Alton's restaurant scene is concentrated along Broadway and the surrounding streets, with a mix of locally owned cafes, diners, and a handful of restaurants that draw visitors from across the St. Louis metro area. The city has a reputation for good pastry — My Just Desserts on State Street is the anchor of this tradition, known for its cakes and layer desserts. The annual Restaurant Week in mid-January, when locally owned places offer prix-fixe menus at reduced prices, is a good excuse to sample widely.
The waterfront on the river side of Broadway has some outdoor dining in summer, with views across to Missouri.