Kansas City’s restaurant scene is buzzing with change. In 2025, the city opened at least 50 new eateries while saying goodbye to over 60. The fresh spots cover a range of styles, from fancy steakhouses to cozy cafes, ice cream shops, and more.
With so many choices, it’s hard to know which new places are worth a visit. Food experts Ritz Dasgupta, Jenny Vergara, and Tyler Shane have shared their top picks for 2025.
Ritz Dasgupta’s Picks:
Nour’s: This Lebanese restaurant offers modern spins on classic dishes. The hummus is smooth, and the muhammara—a dip with red pepper and walnuts—is a must-try. Their falafel is crispy, and the shakshuka is comforting and packed with flavor.
Panchitas Mexican Food: With its bright pink exterior, this place is as cheerful as it is delicious. The al pastor tacos are juicy, and don’t miss the churros for dessert.
Taqueria Ignacio: Hidden in Rosedale, this spot serves Sonoran-style tacos. Though currently closed for the season, chef Ruben Leal’s carne asada remains a favorite.
Clementine’s Ice Cream: This ice cream shop offers fun and unique flavors like Strawberry Balsamic White Pepper. Their dairy-free options are creamy and delightful.
Cortadito Cuban Cafe: A vibrant spot that showcases Cuban culture, featuring rich café con leche, crispy croquetas, and perfectly pressed Cubano sandwiches.
Tyler Shane’s Favorites:
Anjin: A cozy bar inspired by Japanese izakayas, Anjin offers a memorable sakura pork collar sandwich along with udon noodles. It’s a great spot for sake lovers, too.
BB Bánh Mì: This unassuming restaurant serves delicious crispy chicken and broken rice topped with a fried egg. It’s convenient with a drive-thru option.
AlBeik: Specializing in Lebanese cuisine, AlBeik serves wood-grilled eggplant and chicken, offering a distinct menu not usually found in Middle Eastern restaurants.
Oil on Linen: Located in the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, this restaurant pairs meals with current art exhibits, creating a unique dining experience.
Northeast Pizza: A straightforward yet exceptional pizzeria serving New York-style pizza. Both whole pies and slices are available in a laid-back setting.
Akoya Omakase: Known for its exquisite sushi, this restaurant offers an omakase experience, allowing the chef to choose the freshest ingredients for you.
Jenny Vergara’s Recommendations:
Cru Bistro & Bottles: A charming spot in Brookside, this bistro excels in creative dishes like shrimp risotto and classic fried chicken.
Hank’s Garage & Grill: This bar is all about comfort food, serving up classics like burgers and a twist on Frito pie, along with unique options like Spam fries.
Zero Zero: A cute pasta shop that offers dishes like Lumache alla Norcina, making it a must-visit for pasta lovers.
Gilda’s Bar de Tapas: Bringing a touch of Spain to Kansas City, the tapas here are a flavor explosion. The signature skewer is a fan favorite.
The Parker Hollow: A new French seafood bistro, this place focuses on sustainability, serving a menu full of fresh West Coast fish.
As the city’s dining landscape evolves, these recommendations highlight the flavorful diversity Kansas City has to offer. With fresh concepts and delicious menus, there’s something for everyone to savor.
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