25 Essential Kansas City Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Kansas City.
Q39 - Midtown
Missouri
Hip, airy joint with beamed ceilings & exposed brick serving smoked BBQ & wood-fired meats.
The Russell Restaurant & Catering Company
Missouri
Easygoing restaurant serving homestyle cooking, grills & burgers, plus cakes, cookies & cocktails.
Garozzo's Downtown
Missouri
Homey Italian tavern offering classic cuisine in a large dining room with an old-school vibe.
Scott's Kitchen and Catering at Hangar 29
Kansas City, Missouri
Simply appointed outpost featuring breakfast, American BBQ fare & tacos amid warm, relaxed vibes.
Cascone's
Kansas City, Missouri
Veteran family-owned place for Italian meals dished amid vintage decor with red-leather booths.
Vietnam Cafe
Kansas City, Missouri
Casual, pint-size institution serving up hefty portions of pho & other Vietnamese specialties.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
Kansas City, Missouri
Chain serving family-style Italian fare in a kitschy setting featuring red-&-white tablecloths.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Kansas City, Missouri
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Cupini's
Kansas City, Missouri
Cozy counter serves up Italian staples including pasta, pizza & panini in a laid-back setting.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Kansas City, Missouri
Upscale-casual Italian chain serving pasta, grilled dishes, pizza & cocktails amid Roman-ruin decor.
Trezo Mare Restaurant & Lounge
Kansas City, Missouri
Special-occasion Italian dining in posh surroundings with a separate terrace & fireside lounge.
Le Fou Frog
Kansas City, Missouri
Unpretentious eatery for elevated French dining in cozy quarters with a sometimes-serenading chef.
Novel Restaurant
Kansas City, Missouri
Cozy New American offering inventive dishes made from seasonal ingredients, plus classic cocktails.
First Watch
Kansas City, Missouri
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Kansas City, Missouri
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great dessert, Serves local specialty.
Wrap It Up Tex Mex Grill
Kansas City, Missouri
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch.
You Say Tomato
Kansas City, Missouri
Bustling cafe serves up a variety of local, seasonal breakfast & lunch dishes in a homey setting.
Tacos El Gallo
Kansas City, Missouri
Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
Succotash
Kansas City, Missouri
Breakfast-&-lunch joint drawing weekend crowds with hearty American eats & a hip, quirky vibe.
Masabi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill
Kansas City, Missouri
Light-filled, modern chain branch serving up bento boxes, sushi and hot Japanese dishes.
The Granfalloon Restaurant And Bar
Kansas City, Missouri
This bi-level bar & eatery boasts sports-tuned TVs, upscale pub fare & an open, casual dining room.
Nicky's Pizza
Kansas City, Missouri
Easygoing neighborhood pizza parlor turning out pies, sandwiches & pasta dishes in a casual space.
Ragazza Food & Wine
Kansas City, Missouri
Classic Italian eats & an extensive wine list offered in an intimate setting with a bar & fireplace.
The Hi-Dive Lounge
Kansas City, Missouri
Low-key local fixture offering hearty comfort food & craft brews on tap, plus Sunday brunch.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Kansas City, Missouri
Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.