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15 Best Restaurants in the Plaza Area, Kansas City

This article is written by local contributor Emily Zhang & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Emily Zhang

May 22, 2023 • 17 min read

Wallace Weeks / shutterstock.com

I've been living in Kansas City for years, and one of my favorite places to visit is the Country Club Plaza, or simply the Plaza.

This shopping center, which opened in 1923, is the first privately-owned and planned regional shopping center in the country.

It has become the go-to shopping destination in the city, and I can't help but visit it every now and then.

One of the best things about the Plaza is the variety of dining options available.

You can find world-famous cuisines from different corners of the globe, making it a food lover's paradise.

Whenever I go to the Plaza for shopping or just exploring the city, I make sure to visit some of the best restaurants in the area for an exquisite dining experience.

Now let's look at the best restaurants in the Plaza Area, Kansas City!

Brio Italian Grille

Brio Italian Grille is a chain of Italian restaurants specializing in Tuscan-inspired grill fare.

Located on the first floor of Country Club Plaza, the restaurant offers authentic Northern Italian food with luxury cocktails and wines.

If you’re in the mood to eat Italian food with authentic taste, then Brio Italian Grille is the best spot in the Plaza.

The restaurant’s specialties include top-quality and made-to-order seafood, steaks, flatbreads, and pasta made with fresh ingredients in Italian-style wood-fired ovens.

You’ll enjoy dining in this restaurant with professional service, a chic atmosphere, comfortable seating, and a chef-inspired menu.

The best menu items include pasta Brio, pasta alla vodka, grilled salmon Fresca, and strawberry balsamic chicken salad.

You’ll also find an extensive drink list on the menu covering handcrafted cocktails, beers, wines, spritzers, water, and more.

The service was excellent throughout our meal.

We started with spinach artichoke dip, which was delicious, and a meaty flatbread that I absolutely loved.

For my entree, I had lasagna with a side of Caesar salad.

The salad was gigantic and tasted great.

Seriously, it is big enough to share, especially if you have an appetizer and a salad.

I did save room for a couple of bites of cheesecake, which was truly amazing.

Chaz on the Plaza

Chaz on the Plaza is a posh, upscale eatery in Country Club Plaza.

I After checking their reviews on Yelp, recently visited this place, and I must say, it didn't disappoint.

The restaurant specializes in French-inspired American food and offers a clubby and intimate atmosphere for a comfortable and relaxing experience.

The menu features a playful mixture of different cuisines and styles, and I was impressed by their unique and extensive drink list that has won Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence nine times.

As a fan of live music, I was thrilled to listen to the best jazz musicians in the city while enjoying my meal at Chaz on the Plaza.

The restaurant uses fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced locally, with ethnic and regional influences.

I tried the prime hanger steak, grilled chicken breast, sundried tomato risotto, and filet beef steak, and they were all fantastic.

I also enjoyed a glass of Nikki Coffee Grain whiskey, which was recommended by the attentive and knowledgeable bartender.

My wife, who is currently on medication, appreciated the virgin margarita that Richard prepared for her.

We also shared an appetizer of bacon-wrapped dates, which were heavenly and went well with my Japanese whiskey.

The jazz duet of guitars playing in the background added to the romantic setting, making our visit even more enjoyable.

The staff at Chaz on the Plaza were extremely helpful, even assisting us in ordering room service for our daughter, who was upstairs at the Rafael Hotel.

True Food Kitchen

If you're like me and love to eat healthy and delicious food, then True Food Kitchen will become your new favorite.

It's a popular food chain of eco-chic and relaxed restaurants offering healthy food (including vegetarian options) and a variety of cocktails.

Established in 2008, the restaurant follows the guidelines of local health officials and the CDC. Dr. Andrew Weil founded True Food Kitchen.

He is an American celebrity doctor who created an anti-inflammatory diet of nutrient-rich ingredients.

The restaurant sources all the ingredients locally from top-of-the-line farmers.

You'll find meaty dishes on the menu made of hormone-free meat from grass-fed animals and sustainable, biodynamic, and organic wines.

You'll find everything on the restaurant's menu, from salads, burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas to desserts, cocktails, and beers.

I recently went there for a birthday brunch and sat outside on a gorgeous day.

The outside seating area was totally shaded and beautiful.

The service was great, and I absolutely adored the tuna tartare and edamame dumplings.

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks is a contemporary upscale chain of restaurants specializing in seafood and steaks.

Established in 1974, the restaurant offers a clubby environment, a world-class private space for events, and a chef- inspired menu.

The menu features energetic beverages and award-winning happy hour options.

The best options include cedar roasted salmon, seared ahi tuna entrée, dry rubbed black Angus ribeye steak, and C.A.B top sirloin.

The menu also features plenty of appetizers, salads, options for kids, desserts, and beverages.

It’s the best restaurant in the Plaza if you’re a seafood or steak lover and admire a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

The waiter was incredibly friendly and attentive, and the manager even came by to check on us, which was a nice touch.

The atmosphere was elegant and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion or a night out with friends.

For my meal, I decided to go with the cedar-roasted salmon, which was cooked to perfection.

The seared ahi tuna entrée was also a hit at our table.

My friend ordered the dry-rubbed black Angus ribeye steak, which was cooked just right, tender, and flavorful.

Another friend tried the C. A. B top sirloin, which was equally delicious.

We also shared some appetizers, including a wedge salad that was fresh and tasty.

The desserts were the highlight of the meal, especially the upside-down walnut crust apple pie.

It used to come with cinnamon ice cream, but even with the basic vanilla ice cream, it was still amazing.

The Capital Grille

I first visited The Capital Grille in 2011 when it opened, and it quickly became one of my favorite upscale restaurants in the area.

Located in Country Club Plaza, this steakhouse chain offers classic American fare and a fine dining experience perfect for business meetings, dates, anniversaries, and even birthday parties.

What sets The Capital Grille apart is their dry-aged, hand-cut steaks that qualified and professional chefs prepare after 18 to 24 days.

I've been there several times, and each time, the steaks have been cooked to perfection.

The menu also offers an extensive wine list featuring more than 300 thoughtfully selected options to elevate your dining experience.

On one of my visits, I tried the chef’s suggestions, including sliced filet mignon, porcini-rubbed bone-in ribeye, seared tenderloin, and parmesan-crusted tomahawk veal chop steaks.

Each dish was absolutely delicious, and I couldn't help but add my favorite cocktail to the order to enjoy a hearty meal.

The atmosphere at The Capital Grille is just like in the movies - a natural, classy joint.

From the white tablecloths to the little lamps, they have all the details covered for a fine dining restaurant.

What truly makes the experience memorable, though, is the waitstaff.

They know the menu well and are always ready to answer any questions you might have.

I remember asking how they make their chicken so moist, and the server promptly found the answer for me.

P.F. Chang's

If you’re looking for a modern and posh restaurant serving Asian food, look no further than P.F. Chang's.

Established in 1993, it’s a world-famous chain of Chinese restaurants offering Chinese, Mongolian, Japanese, Korean, and Thai food dishes.

The most famous items on the restaurant’s menu are handmade and pan-fried dumplings, Mongolian Beef, fried rice, chicken pad Thai, Chang's lettuce wraps, Chang's spicy chicken, and sushi.

Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-sensitive guests can choose from many vegan/vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options.

P. F Chang's also offers an extensive list of drinks, including seasonal cocktails, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages.

I hadn't eaten at P.F. Chang's for several years, but after hearing some friends rave about their lettuce wraps, I decided to head down for dinner.

I arrived around five and took a seat at the bar.

I started with two cocktails, and I must say, both of the drinks were made perfectly and were quite delicious.

I ordered the chicken lo mein combo for dinner, which included beef, shrimp, and pork, while my partner had the sesame seed chicken.

She was delighted with her dish, and the broccoli was perfectly cooked.

The Melting Pot

I remember when the Melting Pot opened its branch in Country Club Plaza in 2013, and I've been a regular visitor ever since.

Established in 1975, this fondue restaurant has always been a favorite spot of mine for its quaint and cozy atmosphere, private tables, and attentive service.

One of the things I love most about the Melting Pot is their delicious chocolate and cheese fondues.

The menu also covers a wide array of seafood, chicken, beef, and vegetarian entrees, as well as a list of beers, Melting Pot classics, local cocktails, sangrias, spirit-free beverages, and wines.

Some of my favorite items to try are the garden pot, the big night out fondue entrée, pure chocolate fondue, and yin & yang fondue.

The garden pot is a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, and the pure chocolate fondue is simply heavenly.

Whenever I go on a date, I always opt for the big night-out dinners for two.

This item is the most extravagant dinner option at The Melting Pot and is designed for two people.

It's the perfect way to enjoy a romantic and indulgent evening with someone special.

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

Established in 1979, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse is a leading Brazilian restaurant that uses old and traditional cooking techniques.

If you’re looking for a restaurant with sophisticated and intimate seating space and authentic Brazilian taste, then Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse is your best option.

The restaurant offers patio and dining room seating spaces with a rich menu featuring changing food options with the seasons.

You’ll find different menu sections such as brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.

The best options are pan-seared salmon, bacon-wrapped chicken and steak, cauliflower steak, and spiced chicken sliders.

The impressive list of South American cocktails and by-the-glass wines should also help you complete your order.

I recently enjoyed brunch here for Mother's Day 2023 with my husband.

The restaurant was packed with gorgeous families who were so excited for the occasion and dressed beautifully.

Thankfully, we made reservations well in advance, so upon entry, we were seated within 5 mins or so.

The salad bar was well-maintained and offered a variety of options.

The pan-seared salmon was delicious, and the bacon-wrapped chicken and steak were to die for.

My husband loved the cauliflower steak, and we both enjoyed the spiced chicken sliders.

To top it all off, we indulged in some South American cocktails and by-the-glass wines from their impressive list.

Seasons 52

I recently visited Seasons 52, one of the most popular restaurants located at Country Club Plaza.

Established in 2003, the restaurant specializes in American cuisine and offers an ever-changing menu of seasonal American dishes.

An award-winning chef, Clifford Pleau, manages the menu, using fresh seasonal ingredients from farmer’s markets.

Every time I visit, I find new dishes because the restaurant's menu changes with the seasons and offers lunch, dinner, and happy hour entries.

Seasons 52 has qualified chefs who cook food in brick ovens or grill it on oak fire to create naturally lighter and more flavorful dishes.

The restaurant also has a wine bar featuring world-class signature cocktails and by-the-glass wines you can pair with your food.

During my last visit, the food was fantastic, and the service was exceptional.

The ambiance was great, making it a perfect place for a date night.

Our server did a great job of taking care of us.

We started with the ahi tuna tartare, which was delicious.

It tasted fresh and was a nice and light starter before the main course.

For our main courses, I had the lamb loin, and my date had the sea bass.

The lamb was juicy and tender, and the Yukon mash and asparagus complemented the dish well.

Medium rare is definitely the way to go with the lamb.

The sea bass was also super delicious.

It was flavorful, juicy, and had a nice crust from the sear.

Both dishes tasted amazing, and I recommend them both.

I would definitely come here again for another fancy date night.

I absolutely love going to Prime Social, a cocktail bar in Country Club Plaza that also has a kitchen featuring a long list of food entrees.

Whenever I'm in the mood for terrific food and drinks and a vibrant conversation with my friends, this is the place to be.

One of the things I enjoy the most about Prime Social is the refined and modern rooftop dining experience.

It's so relaxing to kick back next to the restaurant’s fire pit and take in the views of the Plaza.

The bold and colorful menu never disappoints.

I've tried a variety of delicious items like hand-rolled sushi, nigiri, and pizza.

Some of my favorites include the spicy tuna sushi, lobster tail Stix, king salmon nigiri, pepperoni pizza, and prime sliders.

Of course, no visit to Prime Social would be complete without ordering a drink from their extensive list of cocktails, wines, beers, spirits, and sans.

I've had some of the most unique and tasty cocktails here, and I'm always excited to see what new concoctions they come up with.

Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime is my go-to spot whenever I’m craving seafood and looking for a posh place in Country Club Plaza.

It has been a popular seafood restaurant serving Kansas City since 2008 with its impressive menu, hospitality, and stunning settings.

It’s the perfect spot in the city to celebrate special occasions, talk business, have dates, or enjoy family dinners.

The restaurant’s menu features an impressive selection of prime cuts of steaks, seafood, a wine list, and signature cocktails.

Some of Ocean Prime's most popular options are the teriyaki salmon, New York strip steak, Colorado lamb, and shellfish cobb salad.

I recently made reservations to Ocean Prime KC to celebrate my birthday with friends on a busy Saturday night.

Upon arrival, we were advised reservations were running about half an hour behind, but we didn't mind as we scored seats at the bar to enjoy Berries and Bubbles - always a joy to watch with the dry ice smoke.

We then proceeded to our table for dinner.

The Beet Salad with goat cheese mousse, orange frisée, and toasted almonds was absolutely amazing.

We shared the Filet with Twin Lobster Tails, and it was the perfect portion before our night out.

The Sautéed Mushrooms and Roasted Brussels Sprouts were delicious, while the Jalapeño Au Gratin stole the show.

Three side dishes were perfect for sharing with our table of five.

It's great to have one more classy choice for dinner at the Plaza - definitely check out Ocean Prime if you haven't yet!

Kona Grill

Kona Grill is an American restaurant specializing in classic American grills with some of the best fresh seafood and steak entrees in the area.

The restaurant offers a rich menu covering a variety of modern American dishes along with delicious appetizers, unique entrees, and a long list of drinks.

Kona Grill is the perfect place for special occasions such as date nights, birthday celebrations, baby showers, business meetings, and bridal showers.

You’ll find indoor and outdoor seating spaces in the restaurant throughout the week.

Likewise, you can enjoy a live performance by a local DJ during the weekends.

From appetizers, salads, rolls, sushi, and fries to desserts and beverages, you’ll find everything on the menu.

Buca di Beppo

Buca di Beppo opened in 1993, and I must say it's a must-stop for everyone in Kansas City, Missouri!

This Italian restaurant serves authentic family-style Italian Southern and Northern Italian cuisine, and you can find it in the heart of the Country Club Plaza.

They offer a variety of dishes like pizzas, pasta, fresh bread, salads, desserts, a kid’s section, wines, and beers for lunch and dinner.

The restaurant has a semi-private seating space, eclectic décor, professional services, and informed staff.

I was particularly impressed with our server, who was fantastic and made sure we had a great dining experience.

The best food options I tried were the prosciutto stuffed chicken, chicken marsala, ravioli with meat sauce stuffed pasta, and baked ziti.

I also ordered a small Caesar salad, which was oh so delicious!

My fiancé and I decided to try the fettuccine Alfredo and added chicken.

The sauce was homemade and to die for!

We also enjoyed the abundant amounts of complimentary fresh bread that came with our meal.

Don't forget to order your favorite drink and dessert to enjoy a satisfying dining experience at Buca di Beppo.

I can't wait to go back and try more of their delicious dishes!

O’Dowd’s Gastrobar

I recently visited O’Dowd’s Gastrobar, a chic and modern restaurant that has transformed from a traditional pub into a posh place with a warm atmosphere.

The food menu is decent, but what really caught my attention was the diverse and extensive bar menu.

I decided to try some of their best food options, including the traditional beef sliders,

I also tried some of their best food options, including the traditional beef sliders, shrimp wontons, chicken tenders, and the whiskey burger.

The honey mustard that came with the chicken tenders was hands down the best in town.

To complete my meal, I ordered a cold beer, which was just perfect.

The bar menu at O’Dowd’s offers everything you can imagine, such as classic cocktails, martinis, mules, beers, whiskeys, and wines.

The friendly service and the atmosphere were the highlights of my visit.

Our waitress was great - she was friendly and attentive.

Final Thoughts

The Country Club Plaza is not only my go-to spot for shopping in Kansas City, but it's also where I find some of the best restaurants in town.

I've had the pleasure of dining at these fantastic establishments, and I can confidently say that they offer amazing food options and modern, comfortable dining spaces.

Whenever I have friends or family visiting, I always recommend they try out these restaurants in Plaza, Kansas City.

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