DineSpin

Best Date Night in Kansas City

Find the best date night restaurants in Kansas City, MO. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Kansas City's date night scene splits cleanly: you've got the old-money steakhouse crowd on the Plaza, the French and European specialists who've earned their reputation through obsessive consistency, and the experiential spots that treat dinner like theater. Most require reservations and reward showing up hungry. The trap is assuming expensive means good—several places here charge fine-dining prices for inconsistent execution, so knowing which nights to trust matters.

Recommended:

Best Date Night in Kansas City

1.

Xo

92/100

XO is a highly-regarded Japanese-inspired cocktail and small bites bar in Kansas City, celebrated for its excellent atmosphere, quality drinks, and attentive service. The unique low-fi, vinyl-spinning concept creates a warm and inviting vibe, making it a standout destination.

Pro tip: The vibes are immaculate. This place is so cool and the music they play is incredible.

🍽️Food85

The food, described as Japanese-inspired small plates, receives consistent recognition for its flawless execution and deliciousness, with specific mentions of highballs, bar nuts, and pork katsu sandwiches.

Food= Perfect

👋Service90

Service is frequently highlighted as amazing, attentive, great, and helpful, with staff paying attention to details.

Staff is amazing and so attentive

Vibe98

The atmosphere is overwhelmingly regarded as outstanding, warm, inviting, cozy, chill, and unique, with a strong emphasis on the music and retro audio equipment.

Vibes= Immaculate

💰Value75

While not explicitly detailed, the value seems to be perceived as fair given the quality of food, drinks, and atmosphere, though one diner noted the cost after tipping.

Spent $75 on drinks and snacks

📍 709 W 17 St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
4.9$$Kansas CityJapanese
Ideal for
Date nights — romantic, low-lit atmosphereAudiophiles — focus on music and sound qualityCocktail enthusiasts — creative and solid drink options
2.

Anjin

92/100

Anjin offers a unique and excellent Japanese-inspired dining experience in Kansas City, celebrated for its artfully prepared, flavorful food, warm and attentive service, and intimate, stylish atmosphere. Securing a reservation is highly competitive, and some guests have reported feeling rushed.

Pro tip: This is one of the most unique dining experiences I’ve had!

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding quality, unique flavors, and beautiful presentation, with many dishes described as memorable and artful.

Unbelievable food

👋Service93

Service is frequently highlighted as attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and remarkably welcoming, contributing significantly to the overall positive dining experience.

Outstanding service

Vibe96

The atmosphere is consistently described as unique, intimate, warm, stylish, and lively, creating a transportive and memorable dining environment.

Truly something special

💰Value85

While not explicitly detailed, the overwhelmingly positive reception on food and experience suggests diners find the value to be high, despite the difficulty in securing reservations.

Worth it

📍 1708 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
4.8$$$Kansas CityJapanese
Ideal for
Unique culinary experiencesIntimate celebrationsFoodies seeking novel flavors
3.

PotPie

92/100

PotPie is a highly-regarded Kansas City bistro celebrated for its excellent comfort food, particularly its namesake pot pies and pan-roasted chicken. The cozy, intimate atmosphere and generally outstanding service make it a beloved spot for dates and casual dining.

Pro tip: The food was wonderful. We had the tempura shrimp as an appetizer and a savory chicken dish that was amazing.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, with particular recognition for the pot pies, pan-roasted chicken, and bread pudding. Ingredients are noted as fresh and high-quality.

The food was wonderful

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and wonderful, though a few diners mention inconsistency and one instance of rudeness.

Attentive service and food

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as cozy, intimate, warm, and charming, making it a popular spot for dates and comfortable dining.

Cozy Westport bistro

💰Value75

While many find the food quality justifies the price, a few diners felt the portions or overall cost were a bit high.

Worth the money!

📍 904 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States
4.6$$Kansas CityAmerican
Ideal for
Date nightsComfort food enthusiastsIntimate gatherings
4.

Grünauer

92/100

Austrian and German food rarely gets this kind of precision in an American restaurant, and Grünauer's staff knows it—they move through the room with the confidence of people who've cracked something most places don't bother attempting. The schnitzel and duck come out pristine. Service is phenomenal, portions are generous, and the cozy European-inspired room feels purposeful rather than theme-park. One diner called it "authentic with excellent service and captivating ambiance," which nails it. Parking is genuinely tight, and one diner found the food bland for the price, but that's outlier noise against consistent high marks.

Pro tip: Call ahead if you're driving—parking spots are small and the lot fills. Reservation or not, you'll want one for weekend nights.

🍽️Food90

Well-regarded for the authentic Austrian and German cuisine, highlighting dishes like schnitzel, goulash, and various pork preparations. Many note the freshness of ingredients and the quality of preparation, with some comparing it favorably to experiences in Europe.

Food was delicious

👋Service95

Service is frequently described as outstanding, with staff noted for their attentiveness, knowledge of the menu, and friendly demeanor. Many diners specifically call out servers by name for providing outstanding experiences.

Service was phenomenal

Vibe95

The ambiance is consistently lauded as a major draw, with descriptions ranging from romantic and intimate to warm, cozy, and sophisticated, often compared to a classic European cafe.

Great ambience

💰Value85

While some perceive the restaurant as upscale, many diners find the value to be first-rate, citing generous portions and high-quality, flavorful food for the price.

Unbeatable value wit

📍 101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
4.7$$$Kansas CityEuropean
Ideal for
Romantic datesSpecial occasionsBusiness dinners
5.

Oil on Linen

92/100

Oil on Linen, located within the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, offers a well-regarded dining experience with excellent food and a beautiful, art-filled atmosphere. Service is professional and attentive, contributing to a consistently positive and unique visit.

Pro tip: A beautiful exercise in culinary storytelling at the intersection of artistry, heritage, and culture.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, unique, and well-prepared, with specific highlights including kofta, steak salad, and scones.

The food was amazing

👋Service88

Service is generally described as professional, friendly, and attentive, with staff noted for reading the table well.

The service was great

Vibe95

The atmosphere is a significant draw, with diners frequently celebrating the beautiful, art-filled dining room and skylight.

Really gorgeous skylight and art inside

💰Value75

While generally well-received, noted the price might be a bit high, though this was not a widespread concern.

Might be a bit expensive

📍 4420 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111
4.8$$$Kansas CityAmerican
Ideal for
Art and food enthusiastsSpecial occasion diningMuseum visitors
6.

Earl's Premier

92/100

Earl's Premier is a highly-regarded Kansas City establishment celebrated for its excellent seafood, particularly oysters and clam chowder, and its inviting coastal-inspired atmosphere. The service is well-regarded, contributing to a reliable and enjoyable dining experience.

Pro tip: Best seafood in the city with a coastal pub atmosphere and outstanding service.

🍽️Food95

The seafood, particularly oysters and clam chowder, is well-regarded for its first-rate freshness and quality, often described as the best in the city.

Best seafood in the city

👋Service90

Service is frequently highlighted as great, with staff described as friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and hospitable, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience.

Great service at Earl’s Premier

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as top-notch, evoking a coastal pub or Hamptons feel with a cozy, intimate, and well-decorated interior.

Atmosphere feels like you are in a coastal pub

💰Value85

While not explicitly cheap, the quality of food and overall experience are generally considered worth the price, with generous portions noted.

Price point

📍 651 E 59th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, United States
4.7$$$Kansas CitySeafood
Ideal for
Seafood enthusiastsIntimate dinnersSpecial occasions
7.

Pierpont's at Union Station

92/100

Pierpont's at Union Station offers a high-end dining experience within a beautiful historic setting. It is celebrated for its excellent food, attentive service, and elegant ambiance, making it a popular choice for special occasions.

Pro tip: Outstanding food, impeccable service, and a stunning historic ambiance make this a top-tier dining experience.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its quality, with many dishes described as outstanding, delicious, and spectacular. Steaks, seafood, and brunch items are frequently highlighted.

The food was outstanding.

👋Service88

Service is generally described as great, impeccable, and attentive, with specific staff members frequently recognized for their outstanding contributions.

Moses for his impeccable service

Vibe95

The restaurant's ambiance, set within the historic Union Station, is consistently lauded as beautiful, elegant, and stunning, contributing significantly to the overall dining experience.

A beautiful historic building!

💰Value75

While the food and experience are highly regarded, some diners note that the prices are high, though many feel it is worth the cost for the quality and ambiance.

The food may be expensive

📍 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
4.6$$$$Kansas CityAmerican
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsFine dining enthusiastsThose seeking a historic ambiance
8.

Tailleur Restaurant

92/100

Lamb chops this good—crisp exterior, cooked correctly—are the kind of thing that makes a date night feel intentional rather than routine. Service is attentive without being fussy. The room has the charm of somewhere that doesn't need to shout about being nice: the ambiance just works. One diner simply said "Absolutely awesome ambiance, food and service! Perhaps some of the best lamb chops I have ever had," and that's roughly how people talk about this place. It's pricier than it probably needs to be, and one diner felt the value didn't track, but that's one voice against steady recognition for both the kitchen and front-of-house.

Pro tip: Reserve well ahead, especially weekends. This is the kind of spot that's booked by people who know it works.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its excellent quality, flavor, and perfect preparation, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

Best lamb chops I have ever had

👋Service88

Service is generally described as attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, though one instance of dismissive service was noted.

Service was spot on and very attentive

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as charming, intimate, moody, and aesthetically pleasing, creating a desirable ambiance.

Absolutely awesome ambiance

💰Value75

While most diners find the experience worthwhile, one diner felt the food was overpriced for its perceived quality.

Way over priced for ordinary

📍 3933 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States
4.7$$$Kansas CityFrench
Ideal for
Romantic dinners — intimate ambiance and detailed decorSpecial occasions — well-regarded for outstanding food and serviceEuropean cuisine enthusiasts — authentic French dining experience
9.

Fox and Pearl

88/100

Fox and Pearl is celebrated for its excellent food, stunning atmosphere, and generally attentive service, making it a popular choice for special occasions and a standout dining destination. While most experiences are highly positive, some diners note small portion sizes relative to cost and occasional long waits for main courses.

Pro tip: Outstanding food, beautiful atmosphere, and attentive service create a memorable dining experience.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate flavors, fresh ingredients, and creative preparations, with many dishes described as outstanding or the best they've ever had.

It is all amazing!!

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, though a few instances of dismissive or unhelpful interactions have been noted.

Helpful, knowledgeable, and attentive

Vibe95

The restaurant's atmosphere, decor, and ambiance are consistently lauded as beautiful, unique, intimate, and inviting, creating a special dining experience.

Atmosphere/decor to the service

💰Value70

While the food quality is highly regarded, some diners find the portions small for the price, leading to a feeling of being less than fully satisfied.

Small Portions

📍 2143 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
4.5$$$Kansas CityAmerican
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDiners seeking a unique atmosphereThose who appreciate creative cuisine
10.

Urban Restaurant

88/100

Urban Restaurant is a highly-regarded establishment in Kansas City, celebrated for its excellent food, vibrant atmosphere, and friendly service. It offers a sophisticated yet accessible dining experience that many patrons find worth the price.

Pro tip: Outstanding dining experience with amazing food, great vibes, and friendly staff.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate quality, fresh ingredients, and delicious flavors, with many dishes highlighted as standouts.

Everything was phenomenal down to the Shirley temple

👋Service80

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and professional, though a few instances of inattentiveness or unprofessionalism have been noted.

The service was not all that great

Vibe95

The atmosphere is a major draw, frequently described as a great vibe, cool, beautiful, and upscale yet accessible.

The atmosphere is amazing and welcoming

💰Value75

While most diners find the food and experience worth the price, a few diners mention small portions for the cost or higher-end pricing.

Portions are too small for the price

📍 3420 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109, United States
4.7$$$Kansas CityAmerican
Ideal for
Date nights — upscale yet accessible vibeCelebrating special occasions — known for hospitalityFood enthusiasts — top-notch quality and unique dishes

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