One of the best parts of KC Restaurant Week is the chance to expand your horizons and explore more of Kansas City's phenomenal restaurant landscape. This year, savor and save with special, multicourse menus at more than 25 notable new participants taking part for the very first time. Plus, discover James Beard-recognized participants that showcase some of Kansas City's most celebrated kitchens.
Here’s just a sampling of the new flavors headed your way during #KCRW2026.
- Penny's In the Village: Traditional Thai flavors with contemporary craft can be found at this new culinary concept in Prairie Village.
- Besos y Abrazos: Indulge in Latin small plates paired with handcrafted cocktails featuring an expansive collection of mezcal and tequila.
- LaPeZ Mod Mex: New to Leawood’s Park Place, time-honored Mexican traditions meet modern delivery.
- Laney's Get Down: Head to Westport to enjoy live entertainment at Laney’s Get Down, also known for their chicken sandwiches.
- 30hop Merriam & Lee’s Summit: Comfort food classics, global flavors and local craft beers on tap in two locations.
- Ground Control at Belfry Collective: A refined tasting room where guests can sample and sip cocktails made with Belfry’s award-winning, locally distilled spirits.
- Amigos Grill and Cantina: Grab your friends for a night of specialty tacos and margaritas at KCK’s Amigos Grill and Cantina.
- Thai Orchid - Northland: The Northland restaurant specializes in Massaman and Panang curries, as well as a vegetarian menu.
- LandShark Bar & Grill - Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City: Get on island time at LandShark to enjoy coastal vibes and classic, American tavern fare.
- Paulo's Italian Kitchen: Found in Shawnee, serving classic and modern Italian plates.
- Ginger Sue's: Breakfast and lunch options in a quaint, casual atmosphere.
- Bella's Italian Restaurant - Lee's Summit: Find comfort through classic time-honored recipes in each dish.
- Playa & Mezcal Mexican Seafood: Authentic dishes descended from Michoacán, Mexico.
- Tortilla Ranch Mexican Grill: Traditional, slow cooking methods are used to create tacos, burritos, bowls and more to order.
- North Italia: Explore a large menu of hand-tossed pizzas and handmade pastas at this contemporary Italian eatery.
- Kansas City Taco Company: A staple of Kansas City’s River Market seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, offering made-from-scratch tacos and a full bar.
- Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar: Southern atmosphere meets brunch, lunch and dinner options.
- Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches: Started as a weekly pop-up, now must-try in the Plaza area. Sandwiches are served on Dutch crunch bread, popular in the Bay Area.
- Vetta - Italian Eatery: Specializes in pasta dishes bringing flavors of the famed Italian eateries of “The Hill” in St. Louis to Lee’s Summit.
- Los Gallitos Fresh Mexican Grill: Choose from a selection of fajitas, tacos, margaritas and more authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine at this Mission eatery.
- BDs Mongolian Grill: Create your own stir fry at this Asian-fusion bowl restaurant.
- Cru Bistro & Bottles: Nestled in Kansas City’s Brookside neighborhood, this nostalgic bistro and wine bar offers seasonal European-American cuisine and classic cocktails.
- Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Kansas City Northland: Indulge in an upscale dining experience of contemporary American menu infused with flavors from around the world.
- McGregor's Butcher & Bistro: Where butcher shop meets bistro, offering steak flights, seared ahi tuna, shaved striploin French dips and elevated comfort dishes.
- SW19 at the Stadium: Pickleball and great food collide at SW19 at the Stadium. Fuel up at the restaurant, bar and coffee shop before jumping into a game.
- Black Garlic Restaurant: Formerly Mesob, now Black Garlic Restaurant, serves fiery jerk spices and vibrant Caribbean flavors.
- Craft Putt - Lee's Summit: Sip craft beer and cocktails and indulge in delicious eats while sinking a hole-in-one at this locally-owned putt-putt bar.
James Beard-Recognized Participants
These Kansas City favorites are offering specially curated menus and multicourse experiences for KC Restaurant Week, featuring seasonal dishes and drinks from James Beard-recognized chefs.
The Town Company: Inside the restored Hotel Kansas City, this chic spot is led by James Beard semifinalists Johnny Leach (Best Chef: Midwest, 2023-2025) and Helen Jo Leach (Outstanding Pastry Chef, 2025) offering seasonally driven menus fueled by local partnerships.
Ground Control at Belfry Collective: Founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Celina Tio (Best Chef: Midwest, 2007, at The American), Ground Control is a refined tasting room within the Belfry Collective, featuring ANNX Spirits Co. and one of KC’s best selections of award-winning spirits.
JJ’s Restaurant: Named a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, JJ’s just west of the Country Club Plaza pairs an extensive cellar of 1,500+ wines with contemporary American cuisine.
Affäre: This Crossroads staple earned James Beard semifinalist recognition for Best Chef: Midwest (2013) and Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program (2024), serving modern German cuisine with farm-fresh ingredients curated by co-owners Martin and Katrin Heuser.
Westport Cafe: Led by James Beard semifinalist Romain Monnoyeur (Best Chef: Midwest, 2024), this Westport bistro delivers French-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, from saucisson brioché and coq au vin to trout almondine.
Story: Johnson County’s Story showcases seasonal American cuisine from James Beard semifinalist Carl Thorne-Thomsen (Best Chef: Midwest, 2013 & 2022), including braised beef short ribs and mahi-mahi.