Kansas Restaurant and Dining Guide

Welcome to Kansas, where amber waves of grain meet a feast of flavors! Our expedition across this flat, fabulous frontier, dubbed the 'Breadbasket of America,' will transport you from the bustling metropolises to charming small towns, each boasting unique gastronomic gems and captivating attractions. So, grab your virtual passport as we delve into the local cuisine of Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, and Salina, weaving through their culinary tales and historical trails. Ready to go on a smorgasbord sojourn in the Sunflower State? Great! You're in for a hearty helping of Kansas culture, one bite and one site at a time.

Wichita - A Whirlwind of Wheat and Wonder

Wichita, lovingly known as 'Cowtown,' touts a colorful history deeply rooted in cattle trade and aviation. Today, it's a vibrant city where the past meets present in its eclectic dining scene.

Tucked away in the heart of Wichita is Bella Luna Café, an oasis of Middle Eastern cuisine. Their beef kabobs and Chicken Du Chateau are as charismatic as the city itself, and don't get us started on their Barramundi Meuniere. Just a 15-minute drive away, Bocatto Eatery and Pasta serves Italian fare that'd make nonna proud. The Lemon Chicken Picatta is a must-try, and their Swordfish in mango cream? Delizioso!

For comfort food, Doo-Dah Diner is your go-to spot. Their biscuit and gravy dish is a heartwarming nod to Kansas' southern influences, while their Banana Bread French Toast is a sweet surrender. Meanwhile, The Kitchen is whipping up some homegrown goodness with their Triple Grilled Cheese sandwich and Chicken Parmesan Pasta.

After a hearty meal, it's time to take a bite out of Wichita's culture. Head to the iconic Keeper of the Plains, a towering tribute to the Native American heritage, or dive into the world of science at Exploration Place. The Sedgwick County Zoo, just a stone's throw away, promises a day of wild adventure.

Kansas City – BBQ, Barbacoa, and Beyond

Kansas City, not to be confused with its namesake over in Missouri, is a kaleidoscope of culture, jazz, and of course, barbecue.

Savor authentic Mexican cuisine at GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe, where the Breakfast Quezabirria Beef Barbacoa is a stuff of legends. Indulge in a marine feast at Jarocho with their chili butter oysters and seared scallops. Hop over to Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio for a torta-tastic adventure. And no visit to Kansas City is complete without a pit stop at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Their beef brisket sandwich and smoked chicken dinner will have you tapping your feet to the rhythm of this Jazz City.

Kansas City's local attractions echo its eclectic gastronomy. Feel the adrenaline rush at the Kansas Speedway or take a leisurely stroll at Kaw Point Park. Bookworms can delve into medical history at the Clendening Medical Library & Museum.

Topeka - Brewing Traditions and Tasty Innovations

Say hello to Topeka, Kansas' capital city, where Midwestern charm blends seamlessly with a progressive culinary scene.

Iron Rail Brewing is a toast to Topeka's rich history and love for craft beers. Try their Top City Cheese Steak paired with a side of fried pickles for a culinary ride as thrilling as a steam engine. Blue Moose, another Topeka institution, is known for its Spinach & Artichoke Dip and Monterey Chicken Salad - all about classic comfort with a creative twist. For an Oriental experience, visit Yuki Restaurant of Japan. Their Teriyaki Steak & Crabmeat blend, JoJo Roll, and Sweet & Sour Roll are local favorites.

Wandering through Topeka, you'll find landmarks standing tall in Kansas history. The awe-inspiring Kansas State Capitol is a testament to the state's political history. Learn about the landmark civil rights case at Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, or travel back in time at Ward-Meade Park.

Lawrence - A Love Letter to Global Gastronomy

Lawrence, an eclectic college town, is a melting pot of world cuisine. At the Mad Greek, you'll feel teleported to Athens with their Falafel Salad and Mousaka. Limestone Pizza•Kitchen•Bar will woo you with their artisanal pizzas, the Bianco e Nocci being a crowd favorite. On the other hand, Bigg's BBQ's slow-smoked pulled pork and Burnt End Mac 'n' Cheese offer a taste of Southern hospitality. For an Asian fusion fix, Zen Zero's Thukpa and Kha Pao will transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Don't forget to soak in some culture at the Lawrence Arts Center or take a leisurely stroll at South Park.

Manhattan - Culinary Elegance Meets Midwestern Charm

Manhattan, also known as 'The Little Apple,' packs a mighty culinary punch. At the top of the list is Nico's Little Italy. The ambiance here whispers of Italy, the flavors shout. Their Creamy Shrimp Pesto pasta is comfort redefined and the Shrimp Fra Diavolo, a spicy Italian classic, will have you humming 'That's Amore.'

For a spicy, tangy twist, head over to Taco Lucha. Their Portobello Quesadilla will make your taste buds dance, and the Chipotle Raspberry & Black Bean Dip is a stellar opener. Guilty Biscuit, with their Biscuit & Gravy and Yogurt & Granola Parfait, offers a breakfast experience that's downright sinful yet heavenly. It's an intimate place to start your day, reminiscent of old Manhattan’s coziness.

After you've feasted, you'll need to walk it off, and Manhattan offers the beautiful Kansas State University Gardens for just that. For the more adventurous, the Flint Hills Discovery Center and the Konza Prairie Biological Station offer rich, interactive experiences of the area's natural history and beauty.

Salina - Savoring History and High-End Eats

The quaint town of Salina, steeped in history, rounds off our food tour. YaYa's Euro Bistro invites you on a European culinary journey. The Gnocchi is light and flavorful, while the Shrimp a la Plancha and Beef Carpaccio hint at seaside indulgences.

Hickory Hut BBQ offers a taste of Kansas's rich barbecue tradition. Their Slammer, loaded with Polish sausage topped with beef, pork and secret sauce, is a testament to their mastery of meat. The Texas Stacker is another testament, where brisket, provolone cheese, and onion rings come together on a toasted Kaiser bun, creating a meat lover’s paradise.

830 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS 66105

Absolutely love this place I live an hr away and make the drive everytime I want tacos 100% recommend this place!

Take-Out

Superb157 Reviews4.3

Iron Rail Brewing

705 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603

We dine in 1-2 times a month. The food and beer choices are yop notch. Fast and friendly service every time.

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb141 Reviews4.5

Jarocho

719 Kansas Ave, Kansas City, KS 66105

Ordered the raw oysters on a Tuesday. Great deal! The cucuracha shrimp was fresh but very little flavor. The baked oysters were also a tad bland. The...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb85 Reviews4.4

Yukis Restaurant of Japan

5632 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66614

I apologize for forgetting our waiters name, but Aaron was our cook and did GREAT! Waiter was also fantastic and the food was delightful!!

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb84 Reviews4.3

Blue Moose

3030 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66614

The manager Michael is everything a manager should be. Kind, informative, prompt and very very friendly.

Take-Out

Delivery

Good104 Reviews4

Taco Lucha

1130 Moro St, Manhattan, KS 66502

Good food but way overpriced. It was not worth $50. Service and atmosphere was excellent.

Take-Out

Superb75 Reviews4.5

Hickory Hut BBQ

1617 W Crawford St, Salina, KS 67401

Too Good ...Excellent staff quickest drive through ive ever seen for good BBQ .
Ribs that you can use sauce or savor the hickory smoke flavor de...

Take-Out

Drive-Through

Superb164 Reviews4.5

Tucson's Steakhouse Saloon & Grill

2750 S 9th St, Salina, KS 67401

Warm, cozy steakhouse. Good experience overall, but you might want to order your steak one level rarer than normal: We ordered 2 different cuts cooked to...

Take-Out

Delivery

Good143 Reviews4.2

Zen Zero

811 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!! One of my favorite restaurants in Lawrence, been coming here for years and never get sick of it even on a vegan diet!

Take-Out

Delivery

Good96 Reviews3.8

Bigg's BBQ

2429 Iowa St, Lawrence, KS 66046

From the outside you would think. Do I really wanna eat here. So we went and when I went inside I was like O.M.G .. The place looked awesome inside and t...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb141 Reviews4.6

The Mad Greek

907 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

Our birthday celebration at Mad Greek was perfect. The flaming cheese appetizer was impressive and delicious! Our entrees included Greek and Italian dish...

Take-Out

Delivery

Good174 Reviews4.2

Limestone Pizza•Kitchen•Bar

814 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044

Mushroom pizza was great. Zucchini fries were good and different. A bit pricey though. My friend liked his marg pizza too.

Take-Out

Delivery

Good74 Reviews4.2

The Kitchen

725 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202

We love this restaurant! Service was excellent, friendly staff, delicious food. Whiskey Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Parmesan, and Steak Diane were all prepa...

Take-Out

Delivery

Good136 Reviews4.2

Doo-Dah Diner

206 E Kellogg St, Wichita, KS 67202

Recommended for out of towners and it did not disappoint. Ask for Robin as she gave perfect service

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb258 Reviews4.6

Bella Luna Cafe

2132 N Rock Rd #107, Wichita, KS 67206

Never do to-go, on the East side!!! ? We paid for hummus and got 2 teaspoons full. Our salad had only greens with a few tomatoes. We paid for chicken on ...

Take-Out

Delivery

Good99 Reviews4.1

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103

Rocket pigs rule our family's taste buds. Don't forget the fries and onion rings!

Take-Out

Drive-Through

Superb765 Reviews4.7

Recently Opened Restaurants

Panda Express

2672 N Greenwich Ct, Wichita, KS 67226

Why would I order a plate with orange chicken and sweet fire, and yet you guys only give me orange chicken and a few pieces of pineapple… which was where...

Take-Out

Delivery

Average33 Reviews2.6

Pho Viet

405 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS

It's about time a good pho place came to Manhattan. They really thought things out well. The pho broth was delicious and the meat was very tender. T...

Superb54 Reviews4.6

Wingstop

15404 W 119th St, Olathe, KS 66062

Took forever and got my order wrong. I Was the only one in there and it still took over 20 minutes to get my wings. Ordered bone in and I got completely ...

Take-Out

Delivery

Poor12 Reviews2.3

Chiang Mai Thai Restaurant Andover

626 S Andover Rd, Andover, KS 67002

I love coming to Chiang Mai. Their prices are very reasonable and their food is consistent! If you want something quick and easy to pick up and take home...

Good21 Reviews3.6

Boba & Beyond

3115 W 6th St Ste. F, Lawrence, KS 66049

If you're in New Town and craving boba or falooda, Boba and Beyond is the place to go. They serve up deliciously chewy boba pearls with a variety of...

Delivery

Superb17 Reviews4.8

Meddys

8810 Maurer Rd, Lenexa, KS 66219

I've dined in AND ordered with the app for carry out. Both experiences were fabulous. The dining in is just the best experience - pita's brough...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb80 Reviews4.9

The Rec Room

1222 Main Ave, Goodland, KS 67735

Let Me start by saying that this Bar just started so, I am in big hopes that it will do well, and I'm sure that it will, because the Owners are good...

Superb2 Reviews5

Traditions Restaurant of Goodland, KS

824 Main Ave Suite B, Goodland, KS 67735

The food was delicious, the atmosphere is fun and relaxed! A great local restaurant right in the heart of Main Street! Variety of drink options, great ap...

Take-Out

Superb6 Reviews5

PALERMO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT ????????

2002 W 6th Ave, Emporia, KS 66801

We stopped in for a first try of this new place in Emporia, KS. It was Sunday evening for dinner for five. We got seated right away and the waiter Abit w...

Superb32 Reviews4.9

Artichoke Sandwichbar East

2959 N Rock Rd, Wichita, KS 67226

Food and drinks are always very good. That being said, in the almost 2 months that they've been open on the east side, the service has been mediocre...

Superb11 Reviews4.4

Chesapeake Diner

529 Main St, Everest, KS 66424

My brother mentioned this place and I will say it is excellent. Not everyday that you find Maryland natives running a restaurant in a small Kansas town, ...

Superb1 Reviews5

Squatters Pub

6504 Cherokee Ln, Ozawkie, KS 66070

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Squatters Pub and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a ...

Take-Out

Superb4 Reviews5

Morning Rose

320 South Ave, WaKeeney, KS 67672

A nice, quiet place. We felt very welcome for breakfast and coffee. Both were good, but not outstanding. We parked out back for the night (they are Harve...

Superb8 Reviews4.5

Johnny Wishbone's

515 S Liberty St, Cherryvale, KS 67335

Absolutely a treat when we have visited Johnny Wishbones. Sad day when they shut down. Our little town needs them!

Good19 Reviews3.9

Tanker BBQ Co.

620 W Maple St, Wichita, KS 67213

An underrated barbecue find in the Wichita Area ! Everyone was friendly and helpful ordering our food. All three of us got the 1 meat 2 side meal it was ...

Superb25 Reviews4.7

Recent Reviews

Hokibar

13366 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66213

I was in their last week with a friend for lunch. Our first time. The food was bland and lacked imagination. The employees acted like we were bothering t...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb91 Reviews4.7

Timbuktu Bar & Grill

1251 N Andover Rd, Andover, KS 67002

Small bar with a good burger. Driven by a million times and finally stopped. Added to my fav list

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb56 Reviews4.5

El Zarape

2501 US-50, Garden City, KS 67846

Food was great, a little more expensive. But i guess thats what eating out is now a days. Service was beyond great.

Take-Out

Good9 Reviews3.7

Papa Murphy's | Take 'N' Bake Pizza

2037 NW Topeka Blvd Suite B, Topeka, KS 66608

I have stopped by a couple of times recently. The store is clean. The people are cheerful and very nice. The pizza is delicious. Since I hit Topeka prett...

Take-Out

Delivery

Good24 Reviews4

FioRito Ristorante

3134 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214

Went to get bread for a family party because the bread is AWESOME and dropped my debit card on the way out, but didn't realize it until later. The s...

Delivery

Superb127 Reviews4.5

Houlihan's

11851 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS 66214

Have always liked this location and sit in the bar area. When Peter is the bartender he is always attentive and friendly, asking about out pet greyhound ...

Take-Out

Delivery

Good201 Reviews3.9

Saigon Pho

1202 Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801

No Pho available even though it's literally in the name. Buffet was mixed: steamed rice was undercooked but the pepper steak and chicken and broccol...

Good2 Reviews3.5

Larkspur | Bistro & Bar

904 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202

Lunch was fabulous!! Yummy soup and delicious salad!! Service was excellent! Already planning another meal there. Prices are very good!

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb74 Reviews4.3

Domino's

3703 10th St STE 3703, Great Bend, KS 67530

Went drive thu pick up waited 5 minutes then honked waited 5 more. Went in very rude lady. Told her been waiting at window. She said I'm the only on...

Delivery

Drive-Through

Average32 Reviews3.2

Burger King

808 W Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801

I ordered the #1 on the window, I asked to add yellow cheese and bacon, I know that it costs a little more, my order gave me the lady, I asked if he put ...

Delivery

Drive-Through

Average35 Reviews3.1

A & J's Music Room

1602 S Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67213

Taco Tuesday at AJ's. Great price, friendly staff. The tacos don't disappoint. Service was quick, atmosphere was welcoming. Definitely going ba...

Take-Out

Delivery

Good70 Reviews4.2

Dragon City

1353 S Webb Rd UNIT 103, Wichita, KS 67207

While traveling down Webb Rd my husband and I saw this restaurant and decided to stop. This restaurant serves a variety of items. They style of cooking i...

Take-Out

Delivery

Superb32 Reviews4.5

Bourbon Street Bar & Grill

3863 S Seneca St, Wichita, KS 67217

Stopped in 07/24/24. Big parking Lot. Large inside with lots of booths & TV's. Food has a lot to be desired. Chicken Fried steak- Very Hard li...

Delivery

Superb68 Reviews4.3

Fire Jerk Grill

119 S Mur-Len Rd, Olathe, KS 66062

I really wanted some oxtails yesterday (09/06) and decided to try these guys out. I walked in and was greeted. I explained to him that this was my first ...

Delivery