A “date night” restaurant is often synonymous with romantic clichés: tables with white linen tablecloths, sharing a plate of spaghetti like the stars of “Lady and the Tramp," a rich tenor voice serenading diners.
There are plenty of those spots in Kansas City, but Liz Cook says date night restaurants shouldn’t be limited to those that are traditionally romantic. The ambiance has to create a connection, says the freelance food writer behind the Haterade Substack.
“You want something a little bit cozy, where you can have a conversation and, you know, stare longingly into your partner's eyes in flattering lighting,” Cook says.
Natalie Torres Gallagher, a freelance food writer in Kansas City, agrees.
“I feel like fine dining, specifically, is a deterrent when you're trying to get close to someone and really connect,” Torres Gallagher says. “If I'm sitting with one person at a bar, I can lean in a little. I can cross my legs, maybe brush my foot. There’s more of an opportunity.”
Cook, Torres Gallagher, and Carlton Logan, co-administrator of the Kansas City Eats Facebook group, shared their favorite restaurants for a date night. Plus, we round up recommendations from Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Liz Cook:
Le Fou Frog’s chalkboard menu is ever-changing, the seating is cozy, and the servers sing to you whether you like it or not – a classic setting for connecting with someone special. This is the place to order a kir royale, splash out on a nice bottle of Burgundy, and lean into the classics, like coquilles Saint Jacques and Dover sole a la meunière.
Westport Cafe is hard to beat for its contemporary French fare and intimate setting. Cocktails are bold and creative, and the menu has a nice spread, from brioche and sausages to a Cuban take on a French dip. The service is always lovely, and no one will serenade you without your consent.
PotPie is inherently romantic, even if its namesake dish isn’t. The open kitchen, dining room and warm service are as comfort-oriented as the menu. It’s hard to beat a pot pie in the depths of winter, and I’m always craving the roasted chicken, which comes with mashed potatoes and a simple pan sauce.
Vita’s Place is for people who don’t feel romantic after gorging on rich restaurant food. Graze on small plates while you work your way through the extensive wine list. Vita’s is as cute as its neighbors, nestled in the Crestwood shops, with gold-toned lighting that makes everyone feel attractive.
Of Course offers creative small plates filtered through an Indian lens. The cardamom burnt ends and airy aloo kulcha are compulsory, but don’t miss the cocktails, which skew fresh and vegetal. The restaurant even has a signature scent, which you can buy in candle form.
Room 39 effortlessly inhabits the center of the venn diagram between “neighborhood restaurant” and “special occasion dining.” The menu changes frequently, but the chicken livers and gnocchi are fixtures for a reason. The wine list is smart, and I always trust the pairings here.
Osteria Bianchi serves some of the metro’s best modern Italian food. Fresh pastas, chewy Neopolitan pizza, and airy focaccia shine in this sleek, buzz space near Liberty.
The Campground is best known for its Southwest-inspired cocktails and hip decor, but it has a tidy dinner menu too. The schnitzel plate is excellent and the smashburger is solid. Plus, the martini comes with potato chips. Who doesn’t want that?
Natalie Torres Gallagher:
Cafe Provence has become one of Kansas City’s most reliably charming French standbys. Opened by the Quillec family in Prairie Village in 2001, it’s cozy, intimate, and an ideal setting for classics like seared duck breast and escargot.
Bacaro Primo practically hums with romance. Owned by Todd Schulte and Cory Dannehl, who also run Earl’s Premier, the place is often filled with couples lingering over Neapolitan-style pizzas and generous pours of nebbiolo.
Ragazza blends Italian soul with Midwest warmth in a tavern-style room that pulses with easy joy. It’s the perfect spot for conversation over a towering plate of eggplant fries or a sizzling tray of mushroom lasagna.
Tailleur's dark walls, warm brass accents, and antique finds mirror the French-leaning menu: moody and elegant without being precious. It’s ideal for connecting over shared plates and a well-chosen bottle. Head across Main Street after dinner for a glass of bubbly or a digestif at Cheval, a pocket-sized champagne bar by the same owner.
Voltaire channels old-world European charm with a distinctly romantic edge, tucked into the West Bottoms. The menu is globally inspired and shareable — tailor-made for date night. Try the grilled Spanish octopus and the Vietnamese chicken wings.
Tannin Wine Bar is the destination for wine lovers. With dozens of options by-the-pour, and hundreds more by the bottle, finding your happily-ever-after is all but guaranteed (especially if you end the night with a warm, fudge-stuffed peanut butter cookie).
The Town Company is a natural choice for a polished evening out. The James Beard-nominated chefs, Johnny and Helen Jo Leach, curate a menu that highlights local ingredients in thoughtful, creative ways. The restaurant’s hearth is its beating heart, and there’s no better place to cozy up than the chef’s counter.
Twin City Tavern is sneakily romantic for a dive bar. The beer is cheap and ice-cold, there are board games and a dartboard, and the jukebox lets you set your own sultry soundtrack. Date night doesn’t require candlelight or pressed linens, just a comfortable place for you and your sweetheart to connect.
Carlton Logan:
Piropos has an effortlessly romantic dining room that overlooks Kansas City’s skyline — and then there’s the eclectic Argentinian menu. I never miss the beef empanada, and the Milanesa sliders are good too.
Earl’s Premier gets its oysters flown in directly from Maine, making it one of the best spots in Kansas City to try them. It’s less of an aphrodisiac, but the New England clam chowder with fried saltines is excellent, too, as are the crab cakes.
Trezo Mare can’t be beat for its environment. A booth with a view of the kitchen or a two-top near the bar are sure to create a spark. Start with the bruschetta or fried calamari, then share the fusilli shrimp diablo and finish the night with the classic tiramisu or one of the decadent Trezo chocolate bars.
Affare is my go-to if date night calls for fine dining. This German restaurant specializes in great food, excellent service and an affordable wine list. Start with the charcuterie platter of German deli meats, cheeses, and house baked bread, and maybe add the pretzel basket.
Grand Street Cafe offers more casual dining with an elevated look. I enjoy Bill’s Chicken Salad with fried coconut chicken and hot mustard dressing. The oven roasted chicken and braised short ribs are also delicious.
La Bodega has an energetic atmosphere that’s perfect for a double date. Dozens of tapas plates are always flavorful, and the paella (and a pitcher of sangria) is perfect to share.
Rye is consistently delicious, making it perfect for couples who like to branch out on a menu. All of the appetizers are mouth-watering, and I can’t leave without a slice of lemon meringue pie. For an entree, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp and grits or fried chicken.
The French Market is my choice for a brunch date. The grand-mère crepe or quiche lorraine are culinary expressions of love. Finish the meal with a cup of soft, creamy chocolate mousse or a buttery fruit tart.
Your Kansas City date night recommendations:
- xo
- Cafe des Amis
- Union on the Hill – steak and fries, deviled egg flight
- The Savoy
- Lidia’s Kansas City
- Aixois
- Muni – take the streetcar to see a movie after
- Green Dirt on Oak
- Barbacoa
- Cru Bistro and Bottle Shop
