A Missouri Dining Experience So Exceptional, It’s Nationally Recognized

If you think Missouri cuisine is all about barbecue and toasted ravioli, sit down—preferably at a cozy table at Balkan Treat Box in Webster Groves, Missouri. Let me introduce you to a flavor-packed, wood-fired revelation turning heads. You might be surprised to find a nationally recognized Missouri restaurant in a casual setting, but this isn’t your average neighborhood eatery. Balkan Treat Box is where Old World traditions collide with modern culinary excellence, and the result is, frankly, jaw-dropping.

Chef Loryn Nalic and her husband Edo turned their passion for Balkan cuisine into a powerhouse dining experience. It all started with a humble food truck in 2017, but their dishes quickly became so popular that they opened a brick-and-mortar location in Webster Groves, Missouri (a small municipality adjacent to St. Louis). And this isn’t just a local hit. Loryn, who learned to craft Bosnian dishes from her husband’s family and other local cooks during travels abroad in the Balkans, has been a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist. 

In the culinary world, that’s like being nominated for the food Oscars, except instead of giving a speech, you’re serving up perfectly charred pide. And yes, their website is basically a highlight reel of accomplishments, the kind of bragging rights you don’t just print on menus but proudly hang in the proverbial hall of fame. Running a restaurant is hard enough, but keeping it consistently excellent and nationally recognized is an Olympic-level achievement. 

Speaking of food, what makes this place special? It’s the authentic touches, like the copper-plated, wood-fired oven custom-made to bring out the best in every flatbread. Whether it’s the smoky, spicy lamb sausages in the cevapi (grilled dish of minced meat) or the cheesy, buttery goodness of their pide (traditional flatbread), every bite feels like a love letter to Balkan comfort food. And don’t skip the dairy! Their kajmak, a whipped cheese spread similar to clotted cream, is basically dairy perfection. Good luck not licking the plate. The restaurant has a more quick-service style, but the menu still features elevated details. The Sutlija rice putting is topped with ground pistachio and rose petals, delightful! Be sure to check out their specials when you visit; they're inspired!

This place isn’t just about delicious food. It’s about heart. The Nalics have poured their soul into creating an atmosphere that welcomes everyone, from Webster Groves locals to foodies from across the country. No wonder Esquire named them one of the Best New Restaurants, Food & Wine touts Best Bites of the Year, and the Food Network can’t stop raving about them. 

In short, Balkan Treat Box is proof that Missouri’s dining scene is no flyover fare. It’s a destination. Bring your appetite and your stretchy pants—you’ll need both. And hey, if you’re not in the St. Louis area, you can have Balkan Treat Box sample boxes, sandwiches, and flatbreads shipped to you nationwide! We want to know what places you would nominate for the best restaurants in St. Louis? Did you grow up in the St. Louis area eating the aforementioned toasted ravioli and barbecue [that’s me]; check out one of my favorite local online bookstores and snag a deal on some quality international cookbooks to broaden your palette.