We know what you’re thinking: Seafood? In Kansas City?
We are here to tell you that yes, a landlocked city in the literal middle of the country does, in fact, have great seafood. It may not come straight off a fishing boat, but our local restaurants fly it in daily to ensure that we have the freshest seafood here in the heartland.
In this guide, we share the best Kansas City seafood restaurants, all from local knowledge. If you’re on the search for sushi, Kansas City has excellent sushi bars, but that’s a different article.
So, grab your bib and get ready to indulge in the best seafood this landlocked city has to offer.
Where To Get Fresh Seafood In Kansas City
These are the top recommendations from Kansas City locals!
1. Earl’s Premier
Neighborhood: Brookside
Pricing: $$$
Earl’s Premiere promises an authentic New England experience right in the heart of Kansas City.
Known for its rotating selection of fresh oysters flown directly from Maine Oyster Co. the restaurant boasts a small yet exceptional menu. The majority of their seafood offerings are flown in fresh within 24 – 48 hours of coming off the fishing boat.
Earl’s offers as many as six different species for their “Oysters of the Day” and shares valuable information such as origin and tasting notes, ideal for oyster aficionados. In addition to fresh oysters, they offer mussels, lobster, crab, and shrimp – and then some.
The ambiance at Earl’s Premiere is reminiscent of a cozy, coastal eatery, offering a comfortable yet sophisticated dining experience. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with tasteful nautical antiques, sea-themed paintings, old American flags, and a carved wooden whale.
The establishment’s bar program is as impressive as its food, featuring a dynamic wine list that perfectly complements the seafood-centric menu. The locals love Earl’s frozen gin and tonic.
The interior space is on the smaller side, but don’t fret, their outdoor patio is delightful – and heated in the winter. Rated highly for their excellent service and fresh, flavorful dishes, the restaurant consistently delivers a memorable dining experience.
Menu highlights include the clam chowder, crab cakes, and, of course, oysters.
2. Farina
Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District
Pricing: $$$$
Farina is renowned for its innovative Italian fare, but in addition to delectable fresh pastas, the James Beard award-winning chef-owner designed the space around a stunning raw bar.
The shellfish and fish are flown in daily – the selection is rotating, and includes several species from coastal regions around the continent.
In addition to oysters, the crudo menu includes offerings such as caviar, jumbo shrimp, ahi tuna tartare, and sea urchin, among others.
Farina promises an exceptional evening. The ambiance is modern, sleek, and upscale with contemporary art. Paired with knowledgeable, kind staff, it’s clear why this it’s beloved by locals.
3. Pierpont’s at Union Station
Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District
Pricing: $$$
Named after the renowned railroad baron J.P. Morgan, Pierpont’s in Union Station offers an atmosphere of casual elegance, combining 1914 decor with modern touches. As you step into Pierpont’s, you’re instantly transported to a bygone era.
Housed in the historic Union Station, the restaurant has a timeless charm with its high ceilings, rich wood furnishings, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Pierpont’s is known for their perfectly seared steaks, but don’t sleep on their seafood offerings. Even though we’re in the heart of the Midwest, Pierpont’s dedication to freshness doesn’t waver. The restaurant partners with trusted suppliers that ship fresh seafood to Kansas City on a daily basis.
In addition to the classic oysters, shrimp cocktail, and caviar, they offer towers, such as the boxcar tower, which includes shrimp, snow crab legs, oysters, and mussels.
4. Ocean Prime
Neighborhood: Country Club Plaza
Pricing: $$$$
At Ocean Prime, the upscale menu is a testament to culinary excellence, featuring the finest seafood and hand-selected steaks. The restaurant takes pride in ensuring each dish is as flavorful as it is beautifully presented.
Their chilled seafood options include oysters, shrimp, king crab legs, and whole lobster.
The interior is designed with a chic, contemporary flair, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and welcoming.
Their rooftop concept, Prime Social, is a lively cocktail lounge designed for conversation and features a firepit.
Menu highlights include Chilean sea bass, scallops, grouper, and lobster bisque.
5. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Neighborhood: Country Club Plaza
Pricing: $$$$
Eddie V’s 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.
The chilled seafood options include oysters from both coasts, a shellfish tower, caviar, and wild gulf shrimp.
Menu highlights include crab fried rice, scallops, jumbo lump crab cake, and sea bass.
Cheers!
The heartland is positioned as far from the coastlines as possible, but that hasn’t hindered Kansas City’s culinary scene from impressing with standout seafood establishments. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, these dining spots import the ocean’s bounty to our city, highlighting their dedication to quality, innovation, and a celebration of freshness.
We hope you found this guide to Kansas City’s best seafood restaurants and raw bars helpful!
If seafood is your thing, you might want to read about Kansas City’s authentic Cajun and Creole restaurants as well as our several French restaurants, which include both classic and contemporary offerings.