Best Contemporary American Restaurants in E. Kansas City

14 restaurants available nearby

1. Gram & Dun

4.7

Exceptional(4637)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Plaza / Brookside

Booked 72 times today

Gram & Dun, nestled in the vibrant Plaza/Brookside area of Kansas City, stands out as a beacon of American cuisine with its sophisticated and soulful approach. Diners rave about the authenticity and innovation in dishes like the "BEST Chicken and Waffles I've ever had!" and the "Fried Green Tomatoes were AMAZING!" The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident, as they embrace seasonality and add a unique twist to revered American dishes, ensuring every meal is crafted to perfection. With its chic environment and the "best patio in town," Gram & Dun delivers an exceptional dining experience, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

A photo of Grand Street - Plaza restaurant

2. Grand Street - Plaza

4.7

Exceptional(2577)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Plaza / Brookside

Booked 31 times today

For over three decades, Grand Street in the bustling Plaza district of Kansas City has been a beacon of modern American cuisine. This locally owned gem, renowned for its elegance and simple yet exciting dishes, consistently offers an unforgettable dining experience. Patrons rave about the quality of the meals and the exceptional service, describing it as a place where "everything was great, will definitely return" and "the food is always delicious!" The chefs at Grand Street take pride in crafting dishes that fulfill culinary expectations, while the service team ensures a top-tier hospitality experience. Whether it's for a casual meal or a special occasion, Grand Street stands out for its commitment to authentic and high-quality American cuisine, making every visit memorable.

A photo of Kona Grill - Kansas City restaurant

3. Kona Grill - Kansas City

3.5

Very Good(2336)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Plaza / Brookside

Booked 19 times today

At Kona Grill in the bustling Country Club Plaza of Kansas City, the Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service truly stands out. Known for its polished, casual atmosphere, Kona Grill excels in delivering an exceptional bar experience with its specialty craft cocktails and an award-winning selection of sushi that perfectly complements any drink choice. Guests frequently applaud the "great happy hour" and the innovative drinks like the "margarita float" that are both delicious and reasonably priced. With glowing reviews about the ambiance and service, such as "Xena hooked me up with a spectacular cocktail," and "We enjoyed the watermelon martini and the shrimp tempora," it's clear why Kona Grill is a favorite. Whether it's for a relaxed evening or a special celebration, Kona Grill offers a memorable experience with every visit.

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Kansas City - Plaza, MO restaurant

4. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Kansas City - Plaza, MO

4.5

Awesome(6611)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Kansas City

Booked 111 times today

At Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Kansas City, the seafood cuisine is a celebration of flavors and meticulous pairing with award-winning wines. Patrons rave about the dishes, with one guest enthusing, "The Blacked Ahi Tuna was beautifully presented and delicious." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in the scratch kitchen's contemporary American recipes, infused with international influences that make each dish stand out. The Shrimp and Scallop Risotto comes highly recommended for its perfect blend of flavors, complementing the vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service. Cooper's Hawk doesn't just serve food; it crafts an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests returning for more.

5. Union on the Hill

4.8

Exceptional(54)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Kansas City

Booked 23 times today

Union on the Hill in Kansas City stands out as a premier destination for Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful blend of modern flair and culinary excellence. Chef George's creations, like the "wonderful" Filet Meatloaf and the praised Lobster Roll, consistently impress diners, leaving them "craving more." Customers rave about the "fantastic" brunch, noting the "creative and delicious" dishes that make every visit memorable. The atmosphere is described as perfect for both family gatherings and casual meet-ups, with every meal feeling like a "delightful evening." Union on the Hill is not just a meal; it's an "adventure for the palate," celebrated for its "stellar food, drinks, and service." This restaurant truly encapsulates the essence of high-quality, authentic Contemporary American dining.

6. JJ's Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(1784)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Plaza / Brookside

Booked 18 times today

JJ's Restaurant in Kansas City's Plaza/Brookside area is a cherished fine dining icon, renowned for its exceptional contemporary American cuisine. Established by the passionate Jimmy Frantze, JJ's has cultivated a reputation for serving meticulously prepared dishes that consistently impress both locals and visitors. Diners rave about the "awesome food with a private ambiance" and the "exceptional and superb" wine selection. The service at JJ's is frequently highlighted as "professional and friendly," creating a welcoming atmosphere that complements the culinary experience. From the "perfectly prepared lamb and lobster" to the "incredible seared salmon over risotto," each meal is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual dining outing, JJ's Restaurant promises a memorable experience with every visit.

A photo of Scratch Gourmet Kitchen restaurant

7. Scratch Gourmet Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(159)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Prairie Village

Booked 13 times today

At Scratch Gourmet Kitchen in Prairie Village, diners experience the essence of Contemporary Southern cuisine through a menu that brilliantly blends tradition with modern flair. This small gem has quickly become a favorite, boasting a "surprise and delight" experience that has garnered accolades such as Best New Restaurant in Johnson County. The restaurant's intimate atmosphere is perfect for enjoying standout dishes like the acclaimed sea bass, described as "the best we've had across the US," and the perfectly paired wines from their extensive selection. Reviews consistently praise Scratch for its "exceptional service" and "fantastic food," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience in Contemporary Southern cuisine.

8. Story

4.8

Exceptional(2895)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Prairie Village

Booked 16 times today

At Story in Prairie Village, KS, the essence of Contemporary American cuisine is elevated by the culinary expertise of Chef Carl Thorne-Thomsen, a celebrated James Beard Semifinalist and FOOD & WINE Magazine's national winner. Locals rave about the authenticity and innovation in dishes like the "perfectly cooked, delectable soft shell crab" and the "spectacular burger." The restaurant's commitment to local, seasonal ingredients shines in every dish, ensuring a fresh and flavorful experience. Reviewers consistently praise the "exceptional food & excellent service," making Story a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of American dining in Kansas City. As one diner put it, it’s "fabulous as usual!" and the best restaurant in the area.

9. BarCentral

4.5

Awesome(1)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Kansas City

Booked 2 times today

Featuring Kansas City’s largest indoor video wall showing the most-popular televised events! BarCentral offers a relaxed atmosphere filled with fan-favorite libations and cuisine - just steps from all the most-popular downtown attractions.

A photo of One East Urban Bar and Kitchen restaurant

10. One East Urban Bar and Kitchen

3.7

Very Good(22)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Crossroads / Freight District / Boulevard

Enjoy contemporary American cuisine One East Urban Bar + Kitchen features the finest locally crafted beers and spirits, paired with Modern American fare in a vibrant, communal atmosphere.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Melissavip
Kansas City / Kansas •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Awesome experience. The food was prepared perfectly. All of our special accommodations were met. The service was friendly and light. This is a great spot for a casual or business lunch. My lunch buddy and I take our time to connect and were not rushed to leave.
More info
Grand Street - PlazaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Plaza / Brookside
•
4.7
M
Mary Kay
Kansas City / Kansas •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
First time guests for lunch today. Loved everything about the restaurant. Huge thank you to Heather. She made our experience so special. Her interaction with us was special. Our meals were prepared beautifully. Dessert was tasty. We will definitely come again.
More info
Gram & DunPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Plaza / Brookside
•
4.7
J
jeanne
Kansas City / Kansas •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We go to Story at least every month and we love everything about this place! The food is excellent and especially the soft shell crab when in season, just delicious. We have taken many friends there for dinner and they come back every time with us .
More info
StoryPrice: Moderate• Modern European• Prairie Village
•
4.8
A
Athenavip
Kansas City / Kansas •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
The restaurant was very accommodating. The hostess checked on the sound level with us, honoring a request in my OpenTable notes. The server was attentive. Our reservation was at 5 o’clock…on the early end. We exited at 6:30, just as a rugby team was coming in. We hope they enjoyed their time as much as we did!😊
More info
Union on the HillPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Kansas City
•
4.8
C
Cynthiavip
Kansas City / Kansas •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Great appetizers and beverages on their happy hour menu.
More info
Kona Grill - Kansas CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Plaza / Brookside
•
3.5

Explore OpenTable

E. Kansas City

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in E. Kansas City

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

14 restaurants available nearby

1. Gram & Dun

2. Grand Street - Plaza

3. Kona Grill - Kansas City

4. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Kansas City - Plaza, MO

5. Union on the Hill

6. JJ's Restaurant

7. Scratch Gourmet Kitchen

8. Story

9. BarCentral

10. One East Urban Bar and Kitchen

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable