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Kansas City’s food scene is famous for many things: barbecue, burnt ends, cheesy corn, and classic fried chicken, to name a few. It’s a culinary exploration unlike any other, and to soak in the experience means finding the best restaurants that do our city’s flavors right. We’ve done the taste testing for you and found the 15 best restaurants in Kansas City you need to try.
Le Fou Frog
This charming French bistro is serving up elevated favorites like foie gras, escargot, and the best pomme frites in town. Enjoy their patio dining for an alfresco ambiance, or choose their cozy indoor dining room with white tablecloths and soft lighting for a romantic evening.
Pierpont’s at Union Station
Featuring the best steaks in town, Pierpont’s is described as the “culinary jewel of Kansas City.” Serving up fine dining since 1957, the restaurant is a testament to reclaimed grandeur in a historic setting with modern fare.
Johnny Jo’s Pizzeria
This family-owned pizza parlor dishes out a savory collection of stone oven pizzas, Stromboli, and knots. It’s to-go service only and is usually quite busy, but every slice is worth the wait.
Vietnam Cafe
Vietnam Cafe brings the most authentic flavors of Vietnam to KC. They’re well known for giving you your money’s worth with hefty portions and lots of variety.
Cafe Provence
This delightful French cafe has been voted as one of the top 100 restaurants in the US. Their Tuesday night pre-fixe meal is ideal for those who want to sample French cuisine but don’t know where to start.
Jax Fish House
Jax Fish House brings the best flavors of New Orleans and the east coast to Kansas City. They place a huge emphasis on sustainability, particularly with their proprietary Emersum oysters.
BLVD Tavern
BLVD Tavern in the Crossroad Art district has one of the best brunches in town. They’re also a favorite for dinner and a happy hour hangout.
Blue Koi
The spot for upscale Chinese comfort food, Blue Koi offers a variety of noodle dishes, dumplings, and bubble teas. Portions are generous, flavors and combinations are unique, and names of the dishes are fun (who wants Ants on a Tree?).
Woodyard Bar-B-Que
The Woodyard is one of the best places to soak in the real flavors of KC barbecue. They’re also a dog-friendly establishment, offering a “woodyard” for your four-legged friends.
The Russell
Homestyle cooking in KC doesn’t get any better than the Russell. Fill up on street tacos, burgers, and bowls, then head to the on-site bakery for a tasty cookie, cupcake, or homemade oatmeal cream pie.
Parlor Food Hall
Behind the scenes of Parlor is a collective of professional chefs that are investing in diverse culinary concepts. Seven restaurants and two bars span three levels of this food hall, giving you everything your taste buds desire.
Percheron
This rooftop bar offers stunning views with every bite. Creative cocktails and craft brews steal the spotlight, alongside light eats for a full experience.
Novel
True to its name, Novel is a new dining experience in KC dedicated to seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes. Despite its “novel” name, you’ll find familiar favorites like the KC strip steak, Alaskan halibut, and lobster ravioli alongside other creative fares.
Westport Cafe
Modern French food is the main course of this refined eatery, but the “trimmings” are just as noteworthy. It’s also a hot spot for cooking and cocktail classes, bar catering, and even restaurant consulting.
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