Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Kansas City

This little pizzeria in South KC brings a little NYC flavor to the Midwest with its original thin, chewy crust pizzas. Inside it is quite small and there are only a few stools, however most people order pies for take-out or come in to grab a quick slice. The pizzas are simple ones topped with only a few ingredients, some include the classic Margherita, pepperoni and sausage and many more.

The fact that this restaurant is next door to a gas station shouldn't deter you from trying some of the best barbecue in Kansas. It is located just over the border from Missouri's downtown KC and is consistently packed with hungry diners devouring plates of smoked meats. Some of the standards include pulled pork, beef brisket, sandwiches and their famous 'burnt ends' (the bits of bark on the brisket). In addition to this original location, there are three others around the state. Check website for full menu and details.

This Italian eatery is consistently rated as one of the best places to try plates from 'the Boot' not only by local critics, but by international ones like Zagat and Bon Appetit as well. The menu is extremely simple and succinct, where the kitchen blends two or three items at best. This simplicity is marked with primi piatti (small plates) such as Shrimp over Artichokes, Bruschetta with olives and capers and a Caprese salad made with fresh 'Bufala di Mozzarella'. For dinner, their succulent Veal Piccata served with melt-in-your-mouth rosemary garlic mashed potatoes is one of their best options. The wine list is also extensive, where you will find rotating varietals from Italy and beyond, and for dessert, you will find favorites like Tiramisù and Spumoni.

Established in 1954 by the Cascone family, who still own and operate what are now three locations, this restaurant offers a full dinner menu and a cocktail lounge. Etched glass windows at this location create a cozy atmosphere and give diners privacy. The service is excellent. The restaurant offers a full array of appetizing pasta dishes. Although a popular place for intimate gatherings and business luncheons, it is also a place where families feel at home.

This BBQ shack has been featured on several national television shows because of the fact that its ribs, brisket and chili are some of the best in the country. Sandwiches come in your choice of brisket, pulled pork, turkey sausage, ham and burnt ends. Other items include specialty sandwiches, ribs and their famous three-bean chili, which is a luxurious stew topped with burnt ends. Woodyards is in Kansas, just over the border and if you can't make it out here, they also provide catering services.

Bier Station is a craft beer drinkers paradise, not only because it serves some of the finest craft beers in town, but it also has some insanely good food. The bar has 28 different rotating taps and a few are dedicated to 'session' beers (those with ABV lower than 5%). The menu features innovative twists on traditional classics like the bratwurst topped with Ponzu infused red cabbage and Wasabi mayo or the homemade pretzels served with jalapeno cheddar cheese. One other cool attribute to the bar is their website, they have a real-time tap menu to let drinkers know when their favorite beer is in or out!