45 Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Kansas City
Last updated December 7, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Whether you enjoy traditional American dishes or are keen to try global flavors, the restaurant scene of Kansas City is guaranteed to delight you.
Offering a wide range of choices, from quaint charm to contemporary sophistication, Kansas City encourages you to begin a flavorful adventure.
You can enjoy delicious barbecue and relish creative meals at fine dining restaurants, and while exploring the city, you will encounter a mix of beloved classics and thrilling new venues.
Here are the 45 best restaurants and places to eat in Kansas City!
1. Majestic Steakhouse
Majestic Steakhouse stands as a traditional and lively steakhouse in Kansas City that provides a nostalgic setting along with evening jazz shows.
Housed in the historical Fitzpatrick Saloon structure, this place exudes a vintage appeal and boasts an authentic bar right from the old 1880s, offering a dining adventure rich in history.
The venue’s emphasis on regional heritage is showcased in their mouthwatering Kansas City steaks, cooked flawlessly and paired with tasty house-made sauces.
2. Pierpont's
Pierpont's is an upscale dining establishment located inside Union Station, serving American fare within a historic ambiance.
The restaurant features a lovely mahogany bar with tall ceilings, serving prime cuts of steak and seafood along with an extensive wine selection.
Pierpont's Happy Hour is among Union Station’s favored draws.
3. Housewife
Housewife, situated in the heart of Grandview, is a delightful café that Anna Sorge created as a whimsical tribute to her strong culinary experiences.
This charming restaurant has emerged as a cherished spot for breakfast aficionados and food fans, featuring signature items such as the original Breakfast Sandwich and a selection of delicious pastries and breads.
The welcoming environment here hums with vitality while upholding cleanliness and consideration among guests.
With ample seating choices inside and in the patio, customers can savor their meals comfortably.
4. Jack Stack Barbecue
This is a well-known local chain providing a variety of barbecue choices including seafood and steak.
It offers plenty of outdoor seating with spaced-out tables in the lot and on the beautiful patio.
Visitors can indulge in Kansas City-styled barbecue plates here paired with sides such as onion rings and corn bake while listening to live music.
5. Le Fou Frog
This is a charming French bistro located in Kansas City's historic downtown, offering a delightful experience that brings diners to this world’s romance capital with its delectable award-winning dishes and exquisite wines.
Featuring an occasionally serenading chef, Fou Frog offers an ideal setting for refined French cuisine in a cozy setting.
Their menu includes mouthwatering items like escargot and foie gras, along with steak poivre prepared with Kansas City’s Strip.
6. Chewology
This is a street food eatery from Taiwan situated in Westport, providing an assortment of shareable dishes like bao buns, dumplings, and noodles.
Their menu features items like dandan noodles and cucumber smacked salad, paired with refreshing cocktails.
Chef Liu Sung Katie usually organizes family-style multi-course meals here that offer an in-depth experience of Taiwanese culinary traditions.
7. Café Des Amis
This is a delightful French bistro hidden on the 2nd level of a historic brick structure in the lively downtown Parkville.
It provides a genuine and romantic dining atmosphere, with a deck surrounded by trees, enhancing its charming environment.
Owned by Hanriot Guillaume, this bistro also features a broad wine selection that enhances its classic menu designed by Ingrid Hanriot, the chef.
8. Billie's Grocery
This is a spacious and lively counter-service restaurant that provides baked goods, organic meals, and culinary classes.
Its relaxed California atmosphere makes it an ideal place for those wanting to eat healthy or enjoy a sugary delight.
Along with their indoor dining space here, there is a complete outdoor patio right on the building's north side where customers can savor their food.
The restaurant likewise has a distinct kitchen designated for conducting demonstration and interactive-style culinary classes with a global influence.
9. Novel Restaurant
This is a delightful New American dining spot situated in Kansas City's Crossroads area.
The eatery presents a constantly evolving menu, highlighting creative meals made from seasonal produce and guaranteeing a pleasant dining experience every time.
Visitors can enjoy traditional cocktails along with a variety of beers and wines while treating themselves to delightful dishes like pork toast, pea soup, and Pekin ducks breast accompanied by pumpkin seedmole.
10. Town Topic Hamburger Broadway
This is a traditional diner situated in downtown KC and famous for its legendary cheeseburger that has remained a local favorite since the 1950s.
Even with its humble façade, the presence of a queue of visitors and the scent of cooking burgers confirm the restaurant's appeal.
Its slender, grilled beef patties topped with American cheese and caramelized onions have gained legendary status, inspiring recognition at various upscale venues.
11. Corner Cafe Riverside
This is a well-liked venue recognized for its substantial American comfort food and welcoming service.
The restaurant features a themed, snug decor that creates a local neighborhood eatery atmosphere.
Guests will find tasty comfort food choices available here from breakfast through desserts and dinner.
The staff at the cafe is commended for their friendliness and attentiveness, guaranteeing a delightful dining adventure.
12. The Farmhouse
This is a delightful farm-to-table eatery that provides a seasonal selection of refined American dishes
Visitors can relax on the patio of the restaurant and take advantage of their happy hour deals on beer, cocktails, and wine, available from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
The restaurant is proud to source ingredients from local suppliers, featuring offerings from close-by farmers on their brunch menu.
Situated close to the lovely City Market, it is a perfect place to relax after buying local products.
13. The Rockhill Grill
This is a stylish restaurant located in the Crossroads Art District of Kansas City, famous for its inventive cocktails and American food.
The restaurant provides a chic atmosphere with sights of the lively area, particularly from the lounge on the 2nd floor.
Visitors always commend the observant staff and adept bartender.
Popular dishes here include 'Pig Wings', salmon dip, and homemade Tater Tots accompanied by garlic aioli and jalapeno cheese.
14. 801 Chophouse
Found in Leawood & the Power and Light District, 801 Chophouse radiates a classic appeal with its refined and sophisticated atmosphere.
The restaurant features hardwood flooring, plush leather seats and barstools, inviting redwood highlights, and a menu with substantial beef portions.
15. Pizza Tascio NKC
This is an innovative project by Borgers Erik, showcasing a logo that complies with DOP regulations.
Their Uncle Tascio figure embellishes the symbol of this emerging New York-styled pizza franchise, a donation from the Palermo’s Visitors Bureau.
Il Lazzarone’s creator, Borger, now uses Pizza Tascio to pursue his passion.
16. Char Bar
This restaurant in Westport presents a contemporary style of Southern dishes and BBQ in a roomy environment with a nostalgic vibe and a beer garden outdoors.
This beer garden features a range of games including croquet, ping pong, bocce ball, and cornhole, turning it into a playground for adults.
Their Whomp Platter remains a favored option for individuals wanting to enjoy a selection of BBQ dishes.
Also, Char Bar is recognized for its pet-friendly atmosphere and lively block party vibe.
17. Pigwich
This is a popular spot celebrated for its diverse selection of tasty meat sandwiches like cheesesteaks, banh mi, and burgers.
Initially situated in the Eastern Bottoms, Pigwich has now relocated to a newer space within the lively City Market next to the butcher shop of Local Pig.
This growth has enabled Pigwich to provide an enhanced menu featuring burgers, French fries, sandwiches, desserts, and children's meals.
The industrial area around the restaurant also draws a varied mix of customers.
18. Gram and Dun
This is a well-known gastro-pub situated in the trendy Brookside area of KC.
It provides a vibrant and relaxed environment with stylish, inviting decor, and nice outdoor seating.
Their menu showcases creative American dishes, including waffles and chicken with jerk pheasant, as well as contemporary twists on traditional favorites like salsa verde with hangar steak.
19. Voltaire
This is an attractive rustic-modern venue situated in the West Bottoms area of Kansas City.
This restaurant features a mix of bistro-inspired New American dishes infused with global influences, paired with an extensive array of cocktails and wines.
Its interior radiates subtle sophistication, highlighted by a stunningly wooden polished bar that extends the area’s entire length.
20. Arthur Bryant Barbeque
This is a celebrated Kansas City spot famous for its tasty smoked meats accompanied by Wonder fries and bread within an uncomplicated self-service environment.
The eatery has gotten widespread fame, drawing attention from prominent individuals like US presidents, baseball athletes, and film stars.
This restaurant stems from the heritage of HenryPerry, ‘Kansas City barbecue’s father’, and it has been flourishing since the ownership of Arthur Bryant.
21. Niecie's Restaurant
This is a relaxed, long-standing diner offering traditional soul food favorites like pie and fried chicken all through breakfast, dinner, and lunch.
The menu here showcases a variety of enticing choices, including oxtails, macaroni and cheese, fried catfish, country ham, pig ear sandwiches, and grits.
A highlight of Niecie's Restaurant's menu is their waffle and hot wings - crunchy fried wings placed atop a soft waffle and garnished with butter and powdered sugar.
22. Q39 - Midtown
This is a fashionable location with lofty ceilings and visible brick that serves tasty wood-grilled meats and smoked BBQ.
During a visit here, you can also explore several museums such as the Negro League Baseball Museum, Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, and Kemper Museum.
23. The Peanut
Found in 5000 Main Street at South Plaza, The Peanut is a well-known sports grill and bar that is famous for its traditional American pub cuisine and drinks.
It is regarded among the best options in the region,
Established in 1933 as a nice speakeasy, the bar is also famous for its huge buffalo wings which need at least 20 minutes to prepare, though they’re definitely worth the wait.
24. The Restaurant 1900
This restaurant provides a minimalist atmosphere for enjoying creative global cuisine and a wide selection of wines.
Its al fresco dining space has been updated with contemporary and mid-century elements, including a stunning stainless-steel awning and a quartzite Moreno water feature.
Linda Duerr, the executive chef's dinner and lunch offerings here meld seasonal ingredients with fish, beef, and game, paired with an excellent wine choice.
The restaurant's parking lot has been made to extend the patio for outdoor seating reservations exclusively.
25. Mildred's Food and Drink
This is a casual cafe with 2 spots in KC.
It's celebrated for its nice espresso drinks, salads, and lunch and breakfast sandwiches.
Its Crossroads site is especially favored, featuring outdoor seating ideal for savoring a pleasant day.
This café boasts a wonderful ambiance, with both employees and customers consistently cheerful.
It’s a perfect place to savor coffee infused with a cooling Bloody Mary or Irish whiskey.
26. Café Provence
This is a famous countryside-style bistro situated in the cool Prairie Village area, featuring a French seasonal cuisine and a remarkable array of wines.
Even with its suburban location, it is regarded as part of the top French establishments in the United States, appealing to both residents and French citizens.
27. Corvino
This is a chic restaurant situated in Kansas City's Crossroads Art District, and operated by Christina Corvino, the general manager, and Michael, the chef.
The restaurant features a varied selection of comfort food inspired by global cuisines like tomato gnocchi, smoked chicken, and poke bowls.
Visitors can additionally enjoy live nightly music shows here by regional jazz musicians like Matt Villinger, the pianist.
28. Lula Southern Cookhouse
This is a cherished Kansas City destination that serves genuine Southern dishes.
Its menu includes traditional meals such as Mississippi Delta Cat fish and fried expertly seasoned chicken.
Located in the previous site of Nara, the restaurant has rapidly become popular for providing hearty comfort food within downtown KC.
Visitors always commend the soothing ambiance here and suggest booking in advance to enjoy their seafood-centric offerings, including treats such as Triple Dip and Peel & Eat Shrimp.
29. Mesob Restaurant and Rum Bar
This restaurant and rum bar provides a distinctive blend of Eritrean, Ethiopian, and Caribbean dishes in a casual atmosphere.
It is famous for its communal traditional meal that accommodates 10 guests and includes offerings such as jerk chicken accompanied by pineapple salsa, conch with rum glaze, and salmon tib platters served with injera or spicy doro.
The experience here also features honey Tej wine along with coffee ceremonies and customary handwashing.
30. Clay and Fire
Located in the Westside area of Kansas City, Clay and Fire stands as a culinary treasure owned by Jones Adam.
The chef here, Brent Gunnels creates exquisite meals with ingredients sourced from Missouri North and genuine spices from Near East.
Their menu features brunch dishes inspired by Mediterranean flavors, including Menemen and Yumurta Cilbir, along with savory treats like Kharcho.
31. Brown and Loe
This is a lovely New American eatery situated in a historical structure that previously served as the old Merchants Bank.
This eatery honors its past by integrating design elements from around the 1920s, including checkered marble flooring and a unique coffered ceiling.
This establishment takes its name from the building’s former tenants, Loe and Brown, who during the 1940s, were product brokers.
32. Fox & Pearl
This is an enchanting country-style eatery located in a historical 1907 structure, providing a quaint dining atmosphere with a patio.
The venue is recognized for its fun happy hour promotions, offering a wine variety from various countries and even cocktails at lower prices.
Their menu features tasty small dishes like green fried tomatoes, thyme-honey butter with potato rolls, and pork terrine served on buttermilk biscuits.
33. Sayachi Sushi
Operated by Sayaka Falcon and Carlos Falcon, Sayachi Sushi brought their distinctive seafood and sushi culinary style influenced by Japanese cuisine to the KC Brookside area.
Their menu features a fantastic fresh fish selection, establishing it as a premier option for sushi enthusiasts in KC.
Moreover, guests can enjoy exquisite dishes like live-baked lobster, seasonal grilled fish, and fried boneless chicken from Japan.
34. Waldo Thai
This is a modern bar and restaurant found in Kansas City's Waldo area that serves classic Thai cuisine and drinks.
Pam Liberda, the chef together with her team in the restaurant focuses on Northern Thai dishes, also called Lanna food, showcasing delicious options such as seasoned crispy rice salad & sautéed pork cheek with red curry.
Their happy hour selection features choices like crispy calamari, spring rolls, pad seeew, and fried pineapple rice, all at reasonable rates.
35. Golden Ox
This is a traditional chophouse which has been delivering generous servings of classic sides and steak since 1949.
Initially created to serve farmers and ranchers frequenting the stockyards, the iconic restaurant still provides an excellent ambiance and delightful dining experience.
Situated on the historic Livestock Exchange Building’s first floor, it also offers insights into Kansas City's food heritage.
36. Westport Cafe
This is a vibrant American-French bistro situated in a brick-walled setting that features a kitchen late at night.
The bistro provides an outstanding Happy Hour daily from 4pm to 6pm and later from 10pm until closing, showcasing delicious tomato focaccia and reduced-priced Prosecco.
The interior radiates the warm atmosphere of a softly-lit Parisian bistro, featuring plush curtains, café tables, and subway tiles.
37. Baba's Pantry
This is a charming food treasure that showcases the vibrant tastes of Palestinian cooking.
Established by Chef Baba, who came to the US as a refugee in the 1970s, this restaurant draws inspiration from his grandmother’s beloved recipes.
Featuring a budget-friendly menu with most selections priced under $15, visitors can enjoy delicious offerings such as shawarma in pitas or wraps, paired with crunchy fries and fresh salads.
38. Stock Hill
This is a modern steakhouse that provides a stylish environment for savoring dishes along with cocktails, artisanal beer, and wine.
The happy hour here offers a chance to enjoy gourmet snacks and artisan cocktails at reasonable rates.
Offering various choices, from sliders featuring short beef ribs and home-cured pastrami to grilled wood-fired oysters, everyone will find something to enjoy here.
Since its launch in 2016, this restaurant has seen transformations, including Kelly Conwell's elevation to chef executive.
39. Affäre
This is a contemporary German restaurant set in a chic environment featuring striking lighting and modern art.
Owned by Katrin and Martin Heuser, who possess fine extensive dining experience, this venue in Kansas City serves German cuisine with an authentic Midwestern flair.
The farm-2-table idea here implies that their menu adapts with the seasons, and you can anticipate genuine spatzle, Black Forest Cake, and potato rosti.
40. Extra Virgin
This is a well-liked Mediterranean tapas eatery situated in the vibrant Kansas City Crossroads Arts District.
The eatery offers a varied menu of creative and shareable plates, featuring items such as charcuterie boards and ducktongue tacos.
It’s also recognized for its outside patio, rendering it a perfect place for a relaxed lunch or upscale dining.
The lunch selection here includes popular dishes such as bone marrow and tapas, whereas their happy hour provides half-off choices from 11:30am until 6pm.
41. Wah Gwan
This is a lively Kansas City restaurant that serves a distinctive mix of Nigerian and Jamaican culinary flavors.
Chef Yarborough Tanyech, influenced by her own Jamaican background and the Nigerian heritage of her partner, offers a vibrant mix of cooking methods, tastes, and seasonings here.
This restaurant has received favorable feedback for its genuine Jamaican dishes, large servings, and friendly environment.
Customers have always commended the outstanding dishes here, which also include Ting and meat patties.
42. Garozzo's Downtown
This is a cherished Italian restaurant in KC that serves traditional dishes in a spacious dining area with a nostalgic atmosphere.
Their signature meal, ‘chicken spiedini’, remains a must-try that has gained recognition through the years.
Along with this well-known signature dish, they additionally provide shrimp spiedini, veal, and beef along with other Italian classics.
The restaurant boasts of its genuine Italian dishes that overflow with delightful tastes.
43. La Bodega
This is a lively and colorful establishment that features wine and Spanish tapas, complemented by happy-hour promotions and outdoor seating.
Its lovely Spanish-styled patio welcomes dogs, offering a stylish chrome water bowl for your four-legged companion.
This lets you savor happy hour without being concerned about your pets.
The restaurant also serves exquisite marinated olives, outstanding paella, and dates wrapped in pancetta filled with chorizo.
44. Town Company
This is a stylish restaurant situated inside the HotelKansas City, providing high-end dishes made from thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
Its cozy dining room features original low ceilings with tile floors, complemented by an openhearth kitchen that enhances the welcoming atmosphere.
Johnny Leach, the executive chef, and Helen Leach, the pastry chef, are recognized for their creative approach here in utilizing live fire for enhancing uncomplicated seasonal foodstuffs.
45. The Stilwell
This is a recent entry to the Kansas City dining landscape, having launched in 2021 at the Loews Hotel.
Patrick Le Beau heads the kitchen, providing a modern interpretation of classic Midwest comfort dishes.
The menu here includes communal dishes like biscuits with prosciutto and blue cheese smoked butter, oatmeal cookies accompanied by ice cream, and fried chicken served with truffle cheese-and-mac.
