The Country Club Plaza is best known as a historic shopping district, but don’t sleep on the culinary scene!
The Plaza’s culinary landscape offers a wide array of restaurants, and you may find yourself unsure of where to start.
To help you navigate the options, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide that highlights all the offerings, including our suggestions as Kansas City locals who frequent them.
While there are several upscale options that may be familiar to you, we encourage you to try out the Plaza’s local restaurants – they are just as exceptional (if not better), source from our local community, and really highlight what makes Kansas City a great travel destination.
So, let’s get into it – below is all you need to know about dining on the Country Club Plaza.
13 Best Restaurants on The Plaza
These are the top recommendations from Kansas City locals. We do recommend reservations at the more upscale options – they tend to book up quickly.
1. Stock Hill
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Pricing: $$$$
*Local to Kansas City
Located in South Plaza, Stock Hill redefines the classic American steakhouse experience with a modern and sophisticated approach.
At Stock Hill, the menu features top-quality steaks and truly innovative sides.
The steak selection is unparalleled, offering everything from dry-aged ribeyes to Kansas City strips.
The ambiance at Stock Hill is upscale with a modern elegance. Their bar area, with it’s extensive wine list and craft cocktails, is a local favorite for a swanky beginning or end to the evening and occasionally features live music.
Menu highlights include truffle mac and cheese, wagyu ribeye, roasted duck, and smoked carrots.
2. Rye KC
Cuisine: Midwestern
Pricing: $$
*Local to Kansas City
Local to Kansas City, Rye is a tribute to Midwestern flavors.
The couple behind the concept come with numerous accolades – their previous venture, Bluestem, was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Restaurant multiple years.
The space combines rustic farmhouse elegance with local art and includes outdoor seating with a view of the Plaza’s most iconic fountain.
A hallmark of Rye is its commitment to locally sourced ingredients, with some produce coming from the owner’s regional family farm.
Locals rave about their weekend brunch – they offer a modest selected, but everything is full of flavor.
With a James Beard recognized pastry chef behind the helm, you won’t want to leave without dessert. Their pies in particular are notable.
Menu highlights include the fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and lemon meringue pie.
3. Gram and Dun
Cuisine: New American
Pricing: $$
*Local to Kansas City
This Kansas City local favorite stands out with its inventive approach to American gastropub cuisine.
Gram & Dun’s menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring fresh and vibrant flavors year-round.
The restaurant’s ambiance combines urban sophistication with style. Its spacious patio is known as one of Kansas City’s best, and is a favorite for warm weather evenings.
Their brunch is particularly popular and offers a creative twist on morning classics, complemented by an exceptional cocktail menu.
Menu highlights include the hanger steak with demi glaze, burnt ends mac and cheese, and pig wings.
4. Jack Stack on The Plaza
Cuisine: Barbecue
Pricing: $$
*Local to Kansas City
Jack Stack Barbecue stands as a historic beacon of Kansas City’s rich barbecue culture, offering a refined take on the local culinary tradition.
Jack Stack prides itself on its unwavering commitment to quality, from the carefully selected cuts of meat to the house-made barbecue sauces and rubs.
While Kansas City has plenty of barbecue joints, Jack Stack is for those seeking a sophisticated dining experience.
The décor features warm woods and cozy lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Menu highlights include prime rib, salmon salad, hickory pit beans, cheese corn, lamb ribs, and fried mushrooms.
5. Chaz on the Plaza
Cuisine: French-Influenced American
Pricing: $$$
*Local to Kansas City
Chaz on the Plaza, housed in the historic Raphael Hotel, offers an intimate dining experience in an elegant setting. Each night, they feature live jazz music in the lounge.
The French-inspired menu is a celebration of contemporary cuisine with a midwest regional twist, emphasizing the use of local and seasonal ingredients.
Their award-winning boutique wine selection perfectly complements their exceptional dishes.
From May through late September, the Wednesday performance moves outdoors for their “Strings in the Green” in the front lawn from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
Menu highlights include sea bass, bacon wrapped dates, and truffle deviled eggs.
6. Café Trio
Cuisine: New American
Pricing: $$$
*Local to Kansas City
Café Trio is the “Perfect Trio of Great Local Food, Art and Live Music.”
This local favorite features creative fare with a warm, intimate ambiance. The interior holds a romantic charm, while the year-round patio provides a scenic view of the Plaza.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a light bite, the menu has something to satisfy every palate.
Menu highlights include the mussels, seafood lasagna, hanger steak, and butter cake.
7. Osteria Il Centro
Cuisine: Italian
Pricing: $$$
*Local to Kansas City
Technically, Il Centro is located in South Plaza, but it’s more than worth the short drive.
Since their beginnings in 1995, Il Centro has captured the ambiance of a traditional Italian neighborhood trattoria.
This quaint local favorite offers dim lighting and rustic decor. The menu showcases classic Italian dishes.
You should not leave without ordering dessert – we recommend the tiramisu or the raspberry gelato coated in dark chocolate.
Their extensive wine list has received numerous awards, and their tenured staff is exceptional. Rated at the top for Italian Restaurant in Kansas City by Zagat, this locally-owned neighborhood favorite is a must visit.
Menu highlights include eggplant parmesan, hearty lasagna, chicken spiedini, orecchiette carbonara, and cannelloni.
8. Ragazza Food & Wine
Cuisine: Italian
Pricing: $$
*Local to Kansas City
This intimate, charming Italian eatery is renowned for its authentic cuisine.
Ragazza offers a taste of Italy right in the heart of the city and the award-winning wine list offers the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
The cozy setting, complete with a fireplace and bar, adds to the dining experience, making Ragazza the ideal destination for a romantic date night.
Menu highlights include the eggplant parmesan, chicken piccata, and spaghetti and meatballs. Also worth mentioning is their Sunday Sauce Everyday dish – a six-hour sauce with local Scimeca’s sausage.
9. The Capital Grille
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Pricing: $$$$
This nationally acclaimed, upscale steakhouse is known for its expertly prepared steaks, elegant ambiance, and impeccable service.
The Capital Grille is celebrated for its selection of hand-cut, dry-aged steaks – they are the centerpiece of the menu.
The restaurant also offers a Chef’s Suggestions menu, featuring seasonal ingredients and expert preparations.
The restaurant’s interior features a classic, refined atmosphere, with rich wood paneling, art-adorned walls, and ambient lighting.
They offer valet parking, which is especially nice during peak times.
Menu highlights include calamari, filet mignon, brussels sprouts, and flourless chocolate cake.
10. Ocean Prime
Cuisine: Seafood
Pricing: $$$$
At Ocean Prime, the menu is a testament to culinary excellence, featuring the finest seafood and hand-selected steaks.
The interior is designed with a chic, contemporary flair.
Their rooftop concept, Prime Social, is a lively cocktail lounge designed for conversation and features a firepit.
Menu highlights include scallops, grouper, ribeye, and ten layer carrot cake.
11. Eddie V’s
Cuisine: Seafood
Pricing: $$$$
Eddie V’s, a distinguished culinary destination, features an array of meticulously prepared seafood and prime steaks.
The interior is designed with an eye for luxury, from the plush seating to the ambient lighting, creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and chic.
The bar at Eddie V’s is a vibrant focal point, offering a selection of handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and spirits. The cocktail lounge features live jazz music.
Menu highlights include crab fried rice, truffle mac and cheese, jumbo lump crab cake, and sea bass.
12. Strang Chef Collective
Cuisine: Food Hall
Pricing: $$
*Local to Kansas City
Strang Chef Collective, a two-story food hall, is located in the new Cascade Hotel.
This culinary destination offers a unique dining experience with its diverse array of food concepts by local chefs, two bars, and coffee shop, all under one roof.
The collective features four distinct concepts:
- Khai-noy: Delve into Asian fusion with an emphasis on Thai and Laotian cuisines. Chef Chris Jones brings dishes like spring rolls, red curry noodles, and banh mi to the table.
- Verde: Chef Nicole Shute showcases Latin American flavors with dishes such as the Cuban arroz bowl, chimichurri steak tacos, and fried yuca.
- Parma: Italian cuisine takes center stage with Chef Derek Losson’s creations like arancini, various pastas (rigatoni, tagliatelle, spaghetti), shrimp & polenta, and panzanella salad.
- Gasthaus: German fare is represented by Chef Bruce Dunseith with dishes including duck poutine, spaetzle, schnitzel sandwich, and hand-cranked sausages.
The second floor features a bar and two of the restaurant concepts, along with outdoor seating that provides a scenic view of the Country Club Plaza.
The Collective is designed to prioritize chefs, providing them an accelerated platform to showcase their culinary skills while alleviating administrative burdens.
This approach allows chefs to focus solely on their passion for food.
13. JJ’s Restaurant
Cuisine: New American
Pricing: $$$
*Local to Kansas City
JJ’s Restaurant is a local fine dining restaurant known for its exceptional wine list, classic cuisine, and intimate dining experience. They offers a range of seafood, steaks, and seasonal dishes.
JJ’s prides itself on its upscale menu, which balances timeless dishes with modern culinary innovations, all prepared with a focus on quality and flavor.
The ambiance is one of refined elegance, blending classic style with modern touches.
Menu highlights include rack of lamb, wild boar ragu, onion soup, and small plate options.
Dessert on The Plaza
Are you looking for something sweet? We’ve got you covered!
Cupcake A La Mode
Local boutique bakeshop selling specialty cupcakes in a whimsical setting. They have a fantastic variety!
Ice Cream Bae
Swoon-worthy and fantastical milkshakes, cones, and mix-in creations. Their topping options are very inventive! We love this local option.
Cocktail Bars on The Plaza
The Country Club Plaza has great options for cocktail bars, including a James Beard winner!
Monarch Bar
This high-end, well-appointed cocktail bar elevates the bar scene with its exquisite design, exceptional service, and a meticulously curated beverage program.
Attention to detail is the hallmark of The Monarch Bar, from the custom-designed interiors – marble bar, butterfly chandelier, velvet seating – to the innovative cocktail menu featuring both classics and contemporary creations.
In 2019, The Monarch Bar was recognized as a James Beard semifinalist for the Outstanding Bar Program.
Whether you are a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a curious novice, The Monarch Bar offers a unique ambiance and a variety of flavors that leave a lasting impression.
They offer small plates along with their comprehensive cocktail menu that features seasonal drinks inspired by global flavors that follow the migratory path of the monarch butterfly.
Prime Social
This swanky rooftop bar is a concept by Ocean Prime. It is a lively cocktail lounge designed for conversation and features a firepit.
Sports Bars on The Plaza
If you’re hoping to catch a Kansas City Chiefs game – or any other team for that matter – the best sports bars on The Plaza are The Granfalloon and O’Dowds.
If you don’t mind venturing outside of The Plaza by a few blocks, we also recommend The Bar West Plaza and Peanut on Main, a popular South Plaza dive bar – make sure you try their wings!
But Wait, There’s More! Additional Restaurants at Country Club Plaza
The Granfalloon, Sports Bar
Pricing: $
*Local to Kansas City
A lively sports bar offering a varied menu that includes the classics, from burgers and sandwiches to salads and entrees.
Known for its sports bar atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for watching games and socializing.
O’Dowd’s Gastrobar, Irish Gastropub
Pricing: $$
*Local to Kansas City
An Irish pub that combines traditional Irish fare with modern American cuisine.
Known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and extensive selection of beers and whiskies, it’s a popular spot for a casual night out.
True Food Kitchen, Health-Centered New American
Pricing: $$
A health-driven restaurant rooted in the philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse.
True Food Kitchen offers a menu that’s both delicious and nourishing, with a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
The dishes are inspired by the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The atmosphere is casual and contemporary, making it a popular choice for those seeking a wholesome, yet flavorful dining experience.
Winstead’s Burgers, Diner
Pricing: $
*Local to Kansas City
Classic American diner renowned for its iconic steakburgers and milkshakes.
Winstead’s has a nostalgic, retro atmosphere reminiscent of the 1950s and is known for its simple, yet satisfying menu that includes burgers, fries, and breakfast items.
Their burgers are particularly famous for their thin, crispy edges and are often paired with their thick and creamy milkshakes. Winstead’s is a beloved local spot, offering a taste of traditional American diner culture.
Bo Lings, Chinese
Pricing: $$
*Local to Kansas City
Local favorite offering a wide variety of authentic Chinese cuisine, ranging from traditional dim sum to classic Chinese dishes.
Bo Lings emphasizes fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Seasons 52, New American
Pricing: $$$
This upscale restaurant is known for its ever-changing menu that reflects the flavors of each season. Each dish is prepared with health-conscious techniques without sacrificing taste.
Cheesecake Factory, New American
Pricing: $$
Known for its extensive menu featuring over 250 items and more than 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts, Cheesecake Factory offers a diverse range of dishes including appetizers, pizzas, pasta, seafood, steaks, and salads in a casual, upscale setting.
Melting Pot, Fondue
Pricing: $$
A fondue restaurant where guests can enjoy a variety of fondue cooking styles and a selection of entrees, salads, and indulgent desserts. It’s known for its romantic ambiance and interactive dining.
Chuy’s, Tex-Mex
Pricing: $
Tex-Mex restaurant famous for its made-from-scratch dishes and fresh ingredients, offering a range of tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and margaritas, all served in an eclectic atmosphere with a distinctively Austin vibe.
P.F. Chang’s, Chinese
Pricing: $$
Casual dining restaurant known for its American Chinese cuisine, incorporating bold, Asian-inspired flavors in dishes like their signature lettuce wraps, Mongolian beef, and dynamite shrimp, served in a modern, bistro-style environment.
Kona Grill, New American, Sushi
Pricing: $$
Diverse menu that includes contemporary favorites, award-winning sushi, and seasonal specials. The restaurant is known for its modern ambiance and an extensive selection of cocktails.
Fogo de Chão, Brazilian Steakhouse
Pricing: $$$
Brazilian steakhouse known for its rodízio-style dining where gaucho chefs expertly grill and serve a variety of meats tableside. The restaurant also features a gourmet salad bar and traditional Brazilian side dishes in an upscale, yet relaxed atmosphere.
Buca di Beppo, Italian
Pricing: $$
Italian restaurant famous for its family-style servings of hearty Italian dishes. Known for its eclectic, vintage decor, Buca di Beppo offers a range of pastas, entrees, and pizzas, making it ideal for large groups.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery, New American
Pricing: $$
A unique combination of restaurant, winery, and tasting room, offering a modern casual dining experience with a menu designed to pair perfectly with its own Cooper’s Hawk wines, which are produced in its own wineries.
Brio, Italian
Pricing: $$
An Italian restaurant that offers a polished casual dining atmosphere and a menu featuring high-quality steaks, handmade pasta dishes, and fresh seafood, inspired by the concept of “la dolce vita” or the good life.
McCormick & Schmick’s, Seafood + Steak
Pricing: $$$
A seafood and steak restaurant that specializes in classic preparations and innovative dishes. With a focus on fresh seafood, the menu changes daily and features a variety of fish, in addition to steaks and poultry, in an upscale environment.
Cheers!
And there you have it – we were serious when we said there is a wide array of options. As always, we recommend you try to keep it local and support our Kansas City community!
If you find yourself visiting for the weekend, we recommend that you read our guide to all the best of the Country Club Plaza as well as our local recommendations for trendy hotels in the district.
