The 10 Best Restaurants in All of Kansas City
Whether you’re a new member of the local community or planning to visit Kansas City, there are some restaurants that offer the best dining experiences in the state. There are a lot of good restaurants in the city, in fact, there are so many that if you’re not familiar with the area, you may not know which ones to try first. We’ve reviewed the most highly rated venues and put together a collection of the top five that will serve as a guide to point you in the right direction. Here are the 10 best restaurants that Kansas City has to offer.
1. Bluestem
Bluestem was established in 2004 by chefs Colby and Megan Gerrelts. They offer progressive American cuisine with the goal of creating a dining experience for their guests, rather than a simple meal. You’re surrounded with an elegant atmosphere with a dedicated staff that pays attention to every detail of your dining experience. The restaurant has received national as well as local praise winning Outstanding restaurant awards three years in a row from 2015 through 2017. They offer cocktails, snacks, a bar, a 10 courses tasting menu and full course meals that are unique and delicious.
2. The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is considered one of the best restaurants for fine dining in the city. They’ree located at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Mo. The prices are moderately expensive, but the food is amazing. They specialize in dry aged steak as well as world-class wines. The service is exceptional. Reservations are required so it’s best to book your table in advance to enjoy their American fare and an upscale club environment.
3. The Beer Kitchen
The Beer Kitchen offers a pub-like environment for guests who appreciate the flavor of American comfort food along with a variety of craft beers. Their signature meal is an American Beer Burger that is prepared with Kansas City-style burnt ends smothered in a house made barbecue sauce. The restaurant offers a relaxed environment to enjoy regional foods that encourage a sense of feeling laid back and enjoying good times with friends and family.
4. Gazzaros Ristorante
Gazzaros Restaurant provides an Italian tavern setting award-winning establishment that has received accolades for their signature Chicken Spiedini. Michael Gazorro established his restaurant in 1989 and the establishment has expanded to include two other locations. It’s been visited by celebrities ranging from Tony Bennett to Kid Rock. Gazzaro comes from a family of fine dining professionals and he’s carrying on the family tradition in grand style.
5. Midtown Restaurant
Midtown Restaurant is a unique place to eat with an airy environment with exposed brick and beamed ceilings for a laid-back atmosphere. It’s the most highly rated barbecue restaurant in Kansas City. The rustic urban ambiance fits in perfectly with the generously sized menu offerings of burgers, steaks and chops along with seafood selections prepared over an open oak flamed grill. The cuisine is all made from scratch and they’re willing to accommodate your special order.
6. Pierpont’s at Union Station
Pierpoint’s at Union Station is known throughout the city for its excellent seafood dishes along with prime steaks. They also offer a happy hour and late night meals. The environment is a posh classic featuring Mahogany wood and high ceilings. It’s all set up in the historic Union Station. They accept reservations but it’s not required.
7. La Bodega
This authentic Spanish restaurant offers a colorful and vibrant setting with sidewalk seating available, happy hour deals and an impressive wine list. They offer a good selection of comfort food and they’re well-known for their amazing Tapas with food and serving traditions that date back to the 1,500s. The cuisine is traditional Spanish/Basque and the servings are large. It’s a great place to have a hearty meal, and if you’re looking for late night food, they’re there to accommodate you.
8. Cafe Gratitude Kansas City
We had to mention Cafe Gratitude in Kansas City as a haven for vegetarians and anyone who is concerned about the environment. This unique restaurant is solar powered and offers a variety of vegan based international plates along with healthy smoothies made from locally sourced vegetables. The restaurant specializes in gourmet plant-based cuisines with menu offerings that support human health and sustainability for the planet. They even offer workshops and classes to learn more about how diet affects our health.
9. Lidia’s
Lidia’s is an upscale Italian restaurant that offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine. The environment is glitzy with blown glass chandeliers. It’s housed in a former railroad house that is located near the historic Union station. Here you can find a three-course special pasta or your choice of several other menu options. They welcome guests for fine dining, late night food, and happy hour food and drinks.
10. Seasons 52
Seasons 52 is a New American restaurant serving American dishes in season and they also have an impressive wine list. They offer lunch and dinner in addition to happy hour food and drinks as well as comfort food.
