The best restaurants in Kansas City
179 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
Browse another shelf: all of Kansas City’s best · Beauty · Shopping · Nightlife · Entertainment · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Bakeries & Sweets · Arts & Culture · Health & Wellness · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Home & Garden · Cafes · Parks & Outdoors · Sporting Goods · Services · Pets
Pinned in Kansas City today
This spot is open today.
Two pinned places a day in Kansas City — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
Murphy’s Corner
RestaurantsLaid-back sports bar featuring plenty of big-screen TVs tuned in to games & classic American grub.
Murphy’s Corner
RestaurantsOishi Sushi Restaurant & Bar | Japanese
RestaurantsCasual restaurant with a full bar, supplying sushi, hibachi & other familiar Japanese fare.
Oishi Sushi Restaurant & Bar | Japanese
RestaurantsSushi Haru
RestaurantsShopping-center sushi joint with a big menu of hand rolls, sashimi, maki & nigiri, plus bento boxes.
Sushi Haru
RestaurantsMasabi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill
RestaurantsLight-filled, modern chain branch serving up bento boxes, sushi and hot Japanese dishes.
Masabi Japanese Sushi Bar & Grill
RestaurantsMamma Leone's Pizza
RestaurantsNY-style pizza offered by the pie or slice in this easygoing parlor also serving pasta & sandwiches.
Mamma Leone's Pizza
RestaurantsSarku Japan
RestaurantsChain offering made-to-order teppanyaki-style Japanese dishes cooked on sizzling grills, plus sushi.
Sarku Japan
RestaurantsRey de Oros Taqueria
RestaurantsModest counter-serve joint offering classic Mexican fare, plus lunch specials & ice cream.
Rey de Oros Taqueria
RestaurantsJohnny C's Deli & Pasta
RestaurantsSandwiches, pastas and Italian foods, such as lasagna, served at a fast-casual counter-service eatery with friendly service.
Johnny C's Deli & Pasta
RestaurantsProvidence Pizza Grandview
RestaurantsIndustrial-chic venue with a wood-fired oven cooking New York-, Sicilian- & Neapolitan-style pizza.
Providence Pizza Grandview
RestaurantsCafecito Lindo
RestaurantsBreakfast and other Mexican fare served in a warm, welcoming space.
Cafecito Lindo
RestaurantsOld Chicago Pizza + Taproom
RestaurantsFamily-friendly chain restaurant featuring Italian entrees along with a wide beer selection.
Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom
RestaurantsToro poke
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering a variety of bowl-based meals that customers can customize.
Toro poke
RestaurantsRed Bridge Barrio
RestaurantsTaqueria serving Mexican street fare and creative margaritas in a laid-back setting with a patio.
Red Bridge Barrio
RestaurantsEl Maguey
RestaurantsCasual Mexican restaurant dishing up fajitas, burritos, and margaritas in a family-friendly atmosphere.
El Maguey
RestaurantsRoots. Seasonal Cuisine
RestaurantsUpscale eatery featuring burgers, chicken and seasonal menus, plus cocktails, beer and wine.
Roots. Seasonal Cuisine
RestaurantsMinsky's Pizza
RestaurantsElevated pizzeria chain with lots of crust & topping options, plus spaghetti & cheesesteaks.
Minsky's Pizza
RestaurantsTim's Pizza
RestaurantsStalwart strip-mall pizza joint offers classic pies, pastas & sandwiches in an easygoing atmosphere.
Tim's Pizza
RestaurantsSarpino's Pizzeria Independence
RestaurantsPopular pizza chain known for its doughy pies, chicken wings and salads.
Sarpino's Pizzeria Independence
RestaurantsLong-Bell Pizza Co.
RestaurantsLow-key spot with pinball & a patio for clever pizzas & other pub grub, plus cocktails & craft beer.
Long-Bell Pizza Co.
RestaurantsFuji Sushi & Grill
RestaurantsA menu featuring Japanese fare & hibachi grill dishes in a family-friendly, no-frills setting.
Fuji Sushi & Grill
RestaurantsOMO Japanese Ramen Sushi
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery with seating for ramen and sushi, plus boba tea, beer and cocktails.
OMO Japanese Ramen Sushi
RestaurantsEl Alteño Mexican Grill
RestaurantsFamiliar restaurant offering street tacos, fajitas and a wide assortment of classic Mexican recipes.
El Alteño Mexican Grill
RestaurantsJerry's Bait Shop
RestaurantsThis easygoing haunt hosts live rock & blues bands 7 nights a week & serves pub fare & pizzas.
Jerry's Bait Shop
RestaurantsBlue Sushi Sake Grill
RestaurantsModern, clubby restaurant featuring sushi & Japanese tapas, plus fancy mixed drinks.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
RestaurantsNorth Italia
RestaurantsContemporary Italian eatery in a mall setting with a rustic farmhouse aesthetic & a bustling scene.
North Italia
RestaurantsSouthside Mafia Pizzeria
RestaurantsPizza shop serving traditional pizzas as well as wings, subs, calzones and fried appetisers.
Southside Mafia Pizzeria
RestaurantsSushi House
RestaurantsJapanese chain serving sushi, noodles, bento boxes & hot entrees in a stylish, traditional setting.
Sushi House
RestaurantsMr Le's Sushi
RestaurantsCompact, unassuming strip-mall restaurant offering Vietnamese dishes, sushi & other Japanese fare.
Mr Le's Sushi
RestaurantsMama Garden
RestaurantsLarge family-friendly buffet restaurant offering Chinese dishes, Mongolian barbecue & sushi.
Mama Garden
RestaurantsSushi UNI
RestaurantsCompact, busy strip-mall venue for traditional Japanese sushi, sashimi, salads & hot entrees.
Sushi UNI
RestaurantsRaising Cane's Chicken Fingers
RestaurantsFast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
RestaurantsMugs-Up Root Beer
RestaurantsClassic pit stop with carhops serving house-brewed root beer, hot dogs, burgers & sandwiches.
Mugs-Up Root Beer
RestaurantsA Little BBQ Joint
RestaurantsEasygoing, family-owned mainstay for classic BBQ, with unique car-themed decor & an outdoor bar.
A Little BBQ Joint
RestaurantsHacienda Vieja Mexican Grill
RestaurantsVibrant restaurant featuring crispy tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and margaritas.
Hacienda Vieja Mexican Grill
RestaurantsWandering Vine at the Castle
RestaurantsUpscale restaurant in a restored castle featuring a menu of American fare and a wine list representing over 20 countries.
Wandering Vine at the Castle
RestaurantsFritz's
RestaurantsOld-fashioned diner with a train theme serving American breakfasts, burgers & soda-fountain treats.
Fritz's
RestaurantsRed Door Woodfired Grill
RestaurantsCasual American restaurant offering from-scratch items such as wood-fired wings and burgers, plus happy hours.
Red Door Woodfired Grill
RestaurantsHawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsLaid-back, clean eatery dishing up island staples like huli huli chicken, pulled pork, rice and macaroni salad.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsBlind Box BBQ
RestaurantsModern, stylish restaurant serving Kansas City-style BBQ, whiskey flights & gourmet brunch.
Blind Box BBQ
RestaurantsSushi Mido
RestaurantsCasual spot crafting Japanese dishes alongside a menu of made-to-order, all-you-can-eat sushi rolls.
Sushi Mido
RestaurantsHawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsFast food chain restaurant serving Hawaiian plate lunches including chicken, pork, and mac salad.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsVillage Inn
RestaurantsFamily-friendly chain serving homestyle American classics such as chicken-fried steak & pot pie.
Village Inn
RestaurantsHoly Land Cafe
RestaurantsSunny spot decorated with folk art & offering both casual & more elaborate Middle Eastern fare.
Holy Land Cafe
RestaurantsSalvatore's
RestaurantsHomey Italian trattoria with a menu heavy on pasta & veal, plus old-world wines.
Salvatore's
RestaurantsEl Pulgarcito Salvadorean Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual Salvadoran fare like pupusas, tamales & fish tacos are featured at this compact eatery.
El Pulgarcito Salvadorean Restaurant
RestaurantsMi Ranchito
RestaurantsLocal cantina chain serving classic Mexican dishes & margaritas in a relaxed setting.
Mi Ranchito
RestaurantsBlack Bear Diner Independence
RestaurantsEasygoing chain serving familiar all-day comfort food & desserts in a woodsy setting.
Black Bear Diner Independence
RestaurantsVivilore
RestaurantsSophisticated American restaurant with a courtyard, plus an adjacent antique store & art gallery.
Vivilore
Restaurants30hop
RestaurantsCasual venue with TVs for watching sports and a patio, serving burgers, wings and beer.
30hop
RestaurantsChili's Grill & Bar
RestaurantsFamily-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.
Chili's Grill & Bar
RestaurantsRed Door Woodfired Grill
RestaurantsCozy eatery offering classic American plates, including steak and fried chicken, as well as a patio.
Red Door Woodfired Grill
RestaurantsHawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsHuli huli chicken and other Hawaiian eats are on the menu at this fast-food joint with a casual atmosphere.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsChef J BBQ
RestaurantsChef J BBQ hand-slices hickory-smoked brisket, burnt ends, ribs, sausage, and turkey, plus house-made sides like Hickory Pit Beans and…
Chef J BBQ
RestaurantsThe Farmhouse
RestaurantsWhether you're plotting a linger-y weekend or sneaking a midweek treat, The Farmhouse serves a seasonal, farm-to-fork menu that actually…
The Farmhouse
RestaurantsWolfpack BBQ & Burgers
RestaurantsSlow-smoked on old-school offset smokers with oak and hickory, Wolfpack BBQ & Burgers turns out tender brisket, pulled pork, and…
Wolfpack BBQ & Burgers
RestaurantsTacos Borrachos
RestaurantsCraving real-deal al pastor or carne asada that tastes like it came off a Mexico City sidewalk cart? Tacos Borrachos keeps it lively with…
Tacos Borrachos
RestaurantsFlapjacks 'n More
RestaurantsFlapjacks 'n More is your Overland Park standby for signature stacks, airy waffles, crepes, savory omelets, and hearty breakfast skillets,…
Flapjacks 'n More
RestaurantsHayward's Pit Bar B Que & Catering
RestaurantsSince 1972, Hayward's Pit Bar B Que & Catering has been stoking 100% hickory fires and keeping Johnson County happily sauced with…
Hayward's Pit Bar B Que & Catering
RestaurantsPizza 51
RestaurantsBorn in a converted gas station and still taking the high road for over 20 years, Pizza 51 keeps it simple with pizza, salads, sandwiches…
Pizza 51
RestaurantsPho Bowl
RestaurantsCasual restaurant dishing up generous portions of Vietnamese fare, including pho and crab rangoon.
Pho Bowl
RestaurantsHamburger Mary's
RestaurantsAmerican bar & grill chain where diner classics & cocktails meet quirky entertainment.
Hamburger Mary's
RestaurantsBRGR Kitchen + Bar
RestaurantsUpscale burgers & fries star at this American option with an industrial vibe & patio seats.
BRGR Kitchen + Bar
RestaurantsHawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsChain dishing up Hawaiian plates such as chicken and huli huli pig, plus Dole Whip, for takeout.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsOutback Steakhouse
RestaurantsBoisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.
Outback Steakhouse
RestaurantsOurHouseKC
RestaurantsCasual, welcoming, music-themed eatery serving smoked meats and barbecue plates, such as brisket and pulled pork, alongside brunch…
OurHouseKC
RestaurantsBuffalo State Pizza Co. & Bar
RestaurantsSizable New York–style pizzas are served along with sandwiches & craft beer at this old-school spot.
Buffalo State Pizza Co. & Bar
RestaurantsEl Fogón Overland Park
RestaurantsLow-key counter-serve eatery dispensing simple Mexican eats, including tacos, burritos & tortas.
El Fogón Overland Park
RestaurantsCupini's
RestaurantsCozy counter serves up Italian staples including pasta, pizza & panini in a laid-back setting.
Cupini's
RestaurantsBRGR Kitchen + Bar
RestaurantsUpscale burgers & fries star at this American option with an industrial vibe & patio seats.
BRGR Kitchen + Bar
RestaurantsBroken Rice & Pho Restaurant Com Tam Viet
RestaurantsVietnamese restaurant offering stir-fries, hot pots & noodle dishes in a minimalist setting.
Broken Rice & Pho Restaurant Com Tam Viet
RestaurantsExtra Virgin
RestaurantsWell-known spot for inventive Mediterranean tapas in lively, festive digs with a streetside patio.
Extra Virgin
RestaurantsFuzzy's Taco Shop
RestaurantsModern counter-service chain serving Baja-style tacos & other Mexican eats, plus beer & margaritas.
Fuzzy's Taco Shop
RestaurantsLocal hangout with stone-baked pizzas, cocktails, and a range of craft beers.
801 Chophouse
RestaurantsPrime cuts of beef, seafood & a large wine selection offered in an elegant, clubby setting.
801 Chophouse
RestaurantsWhole Harvest Kitchen
RestaurantsRelaxed restaurant serving healthy, plant-based takes on comfort-food classics.
Whole Harvest Kitchen
RestaurantsSickies Garage Burgers & Brews
RestaurantsCasual spot with a car-garage vibe serving burgers (inc. unusual varieties), wings, nachos, fried pickles, onion rings, fries, chicken…
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews
RestaurantsRye Leawood
RestaurantsFarm-to-table American fare & rye cocktails served in a stylish, urban-farmhouse setting.
Rye Leawood
RestaurantsFine-dining-style establishment offering classic steakhouse fare, cocktails & a big menu of sides.
Miranda's Mexican Food Truck
RestaurantsFood truck, and later restaurant, featuring tacos and other classics from Mexico, plus a patio.
Miranda's Mexican Food Truck
RestaurantsIl Lazzarone Pizza
RestaurantsNeapolitan-style wood-fired pies pair with craft cocktails & beers on tap in a hip, casual space.
Il Lazzarone Pizza
RestaurantsFarina
RestaurantsRustic Italian dishes by a James Beard award-winning chef in a casual setting with warm interiors.
Farina
RestaurantsLos Esparza Foodtruck
RestaurantsLatin American menu featuring tacos, tamales and birria; plus friendly service.
Los Esparza Foodtruck
RestaurantsSuccotash
RestaurantsBreakfast-&-lunch joint drawing weekend crowds with hearty American eats & a hip, quirky vibe.
Succotash
RestaurantsRoom 39
RestaurantsOffbeat eatery boasts a market-driven menu in a pared-down dining room with local art on the walls.
Room 39
RestaurantsGram & Dun
RestaurantsBuzzy venue serving innovative American cuisine in a swanky but warm setting with patio seating.
Gram & Dun
RestaurantsChick-In Waffle
RestaurantsCasual joint serving fried chicken and waffles in a variety of combos, along with loaded fries.
Chick-In Waffle
RestaurantsRosati's Pizza
RestaurantsItalian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.
Rosati's Pizza
RestaurantsTortilla Ranch Mexican Grill
RestaurantsCasual, modern Mexican counter serve offering tacos, burritos, bowls & enchiladas to order.
Tortilla Ranch Mexican Grill
RestaurantsAl's Bar & Grill
RestaurantsBurgers and other casual grub in an informal bar that's especially known for its chicken wings.
Al's Bar & Grill
RestaurantsCarrabba's Italian Grill
RestaurantsChain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
RestaurantsPasta Per Favore
RestaurantsCasual restaurant offering large portions of Italian fare, including baked rigatoni and fettuccine Alfredo.
Pasta Per Favore
RestaurantsProvidence By The Slice
RestaurantsRelaxed pizza shop offering Detroit-style pies and East Coast slices, along with beer.
Providence By The Slice
RestaurantsViona’s Italian Bistro
RestaurantsCharming Italian eatery serving up pasta standards and pizza in a cozy, family-owned space.
Viona’s Italian Bistro
RestaurantsB.B.'s Lawnside BBQ
RestaurantsBarbecue is eaten at communal picnic tables in this no-frills roadhouse joint with live blues.
B.B.'s Lawnside BBQ
RestaurantsLa Bodega
RestaurantsVibrant, colorful venue pairs Spanish tapas with wine, with sidewalk seating & happy-hour deals.
La Bodega
RestaurantsBuffalo State Pizza Co.
RestaurantsPizzas, handhelds & salads served in a laid-back destination with an industrial vibe & beer on tap.
Buffalo State Pizza Co.
RestaurantsJoe's KC BBQ
RestaurantsRelaxed BBQ pit stop for slabs of ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, meat by the pound & sides.
Joe's KC BBQ
RestaurantsThe Antler Room
RestaurantsWarm restaurant offering a changing menu of seasonal plates, plus beer, wine & cocktails.
The Antler Room
RestaurantsHappy Belly Food Truck
RestaurantsComfort-food truck dishing up burgers and fries, plus tacos and empanadas.
Happy Belly Food Truck
RestaurantsTaquiza
RestaurantsFast-casual restaurant offering tacos and burritos in a relaxed setting with a patio and a bar.
Taquiza
RestaurantsBacaro Primo
RestaurantsModern, Italian-inspired restaurant in the Crestwood Shops featuring focaccia and a curated wine list.
Bacaro Primo
RestaurantsNortheast Pizza
RestaurantsNew eatery serving up a variety of pies, along with salads.
Northeast Pizza
RestaurantsStock Hill
RestaurantsContemporary steakhouse meals are paired with cocktails, wine & craft beer in a fashionable setting.
Stock Hill
RestaurantsKura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsCreative Japanese restaurant featuring a moving sushi belt and sushi trains, plus a robot server.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsWiener Kitchen
RestaurantsBuzzing destination providing artisanal sausages & meats, plus breakfast & lunch offerings.
Wiener Kitchen
RestaurantsTacos 4 Life
RestaurantsPopular chain offering a variety of tacos including Korean BBQ and Hawaiian shrimp, plus a drive-thru.
Tacos 4 Life
RestaurantsBrobeck's BBQ
RestaurantsCounter-serve barbecue joint specializing in smoked, dry-rubbed meats & classic sides.
Brobeck's BBQ
RestaurantsTay's Burger Shack
RestaurantsBusy, no-frills counter serve offering locally-sourced burgers & hand-cut fries, with patio seating.
Tay's Burger Shack
RestaurantsJack Stack Barbecue - Freight House
RestaurantsBustling local chain known for its vast barbecue menu encompassing steak & seafood.
Jack Stack Barbecue - Freight House
RestaurantsLidia’s
RestaurantsCelebrated upscale spot for Northern Italian dining in a glitzy locale with blown-glass chandeliers.
Lidia’s
RestaurantsSanta Fe Café
RestaurantsHomestyle American breakfast & lunch served in a laid-back setting with country-western decor.
Santa Fe Café
RestaurantsChar Bar
RestaurantsBBQ & Southern eats with a modern twist in a big space with a retro vibe & beer garden with games.
Char Bar
RestaurantsGreen Dirt on Oak
RestaurantsElegant eatery focusing on farm-to-table fare (cheese cooked in-house) and cocktails, all served by warm staff.
Green Dirt on Oak
RestaurantsHummus and Pita
RestaurantsCasual eatery serving Mediterranean staples, such as gyros and shwarma, plus dips, falafel and kabobs.
Hummus and Pita
RestaurantsK-Macho's Mexican Grill and Cantina
RestaurantsFamily restaurant serving tacos, enchiladas & margaritas also offering take-outs & catering.
K-Macho's Mexican Grill and Cantina
RestaurantsStrang Hall
RestaurantsIndustrial-chic food court with diverse eateries & outdoor tables on a grassy lawn.
Strang Hall
RestaurantsFox and Pearl
RestaurantsCountry-chic eatery in a 1907 building with a terrace plating rustic meals & BBQ dishes.
Fox and Pearl
RestaurantsHaha's Pizza Hub
RestaurantsItalian & Greek comfort food like pizza, gyros, falafel & wings in a basic counter-serve joint.
Haha's Pizza Hub
RestaurantsBlue Sushi Sake Grill
RestaurantsModern, clubby restaurant featuring sushi & Japanese tapas, plus fancy mixed drinks.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
RestaurantsKC Smoke Burger
RestaurantsCasual restaurant with eclectic decor serving smoked burgers, plus cheesesteaks & hot dogs.
KC Smoke Burger
RestaurantsNothing matched that. Know a spot we’re missing? Tell us →
Showing the 120 most recent of 179. See what changed this month →
Listed here?
You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →
New spots land in the newsletter first
Free, every morning — this list is what we've already told Kansas City about.
One email a day. Unsubscribe anytime.