
Lona's is my favorite new lunch spot. The food here is unique and very flavorful (try the spicy sesame sauce) without making you feel like you need a nap afterwords. Great addition to the Fox Park neighborhood!
(5)Owen C.
High quality asian food.
(5)Emily S.
Wow! Very friendly staff who are quite knowledgable about the food. Pick a protein, staple of rice/noodles/greens and a sauce and they will prepare it wrap or plate style. They also have plate entrees and drinks. I sampled the special punch and several friends ordered it and liked it. I picked tofu, salad greens in a gluten free rice wrap with the Lona Q sauce. The spicy dishes didn't taste hot but tasted well seasoned and had a lot of flavor. I loved the Lona Q sauce which tasted seasoned with a hint of smokey and sweet. Others tried the noodles and spring rolls with peanut sauce. Everyone raved about the meal and said they wanted to go back soon. The wraps resemble giant spring rolls about the size of a burrito. Messy but delicious. Easy street parking.
(5)Jon M.
This place did not disappoint. With 5 stars on Yelp I had pretty high expectations and I can honestly say they surpassed them all. The food was so fresh and full of flavor! The staff was really friendly and helpful too. I love supporting local business and will definitely be coming back here!
(5)Katie D.
Though the decor is confusing and the menu poorly organized, the food is outstanding! Friendly and quick service adds to the draw of this unique eatery. The food is fresh, handcrafted and makes you want to come back for more. Everything on the menu is delicious!
(5)Jackie A.
THE BEST and worth the wait!!!!!
(5)Kimberly M.
Wow!! On my list for several weeks..Finally made it there last week for lunch. Veggie dumplings = Fabulous. Veggie Spring Rolls and Spicy Eggplant (yes I ordered all three!) were both also very good but were overshadowed by the amazing dumplings. Others with me had various bowls which o definitely want to try next time. Fresh and delicious!
(5)Lolo W.
Updating to rave about a couple of items: first the eggplant side dish. May not be the prettiest, but the flavor is rich and mellow, enhanced by the crunch of the green onions. Delicious! Also enjoyed #7 Tofu and stir fried rice in rice paper wrap - good with both the smoky vinaigrette or the Lona Q sauce. The Dumplings are a great starter and not greasy like potstickers can be sometimes. Love all the food and the rich, complex flavors layered in the deceptively simple offerings. I do wish the food was plated differently as the too large trays and no plates are a bit awkward and messy. Still I crave Lona's more often than any other restaurant lately!
(5)Andrew B.
The rice paper wraps here are the perfect combination of tasty and healthy. Fresh vegetables, crunchy noodles (or whatever filling you choose), flavorful meat (or tofu, etc., but I love the steak). If you order it spicy it has a nice little burn to it. If you're craving a burrito but don't want to deal with the food coma that always follows, this is a great light, fresh alternative. The staff is also friendly -- sometimes hyper-vigilant (for a restaurant where you order at the counter, it's amazing how often they want to refill your water), but I'll take hyper-vigilant over apathetic any day.
(5)Randy V.
Amazing Flavors,Amazingly Fresh...Nothing Else Like it in STL! Will definitely be back! (Ever notice that some of the best food comes from places without white tablecloths?)
(5)Emily S.
This is going to be a new regular for us, for SURE! Every bite of food we had was absolutely delicious. They have Ski cola fountain soda (made with pure cane sugar) which was a big plus for me. Pierce (Lona's husband) introduced himself to us and couldn't be a nicer guy. He made sure we understood how the menu worked and informed us that they could cater to many dietary restrictions eg. paleo, gluten free, vegan, etc. They clearly take a lot of pride in what they are doing from the food to the service. I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Lana H.
The spring rolls were excellent. I agree that the prices are a bit high considering my dish was mostly noodles and very little chicken. The side of veggies was tasty but only about 4 forkfuls. There was also a problem with the beverage dispenser. The server who helped used a bare hand to hold the spout in place and my water passed over his finger on its way into my cup. Ewwww.
(3)Anne M.
Being a vegetarian married to an obligate carnivore, it's not always easy to find a restaurant that we both get really excited for. Their website lacks a menu so we weren't able to scope out all the options before our trip, but I had been following them via social media for a week or two and was realizing that both the hubs and I would enjoy the adventure. A very unassuming building in Fox Park holds a quirky yet simple interior with quite possibly some of the best food I've had in a while. We ordered from the counter, with lots of recommendations from staff, and chose our seats. We started with spring rolls - veggie for me and steak for the hubs, of course. Wow. So fresh, and the peanut dipping sauce had just enough kick. We both ordered "plates" in which you choose a protein (several meat choices, shrimp or tofu), choose a grain, a sauce and a side. You can also order these items inside rice paper or a tortilla, too. I opted for the spicy tofu with glass noodles and the lemongrass pesto with stir-fried veggies. The hubs had chicken with fried rice and the same (fabulous) peanut sauce that came with the spring rolls. Spicy tofu is just that - spicy! I did not need the extra chili paste that came with my plate! This dish was fabulous, even without the addition of the lemongrass pesto, but that added even more flavor. The fried rice that came with the hubby's chicken was unlike any run-of-the-mill Chinese restaurant fried rice. Much more flavor and texture with the different rice blend that was used. I had a small amount of leftovers they gladly packaged up for me and I must say, eating them for lunch today only made me want more. We will be back, many times over. And soon. Don't miss this place - and hurry before everyone else finds out about it - no doubt they will be very successful.
(5)Henry P.
Not really sure how to describe the food. It's not like any Asian restaurant I have ever had. The couple than owns and operates the place have a great story which only made me appreciate their creation that much more. Their staff is friendly and engaging. The sauces are incredible...MORE SAUCE PLEASE!! The taste is memorable and my mind continues to question when I will return. I know one thing...it will be within the week and I will be bringing friends. My friends and I are foodies and I want to be the one to take credit for discovering this place. It's a gem and now a destination...I feel lucky to have it within 30 minutes from my house!!! Thank you Lona's lil Eats for such a unique experience!!
(5)Bob H.
Wow. The beer selection, the dumplings, the sauces and the sample plate. I wanted it all again. This is thai, but also other influences. Spicy flavors but not burning heat. This is a once a week must for anyone
(5)Susan K.
Lest you think the City is frightening.... i had my third amazing dinner at Lona, my husband's first. The food was delicious, my husband surprised at my enthusiasm, since I am "so picky". Please make sure to try the Lona sauce with the chicken, it's incredible. Then....when we got home my husband noticed he had lost his grandfathers retirement gift, a clip with a 1957 silver dollar attached. Not valuable, but very important to him. A wonderful guest found it outside the restaurant, and a kind member of the Lona team called us to let us know it was safe. Turns out this was our best date in a long time. Great food, great people, great city. Thanks Lona's Lil Eats, welcome to the neighborhood!
(5)Karol C.
This is a true treasure for the appetite & a must to try. The owners , staff, customer service, and best of all the menu, be you a meat eater or vegan or vegatarian( forgive me if I spelled it wrong) are definitely fresh & delicious.
(5)Monique F.
Hate the Business model but food was worth it. Went on a sat night late. One must stand in line with others to place order. Line was very crowded making small dining room hot. And crowded. Management saw and sent another iPad out to take orders. brilliantly executed. Had a "weekend spiked punch". Usually 3 flavours-had sold out all by the gin so I had a sip of Chardonnay $7. Ordered beef dumplings- perfectly cooked and meats were without gristle and of high quality. Dipping sauce was spiced out of this world delicious. Heavy on the red peppers which I love. I could have drank the stuff out of a cup. 2d app was spring rolls. Told us they were out of peanut sauce- but when they arrive peanut sauce accompany them!!! Delicious. Saved that sauce and dipped other stuff in Mixed green salad with dressing mixed (which I rarely order due to over dressing) is possibly the BEST salad I have ever had-it must come from an urban farm in heaven. My protein was shrimp and it did not add to salad. For $3 up charge I won't do it again. Companion (handsome and tall) wanted Turken wrap but kitchen out -so turkey wrap. Said it was great and are every bit A bit expensive but I don't mind as the food was fresh, innovative, lean clean and outstanding. It will give my SouthGrabs faves a run for their money. Hope business model modifies and dining room expands
(4)Tiger R.
One of my new favorite places- The flavor is great, the portions are perfect for someone like me with a hearty appetite, and it isn't crazy expensive. While the service was excellent, there were moments where I wished that they would leave us alone a bit more so I could continue to enjoy my meal. Is there such a thing as being too attentive? Everything else was fantastic.
(5)Erin G.
Everything about this place is amazing starting with the food, the Ski Cherry Lime sugar cane soda, and the owners. The meat is so flavorful, I don't know what Lona does to it but its magical and a wonderful much needed addition to this neighborhood.
(5)Emma F.
Had the steak wrap. It was really good. I surprisingly really like the rice paper. Friendly crowd. Friendly staff. Great service. This was my first visit but will be back again.
(5)Mark C.
Great place for gluten free delicious food. Everything is gf but the flour tortilla and the dumplings. The food is outstanding. I've brought several people here and they've all loved it. This is my new favorite place for tofu. Very easy to eat vegan here as well.
(5)Krystal L.
So excited to have this great place in the neighborhood! Everything I've had thus far has been incredible. They don't have a liquor license yet, but it's on its way soon. It's both healthy and delicious!
(5)Flyer C.
I had had some bad experiences with Thai food in the past and could've cared less to ever try it again... However last week, against my preference, I was dragged along to this place. Mother of God. MOTHER OF GOD!! The dumplings were absolute heaven, one of the best things I have ever had against my palate. Then I dipped it in the sauce that it came with...... almost soiled my britches. Then I had the giant rice wrap with chicken, glass noodles, and spicy sesame sauce. There are no words. Each ingredient was so fresh and expertly prepared. Never have I made a restaurant my favorite after just one visit, but this is now it. If this place ever changes the quality of there food I will be so, so upset.
(5)Zak J.
Way awesome food. I had never had anything from their Soulard location and was blown away. The price is more than reasonable. All of the staff I've interacted with has been very pleasant. They seem eager to be a part of the neighborhood.
(5)John P.
The noodles are ridiculous! If you're really hungry, the 5 star platter is the way to go. I always get it with noodles, all 5 meats and sauces. The sauces are what make the dish. Totally worth the $15. I'd pay more...soo good!
(5)Emily M.
Absolutely! This place is my new thing. I want to dip my life in the peanut sauce! It's a great and healthy option. So good. Definitely a must try! My favorite spot in town!
(5)Jen W.
I can't wait to eat everything on the menu! The dumplings lived up to the hype and the combination platter was a great way for two of us to check out the different flavors. The owner welcomed us, walked us through the entire menu and checked back in with us on our way out the door. An all-around great experience with a new business that is sure to have a cult following.
(5)Carrie G.
Outstanding! Met a friend there for dinner and couldn't have had more fun. We are both pescatarians but tend to lean on the veggie side and it was incredible to have so many options. The owners are fabulous and the staff was very welcoming. Most definitely will become a regular dining spot.
(5)Sam S.
This place is great. My co-workers/supervisor commented on the delicious smell when I brought some food from Lona's in. Will revisit when I'm in the neighborhood again.
(4)Ashley W.
I really enjoyed the food. The staff was pleasant and allowed me to modify one of their specials in order to accommodate my taste. I tried the spicy sesame sauce and it was wonderful. I will definitely visit again soon. This is my new favorite spot for Asian fusion.
(5)Dottie L.
All I can say is you've got to go! The food is amazing! We sampled everything from the dumplings to the fresh spring rolls to wraps and platters. If you really want to try a sampling of all of the amazing sauces and meats then go with the 5 star platter. You're taste buds will not be disappointed at Lona's Lil Eats! PS If in in doubt, do what we did, ask their daughter Jane for a recommendation. She is a great help!
(5)Trenna E.
I tried Lona's for lunch and it was absolutely incredible; everything is so fresh and flavorful and you feel amazing when you're finished, the food is so light and tasty - the sauces are amazing. This is true "foodie" food, I can't wait to go back - the peanut sauce is what dreams are made of.
(5)Maximus H.
I'm pretty stingy with the 5th star but I'm going to tack it on because I am really into this joint. Really happy to have this new addition to the TGE/ Fox Park neighborhood and it's quickly becoming a staple restaurant in my life. The food here is really wonderful, a mix of familiar Chinese flavors with more exotic SE Asian spices. More bamboo. More fermentation. More peanut. Worth trying is whatever is on special, but also the salads, the fresh spring rolls, and anything on the menu. The portions are really big so you can enjoy a second meal or split with a date (maybe tack on a side or a lime peanut cabbage salad so that you aren't feeling peckish). The owners are wonderful, accommodating, and exceedingly friendly. It's too bad they are closed on weekends (but they're busy working at Soulard)!
(5)Jonathan D.
What a great find! Nestled in a rehabbed old corner store at the end of a quaint block, Lona's is a tiny gem in the reviving Fox Park neighborhood. The wraps are simple and fresh yet incredibly flavorful. I strongly recommend #8! All wraps come with a side or a salad, so you won't leave hungry. We'll definitely be back.
(5)Ross C.
This Place is Great!! Friendly out going service and Great unique food!! Highly recommended this place!!
(5)Blink E.
I enjoy their food every time I venture out to Soulard Market on Saturday's! I was delighted to hear the news they landed their own establishment in the late summer. You can't go wrong here for well seasoned Thai food. Their spring rolls are tops and no one in St Louis makes them like they do! They take pride in providing you a great meal!! The wraps or the rice entrees its always hard to choose, but you can't go wrong here!!!
(4)Michelle A.
Amazing! I went there for the first time last night, and I will be back. I had the steak with smoked vinaigrette and jasmine rice in a rice paper wrap with a side of their noodles. It was a recommendation by the owner, and I'm glad I listened. The food tastes great, there's quality ingredients, and the friendly owners are clearly proud of the product they serve their customers. It's a gluten free (except for an option of a flour tortilla for a wrap), vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurant with healthy options and ingredients with no preservatives or MSG, and they offer sodas made with real sugar cane. The kitchen is clean and it smells amazing - always a plus. There seemed to be a lot of regulars who are welcomed like family. It's a family friendly place with plenty of street parking (i don't believe there were even parking meters you had to feed). Highly recommend and can't wait to go back.
(5)Abby M.
I was introduced to Lona's recently and have been there a few times now and the food is incredible. I was full and kept eating because it's just so good!! We had the platter the first time and it was all good. My favorite is the chicken, noodles and peanut sauce. The peanut sauce is the best I have ever had too!! This is by far my favorite restaurant in saint louis and I would recommend it to everyone!! Absolutely Amazing!!
(5)Ginger H.
The food is consistently delicious. The menu has a variety of options for mixing proteins, sauces and veggies and I've been pleased with every meal.
(5)Sallie D.
Made my third visit last night and I can't believe it, but it just keeps getting better. Now they've added a lovely fragrant green tea menu. Four kinds all brewed at your table. I haven't had tea this good anywhere but in Kyoto. The food is so fresh and delicious and somehow when you've finished you actually feel not only completely satisfied but rejuvenated. Two of the people I went with tonight had hangovers but between the tea, the fresh veg and the spices they were cured by the time we left. This place is good for the neighborhood, good for your body and good for your soul. If I ever meet the pope I'm gonna ask him to make Lona a saint.
(5)Lauryn G.
So happy to have this place in Fox Park! Amazing food that never disappoints. I always get the plate of steak, stir fried noodles and lona-q sauce. So tasty!
(5)Adam K.
Quite delicious! My wife and I went to dinner there tonight. I had the spicy tofu with rice and steamed veggies. My wife had the spring rolls and a yummy salad. We will be back again very soon as there are many other selections on the menu that we would love to try. I'd give 10 stars if I could!
(5)Randal H.
I never give 5 stars. Food fantastic! Do you like spice? Oh yah! Service outstanding. Do they serve alcohol? Yep beer and wine. If there was any negative at all; it might have been just a bit to bright inside. But forget that. I'll be back very soon!
(5)Danielle J.
YUM YUM YUM! California, I don't miss you and your glorious Asian food as badly now. We tried out Lona's last weekend. It's a small place, especially inside, so you may have to wait for a table but the line moves quickly and the tables empty quickly. I had the Thai chicken wrap which was awesome and we had the side of glass noodles. Those were good, especially with some of the chili sauce mixed in (we got it with the dumplings). The chili sauce was very oily which I love. Can we talk about the dumplings? We had the ones with steak - very different AND delicious. We also tried the cookie. I'm not sure if the cookies are always the same or if they change but mine that night had coconut and pinapple in a butter type of cookie. I'm not normally a fan of either ingredient but this combo was light with no flavor being overbearing. Get the cookie!!!
(5)Christy A.
I'm updating Lona's to give a whopping tally of 10 total stars across the board. This place never ceases to amaze me. Just a few things to note when you arrive: The bike parking is a personalized L. O. N. A., I just love to pull up and see bicycles safely connected to this rack...just adds so much character. OK, I'm done being excited about the bike rack. The customer service is super personable and they all make me feel so welcome. Everyone, even Lona (such a doll) makes an effort to remember my name; kinda makes me feel like fam lol.. The Big Rice Paper Wrap is as BIG as it sounds. In terms of taste it's unbeatable. I prefer Lona's Q because it's makes everything taste superbRice paper also doesn't allow the contents to be overtaken by this thin shell; yet you still get a burrito-like experience. The stir fried glass noodles are made to perfection...I seriously do t know what they put in the sauce but it has an addicting effect. Which explains my frequency. Now that they offer these delicious desserts I feel compelled to test them out for you guys the coconut cookie is definitely a dose of crack. Although I've never had crack I'm certain the efforts are similar to what this cookie does. The ginger cookie is also pretty amazing. It had real chucks of ginger inside (I loooooove this)!
(5)Tami B.
Yay! I'm so happy to have a 5 star experience!!! A friend and I with her 2 month old daughter walked to this great neighborhood restaurant. It was a beautiful day so we sat outside. I was surprised to see other babies and kids! It was busy but the line went quickly. We had the steak dumplings, I had the shrimp w/glass noodles and Lona sauce. Soooooo good. My friend had a wrap that was as big as my forearm and looked delicious! Topped it off with a few Zwickels (Urban Chestnut.) Everything was so fresh and spices on point. The owners and staff were attentive and very friendly. Great beer list. I will definitely be back!
(5)John A.
I would give Lona's all the stars in the sky if I could. That's how delicious it is. I think it's one of the hidden gems of St. Louis and I'm happy to see them grow from a food stall in the farmers market to the great establishment it is now. Pierce and Lona are passionate owners and it's great to see them living their dream. Oh, did I mention that the food is ridiculously delicious?
(5)Darren L.
I want to give 5 I truly do. It's everything people say about it. Here is my 1 star detraction. 1st I feel it's expensive for what you get. It's a $10.00 lunch bare minimum. If you get the extras people rave about its $15.00. Look it should be 7 for a large during roll not 9. Drinks are pricey and the food quantity is fine but I had little left so no leftovers. Also the paper they put the stir fry on gets soggy and tears and gets in the food after about 15 minutes. All that said the quality is very good, the service is good and friendly and the location is outstanding provided you live/work in the area. We need more places that are quality in this area. Loni's please do a lunch special and keep me under $10.00 (Chipotle/Qdoba/+many more) with t&t and I'll be happy and a regular.
(4)Shari B.
My brother-in-law suggested dining here as he had visited Lona's stand at Soulard Market so we checked it out last week. The restaurant is very simple decorated and you order at the front. It can be a little overwhelming to try and figure out what you want in a create-your-own roll, but fortunately they have a favorites section of existing dishes. I chose the shrimp and noodles one which was delicious! What really made the dish for me was the lemon peanut sauce that went with it. As a side, I ordered the spicy eggplant which was very tasty and yummy. We also split a bunch of dumpling which were good too. It's a simple restaurant with big flavors and I like the combination of dishes they do. I'd love to come back and try more!
(5)Mandie M.
So glad I was finally able to visit Lona's Lil Eats! I arrived with a few friends on a weekday for lunch and the place was packed. The space is definitely small which means there aren't many tables available. The day we went it was raining so we couldn't sit outside. The line to order was fairly long, but seemed to be moving quickly. By the time I was next to order I knew exactly what I wanted. I ordered the giant rice paper wrap with grilled chicken, jasmine rice and peanut sauce. Just thinking about the wrap makes me hungry. I opted for a soda as well since they had a unique kind that I hadn't had before. Once I paid I was given a number and I was off to find a table for my friends and me. I found a table and grabbed an additional chair and we were all set to enjoy our meals. The kitchen works fast and out meals were out within 10 minutes! The food all looked amazing and I couldn't wait to eat it. The only downfall about this place is that it is so small so people were hovering over our table while we were eating which was a little uncomfortable. Also, the tables are so close together so it's almost like eating at a community table; which is okay for me...but I'm sure others won't like it. Overall, the food is really good and the service is fast and efficient. I can't wait to go back for another visit.
(5)Eli D.
Was excited to eat here but the wrap was just ok. Friends had told me to get the noodles but while ordering they told me that that noodles cause the wrap to fall apart. So I went with the fried rice. The spicy tofu was not spicy. There was too much sauce in the wrap so it still fell apart. I will give it another chance but change the ingredients around.
(4)Christian K.
There's nothing lil about it! From what I understand, Lona's Lil Eats has been around for a minute. You can find them at Soulard Farmers Market. However, this review isn't about that location but the stand alone building on California Ave. I had never been to the Lona's in Soulard, and while doing laundry down the street, I came across the California location on Yelp. I don't ignore five star reviews, especially when a place averages five! I had to find out what my Yeeps were so thrilled about. Lona's Lil Eats isn't much to look at. The dining area is small, and the tables and chairs are kind of cheap. However, none of this deters me from having those Lil Eats! The key part of the menu is the burritos. You can order them however they come, or you can build your own. Choose a wrap, protein, filling, sauce, and a side. You can have chicken, turkey, steak, shrimp, or tofu. Wraps include rice paper or flour tortillas. Lona's has five different types of sauces, ranging from sweet to spicy. Finally, they have rice (jasmine or stir fry) and noodles (glass or stir fry). I've pretty much tried everything, and there's no way to go wrong. Even the tofu is pretty good and spicy! However, here is my go-to burrito: flour tortilla, pulled turkey, jasmine rice, and Lona-Q Sauce. I like the rice paper wrap, but the burrito holds the contents better. Their pulled turkey is tender and portioned well, and the jasmine rice soaks up the flavor of the sweet Lona-Q Sauce. Honestly, you can't go wrong when you build your own. Lona's also has a very decent craft beer selection and Ski soda on their fountains! My only concern with Lona's is when they get kind of busy. Sometimes they have trouble with my order if they're feeling some pressure. I've had them send stuff back once or twice. Once it was a side. I always order stir fried noodles, which are both sweet and spicy! Another time they put tofu in my wrap. I didn't complain, but I have a feeling someone who wanted tofu got my chicken, which can certainly be problematic with the wrong person. Altogether, I am a huge fan of Lona's Lil Eats. If you love Asian fusion, make a b-line for Lona's!
(5)Valerie T.
I ate here last weekend. What a great place. The food is very tasty and full of flavor. The staff is extremely nice. Stand in line and order. They bring your food to the table. Try the punch, it was awesome!! Everything was delish, so try it all or go back like I am!! I ate here again and still fabulous. If you don't get the Weekend Punch, you are a fool!!
(5)Anna B.
Cute, casual Thai dining option. Perfect for a casual relaxing meal with friends. Great beer selection, no fuss delicious menu with something for everyone, and fast! Definitely worth a trip, and you will get your money's worth with the generous portions.
(5)Eileen E.
Sooooo good! We started eating lona's at soulard market and had to try the restaurant. Mmmm mmmm good! I was full and just kept on eating. This is good stuff people!
(5)Sasha S.
Asian soul food with no msg, um yes please. We decided to check out Lona's Lil Eats on a beautiful summer evening and it was BUSY. The line moved relative fast and they had a gentleman walking down the line offering people drink service so you could be hydrated or tipsy while waiting. They have menus posted on the wall by the order line, which I found helpful. Better to encourage people to have an idea of what they want so they cane get up there and order rather than dawdle. The inside is small but when it's nice outside they have seating available outdoors which we took advantage of. The hubs had a few beers and I tried their punch of the day involving tea, rum, and some other stuff. The beer was beer but the punch was stiff, not too sweet, and refreshing. To start we ordered veggie spring rolls - 3 @ $5.75. The filling was fresh and they come with a tasty house made peanut sauce. I find the wrap to be a tad chewy compared to other spring rolls I've had but they are still tasty. The hubs tried a spicy chicken wrap with spicy eggplant as the side. He reported it to be fresh and tasty but not spicy. He said next time he would try a different wrap or set up than the rice paper. I built my own with the rice wrap, spicy tofu, stir fried glass noodles, and a sauce of smoked vinaigrette (smoked and roasted spice medley infusing balsamic vinegar create a tangy, smoky flavor) with a side of spicy eggplant. I thoroughly enjoyed mine, although I didn't find it spicy at all, the flavors and textures were amazing. We both enjoyed the spicy eggplant side. It was a little spicy, cooked well, and it was bursting with flavor. I believe both wraps were around $9.25/$10. It was well worth it but it was a little more expensive than we thought it would be but we were drinking and that always adds up. We will most def be back. Hopefully sooner than later.
(4)Carmel M.
Yum, yum, yummo! The food here seems straight out of California--fresh with lots of greens and thoughtful ingredients. Also pretty pricey ($9.25 for a burrito? Err-excuse me-a wrap). We went without kids but won't be back with them (even though you could--totally kid friendly) but I can't justify that price point on my kids (until they start paying rent I guess). The service was extraordinary--they refilled our drinks repeatedly and the food came out fast. Tip--no Coke or Pepsi products. Fountain sodas that I didn't recognize and beer, wine, and tea.
(4)Wynn A.
All I can say is wow!!! I am a picky Asian food eater and have even been disappointed in hot restaurants in SF!! I did not expect to find such fresh flavorful flavors in a little cafe on St. Louis! I loved this little gem, and think the spring roll burrito idea is genius! Even the sauces are homemade and unique not just siracha out of a bottle or hoisen sauce in a bottle. I am thoroughly impressed. There were Vietnamese herbs in my salad that most don't know about and many Asian restaurants in California don't even give you which should be in the dish! I will be back to this place!!
(5)Austin Elizabeth H.
I went here yesterday with my boyfriend and, sadly, we were not as impressed by the food as other yelpers appear to be. We both got chicken, rice paper, and glass noodle wraps. I had mine with the lona-q sauce, and his was with the spicy sauce. It was slightly better than okay-tasting. I really didn't like the glob of extra rice paper that had been mushed together and stuck inside my wrap... and there as a strong onion flavor to everything that I just couldn't get past. Both of our wraps also exploded/fell apart near the end, and the short length of the glass noodles rendered the rest of the wrap inedible, since it was pretty impractical to eat with chopsticks. As for sides, I believe I got some sort of lime-peanut salad that was excellent (except for, again, the pervasive onion flavor). My boyfriend got the village bamboo stew, and sadly neither of us liked it at all. I feel bad writing this review because Lona seems cool (and nice), and I love the vibe of the restaurant, but some of the flavors just didn't mesh that well together and others were downright questionable. We also thought the $10 price tag was very high, considering the other offerings around the city for around the same price typically come with much more meat. We also found ourselves hungry about an hour later. We might go back though. It's possible that just haven't found the combination that works for us!
(4)Carter S.
This place is a delight. Great addition to the neighborhood. Everything on the menu is delicious and carefully prepared. It is a popular place so there is sometimes a longer than expected wait but the friendly staff make up for it.
(5)Lydia L.
Love this restaurant. It's definitely worth the excursion over to Fox Park. I have had my eye on Lona's Lil Eats while they were at the Soulard Market, and I never got to try the food, but I was so excited to see they opened a brick and mortar. Two thumbs up: The food has FLAVOR and SPICE and is actually unique. What they can work on: The MENU is confusing and disorganized and they need to invest in a printed/permanent menu to hang above their cash register. It should not take a full two minutes to explain how the menu works. Honestly, I saw eyes glazing over when the cashier made another attempt at presenting it. The dumplings: steak and mushroom (6)- flavorful, but overpriced. Considering that hand-making dumplings and purchasing them in any asian grocery store is fairly inexpensive, I don't know if this is a good value. I get that the ingredients are probably the reason for the upcharge, but you can do ground meats and veggies that are still fresh tasting. The meats: grilled chicken and grilled steak are reliable choices- tender, flavorful, and filling portions. The starch filling: due to always getting spring rolls in restaurants, I feel like the cold noodles fit better in these burritos, but the whole grain rice is better than te stir-fried noodles Sauce: Lime-ginger peanut then the lemon-grass pesto then the Lona-Q, but it really depends what you're craving Sides: Spicy eggplant- yes. that's all I'm writing. Village Bamboo stew- if you're going to call it a stew, most people would expect some sort of liquid component, but it ended up being plopped on the tray (instead of in a cup or container) as what seemed like over steamed/cooked veggies Slaw- a little overloaded with the dressing, but still with a good flavor profile COME HERE. stat.
(4)Kim J.
What a great addition to St. Louis's dining scene! Such a homey, welcoming atmosphere and the food is incredible. We were initially hesitant to try it because we have a 2 year old and weren't sure if he would eat. We ordered him steak and mushroom fried dumplings. He just had a couple bites (we loved them and the spicy sauce that accompanied them)... But he ate every bite of the fried veggie rice that came as my side. There were lots of fresh veggies in it, so we were pretty happy to see him devour that. We'd probably just order that for him the next time around. My husband and I both built our own rice paper wraps. I put grilled chicken, Lona Q's sauce, and stir fried glass noodles in mine. My husband opted for tofu, cold glass noodles and spicy sauce. Both of us LOVED our wraps. And the best part was that we felt full but not stuffed when we walked out. We did arrive around 5, and could see that there was a longer line if you arrive during prime dining hours, so it is probably good to be prepare for that. Either way, it's worth the trip - you won't be disappointed.
(5)Jeff C.
Wow! What a gem. It's like being in Lona's home kitchen - such lovely people and a great vibe thru the place. The dumplings were off the hook, local root beer, glass rice noodles with fresh shrimp and chicken...so good! I will be coming back every time I'm in St Louis!! Love on a plate!! Thanks Lona and Pierce...
(5)Brian P.
Came in here a couple days ago for a much needed break and some delicious lunch. Upon entering, the space is nice - very open and a good a amount of seating. The guy who was running the register was super friendly and excited to explain the concept to each patron. I had a Thai wrap w/ rice paper, beef, stir fried noodles and the peanut lime sauce - also medium spice with the house made Sriracha. This came with a side which were a bit limited but went with the grilled veggies. Overall, my wrap was excellent. The beef was some of the best I've ever had in an Asian restaurant and had such a good marinade!!! Heat was perfect and liked the sauces. The grilled veggies were okay but think there is some room for improvement there. Would like to see some more substantial side choices as I wasn't crazy about these options. Also, option for a wrap or bowl with no side would be great too. Can't forget the excel fountain sodas which beat Pepsi or Coke every day! Good experience but would love to see a little more variety on side items. Fried spring roll or crab rangoon or something else would be nice! Will be back for more before too long :)
(4)Kristina K.
I found this lil' gem as browsing places to eat. Since then, I have been to Lona's five times. 5 star food, 5 star staffs, 5 star speed. I am going to miss this place so much.
(5)Joey M.
Lona's Lil Eats was not what I expected. However I was pleasantly surprised upon arrival. They were accommodating to my Whole30 diet and made my meal to specification, although I tried not to be too much of a pain in the ass. The waitstaff and everyone there is super friendly and awesome. Highly recommend this place and I will be back once I'm off the Whole30 so I can actually eat the food as it was intended. Can't wait!
(4)Stewart P.
Very good and fresh food. Went today for lunch to knock it off my to go to list and glad I did ... and with an 11:30 opening time, the place gets hit fast. I had the 5 star platter with it's variety of protein types and everyone was good with a good balance of jasmine rice and stir fried noodles. I also had the cucumber salad, which I actually liked. I also ordered spring rolls but I always forget that they are sometimes hard to bite off. Not sure I am a fan of rice paper wrap but they were very fresh. I also had to try the dumplings after seeing the picture in the paper and they will be a reorder item for me. Given how the place filled up so quickly, they did a good job of getting the food out and taking care of everyone. Well worth a visit. Fountain soda, which I rarely get, was good too.
(4)Rhonda D.
Every time I go here I'm not disappointed, the food is awesome especially love the lime peanut sauce and the mushroom dumplings are heavenly! Everyone I've brought here loves it to.
(5)Michelle L.
I ordered the shrimp with the glass noodles and the lime ginger peanut sauce with the eggplant on the side. The shrimp, noodles, and sauce were all delicious. I was not a fan of the eggplant. I thought this food was different, fresh, and flavorful. The portions were large. I could not finish it all. I can't wait to go back and put together a different combination!
(5)Chris Z.
I see why people like this place but in my opinion there are some shortcomings. I visited after a visit to the zoo in June. We opened the door and there was a long ordering line (maybe about 15 people). The menu is printed on the wall behind the person taking the orders, but from the back of the line you can't read it. There are also smaller menus affixed to the flanking wall as you get closer to the register, but that is of no help when there are more than 3 groups waiting. I figured out that I should go to the register and just grab a paper menu and then jump back in line. A better process would be to have a stack of menus near the front door. The AC was on but it clearly couldn't keep up. It was hot inside. When searching out a table, we jockeyed for one underneath a fan. The young lady taking orders was slow. I think she might have been a new hire. The line in no way should have been that long. And she stumbled over putting our order into the point of sale system. She took orders on an iPad... maybe the software sucked, I don't know. The concept is build your own... picking a starch, a protien and a sauce. Then add a side. They have a few pre-built combos for those lacking any capacity to organize a plate themselves. We started with mushroom dumplings. She got a rice plate with pulled turkey. I chose a wrap with spicy shrimp. The dumplings were very good. Both main courses were good sized and seemed healthy. The pulled turkey was the best.. When I return, I will choose that.
(3)Mary M.
My husband has been wanting to try this place for a while,so after and evening at the zoo to see the new polar bear we decided to eat there. The line moves slow and it was cooler outside then in the building. We decided to look at a paper menu, but they are posted on the wall as you get closer to the front of the line. The girl at the register was slow, maybe she was new. When we where trying to order she was confused easily as she was using and iPad as her method to relay orders to the kitchen. Maybe iPads are handed to work then most think. Oh, and did mention it was so hot in the place even the workers where sweating. So after order, we didn't have to wait for long for out mushroom pot stickers to come out they where amazing. The sauce they came with was rather hot for my taste, but that is how my husband likes it, so I let him have it. For my entree I had stir fried rice with pulled Turkey with peanut sauce. Let me just say "LOVED IT", but my side of bok choy was just ok. I will be back because the food was good. Maybe it will be take out due to the heat or maybe I will take and ice cube bath before I go. All kidding aside, I will give them the benefit of the doubt because maybe there AC was on the fritz.
(3)Mark H.
Dumplings were perfect! Awesome flavors! Make sure you tip your dumplings in the sauce that they give you. It makes them 10 times as good. Spicy tofu wrap was amazing!
(5)Keith R.
I would give this place 20 stars if I could. Every taste bud in my mouth was partying their ass off. We had the dumplings, spicy shrimp wrap, and chicken platter. Whatever sauce they provide with the chicken platter was packed with such incredible flavor it would have knocked an elephant on its ass. That's wasn't even my dish, I only had one bite of that. I had the shrimp wrap and after the first bite of that sucker, I shredded through the rest of it more instinctively than a white shark's jaw masticating through the blubber of a baby seal. In other words, this food is stupidly delicious and after the meal was over I felt like I had just experienced a symphony from heaven.
(5)Eddy L.
I went to this place because a bunch of coworkers wanted to try it. The restaurant was renovated from an old house. The problem I had was the lack of seating available. I got the steak wrap and I would say it was only so-so. It kinda seemed like a gigantic spring roll the size of a chipotle burrito. I don't think I would go out of my way to eat at this place again.
(3)Avi R.
Lona's is definitely a new favorite. A friend recommended this place to me. The service was fast. The place is very colorful and has a nice ambience. My wrap was definitely pretty good and probably pretty healthy, I'll be coming back here. The hours were a little non-traditional so make sure that this place is open before you head out, I had to wait for a little bit for that perfect window when I wanted to go here and when they were open!
(4)Charlie M.
I would definitely recommend this place! I had the steak dumplings, mushroom dumplings and the chicken spring rolls. Everything was really fresh and the service was great!
(5)Jolena S.
After visiting Lona's stand at Soulard Market and loving her Spring Rolls, the restaurant she opened at California and Accomac became a priority to visit! We went on a Saturday evening around 5:30 and had just a short wait to order at the counter. The menu is basic and build your own style. Pick a preparation (plate, rice wrapper or flour tortilla), a protein (various meats or tofu), staple (rices, noodles or veggies), and a sauce. He had rice wrapped chicken and glass noodles with spicy sesame sauce. I had rice wrapped steak and jasmine rice with lime-ginger peanut sauce. They come with a side dish. He chose the spicy eggplant and I chose the bamboo stew. We also ordered the steak and mushroom dumplings (6 per order). They have a good selection of beer, wine and a soda fountain with interesting options. I had cherry lime soda and he opted for white wine. The restaurant was about 2/3 full. We picked a table for two and had a short wait for our food to be delivered. The dumplings looked tasty but before I had a chance to dig in our wraps arrived. The wraps arrived on trays that took up the entire table space so we had more food than table. We quickly divvied up the dumplings to eliminate the plate for space. There really wasn't a need for such large trays for the wraps and sides. Plus it made for not the best presentation of the food. The stew was a small heap on parchment paper on the tray. I think the meal could've presented better if they put the wraps in a plastic basket and the sides in bowls. This would've economized the table space too. But enough about presentation. The dumplings were tasty and accompanied by a sauce with zippiness. The wraps were very fresh and flavorful. They were well made too, held together nicely. The spicy eggplant wasn't spicy but I didn't mind that, it was very, very good. The bamboo stew was odd. I didn't really care for it. I'll try a different side next visit. We were definitely full at the end of our meal but it wasn't a heavy meal which was nice. Our total for 2 wraps with sides, dumplings, soda and wine was around $38 so it's reasonably priced as well.
(4)Kelly B.
Lona is best known for her spring roll stand at Soulard Market, but now she runs this busy Thai inspired fast food joint that is located in the middle of the Fox Park neighborhood on California between Shenandoah and Russell. They have lots of vegan options. Order at the counter with meal options including a plate with rice, a wrap or tortilla. You pick the ingredients and what your side will be from a list. I had the chicken plate with rice noodles and Thai peanut sauce with a side of Thai garbage salad ($9). Yum! They have odd hours, but their regulars don't seem to mind lining up whenever they are open. You can eat in or carry out
(5)Mark S.
I have to agree with most of the other reviews. Lona's is characterized by exciting and fresh flavors and a bright, lively storefront. The food kind of reminds me of Seoul Taco's, tender meats and fresh ingredients with a lot of love shown towards the process. We went on a Friday night so we expected the line to be long-it took about 20 minutes in line and another 30-40 to get the food. Worth it. The menu is small but eclectic.
(4)Erin H.
My mouth is watering just thinking about this place. Perfect for vegetarians and over all AMAZING.
(5)Mamie V.
All I can say is WOW! I am very glad that this place exists, my taste buds had a hay day while we were here. I was hesitant about trying it, but am sooo glad I did, because man o man what a savory, delicious, flavorful experience did I have! This Asian fusion of greatness is what I was hoping for! We had the weekend punch for drinks which was an infused tea and let me just say it had a "punch" but in a good way! Then we started with the steak dumplings and they melted in your mouth! For the meals, I got the chicken platter with a side of spicy cucumber salad. The chicken was cooked to perfection and was thinly sliced, easily picked up with some noodles for a mouthful of delight! The spicy cucumber salad was a great combo of spicy and refreshing! Then my boyfriend had the spicy shrimp wrap! When it came out I was a little nervous by the look of the wrap, but who couldn't be intimidated by the house of giant rice paper wraps! One bite and we both needed to be pinched back in to reality! This is a MUST TRY PLACE!! Lula even stopped by to meet and greet with us, such a lovely experience we had! She even thanked us and all those who try her restaurant for making it as successful as it is! Such a grateful and kind woman! TRY IT ASAP!
(5)Megan Rose R.
Excellent lunch grub with the homies or coworkers or coworkers that happen to be your homies. A little pricey ($25 for 2 peeps) but worth it! The giant rice wraps are huge but you won't feel the same kinda full as you would eating a fried, fatty lunch. Fresh ingredients, Ski sodies and booze too! Go on a nice sunny day and enjoy the picnic tables in lovely Fox Park. I pity the foo who doesn't grab a "Lil" bit of Lona!
(4)Noah R.
While it's called Thai food, it really is more unique than that. I get the spicy tofu with stir fried glass noodles in a rice paper wrap. It has the chew of a great spring roll, plus the tangy savory sauce of a Thai salad. Really great flavored. The ambience here is exactly perfect: it's drop-in cool and you'll see downtown's suit and tie crowd mixing with designers, startup weirdos, and local neighbors. Also, get the fountain soda. They've got the best flavors of local soda that you can't find anywhere else.
(5)Paul W.
This place is a gem. Easy to walk to. Impeccable service and the food.... Yeah I can write a book on the 5 star platter alone ! Best dumplings I have ever had. The spicy sesame sauce is comparable to Franks hot sauce. You can put that $@?!#% on everything !!!
(5)Samantha A.
I've been wanting to check out this place for awhile given all of the amazing reviews on Yelp. I ended up ordering items that lots of people on Yelp recommended. I tried the spring rolls (one of each: chicken, veggie, and steak) and the dumplings (stuffed with mushroom). Both were really good, came out quickly, and fresh. For my main course, I ordered a giant rice paper wrap with grilled chicken, stir-fried rice, and the Lona-Q sauce. I thought it tasted really good and was HUGE. My friend ordered the same thing except instead of the stir-fried rice and the Lona-Q sauce, she got it with noodles and the spicy sesame sauce. Her wrap was pretty good, but nothing amazing. We both agreed that my rice paper wrap tasted better. As my side, I ordered the stirred veggies (which apparently they change regularly). Today the stirred veggie side was broccoli. The broccoli was pretty good, but nothing spectacular. Finally, I got the punch of the day which was a pretty good citrus drink (but low in terms of alcohol). My entire bill came to $23, which again, was pretty good. In sum, this place serves really fresh food for a decent price. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy my food....I just don't think I have the same obsession that other Yelpers seem to have about this place.
(4)Akhilesh R.
The spicy tofu wrap is delicious! I took the rice paper wrap with fried rice, spicy sesame sauce. It has a lot of greens that gel so well with the rice and wrap but what makes them so tasty is the spicy sesame sauce. The side was a bit of a let down as i took the fried rice with vegetables and even though it tasted good inside the wrap but it was not great by itself. As for as options with sides they have spicy eggplant and spicy cucumber which was tempting to try. The next time i come, I'm going to stick with the wrap. The service is more like chipotle kind.
(4)Anthony A.
Wonderful small place. We were unaware of the write up in the RFT when we arrived on Friday night. The restaurant was humnming and people were enjoying themselves. BYOB as the liquor license was not in effect. The menu is easily customizable and simple to understand. Do yourself a favor and order the pan fried dumplings. Everything is made in-house and the family operated theme permeates the entire restaurant. From the decor to the food to the staff, we were pleased with the dinner. Parking is street side and that could be a challenge. Great place. We will return.
(4)Nick L.
Solid 4 stars. I stopped by Lona's again and got the same rice paper wrap (chicken, stir fry, and sesame sauce). Delicious. I was feeling reckless so I went ahead and ordered some chicken spring rolls. The wrap and the spring rolls together put it over the top--I couldn't finish it all. I ended up saving the rest for a very delicious breakfast. I will definitely be back.
(4)James S.
Seriously delicious food and the friendliest staff at any restaurant we've been too in quite a long time. We didn't know what to expect with this being our first time here. Reviews looked great. Very pleasant lady taking orders explained the menu in detail and made great suggestions. That was a relief since there are a lot of combinations to choose from and the overhead menu is a skosh confusing. No worries though, they are very accommodating and patient. The dining style is order at counter, take a seat and then food is delivered to the table. Kitchen staff bring out your food and folks check back a lot making sure everything is to your liking/plus help with refills. Ambience is casual and laid pack. There are appetizers, salads, wraps, plates, sides to choose from. We shared 3 spring rolls: chicken, steak, veggie. Think you can mix and match on those 3. The beef and chicken spring rolls were the best. Very fresh ingredients. Husband had a wrap plus mixed veggies and I had a plate with turkey plus spicy eggplant. The flavors were amazing. The sauces are soooo good. I only wish their website showed their menu so I could have posted exactly what ingredients we chose - would be helpful too for exploring in advance of a visit.
(5)Chris W.
The two items I've had are both great. The logo and branding is fun. [Arnold voice] I'll be back,[/] (to try the rest of the 100 menu combinations).
(5)Tiffany E.
This place is an stl must. Everything is fresh and flavorful. The wraps are huge and delicious. This is a truly unique meal and we will be back!
(5)Laura P.
I'm so happy to see this place thriving, and for good reason! This is truly unique asian food. Entrees are highly customizable, with different components that you can mix and match to create your meal. There are also suggested combos if you're not feeling creative. The portions are sizable. It's a great place for vegetarians or vegans. Definitely try the spicy eggplant, which was just fantastic. Expect it to be busy and noisy. The vibe is very casual and sort of hip, but the staff was friendly and prompt. I believe they have patio seating now and they may be dog-friendly too. I think I remember some dogs the last time.
(5)Meg B.
I could go on at length, but the short version is it's great food! You feel good after you eat it, and the price is right.
(5)Karen K.
Love this place. Great food and staff. Lucky St. Louis to call this unique and funky delight ours!
(5)Rachel L.
I wish I could tell you about the decor in this place, but I can't. My head is down shoveling the most delicious food in my mouth most of my time here. You do get a feeling as if you are stepping into someones kitchen. Its that friendly. This woman can cook! Just stop what you are doing and come here! All the sauces, not one of the m tastes less than amazing! The dumplings...oh my Lord and Taylor! Iced green tea to wash it all down. ( I like the home made siracha like sauce.. a lot)
(5)Crystal R.
Stopped in to check out Lona's on a Wednesday night since I read a lot of good things on Nextdoor. The place is in Fox Park on California off of Russell. There is a lot of seating inside and it's a shotgun type of space where you walk up to the counter to order food. I met one of the owners (Pierce maybe?) and he thoroughly went over the menu with me and helped me pick out items to order. It was a to go order which took about 10 min. We got 2 steak wraps with rice paper, 1 Thai wrap, a chopped salad (best dressing!!!), chopped mixed veggies, side of noodles, and (my favorite) a side of spicy egg plant. All three of us REALLY loved the wraps ....they are HUGE and we could only eat half, so these are also great to split w/ a couple sides. I really loved the steak .....nice flavor! I can't wait to go back and try other things! Nice addition to the neighborhood!
(4)Jane K.
It's fresh, tasty, and healthy. I've tired 3 sauces so far: lemongrass pesto, spicy sesame, and ginger peanut. My favorite is the ginger peanut!! I also really like the sides spicy eggplant and bamboo stew. The side portions are small, though.
(4)Tiffany N.
We just moved to fox park from the shaw neighborhood and just live a stones throw away from Lonas. The first night we stayed in our new house we decided to try it out problem was they were closing in 5 mins and this was at 8:25 on a FRIDAY night so we called before to see if Yelp was accurate on what time they closed. We were told yes but they were going to continue taking orders tip 9pm. So we went and I have been obsessed since! I had the spicy shrimp bowl w glass noodles and a side of stir fried noodles. I loved my bowl & the side was okay but with no real flavor like I expected after eating my bowl. Service was a little slow with no real direction but the food deff makes up for whatever they are lacking and not to mention they carry SKI soda on the fountain which I love and grew up drinking and you can't really find it anywhere especially not on a soda fountain! The next few times back I have had the same bowl but have just tried new sides and I have to say they are all good you can't really go wrong. Only complaint I have is the price point and that there is no kids menu. It would be awesome if they did some kind of lunch special or any special at all. I would eat at Lonas so much more but I just can't bring my self to pay $30 for lunch for me and my six year old who by the way also loves the food. :) deff recommend checking it out
(4)Megan M.
Loved the friendly staff. Loved the options and how you get to mix and match wraps, fillers, sauces, and sides. The location was super cute with lots of street parking and plenty of seating inside. I got the rice paper wrap with tofu, stir-fried glass noodles with the lime-ginger peanut sauce. For my side I picked the spicy cucumber salad. I also tried my friend's spicy eggplant side. I really enjoyed the flavors of my wrap but I did not love the tofu. It was ok and the texture worked fine with the wrap as a whole but it's not tofu that I'd crave like I do at other asian places. The sides were da bomb dot com. Flavor city! Everything tasted very fresh! I will for sure go back to try other combinations or maybe just get a bunch of sides. So. Much. Flavor.
(4)Laura W.
The food is amazing. The wait is too long.
(3)