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.

For those hankering for steak, Tucson's Steakhouse Saloon & Grill delivers. Their Kansas City Strip is a local legend, and the Citrus Lime Chicken offers a lighter, tangy option.

Post-meal, wander through the Salina Art Center to absorb local and global artistry, or visit Coronado Heights State Park. Atop the park's hill, you'll find a breathtaking view that, like the Kansas culinary journey, leaves an unforgettable aftertaste.

From bustling cities to quaint towns, Kansas offers an alluring mix of American heritage, diverse cuisine, and unique attractions. Every stop in our culinary expedition has served up heaping helpings of history, culture, and deliciousness - an authentic taste of Kansas hospitality.

So, the next time you find yourself in the Heartland, remember: whether it's a plate of Bocatto’s Lemon Chicken Picatta, a sip of Iron Rail's craft beer, a bite of Bigg's BBQ, or the sight of a majestic sunset over the Keeper of the Plains, every sensory delight tells a Kansas story. The Sunflower State invites you to savor these stories, one hearty bite, one mesmerizing sight at a time. Because in Kansas, there's no place like home - and no taste like homegrown cuisine.

Must-Try Restaurants in Kansas

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Cities

Kansas City

Lawrence

Lenexa

Manhattan

Olathe

Overland Park

Topeka

Wichita

Abilene
Alma
Altoona
Americus
Andale
Andover
Anthony
Arkansas City
Ashland
Atchison
Atwood
Augusta
Baldwin City
Basehor
Baxter Springs
Belle Plaine
BELLEVILLE
Beloit
Bennington
Bird City
Blue Rapids
Bonner Springs
Buhler
Burlington
Caldwell
Caney
Center
Chanute
Chapman
Cheney
Cherokee
Cherryvale
Cimarron
Clay Center
Clearwater
Coffeyville
Colby
Coldwater
Columbus
Colwich
Concordia
Conway Springs
Council Grove
Cunningham
De Soto
Derby
Dighton
Dodge City
Edgerton
El Dorado
Elkhart
Ellinwood
Ellis
Ellsworth
Emporia
Erie
Eudora
Eureka
Fairview
Fairway
Florence
Fort Leavenworth
Fort Riley
Fort Scott
Fredonia
Frontenac
Galena
Galva
Garden City
Garden Plain
Gardner
Garnett
Girard
Goddard
Goodland
Great Bend
Greensburg
Halstead
Hanover
Harper
Hays
Haysville
Herington
Hesston
Hiawatha
Hill City
Hillsboro
Hoisington
Holcomb
Holton
Horton
Howard
Hoxie
Hugoton
Humboldt
Hutchinson
Independence
Inman
Iola
Jetmore
Johnson City
Junction City
Kanopolis
Kechi
Kingman
Kinsley
Kiowa
La Crosse
LaCygne
Lakin
Lansing
Larned
Le Roy
Leavenworth
Leawood
Lebo
Lecompton
Leon
Leoti
Liberal
Lincoln
Lindsborg
Louisburg
Lyndon
Lyons
Madison
Maize
Mankato
Marienthal
Marion
Marquette
Marysville
McCune
McPherson
Meade
Medicine Lodge
Meriden
Merriam
Milford
Minneapolis
Mission
Montezuma
Mound City
Moundridge
Mulvane
Neodesha
Ness City
Newton
Norton
Oakley
Oberlin
Ogden
Onaga
Osage City
Osawatomie
Osborne
Oskaloosa
Oswego
Ottawa
Overbrook
Oxford
Ozawkie
Paola
Park City
Parsons
Paxico
Perry
Phillipsburg
Pittsburg
Plains
Plainville
Pomona
Prairie Village
Pratt
Protection
Quinter
Riley
Roeland Park
Rose Hill
Russell
Sabetha
Saint Francis
Saint George
Saint John
Saint Marys
Salina
Satanta
Scott City
Scranton
Sedan
Sedgwick
Seneca
Sharon Springs
Shawnee
Silver Lake
Smith Center
South Haven
South Hutchinson
Spearville
Spring Hill
Stafford
Sterling
Stockton
Strong City
Sublette
Syracuse
Thayer
Tonganoxie
Towanda
Tribune
Troy
Ulysses
Valley Center
WaKeeney
Wakefield
Wamego
Washington
Wathena
Wellington
Wellsville
Westmoreland
Westwood
White City
Whitewater
Wilson
Winfield
Yates Center

Points of interest

Legends Outlets Kansas City
Allen Fieldhouse
Aloft Leawood Overland Park
Amc Dine In Studio 28
Wichita Art Museum
Econo Lodge At Wanamaker
Black Bob Park
Best Western J C Inn
Oak Park Mall
Overland Park Farmers Market
Amc Dine In Prairiefire 17
Boot Hill Museum
Museum At Prairiefire
Old Cowtown Museum
Shawnee Town 1929 Museum
Strataca
Great Plains Nature Center
Lawrence Public Library
University Of Kansas
Overland Park Arboretum Botanical Gardens
The Arcade
Hartman Arena
Intrust Bank Arena
Kansas Speedway
Boot Hill Casino Resort
Hollywood Casino At Kansas Speedway
Kansas Crossing Casino Hotel
Kansas Star Casino
Hesston College
Johnson County Community College
Regal Warren East
Regal Warren West
Clinton State Park
Gage Park
Lake Shawnee
Milford State Park
Town Center Plaza
Children S Mercy Park
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Kansas City
Sedgwick County Zoo
Chateau Avalon Hotel Spa And D Nile Lounge
Ambassador Hotel Wichita Autograph Collection