Looking to reconnect with your significant other without distraction? Ditch the usual kiddo approved restaurants and lean into something a bit more grownup with these five new-ish hot spots around Kansas City. They deliver on atmosphere and taste, and will make you feel like you just visited somewhere really special, minus the chaos.
Five New-ish KC Hot Spots for Your Next Date Night
Anjin
Address: 1708 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Cuisine: Japanese Izakaya
Price Range: $$$
The setting is quiet and intimate, and with only 20 seats, you will feel like you are experiencing dinner prepared by a private chef. You can talk as you watch your beautifully plated meal be prepared. From the drinks to the rotating seasonal options, everything is thoughtful and awe-inspiring. The experience is meant to be sensory focused with an emphasis on culinary showmanship.
Bacaro Primo
Address: 323 E 55th St, Kansas City, MO 64113
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: $$$
The sister restaurant to Earl’s Premier (another amazing spot!), resides in a picturesque spot of Crestwood. The ambiance feels like you are visiting KC’s most treasured hidden gem. The satisfying sauces, perfectly curated meats and cheeses, and near famous Branzino dish will propel you to return again and again. Make reservations well in advance, everyone is KC is clamoring to get a table!
>> Need more date night ideas? Check out our 100+ Date Nights Guide <<
Green Dirt on Oak
Address: 1601 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Cuisine: New American, cheese-focused
Price Range: $$
It’s not merely a restaurant, it’s an authentic farm to table experience where cheese lovers will delight. Visit for a breakfast, lunch or dinner date and enjoy a smattering of carefully curated dishes and cocktails made with delicious ingredients in a hip urban setting. It feels sophisticated but laid back enough to be approachable. The idea is to graze while you enjoy one another’s company.
NOKA
Address: 334 E 31st Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
Cuisine: Contemporary, Japanese inspired
Price Range: $$$
The ambiance is modern, yet rustic, almost as if you’ve stepped into the catalog of Restoration Hardware. There’s both communal and intimate spaces that lend themselves to a group outing or a romantic evening. The food is surprising in all the best ways, with perfect plating and presentation. You will leave full, satisfied and feeling as though you just visited somewhere really special.
Oil on Linen
Address: Inside the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. 4420 Warwick Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64111
Cuisine: Contemporary American, art-influenced
Price Range: $$–$$$
Blending culture with surprising art inspired culinary combinations is what Oil on Linen is all about. The menu rotates often, much like its exhibits, and is only open for dinner on Thursday evenings. Visit then, or enjoy a day date filled with delicious brunch items that are delicious and filling. From the cocktails to the desserts, everything is thoughtfully planned out and prepared.
Why These Spots Nail Parents Date Night
New enough to feel special. All are recent additions to the KC scene, so you get to say, “We’re trendsetters now.”
Atmosphere driven. Dim lighting, unique design and thoughtful ambiance makes us feel like we are somewhere special, minus the distractions.
Food for connection. Whether it’s shared boards, delicate plates or flowing cocktails, the menus encourage close conversation, not interruption.
Wouldn’t we be remiss if we didn’t mention 1587 Prime Steakhouse as a place all Chief’s fanatics have to visit, that is, if it is possible to even snag a reservation! The ambiance looks intriguing, the food looks spectacular and if there’s even a slim chance we might see one of our two favorite players (and/or Taylor!!) then count us in!
These five (or six) new and noteworthy Kansas City spots are your ticket to “wow, we still have an awesome spark.” At any of these places you’ll find a vibe for every kind of romantic reboot you are needing. Cheers and Bon Appétit!
