14 of the best restaurants in Kansas City

Brian Corvers

Brian has been part of the Le Petit Chef team since day 1. As Vice President Marketing, he always initiates new projects to further develop and enrich the show.

Last Update: February 18th, 2026

In the heart of America, in the state of Missouri, Kansas City is a fun, vibrant, and cool place to visit. The BBQ capital of the world, with more than 100 BBQ restaurants, is also the home of jazz music and the most fountains in the U.S. It’s loaded with arts and sports and is an adventure to explore for many reasons. We present the 14 best restaurants in Kansas City, the exciting and modern, most populated city in Missouri.

Tip #1: Arthur Bryant’s BBQ Restaurant

Arthur Bryant is a BBQ legend, and so is his restaurant, Arthur Bryant’s BBQ in Kansas City. It’s considered one of the most famous BBQ places in the entire country. History in short: Arthur took over the BBQ restaurant from his brother Charlie and moved it to where it stands today, at 18th & Brooklyn.

This location sparked the restaurant’s real popularity. Famous visitors, including presidents Truman, Clinton, and Obama, but also movie folks like Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, and Jack Nicholson, have all been outspoken Arthur Bryant’s BBQ fans.

Today, new owners Chris Stuewe and Andrew Miller still feature slow-smoked meat prepared with a combination of hickory and oak woods and splashed with the secret recipe sauces of Arthur Bryant. The BBQ sandwiches, with all kinds of meat variations (beef, ham, pork, turkey), go well with Arthur’s fries or onion rings, baked beans, and coleslaw.

Sauces and rubs are available for purchase and, of course, swag too. A Kansas City visit is only complete with a visit to Arthur Bryant’s famous BBQ spot!

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Tip #2: Parlor

„Eat, drink, repeat“ is Parlor’s slogan, and it is easy to manage! The modern food hall, spanning three levels, is home to seven restaurants and two bars. There is a restaurant for pretty much every taste, with cocktail and craft beers catering to all needs.

Parlor is a collection of chefs with many culinary concepts under one roof. The ‘living room’ in the heart of the Crossroads neighborhood greets guests with a funky vibe, art, and indoor and outdoor seating. The big variety of Parlor restaurants doesn’t necessarily make food choices easy.

Enjoy creative nachos and wings by Deez Nachos, Indian fusion by Elephant Wings, elevated Tex-Mex classics by Ladybird Taqueria, daring fried chicken by Mother Clucker, and authentic Mediterranean by Sidos. A mix of socializing, great food, and drinks makes Parlor worth a visit.

Mon: Closed
Tue – Wed: 11 am – 11 pm
Thu: 11 am – 12 am
Fri – Sat: 11 am – 1 am
Sun: 11 am – 11 pm
1707 Locust Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108
+1 816 875 4813
info@parlorkcmo.com
parlorkcmo

Tip #3: Joe’s Kansas City BBQ

In a list of the best restaurants in Kansas City, one BBQ place is not enough. The second truly famous BBQ spot in the BBQ capital of the United States is Joe’s Kansas City BBQ. Born out of a gas station, owners Jeff and Joy Stehney started out small and now operate two more locations.

In 1990, they attended BBQ contests and were passionate about the smoke, smell, camaraderie, and competition. After quite a ride, they opened the gas station restaurant in 1997.

Today, tourists and locals crowd the place to try their famous BBQ sandwiches. Try the pulled pork house specialty, smoked turkey and ham, beef brisket, and combo sandwiches. Smokie Joe features chopped smoked beef and pork in BBQ sauce, alongside various other specialty sandwiches.

One of their famous offerings, The Z-Man — slow-smoked beef brisket and smoked provolone cheese topped with a crispy onion ring on a Kaiser roll — is a bestseller.

Tip #4: The Italian Sausage Company

The Italian Sausage Company is worth the 15-minute drive to Gladstone, north of Kansas City. This small, family-operated business is a gem. It includes an Italian sausage-making facility, a mini Italian grocery store, and a deli with hot and cold sandwiches. The scratch kitchen uses recipes passed down through generations.

Joe and Michelle Brancato offer way more than sandwiches: deli meats, cheeses, olives, artisan breads, and more. But their specialty is definitely the house-made Italian sausage. Making sausage has been a tradition in their family for over 30 years.

The sausage is made fresh weekly by owner Joe Brancato Jr. The Brancato sandwiches are „Serious Sandwiches“ — that’s how they call them. Some are stuffed with their sausage, others with deli meats or meatballs.

Mon, Tue: Closed
Wed – Sat: 11 am – 7 pm
Sun: 11 am – 4 pm
7319 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118, United States
+1 816-832-8305
info@theitaliansausageco.com
italiansausageco

Tip #5: Mildred’s

Once started as a „Ma and Pa“ shop, Mildred’s has served the community since the mid-1990s. In the meantime, it has become one of Kansas City’s most beloved breakfast and brunch spots. Family owned and operated for 25 years, it serves the community in two locations: one in the Crossroads Arts District and one on historic 9th Street.

Scratch-baked goods, sandwiches, and specialty coffees make folks line up, and not only on the weekends. Wraps, sandwiches, biscuits & gravy, quiche, and bagels are what guests enjoy for breakfast.

Lunch sandwiches like the Portobello Panini, with grilled marinated portobello, artichoke spread, roasted tomatoes, arugula, and balsamic glaze, are served on artisan bread. A Bloody Milly, a Mimosa, or the House Michelada makes every breakfast and brunch visit at Mildred’s a fun adventure.

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Tip #6: The Town Company

‘Trés chic’ is the first thought when it comes to The Town Company, the fine dining restaurant in the four-star Hotel Kansas City. The kitchen of this fancy and stylish restaurant is led by chef Johnny Leach, teamed up with his wife Helen Jo Leach, who is responsible for the dessert section.

Enjoy midwestern cuisine with produce from local farmers and ranchers, prepared over an open fire. No matter if it’s meat or vegetables, the oak burn is the heart of the dining experience.

The dining menu rotates several times during the year, featuring seasonal ingredients. The dessert menu is short but full of beauty and uniqueness. Sweet potato sticky toffee pudding, the Yoli Masa Sundae, or the coffee cake roll with chocolate, malt, and eggplant are definitely not everyday sweet-tooth menu finds.

Tip #7: Town Topic

Similar name, totally different topic. No fine dining experience, but some of the most iconic burgers in town. Town Topic is a traditional piece of Kansas City’s foodie culture, celebrating burger-making for over 85 years.

In 1937, Claude Sparks opened the little diner and served hamburgers for 5 cents each. In the heart of Downtown, in the Crossroads Arts District, you can’t miss this old-fashioned diner because it’s open 24 hours a day.

Besides the traditional burgers, Town Topic is serving Coneys (hot dogs with chili and cheese) and grilled cheese sandwiches. The breakfast experience is truly authentic and is served with toast and fresh hash browns.

The Truckstop Omelet, with four eggs, hash browns, meat, and cheese scrambled together, is a perfect start to the day. From 5:00 am to 10:30 am, freshly baked biscuits with homemade gravy are a customer favorite.

Tip #8: The Peanut

The Peanut is a Kansas City landmark. It’s the oldest bar and grill in the city and was the first to receive a liquor license. It’s worth a visit! If not for the drinks, then at least for a burger or their famous Reuben.

Everything started in the early ’30s as a speakeasy and evolved into a legitimate bar. In the ’40s and ’50s, The Peanut became a BBQ restaurant and later a run-down joint, which was saved years later by Rich and Melinda Kenny.

The couple opened two additional locations and licensed the name. Rich Kenny passed away, but Melinda Kenny still continues to run the Peanut empire.

Today, the Peanut locations on Main Street and Downtown serve all the American comfort food folks are looking for: chili dogs, burgers, pork tenderloin sandwiches, cheese fries, onion rings, and BBQ beef brisket.

A Sunday brunch, every Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (Main Street 10:00 am – 12:00 pm), covers all breakfast needs, like French toast, eggs Benedict, and scrambled eggs.

Tip #9: Fox and Pearl

A cozy atmosphere and good food – every restaurant wants to combine these, yet only a few succeed. At Fox and Pearl, the chef not only uses a fire stove but also enjoys using a smoker to create breathtaking tastes.

High-quality and seasonal ingredients are the most important elements in executing the menu. The chef draws his inspiration from French cuisine and combines it with regional, traditional influences, resulting in a world-class creation. Let yourself be amazed and enjoy a special dinner.

Tip #10: Succotash

Crowded, hip, and delicious – this is Succotash, in the Longfellow Heights community of Kansas City. This very beloved brunch spot, established in 2001, has been featured in quite a few TV shows. The quirky little spot with personality has its own fresh juice bar and calls itself a community-based neighborhood staple.

Leaning on the artsy walls and deciding on your personalized burrito, omelet, or scramble is amongst the best ideas for a real Succotash breakfast.

The sweet tooth will be satisfied by the big, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, the Vegan Shortstack Platter, or the Modern Elvis. But don’t forget to order the ‘Cake & A Smile’ — a buttermilk pancake with two sunny-side-up eggs and a bacon smile.

Breakfast sandwiches served with home fries, the tomato bisque, and the biscuits and gravy can only be topped by the famous eight-layer rainbow cake.

Tip #11: Kata Nori

An innovative sushi restaurant, not an ordinary one — that is Kata Nori! The chefs specialize in handmade sushi rolls prepared right before the guests‘ eyes. Each roll is served individually so it can be eaten immediately. This means no long waits and instant enjoyment.

The passion for Japanese culinary art is reflected in every dish, and the reviews leave nothing to be desired: fresh ingredients, creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere are highly praised.

The modern interior transports you to another world, promising not only a culinary experience but also a visual one! As the saying goes, we eat with our eyes.

Sun, Mon: closed
Tue – Thu: 11 am – 2.30 pm and 4.30 – 9 pm
Fri, Sat: 11 am – 10 pm
404 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
+1 913-909-3954
n/a
katanorikc

Tip #12: Farina

Every city needs a good Italian restaurant, and in Kansas City, that is Farina. The chef places great emphasis on a modern interpretation of classic Italian delicacies — magic happens here!

Depending on the season, the menu changes and delights both the eyes and the palate — for example, with a tiramisu made with chocolate and hazelnuts; it warms the heart! The quality of the ingredients is consistently praised by guests and critics.

In addition to the chef and his menu, the wine selection is award-winning. The cocktail menu leaves nothing to be desired either — here, every evening can only be a success.

Sun, Mon: closed
Tue – Thu: 5 – 9 pm
Fri, Sat: 5 – 10 pm
1901 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
+1 816-768-6600
nancy@michaelsmithkc.com
farina_kc

Tip #13: Grünauer

At Grünauer, classics and specialties from Austria and Central Europe are served. Quite „zünftig“ — which means rustic and characterized by coziness in German — the kitchen team led by Executive Chef Matthias Seyferth prepares Wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, and mushroom goulash.

The menu is adapted to the seasons, as great importance is placed on the seasonality of fresh ingredients. However, not only typical European classics are served on the plate, but the best from abroad is also offered in the glass.

Wine lovers should definitely try a Grüner Veltliner, but traditional beers are, of course, also on tap here.
This culinary journey is enjoyable, tastes excellent, and should definitely be undertaken when visiting Kansas City.

Mon, Tue: 4:00 – 9:00 pm
Wed, Thu: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Fri: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sat: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
+1 816-283-3234
office@grunauerkc.com
grunauerkc

Tip #14: Garozzo’s Downtown

For over 30 years, Garozzo’s has opened its doors to lovers of Italian cuisine. The first restaurant opened in 1989 in the historic Columbus Park Italian neighborhood in Downtown Kansas City. Since then, a second location has opened, as well as a successful catering business.

Delicious Italian classics are served, but the signature dish is an in-house creation: Pollo Maggio (or Chicken Spiedini) — marinated chicken rolled in Italian breadcrumbs, skewered, and grilled. This house specialty is so popular that it is also offered in some supermarkets in Kansas City for enjoyment at home.

At this place, dreams have come true and continue to come true, and we can benefit from this culinary experience. A must-visit in Kansas City!

Mon – Thu: 11:00 – 9:00 pm
Fri: 11:00 – 10:00pm
Sat: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sun: 3:00 – 9:00 pm
526 Harrison St, Kansas City, MO 64106, United States
+1 816-221-2455
n/a
garozzosristorante

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!