23 Best Restaurants in Kansas City MO (For First Timers!)

Did you hear that Kansas City is the Barbecue capital of the world, and you would love to explore the restaurants in Kansas City yourself? Well, here’s the best guide.

Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and bursting with ethnic and cultural diversity in the center of America.

The city’s vibrant arts sector, unique museums, and top-notch shopping are the sources of inspiration for its hip, cultural vibe.

More than 100 barbecue restaurants may be found in the city, from renowned establishments to more intimate and regional favorites.

Furthermore, it’s not just barbecued you will enjoy; you will also be treated to great meals, from German to Mexican to seafood.

So, if you’re going to pass through or visit, check out these top restaurants in Kansas City.

Restaurants Kansas City

1. Yard House, Kansas City

Yard House is heaven for beer and food lovers.

The restaurant is a sizable grill-style restaurant featuring a wide bar where patrons can sit and numerous tables and booths in an open space.

Furthermore, it is known for its excellent food, classic rock music, and fun atmosphere.

Favorites from the menu include street tacos, seafood, and steaks, as well as their famous Poke Nachos.

But a fantastic meal selection is hidden behind the bar options and the lively atmosphere.

Every day, the display kitchen at Yard House crafts more than 100 things from scratch using premium ingredients and flavors worldwide.

The menu offers grilled burgers, steaks, seafood, sharing platters, and other dishes.

There are many edamame options, as well as truffle fries, guacamole, and chips with pico de gallo and feta.

Regarding appetizers, four-cheese artichoke dip with lobster and crab ups the gourmet ante are great options.

No matter where you are sitting, you can see a game thanks to the T.V.s throughout the building.

However, the openness also creates a boisterous atmosphere, so don’t anticipate a quiet, relaxing dining experience.

Address: 1300 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105, United States

2. Clay & Fire

Clay & Fire is one of the best restaurants in Kansas City to grab some breakfast, especially if you love Turkish food.

The restaurant offers a Near Eastern-inspired dining experience and is situated in the West Side district of Kansas City.

The eatery offers traditional Turkish coffee and brunch fare from the Middle East.

Along with Turkish cuisine, the restaurant also serves food from Lebanon, Iran, and other nearby nations.

Everything on the menu is stellar. There are perfectly prepared khachapuri, chicken, and kharcho at Clay & Fire.

Although they have a lot on their menu, the standout is khachapuri, a miraculous and decadent bread boat containing a reservoir of molten cheese curds, butter, and sizzling egg yolk.

You can tear off pieces of the piping hot bread – simultaneously soft, chewy, and crisp — and dunk it in the cheese and egg or dip it into the hummus and baba.

Khachapuri is available only for Sunday brunch, so you should time your visit.

Similarly, do not leave without tasting Turkish delight cheesecakes and delicious yogurt.

Your lunch will taste even better thanks to great coffee, and you’ll surely return.

Address: 815 W 17 St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

3. Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue

Looking for restaurants in Kansas City for great barbecues? Then you should visit Joe’s.

This place is a gas station that has been converted into a very popular restaurant.

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, formerly known as “Oklahoma Joe’s,” offers pulled pork, burnt ends, smoked chicken, and much more that is of contest quality.

Owners Jeff and Joy Stehney have won big at the American Royal Barbecue, the Jack Daniel’s World BBQ Championship, and the World Brisket Open, making them multiple barbecue champions. So you know you are in good hands.

Various barbecues are offered, including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip, hot dogs, burgers, and links.

The Z-Man sandwich served on a Kaiser roll with sliced smoked brisket, smoked provolone, onion rings, and barbecue sauce, is quite popular here.

Furthermore, the portions are generous, and a few kid-friendly meals are available.

Beverages include tea, milk, beer, sodas, and numerous kinds of lemonade. First, place your order and pick it up when it’s done.

With large portions, amazing barbecue, and reasonable prices, what more could you possibly need?

Address: 3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103, United States

4. Pigwich

This is a fantastic sandwich shop in the Farmers Market area and adjacent to the Arabia Museum.

A meat market is on one side, and a kitchen where the crew produces sandwiches is on the other.

You order your food at the counter and pay.

Additionally, you can choose your preferred indoor or outdoor table after having your drinks served.

There is plenty of shaded seating outside. The food is good and filling, and it’s ready quickly.

Order the Big Pig sandwich if you want to go all out. It is made up of a pulled pork burger patty and fried pork tenderloin, and it is topped with three kinds of cheese, barbecue sauce, pickled jalapenos, nduja sausage, and house-made ranch.

Finally, if you are a vegetarian, you might want to look elsewhere as most of their dishes feature fresh cuts of beef and pork from the on-site butcher.

Address: 20 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO 64106, United States

5. La Bodega

If you have only one evening in Kansas City, then you shouldn’t miss La Bodega.

The restaurant is an upscale but unpretentious Spanish Tapas & Paella restaurant in the Mexican Boulevard District of K.C.

This is one of the restaurants in Kansas City popular among young, trendy customers.

The restaurant features a distinctive triangle shape due to its location.

The decor has Iberian influences and features Spanish music, adding perfect refinement and life.

Similarly, this is not a place for a calm evening because it is casual, noisy, and boisterous. Instead, it is perfect for an enjoyable evening out with friends.

They have a sizable rotating menu of specials, a lengthy variety of wines by the glass or bottle, excellent red and white sangria, and exceptional desserts in addition to their big regular menu of cold and hot tapas.

The mushrooms float in a thick, garlicky wine sauce, while the mussels are covered in a delicious saffron broth and topped with plenty of sautéed fennel.

If you’re in the mood for something “heavier,” try the boneless pork chop wrapped in pancetta and stuffed with Majon cheese or the stuffed chicken breast sautéed in a hot garlic sauce.

Every Friday and Saturday night features live flamenco performances.

Address: 703 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

6. Jax Fish House

As the name implies, Jax Fish House is one of the top restaurants in Kansas City to enjoy seafood.

Jax Fish House is open and waiting to serve you indoor and outdoor dining and curbside pick-up.

In fact, Jax Fish works relentlessly to provide locals and tourists with delicious seaside cuisine and freshly caught fish.

In a city that is thousands of miles from the coast, you wouldn’t anticipate fine seafood, but Jax has found it.

The menu offers some rather unique cuisine options, yet it is easy to comprehend what they are.

Start with some of the freshest oysters you’ve ever had, coast to coast. They are reasonably priced and include a delicious cocktail with horseradish sauce.

JAX has happy hour specials and discounts every day from 3:30 to 6:30.

Address: 4814 Roanoke Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States

7. Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room

This is a hip, exciting restaurant in the Crossroads District of K.C.

They combine two themes into one space at Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room.

The meal is the main attraction here, despite the restaurant’s sleek, contemporary décor.

The interior is modern and sleek, with large columns, gray walls that have gradients, and simple tables and chairs. Two walls have big black ravens or birds, and one has a stunning, modern bar.

The menu is constantly changing, but past selections have included wagyu ribeye with huitlacoche sauce, charred onions, and wasabi, as well as king salmon with smoked buttermilk, turnip, grapefruit, and dill.

The bar offers a wide variety, and reading and understanding the menu takes some time.

Overall, this is not the place to eat a huge plate in one sitting. However, some dishes are intentionally bigger than others.

In fact, the quality, presentation, and freshness of the food and beverages served at this establishment are vital to them, and it is obvious.

So, take your time, appreciate what you have, and savor life’s little surprises by slowing down.

Address: 1830 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

8. Char Bar

If you want more BBQ restaurants in Kansas City, check out Char bar; you will love it here.

The setting here is ideal for a laid-back BBQ establishment; it doesn’t feel costly, and the menu prices feel reasonable, given the amount of food.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant boasts two outside fire pits, a big patio bar, tire swings, a lawn croquet course, picnic tables, and a bocce court.

But Char Bar isn’t simply for entertainment. It has a sizable, diverse menu that will appeal to fans of BBQ, vegetarians, and those seeking innovative dishes they may have yet to try.

Starters, salads, barbecue sandwiches, pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken, ham, sausage, turkey, and more are available on the menu.

The best part? The restaurant is dog friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend.

Address: 4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States

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9. The Antler Room

Are you sick of seeing the same old things in Kansas City? Try Antlers. Here is a restaurant with a more modern take on continental cuisine that is unique to the entire Kansas City area.

Leslie and Nick Goellner own and run the local restaurant, the Antler Room.

The restaurant is housed in a middle-sized home with a small bar area with walnut cafe tables beside the former garage.

Antler room features a constantly changing menu of shared appetizers to go with an assortment of worldwide natural wines, local beers, and revitalizing house cocktails.

The food’s flavors and textures are complemented by the Mediterranean, East Asia, and Midwest traditions.

Additionally, Nicholas Goellner and Leslie Newsam Goellner, a husband and wife partnership, draw on their extensive background working in restaurants both domestically and abroad.

Their dishes come with exceptional timing, and their presentation is unparalleled.

Address: 2506 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

10. Town Topic Hamburgers

Sometimes you’re in the mood for a good, old-fashioned cheeseburger. Town Topic hits the spot.

Town Topic is one of the oldest restaurants in Kansas City and is still standing strong today. In fact, it has been over 85 years.

Town Topic is a staple in Kansas City whether you want a single, double, or perhaps something bigger.

This 75-year-old 24-hour establishment transports you back to the 1950s when you visit.

Be prepared to indulge in all the comforting old favorites, including hamburgers and hot dogs with chili.

You’ll want a double or triple cheeseburger that has been smashed thin and grilled till crispy.

Besides burgers and chili, they also provide a substantial breakfast selection (including some good biscuits and gravy).

As there is almost no sitting and so many people, prepare to take your meal out or eat it in your car or while standing around.

Address: 2021 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

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11. Garozzo’s Ristorante, Kansas City

Garozzo’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in Kansas City, and you do not want to miss it.

In fact, the restaurant is a great Old World, Authentic, and Classic Italian Experience.

It is owned and run by Michael Garozzo, his wife Marguerite, and their four daughters.

Garozzo’s gives fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price in a cozy setting.

To begin with, they are not located in the fashionable Power and Light District but rather in an Italian neighborhood where even the fire hydrants are decorated with the colors of the Italian flag.

The interior of the building is straightforward, tidy, and crowded despite its unremarkable corner location.

The restaurant has also been a dining institution in Kansas City for up to two decades.

The waitresses know their menu and the particular components used in each dish. But that is uncommon in many restaurants today.

The meal isn’t particularly fancy or artistic, just fairly straightforward. That, once more, is what makes it old-world.

It resembles the cuisine one may find in a small Italian village. But what really seals the deal are the flavor, the quality of the ingredients, and the dining experience.

After all, you are paying for that value, and a great restaurant cannot exist without it.

The veal marsala with peppers and mushrooms and the lasagna with sausage and meatballs are both house favorites.

Their hallmark dish, Chicken Spiedini, is also a favorite here.

Garozzo’s not only has gluten-free options but can also make a large portion of their regular menu gluten-free!

Address: 526 Harrison St, Kansas City, MO 64106, United States

12. Farina, Kc

Looking for a fantastic dining experience in Kansas City? Visit Farina; You won’t be disappointed.

Guests at Farina have the chance to create lovely, unforgettable memories while enjoying delectable Italian fare in a relaxed, classy setting.

In fact, it would be an understatement to say that the dining experience here is remarkable.

Chef Michael Smith and his Wife Nancy pay attention to detail, unlike any dining experience.

Fine meals and wines go well with the environment’s stylish, upscale, but not pretentious architecture and intriguing art collection, which creates a welcoming and inspirational environment.

Address: 1901 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

13. Gram & Dun

Gram & Dun offers a very pleasant, relaxed, yet romantic ambiance.

Once inside, the huge wine rack, lovely lighting, light sitting (especially the seats facing outside), the bar area, as well as the event spaces make this a truly special spot to visit.

Gram & Dun offers cuisine that is driven by flavor, paying close attention to how well the food and drinks go together.

Similarly, it is a nice location to unwind and take in the neighborhood mood as you test various food, beverage, and entertainment theories.

Their patio is perfect for eating on the Plaza; it is big and roomy, has umbrellas that can be raised if it gets too hot, and offers a good view of the busy Plaza streets and the vegetation along Brush Creek.

Sunday brunch is a terrific time to go to Gram & Dun. There are numerous options for breakfast on the menu, including salads, soups, and small plates.

Also, ask for bread if you only want something light before dinner.

Address: 600 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States

14. Il Lazzarone Pizza

This is the place to go if you prefer pizza made in a New York manner. Or when you’re craving a particular homemade dish that’s been tossed in the air and covered with gorgeous white or red sauce, come here.

In fact, a freshly made pizza from Il Lazzarone’s hand-built, wood-fired ovens is among the most beautiful things in the world.

Il Lazzarone provides a respectable and relaxed atmosphere. Fancy lights are used to embellish the red-brick walls.

Additionally, you won’t have to wait long from placing your order until you start eating because each pie cooks in less than 90 seconds.

The crust is nearly perfect, and the components are of the highest caliber. They also offer a fantastic variety of red and white pizzas in addition to a top-notch pesto pizza.

There are options to choose from, ranging from the traditional Margherita to the Crepa.

They also have a great selection of wine and beer on tap.

Address: 412 Delaware St A, Kansas City, MO 64105, United States

15. El Patron

In the center of Kansas City is a bustling restaurant called El Patron.

With outdoor seats and a complete bar, El Patron Cocina & Bar offers visitors great food and free WiFi.

Additionally, the restaurant offers catering and has a T.V. for entertainment.

Mexican cuisines like burrito de la casa, chicken enchiladas, tacos, salsa, chicken fajitas, and corn tortillas are available at El Patron Cocina & Bar.

Even though the restaurant’s award-winning margaritas and guacamole are its most well-known dishes, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

The house margaritas taste authentic and organically flavored, with just the proper quantity of tequila, and the chips are thin and snappy.

Favorites also include chicken mole, chicharrones, fajitas, and enchiladas.

Furthermore, there are several flavors available to pick from, including cucumber, grapefruit, mango, peach, and coconut, to mention a few.

In nice weather, a rooftop deck makes a wonderful dining area.

Address: 2905 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

16. Mesob Restaurant & Rum Bar

If you are looking for more restaurants in Kansas City to have a romantic and warm date night, you will love Mesob.

Mesob is a Caribbean/Ethiopian-themed restaurant with outstanding food on both sides of the menu.

The Uptown Theatre is across the street from this eatery, which is tucked away in a parking lot corner.

The setting is comparable to a high-end fine dining establishment. The food tastes very delicious.

They have a wide variety of Ethiopian and Caribbean dishes.

Taro fritters and conch are among the appetizers.

A variety of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes are also available.

In addition to the meals, the restaurant also has a sizable wall of rums. By the conclusion of your meal, you’ll be stumbling around like Jack Sparrow.

Address: 3601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States

17. CHARISSE KC

CHARISSE is a good place if you want to do something a little different than the usual Power & Light District fare.

This urban location in the heart of downtown is ideal for a buzzing happy hour and an early dinner before witnessing a performance at one of the many surrounding theaters.

Despite having a low rating on Tripadvisor, Charisse is not of inferior quality.

If you carefully read the evaluations, you’ll see that those who truly understand and like French cuisine tends to give it very high grades, while those unfamiliar with French cuisine give low ratings.

Charisse provides a fantastic prix-fixe menu option where you can select smaller amounts of the salad, entree, dessert, or another hors d’oeuvre in addition to the appetizers and hors d’oeuvres.

Address: 1006 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64106, United States

18. Novel Restaurant, K.C.

Do you wish to give something fresh or non-traditional a try?

The Novel offers contemporary American food in classic settings. The restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Kansas City to spend a romantic dinner.

The open-concept kitchen is visible from the stylish, contemporary dining room, which is quite pleasant.

Although it is a bit expensive, the delectable food served in the beautiful setting of this restaurant just makes it worthwhile.

Foods like rabbit sausage, duck neck dumplings, hamachi crudo, lamb loin chop, and francolin aged grappa have helped NovelNovel stand apart from other restaurants.

The atmosphere isn’t quite as grand as some of the others downtown, but what it may lack in atmosphere, they make up for in service.

The noise level is just right; it is just loud enough for you to converse with your table mates.

Make a reservation at least a day in advance because the restaurant is bustling during dinnertime.

Address: 1927 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

19. Kobi Q

Just south of the Sprint Center and Power & Light, in a superb downtown position, lies the eatery Kobi Q.

It is an attractive little treasure that is small on the outside and simple to miss.

Similarly, the atmosphere of the restaurant is lovely and pleasant throughout the day, with a vast skylight illuminating the space in the afternoon and mood-setting red and purple lights in the evening.

It is an excellent location for solo meal or group meal.

Address: 1531 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

20. Pierpont’s at Union Station

This is the place to go if you want to travel back to the 1920s.

The food and service here are among the best in Kansas City, in addition to the fantastic ambiance.

Since its opening in 1999, Pierpont’s at Union Station has been serving up great food and service.

Pierpont’s, which takes its name from railroad magnate J.P. (Pierpont) Morgan, offers perfectly aged prime steaks and daily-delivered fresh seafood.

The bar is the beginning of the restaurant’s magnificence, which spread throughout the old structure.

Some of the best brunch items are the crab cake, eggs benedict, and the Bloody Mary.

Stop in here for a full meal or a quick snack, whether you’re passing by fast before or after a play or after you’ve spent all day at the World War I National Memorial and Museum.

21. The Stilwell

Located inside the Loews Kansas City Hotel in the center of downtown, The Stilwell is pleased to welcome you.

The Stilwell’s interior design is contemporary rustic, and elegant, with an open concept and direct views of the Kansas City cityscape from the kitchen.

The restaurant offers two private rooms for large groups or those seeking private dining alternatives.

The menu has options for both sophisticated palates and those looking for gastronomic adventure.

Backlit liquor bottles resting on floating shelves are reflected in mirror and wood columns, while a striking glass chandelier highlights the bar below.

Direct views into the kitchen and of the Kansas City cityscape are made possible by the open layout.

Additionally, there is a wraparound terrace and bar area outside, and biophilia and fire pits give the place a warm richness.

Address: 1515 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

22. Affäre

What comes to mind when you think of German restaurants? Perhaps schnitzel or bratwurst? You may need to think further as you are in for a surprise.

Affäre is one of the best German restaurants in Kansas City.

In short, it is a hidden gem in the Crossroads neighborhood of downtown Kansas City—and it’s just beside the streetcar line!

The meal is wonderful, but neither the exterior nor the interior truly provides a german ambiance.

The menu embraces parts of traditional German cuisine while also exploding with a fresh, contemporary spirit that stays true to German culture.

Homemade bread, also in the German heavy bread style, are served with homemade German meats, cheeses, pickles, a wonderfully fresh salad, and tomatoes.

The menu includes delicious dishes made with rabbit, pheasant, and the usual wiener schnitzel and spaetzle.

They serve a four-course featured meal with a wine option every Thursday.

The selection of wines on the menu is excellent, and the costs are fair.

Although they serve great meals, their steaks—yes, you read that right—are the real highlight of the menu.

Overall, Affäre is one of those restaurants in Kansas City that you would love to come back to, and you will always be satisfied.

Address: 1911 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

23. Golden Ox

The Golden Ox Restaurant opened its doors in 1949, intending to provide ranchers and farmers who brought their cattle to the stockyards with a nice spot to eat.

The Golden Ox, which is still at the stockyards’ center on the first floor of the Livestock Exchange Building, continues the custom.

Although a little pricy, this steakhouse in Kansas City has a great atmosphere and is one of the oldest restaurants in Kansas City.

Despite the dark lighting, this is a terrific area to visit alone, with a partner, or with a large company.

Because of how the dining room is divided, conversing is relatively easy.

They offer a fantastic beer and cocktail menu.

Address: 1600 Genessee St #110, Kansas City, MO 64102, United States

 

Final Remark

Finding the best dining spots in Kansas City shouldn’t be a problem for you by now.

Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, pizza, sausages, steamed mussels with buttery flavors, french fries, or international dishes, the restaurants on this list have you covered.

You’ll have access to beers on tap, cocktails, and various wines/juices to accompany your meal. Enjoy your dining experience.

Bon Appétit!”