Lona’s Lil Eats expands with new Kirkwood location

Lona’s Lil Eats, the St. Louis-based restaurant known for its Asian-inspired cuisine, has opened a second location in Kirkwood, Missouri. The new site is located at 612 W. Woodbine Drive and held its grand opening on August 14, 2026.

Founded by chef and co-owner Lona Luo and business partner Pierce Powers III, the concept originated nearly two decades ago at the Soulard Farmers Market. The expansion from its original Fox Park location provides a larger kitchen, increased dining capacity, private event space, and improved infrastructure to support catering operations.

The menu features signature items such as oversized rice paper wraps, handmade dumplings, and noodles, drawing culinary influences from China’s Yunnan province, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Luo, a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist, has built a significant reputation for her distinctive cooking style.