Kansas, known for its wheat fields and barbecue, has seen its culinary scene diversify and
innovate in recent years. Here are some of the best restaurants to visit in Kansas in 2025:
1. Wheat & Fire – Wichita
Cuisine: Wood-fired Prairie Cuisine
Signature Dish: Charred wheat berry salad with smoked bison
Chef David Thompson’s Wheat & Fire celebrates Kansas’s agricultural heritage with a focus on
wood-fired cooking. The restaurant mills its own flour from heritage wheat varieties, creating
unique breads and pastas.
2. BBQ Fusion Lab – Kansas City
Cuisine: Global Barbecue Fusion
Signature Dish: Korean Gochujang Burnt Ends
Building on Kansas City’s famous barbecue tradition, BBQ Fusion Lab incorporates flavors from
around the world. Its innovative approach has sparked a new wave of barbecue experimentation
across the state.
3. Tallgrass Table – Manhattan
Cuisine: Farm-to-table Prairie
Signature Dish: Sunflower risotto with roasted pheasant
Located near the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, this restaurant showcases the edible
bounty of the prairie ecosystem. Its commitment to using native plants and game meats offers
diners a true taste of Kansas terroir.
4. Tornado Alley Tacos – Topeka
Cuisine: Weather-themed Tex-Mex
Signature Dish: The Twister (a tornado-shaped taco cone)
This quirky restaurant has gained national attention for its weather-themed menu and storm
chaser decor. Despite its playful concept, the food is seriously good, with an emphasis on local,
seasonal ingredients.
5. Little Sweden Smörgåsbord – Lindsborg
Cuisine: Modern Scandinavian
Signature Dish: Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce and local cheese curds
In the heart of Kansas’s “Little Sweden,” this restaurant offers a modern take on traditional
Scandinavian cuisine. Its popular smörgåsbord features a mix of authentic Swedish dishes and
fusion creations that incorporate Kansas ingredients.
These restaurants represent the diverse and evolving culinary landscape of Kansas in 2025,
showcasing local ingredients, cultural influences, and innovative cooking techniques.