Cobalt Smoke & Sea

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#18 of 48 Restaurants in Creve Coeur$$ - $$$, Seafood

+1 314-548-6220+ Add website

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Hours

Tue

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wed

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thu

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Fri

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Sat

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

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Ratings and reviews

3.5

21 reviews

#18 of 48 Restaurants in Creve Coeur

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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CUISINES

Seafood

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

Location and contact

12643 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, Saint Louis, MO 63141-6313

+1 314-548-6220

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Is this a seafood restaurant?

Yes

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

CUISINES

Seafood

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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3.5

21 reviews

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JWSTL

Saint Louis23 contributions

needs an identity

Feb 2020 • none

Let's start with the positives right out of the gate. The food is terrific. We had crab cakes as an appetizer and they were small but full of crab, very little filler, and delicious, with an excellent accompanying sauce. My wife had the burnt ends, delicious, and a wonderful presentation. I had the yellow fin tuna and it was exceptional. rare but not raw, served on a bed of cold noodles, a wonderful and taste filled contrast, and again well presented. Service was an issue. When we were seated a young man approached our table, announcing that he was our server, and in a few minutes, a young lady did the same and took our drink order, which took a long time to reach our table on a not very busy night. The man reappeared asking to take our drink order and the young lady said it was her table and the order was in. I wanted Johnny Walker Black or red but they weren't available and my wife wanted Skyy vodka, not available, and was informed that they had run out of Ketel One, so settled on another brand of vodka. Drinks always took a long time and mine were always made not as ordered by the bartender, excuse me the MIXOLOGIST, so my guess is that he was bonused on how much ice he didn't use on his shift. A single guitar player played mostly country and western and nobody was listening. I felt so sorry for him that i tipped him as much as our waitress, who was hard to find after food was served. There was a person floating around in a sweat shirt and camo pants who could have been management, but she only talked to one or two people at the bar and no one else. The place calls for a manager to meet and converse with diners. The place has potential and we'll give it another shot, but when you're new you have to make a good first impression. Excellent food only goes so far and the front of the house is sorely lacking. Figure out what you want to be if you want to succeed.

Written February 14, 2020

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hirschwrites

Chesterfield608 contributions

Looks Better Than It Is

Aug 2021 • none

Nice location, great staff. Food only okay. Lobster sliders good. From there, it went downhill. We waited for over an hour for our main course. Mine, the burnt ends, were chewy and only luke warm. My wife's cioppino was only fair. And it's LOUD even sitting outside. So, good try, but we won't be back.

Written August 16, 2021

MatthewGross

Saint Louis41 contributions

Exciting New Restaurant

Dec 2019 • none

Cobalt Smoke and Sea is a welcome breath of fresh air in the stale Creve Coeur dining scene. However, it aspires to be much more than it achieves. Set in a run of the mill West County strip mall, Cobalt delights the eyes with its snazzy interior that is full of playful design and creative lighting. The menu is an enticing mix of appetizers, sandwiches, entreés and specials. The Corn Bisque was a standout, warm, rich and savory while the Sesame Seed Encrusted Yellowfin Tuna Nacho was good, it lacked excitement. Tempura Asparagus were executed poorly with a batter that was not light and crisp but rather more like a pasty coating. The Crab Linguini had a rich, tasty coating of sauce but I could not detect the crab. The Kale Caesar Salad was enjoyable as are all of the salads. The Market Steak is a prime cut of strip that was cooked medium rare with a nice char and tender to the tongue. Sadly, Shrimp and Grits fell short of the mark. Burnt Ends are a satisfying comfort food and Cobalt delivers a hearty plateful. Desserts were acceptable but we had already eaten way too much. Cobalt has a flawed corkage policy. We were charged $20 each for 3 bottles of wine we brought in from our cellars. I don't mind paying corkage but after spending $60 on cocktails, management should have cut the corkage in half, especially since the staff partook in tasting the wines. Service was pleasant and prompt. On this night there was live music. The noise level while a bit loud was tolerable. The wine list needs a lot of help and the prices are unreasonably steep per bottle. You must put Cobalt on yor list of places to dine as chef Brian Hale is in search of excellence and he just might create it at Cobalt.

Written December 15, 2019

Bill M

Springfield305 contributions

Interesting Menu, great food and service

Jan 2020 • none

Our friends in St. Louis always like to take us to a new and/or different restaurant when we come in for shows at the Fox Theatre. We have learned not to discount a restaurant because it happens to be in a strip mall. The eclectic décor will invite you in including the custom made Ginkgo Trees with lights. The Asian barbeque fusion themed menu is very diverse with very interesting dishes, so much so that none of us ordered what we might typically pick. I like seafood but chose the Pork Burnt Ends because the description was intriguing: Yakiniku BBQ Sauce, Sesame Soba Noodles, Braised Leeks and Baby Bok Choy. It was a large portion served in a bowl and did not disappoint. It was richer than expected and the burnt ends were perfect. My wife who normally orders chicken had the Frenched Pork Chop. While it was a little tough, the very large portion “dipped” in grain mustard was very tasty as were the accompaniments of with roasted fennel sweet potato mash, sage, caramelized onion, and fried brussel sprouts. Our server was very attentive and helpful with menu and wine choices. The owner stopped by the table to ask how we had enjoyed our meal and was happy to discuss how she developed the theme for this restaurant. The full bar can provide virtually anything you might want and has specialty drinks that complement the menu nicely.

Written February 2, 2020

William C

Ballwin23 contributions

An evening out with friends

Jan 2020 • couples

This is a wonderful place to bring friends or family for a great evening. This was really a nice change of pace from the same old west St. Louis county restaurant. My wife and I were joined by two other couple and everyone at our table tried something different from the menu from salmon to the French pork chop and burnt ends. Nothing disappointed! The charcuterie board was phenomenal and a must try Before your meal. Don’t forget to top off your evening with a unique cocktail from the bar. Also an excellent wine list. Thanks for a great evening Cobalt! I’ll be waiting to purchase one of those unique trees!1st in line

Written January 12, 2020

Ded

2 contributions

Best Irish coffee in St. Louis

Oct 2020 • friends

Best Irish coffee in St. Louis. The Irish coffee was not listed on the menu but was requested due to the weather and eating outside. The bar manager was happy to oblige and the Irish coffee was amazing. The chili was delicious also and perfect for a fall evening.

Written October 1, 2020

Carolyn1127

Chesterfield90 contributions

Don’t go back

Jan 2024 • couples

The service was terrible. We asked for Brad which they explained we had to pay for and they had unbaked. We ask a second time if they could bring us bread yes, we would pay for it. They brought two biscuits for four people. The girl that brought the bread had long Trendle hanging down from her hair that swept over the bread when she put it on the table The food was just average salmon was overcooked and we ordered a second margarita. It was so bad we had to send it back.

Written January 24, 2024

Winesnob96

Chesterfield432 contributions

First Visit - Great Experience

Aug 2024 • couples

One of those neighborhood gems tucked away in a strip mall. Nicely appointed decor with a great deal of natural lighting, high ceiling and hardwood flooring. They also have a large outdoor patio for alternate seating. Greeted and seated immediately upon arrival. Our server Joselyn was extremely pleasant, helpful and really seemed to love her job. She was very attentive and made certain to confirm our satisfaction with each course. A fairly limited menu but something for everyone. Menu selections change out every three months with the season. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Started with one of the best Caesar salads I have enjoyed in a while. The big difference may have been the sprinkling of toasted bread crumbs in place of the traditional croutons. Off-menu special of peach gazpacho is not to be missed. Entrees were served expeditiously and to temp. We selected the breaded shrimp platter over coconut rice and served with a pineapple lime salsa - incredible. Additionally we had a delicious smoked pork tenderloin prepared perfectly where sliced medallions lie atop whipped potatoes and green beans. Their pastry chef created a couple of desserts to top off a great meal. A limoncello tiramisu and a blueberry swirl cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, ginger-peach compote and freshly whipped cream. They have a number of very creative cocktails but we did not indulge. If not visiting for dinner, this looks to be a great place to sit and have drinks at their large beautiful bar. Kudos goes out to the culinary team as we were very impressed with the quality, flavor and presentation of every plate served.

Written August 3, 2024

Fred

Missouri2 contributions

Never got served

Jan 2024 • couples

We got into Cobalt after jumping from place to place with hour long waits. The vibe was off when we got there. Quiet and half empty. We got seated and had water quickly and that was it. Servers buzzed about the maybe 10 tables and no one ever stopped by at all. We were being passed by multiple staff and not one person ever asked if we wanted drinks or anything. We walked out after waiting 15 minutes and never even being noticed. They literally didn’t even make eye contact with us. It was…bizarre. We have been there multiple times and the food had been good but something has fallen off now. It’s a shame. Seems like good folks but it has to be managed better.

Written January 27, 2024

Stephanie Haddad

Saint Louis2 contributions

Great Restaurant

May 2021 • couples

This is my favorite restaurant in the area. Everything I have ordered to eat has been delicious. They also make the most delicious cocktails! The ambience also can’t be beat! With the beautiful light up trees and live music in the evenings, it is one my favorite patio spots !

Written May 27, 2021

summertraveler19

Saint Louis102 contributions

Disappointed

Dec 2019 • friends

I rarely write negative restaurant reviews but I had a frustrating experience here. I had lunch with a group of friends and everyone agreed the food was good, although some portions small. I am lactose intolerant and ordered the Grilled Salmon Lettuce Wrap. Suffice to say I specifically asked whether there was cheese on the lettuce wrap and was assured there is no cheese. The wrap arrived with a salad. The salad had cheese. I was put on the defensive with both the server and chef who denied there was cheese in the salad. The chef finally admitted the mistake. It ended up being an expensive lunch ($16) for two very small lettuce wraps and no salad. Again, I do not typically write negative reviews, especially regarding service. I understand everyone has bad days and mistakes are made when restaurants are busy. However, this restaurant was not the least bit busy and the situation could have been easily remedied.

Written December 28, 2019

FellowTraveler823432

11 contributions

Needs Improvement

Oct 2019 • friends

First time visit; interesting and cool decor. Dinner was a disappointment. Grilled salmon was tasty; however, was served on top of ice cold quinoa. Scallop entree equally disappointing. 3 tiny scallops served with 4 carrots. Shepard’s pie entree was ordered; advised unavailable. Calamari appetizer was also a disappointment. This restaurant has potential if they can figure out the food. There were less than 5 tables of customers during the entire evening.

Written October 25, 2019

FamilyTraveler100_11

26 contributions

PLEASANT ADVENTURE AND SURPRISE. YES, GO.

Sep 2019 • none

This foodie is always looking for an adventure of great food that surprises. Cobalt Smoke and Sea did just that. Somewhat recently opened and hidden away, but worthy of discovering. Thought has gone into every detail of the decor (ask about the whale named Louie) including the Ginkgo Trees with lights and, of course, the cobalt blue glassware. (Oh, ask about the cow picture, too). The menu is very diverse and the fusion theme of sea meets smoke and meat is evident in the offerings. Had the half-chicken which had a very nice smoke, done just right. However, its worth a trip just for the green beans. Not cheap eats, but very affordable for the quality of food.

Written September 27, 2019

James K

Saint Louis12 contributions

Uneven and Pricey

Aug 2019 • none

We visited last Saturday. The salmon, potato croquettes and asparagus were delicious. Grandsons had the BLT and Reuben sandwiches which they both enjoyed. An entre of scallops was disappointing with only 3 scallops and 3 what looked like super large thinly sliced radishes. Another big disappointment was the shrimp and risotto which came in a smallish bowl and two shrimp on top of the risotto. This entre was $28.00. On sharing a comment with the hostess about this, no restitution was offered. Also thought a 4 oz. glass of wine for $9.00 was on the high side. We will hesitate in recommending this new restaurant in Creve Coeur.

Written August 10, 2019

lisa b

Saint Louis4 contributions

Disappointed with every aspect

Aug 2019 • couples

Don’t usually write reviews but wanted to save someone else $100. Restaurant was full, appeared very limited staff. Took quite a while to be greeted and then decided to go to the bar and wait for the other couple. Only two others at the bar and two bartenders. They promptly laid down menus and walked away with no greeting. Then they two stood directly in front of us with their backs to us and chatted for 4 or 5 min. The young man then turned around and was directly in front of us and still didn’t offer a drink. We then had to ask and he was pained to do so. Since the bar wasn’t a pleasant experience we went to our table. Horribly tiny metal chairs that we asked to change. Long and short, horrible service, very slow and food was adequate at best. $28 for risotto and had zero flavor. Scallops were good but should be an appetizer. Long in short too many great places to try. Bon appetit

Written August 8, 2019

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