Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Kansas City / Kansas

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Kansas City / Kansas? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Westside Local

4.8

4.8 (1886)

$30 and under

American

Kansas City

About the restaurant

The Westside Local offers seasonal comfort food with class, sourced as locally as possible. Enjoy it all with extensive beer and wine lists in our historic wood-beam and brick dining room, grapevine covered beer garden, or dashing little bar. Or just order some Carry out for that quiet evening at home.

Top review

CaitlinVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had a great time at Westside Local! The poblano spinach dip was amazing. Our serve had great suggestions in drinks and food. The Mac and cheese is definitely worth the hype. The honey sriracha chicken sandwich is very good, and definitely spicy!

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Popular dish

Kale Salad

Brown & Loe

4.8

4.8 (1774)

$30 and under

American

Downtown / River Market

About the restaurant

Set in Kansas City’s historic City Market, Brown and Loe Restaurant’s inviting atmosphere is a blend of “big city” bistro with the welcoming casual flavor of a neighborhood favorite. Housed in a former Merchant’s Bank constructed in 1920, the restaurant honors the architectural details of the two-story building which features a façade of plate glass and verde marble floors and walls.
In the 1940’s, Brown and Loe was originally a produce broker with offices on the second floor of the Merchant’s Bank building. The new Brown and Loe Restaurant celebrates the techniques of curing, pickling and smoking meats, beautifully interpreted into marvelous American comfort cuisine. This is a true local venue, evidenced by the restaurant’s allegiance to the resident farmers and food artisans who supply most of the restaurant’s fresh ingredients.
Brown and Loe Restaurant is the second dining concept introduced by Harry Murphy, owner of the City Market’s popular Harry’s Country Club.

Top review

DouglasVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Good but very noisy. Good gluten free menu. Excellent service.

Bella Napoli

4.8

4.8 (403)

$30 and under

Italian

South Kansas City

About the restaurant

Under the guidance of his Italian-native mother, and heavily influenced by his travels throughout Italy, Jake Imperiale opened Bella Napoli in 2001 to meet Kansas City's need for authentic Italian food, wine and market goods. Jake hand selects each product for Bella's deli and market and every item is imported from Italy. Wander across the room and you'll be immersed in an atmosphere as authentically Italian as it gets. An integral element of Bella Napoli, the pizzeria offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes.

At Bella Napoli, the ambiance of a true Italian ristorante, classic Italian recipes, warm friendly service and a renowned wine list culminate in an Italian dining experience you're sure to fall in love with.

Top review

Chris

Dined 4 days ago

Great food and service best pizza in Kansas City.

Va Bene Italian Eatery

4.8

4.8 (503)

$30 and under

Italian

Prairie Village

About the restaurant

We are honored to begin serving the community -- whether you are a local or a new visitor, it is our pleasure to host you. We look forward to welcoming you to Va Bene!

Top review

Bob

Dined 2 days ago

Our server worked hard to find a wine that was close to Pinot Grigio and it was very tasty. Of course the arancini was great-best in town. Sat outside on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. The Mediterranean salad was a very tasty and sumptuous one. Huge portion!

Union on the Hill

4.8

4.8 (189)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Kansas City

About the restaurant

Union on the Hill is a modern American restaurant with a flare, located in the heart of Union Hill at the crossroads of McGee & Gillham at 2976 Gillham Rd 64108. Union on the Hill is a neighborhood spot with a polished feel. It's a place to meet with friends, gather with family, or to celebrate a special occasion. Chef George creates dishes that leave you craving more. Among the most popular are the Filet Meatloaf, Lobster Roll, and the Sea Scallops. Union on the Hill offers lunch, brunch and dinner.

Top review

Shelley

Dined 2 days ago

Great food - highly recommend crab cake appetizer, bucatini, fried chicken, and carrot cake. Service was impeccable. Live music was playing in the bar area, so made quiet conversation difficult

Veritas Whiskey and Wine Grill

4.8

4.8 (17)

$31 to $50

American

Kansas City

About the restaurant

Welcome to our restaurant on OpenTable! Our American fusion menus, crafted by chef and owner Rolfe Loomis, showcase the finest offerings from an American wood-fired grill, highlighting locally sourced ingredients infused with global flavors. Indulge in a diverse selection of charcuterie, small plates, salads, paella, seafood, and premium steaks, all prepared fresh to order using farm-fresh produce and meats from the Midwest. Our seafood is flown in weekly from trusted sources, ensuring the highest quality.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind brunch experience featuring a delightful breakfast small plates menu and an array of brunch cocktails to complement your meal. We take pride in delivering a unique dining experience that celebrates the best of American cuisine with a global twist.

Top review

MargieVIP

Dined 4 days ago

This restaurant is exceptional! Bring yourselves, family and friends to enjoy the experience!

The Farmhouse - Kansas City

4.7

4.7 (1388)

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Kansas City

About the restaurant

The Farmhouse Restaurant is a Farm-to-Table, elevated home-style restaurant in the Kansas City River Market area. Located at the corner of 3rd and Delaware, we feature unique brunch entree's and a dining experience unlike anyone else in Kansas City.
We source produce and meat from local farmers to create one-of-a-kind scratch-made dishes.

Great for family brunch, first dates, classic cocktails, private dining, private parties and off-site events

Top review

LeniseVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Owner is very “hands on” checked on our table multiple times, food is always great, love the chill atmosphere, and love that they take reservations! We travel from a different county for special occasions and love how well tended to we are each and every time! Thanks Marty for taking such good care of us!

Tavern In The Village

4.7

4.7 (2086)

$30 and under

American

Prairie Village

About the restaurant

Tavern In The Village is a classic American styled restaurant that features great salads, sandwiches, seafood, steaks and pastas. It is our goal that individuals feel comfortable coming in for a business lunch, happy hour, dinner with the family or a night out with friends. We provide genuine hospitality in a warm and inviting yet stylish atmosphere.

Top review

NanVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

I had requested a booth in my reservation, and although there was a small booth available, the hostess told me that a large booth wouldn't be available for "quite some time." When I asked her how long that was, she said at least fifteen to twenty minutes. At this veery moment, the party seated at one of the large booths got up and left. I asked her if we could have their booth and she said that it would take quite some time to turn it over. Really? I told her I was willing to wait the "quite some time" for that booth to turn over while at the bar. She seated us in said booth after just a few minutes. This whole thing felt odd to me, and I was displeased. On the flip side, our server, Samantha, was a complete delight, and our food, cocktails, and wine were excellent and delicious.

VOO Cocktail Lounge

4.7

4.7 (134)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Kansas City

About the restaurant

After a few decades of dormancy, we’ve reimagined and revitalized the former Rendezvous as – VOO Lounge.
Featuring rotaing musicans and performers every Friday and Saturday night, exclusive crafted & curated cocktails
and a fully stocked bar. To see a list of who is performing Friday and Saturday night visit https://www.vookansascity.com/events. Complimentary 2 hour self parking in the Kansas City Marriott Downtown Garage or $15 valet parking available.

Top review

Philip

Dined 7 days ago

Great spot to pop in for a great cocktail- the staff was very friendly!

SmokeHouse BBQ - Zona Rosa

4.3

4.3 (83)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Zona Rosa

About the restaurant

Smokehouse Barbecue has been servicing Kansas City since 1987. It opened its doors in Zona Rosa, Kansas City, Missouri, with one objective in mind: to provide Kansas City customers with the best barbecue and service possible. On a daily basis, Smokehouse Barbecue surpasses that aim by serving only the best hickory-smoked brisket and juicy chicken, as well as delectable spices, sauces, and rubs.

Smokehouse Barbecue Information:
Smokehouse Barbecue is a family-owned Kansas City institution devoted to delighting your family with delectable dishes, fall-off-the-bone delicious meats, big servings, and immaculate service.

In the Kansas City Region, Smokehouse Barbecue has three locations. Smokehouse Barbecue's scrumptious sides have also gotten great praise, including fresh-made coleslaw, smoky, and sweet barbecue beans, and some of the smoothest, richest sauces you'll ever try.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 7 days ago

The Chicken Salad with homemade ranch was excellent.

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