Maybe you’re tired of dining at all the same places. Or perhaps you’re planning a special evening and want to try something different.
Could it be that you’re trying to impress that one really cool friend with a reservation somewhere they’ll approve of?
Whatever the reason, there are numerous unique restaurants and dining experiences in Kansas City. Let’s get into them!
Unique Dining in Kansas City
For when you’re in the mood to try something different!
Dinner and a Show at Lonnie’s Reno Club
Neighborhood: Downtown
Lonnie’s Reno Club is a jazz experience that will transport you back to the 1930s.
Located in the downtown Ambassador Hotel, this swanky supper club is the creation of local jazz legend Lonnie McFadden. It’s a nod to the original Reno Club where Count Basie used to play.
You’ll be treated to live jazz with McFadden himself, singing, trumpet playing and tap dancing. The intimate setting is paired with a three course prix fixe menu, Prohibition-era cocktails, and a curated wine list.
The shows are offered Friday and Saturday nights, and reservations are recommended. Between the price of the ticket and the three-course dinner, it’s not cheap, but it makes for a unique evening that many find to be worth the cost.
Hand-Pulled Mozzarella at Lazia
Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District
At Lazia, an intimate Italian restaurant located in the Crossroads Hotel, the “Mozzarella Per Il Tavolo” offers an interactive dining experience.
This tableside presentation involves a skilled chef preparing fresh mozzarella right at your table, heating and stretching the curd to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
The freshly made mozzarella is then paired with heirloom tomato, pesto genovese, basil, and balsamic.
The menu, of course, goes beyond just mozzarella. They offer elevated small plates, homemade pastas, sharable meat dishes, and a great wine list.
But if you’re into cheese, a visit for the hand-pulled mozzarella is something you’ll be talking about for weeks.
The Test Kitchen
Neighborhood: It’s a Secret
Shh, The Test Kitchen is Kansas City’s underground supper club – they consider themselves a secret dining society. It features local chefs that take turns creating a fixed menu for a set donation amount.
So, how does it work? You have to get on their list to be made aware of upcoming dinners.
You sign up and then… you wait.
They use a lottery system to select the 20 people that will be invited to each event. The intrigue is part of the experience.
Note that they don’t make modifications to the menu.
High Tea at Tailleur
Neighborhood: Midtown
On the last Saturday of each month, Tailleur offers a their elegant High Tea experience. It’s an afternoon of fine teas, exquisite treats, and finger sandwiches.
And considering that they own the exceptional Enchante bakery across the street, you can be sure those treats are top-notch.
Beyond the baked goods, the vibe at Tailleur is ideal for a high brow afternoon. The decor is inspired by the equestrian lifestyle, and the moody color scheme is complemented by lovely antiques.
The atmosphere makes it a really neat place for a meal.
Reservations are required, and the cost is $60/person.
Affäre Tasting Menu
Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District
Who doesn’t love a tasting menu?
Affäre presents a blend of traditional German cuisine and contemporary culinary artistry. The family-owned restaurant was founded in 2012, spearheaded by the owner’s passion for all-natural, farm-fresh, seasonal foods and game meats.
Their weekly four-course tasting menu is carefully selected, always seasonal, and includes a wine or beer pairing option.
It’s available Thursday through Sunday, until sold out. They do ask that you not be in a rush if you plan to do the dinner tasting. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy time with your dinner companions.
The Wagyu Experience at Stock Hill
Neighborhood: Country Club Plaza
Stock Hill is undoubtedly one of the best steakhouses in the region – and it’s locally owned.
Recognized as one of the 31 Best Steakhouses in America by Thrillist and a recipient of a Four-Diamond rating by the AAA, Stock Hill is more than just a delicious steakhouse – it’s a gastronomic gem.
So, when they say The Wagyu Experience is the best their menu has to offer, we believe them.
It’s definitely something to share with the table:
- 3oz Australian: Stone Axe Filet | 8-10 bms
smoked butter, charred green
onion powder, smoked pearl onion - 4oz American: Snake River Farms | 8-9 bms
wood infused cream,
herbed oil, watercress - 3oz A-5 Japanese Hokkaido | 11-12 bms
herbed red wine demi glace, confit
mushrooms, pommes duchess
What has stood out to us on our many visits is how great the service is – they are incredibly knowledgeable about where their meat is sourced from and what makes it stand out in quality.
In addition to the meat, you can order various side dishes – all are truly exceptional.
Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill
Neighborhood: 39th Street
If you’ve been to a Mongolian Grill before, a visit to Genghis Khan will feel familiar. Although the concept is nothing novel, it’s always neat to be able to watch your food be cooked in front of you.
And since Genghis Khan has been locally owned and loved since 1995, we felt it deserved a spot on this list.
In addition to the endless grill options, they have authentic clay-pot simmered dishes – and we can attest from personal experience that they’re really good!
Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar
Neighborhood: Crossroads Arts District
Kata Nori is the city’s first to concentrate solely on the craft of temaki sushi – hand-rolled cones of seaweed filled with sushi rice, and a variety of raw and cooked fish, seafood, and fresh vegetables.
What makes Kata Nori a unique dining experience is the counter seating arrangement where you can watch the skillful preparation of each roll by the sushi chefs.
They serve the hand rolls as they are made so they can be enjoyed at their most fresh.
The sleek and modern counter seating limits the number of patrons, making it feel like an exclusive experience. Because of that, you’ll want to book in advance.
Fun Restaurants for Kids in Kansas City
Even the adults will be amused!
Fritz’s Crown Center
Neighborhood: Downtown
Fritz’s Restaurant has been around since 1954. What makes Fritz’s stand out is its nostalgic, railway-inspired design.
Instead of traditional servers, food is delivered to your table on a miniature train that zips along an overhead track. The restaurant offers a variety of classic diner fare, including burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and fries – there’s plenty for kids to eat!
The playful ambiance is complemented by colorful decor, with train-related memorabilia and models scattered throughout the restaurant.
Fritz’s is truly a Kansas City tradition, and the location within Crown Center puts it amongst other kid-friendly activities!
Le Petit Chef
Neighborhood: Downtown
Located within Hotel Phillips, Le Petit Chef offers a whimsical dining experience.
The restaurant uses 3D projection mapping to create an interactive dining experience. As you sit at your table, you’ll see a tiny animated chef, “Le Petit Chef,” come to life.
Throughout the meal, this little chef appears on your table, guiding you through each course with playful animations.
The kiddos will find the experience truly amazing!
There are menu options for younger diners, and the multi-course experience can be adjusted to be more casual and approachable for kids.
Chicken & Pickle
Neighborhood: North Kansas City
The “pickle” in Chicken & Pickle refers to pickleball, but that offer more than that!
It’s the perfect place for the activity-loving kiddos. In addition to pickleball courts, they have lawn games, ping pong, cornhole, and shuffleboard.
They’re known for wood-fired rotisserie chicken – which creates the most delectable smell throughout the indoor portion of the restaurant – pulled pork and grass-fed beef sandwiches, creative salads and hand-cut fries.
You could easily spend an entire afternoon here – the vibes are totally laidback and it’s truly just about enjoying one another.
Cheers!
That’s a wrap on unique dining experiences in KC.
We hope you enjoy getting outside of your comfort zone – and as always, thanks for supporting local!