Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Downtown / River Market

12 restaurants available nearby

1. BarCentral

4.5

Awesome(1)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Kansas City

Booked 3 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.

2. Gram & Dun

4.7

Exceptional(4637)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Plaza / Brookside

Booked 71 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.

3. 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.

A photo of Grand Street - Plaza restaurant

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

5. 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.

A photo of Kona Grill - Kansas City restaurant

6. 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 Gordon Ramsay Steak - Harrah's Kansas City restaurant

7. Gordon Ramsay Steak - Harrah's Kansas City

4.7

Exceptional(3374)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Kansas City

Booked 28 times today

Gordon Ramsay Steak in Harrah's Kansas City is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, where the celebrated chef Gordon Ramsay introduces a spectacular blend of traditional American steakhouse favorites with a unique Kansas City twist. Diners consistently praise the restaurant, with one guest exclaiming, "The roasted chicken and cornbread pudding was just simply amazing!" Another diner highlighted the exceptional quality of the beef Wellington, noting it made their celebration "feel special." This venue not only promises an "AMAZING experience" but also delivers with "outstanding" service and a menu that dances across the palate. Whether it's the "best pork chop I've ever had" or the "incredible" lobster risotto, Gordon Ramsay Steak sets a high standard for dining excellence in North Kansas City.

8. 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 One East Urban Bar and Kitchen restaurant

9. 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.

A photo of Scratch Gourmet Kitchen restaurant

10. 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.

‘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
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
C
Christina
Kansas City / Kansas •3 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 2, 2024
While OpenTable accepted my reservation, there was no one there seating guests or accepting reservations.
More info
BarCentralPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Kansas City
•
4.5

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Downtown / River Market

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Downtown / River Market

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. BarCentral

2. Gram & Dun

3. Union on the Hill

4. Grand Street - Plaza

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

6. Kona Grill - Kansas City

7. Gordon Ramsay Steak - Harrah's Kansas City

8. JJ's Restaurant

9. One East Urban Bar and Kitchen

10. Scratch Gourmet Kitchen

See what locals rave about

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