Kansas City Hidden gems

I love to explore the city and travel to new destinations. When exploring new cities my first question is always where should we eat and drink!? I spend countless hours (more than I'd like to admit) researching and trying to find the best restaurants, cafes, and spots to explore, but sometimes there are things the Internet can not tell you and for that reason I want to go straight to the locals and hear about their city favorites! 

You can tell a lot about a city and its true soul by finding and exploring the local nooks and crannies. That's why I've gathered a few of my favorite Kansas City Hidden Gems.

Here are 5 of my favorite Kansas City Hidden Gems: 

Chai Shai 

Nestled in an unassuming neighborhood corner at 59th and Holmes, Chai Shai has been serving up Kansas City authentic Indian and Pakistani food since 2010. Originating from a booming samosa business, Kashif Tufail, sought to bring Kansas City a taste of authentic Indian flare.

Chai Shai offers a variety of Indian street food such as Chaat, a cold and refreshing perfect for summer dish dressed with seasoned chick peas, garlic puffs, mint chutney, potato pieces, and onion on a bed of papki or fried floured crackers, Pakora (fried veggie goodness), Spicy Mangos, their famous Samosas, and more! 

Not a huge spice fan? No big deal! Relax on their patio with any of their signature chai based drinks, mango shake, or vanilla bean panna cotta. 

Located at
651 E 59th St. 
Kansas City, Missouri 64110

The milwaukee deli co

Kansas City history, delicious food and a drink over lunch, yes please!

Located within Kansas City's Library District you'll find The Milwaukee Deli. Dating back to the deli's origination you'll find early 19th century hand cut marble floors, a hand painted canvas ceiling, and a beautiful wooden bar made from reclaimed wood of the original building all restored by owner, Jon Gerner and a team a local contractors. 

Pair the breath taking beauty of this restaurant with their food. Who doesn't want to build a slice of pizza the size of their face? Milwaukee Deli offers 25+ topping options as well as a variety of sandwiches including the KC Corned Beef sandwich, a nod to it's German ancestry. 

Next time you're in downtown Kansas City this is your hidden gem stop! 

Coming soon a new late night menu packed full of bar bites.

Located at: 

101 West 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105

Cafe Sebastienne

Cafe Sebastienne is the perfect day off dining spot or the place you show off to your friends. Plus what's wrong with having a long lunch with a glass (or two) of wine? Nothing, I tell you. Nothing at all! Added bonus is you're right inside The Kemper Museum, so once you're done eating you can soak up the art! The Kemper is FREE and packed full of amazing exhibits and we'd definitely recommend checking both out! 

Complete with seasonally rotating menus I've never had the same thing twice and it's all been wonderful! When offered a spot to dine I typically go for the dining room, with its nooks-and-crannies and colorful art covering every square inch of the walls. Pro Tip: Ask your server for the handout explaining the artwork.

Located at:

4420 Warwick Blvd.
Kansas City, Missouri 64111

cucina della ragazza

Twenty-year dream of owner, Laura Norris, and located on the outskirts of Westport you'll find Cucina Della Ragazza. Walking into this quaint space you'll immediately feel at home paired with comfort foods and a selection of Italian wines. 

Wear your stretchy pants because you're going to need them! A few of my favorites include the Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese and Giant Meatball shareables, cast iron lasagna, and rounded off with pistachio cannolis and house made limoncello.

Ragazza is moving to a larger space where they'll be able to accommodate larger party sizes and even more of their foodie friends. This fall the new Ragazza location will be 4301 Main Street, Kansas City, MO. 

Current Address:

301 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111

casa latina

Casa Latina can be found in the heart of Shawnee, Kansas serving up home style Peruvian, Columbian and Venezuelan dishes. I love a good patio! So the first time I stumbled upon this place I was excited to find the umbrella covered tables and live music. 

I love the authenticity and the flavors packed into every dish here! You can find the country's flag next to each menu item denoting it's origination and authentic flare. A few of my favorites include the fried plantains and the Piqueo Casa Latina, a grilled skirt steak, chicken, and seafood platter served in a marinating liquid that is packed full of flavor. The dish is meant for 2-3 people but the two of us ate every last bit! The best part? Most entrees range $11-$14 in price, a steal for the quality of food you're finding at this hidden gem.

Located at:

11200 Johnson Dr
Shawnee, KS 66203