The Kansas City metro area has a wide variety of restaurants with vegan and vegetarian options. We have several restaurants that have all vegan menus and others where vegan options constitute half of the menu. If you like vegan baked goods and desserts, Kansas City delivers. Kansas City has come a long way since I first adopted a vegetarian diet back in 1989.
Given that many restaurants don’t clearly mark what is vegan and vegetarian on their menus, please ask the staff or call ahead.
Breakfast & Brunch
Billie’s Grocery, 3216 Gillham Plaza Suite 100, Kansas City, Missouri and 3614 West 95th St,
Leawood, Kansas – This restaurant and bakery has been on the top of my “to visit” lists for several years, but I haven’t been able to check them out. Now they have second location in Leawood. Brought to us by Robin Krause, who I’ve talked to when she owned the Filling Station when I was a regular there. Billie’s has an expansive vegan and gluten-free bakery that also accommodates special events orders. Regular menu options include the Korean Chicken Wrap (gluten free fried chicken, organic carrots, green onion, sesame white rice, pickled ginger, green leaf, gochujang spicy mayo, Yoli tortilla), Green Protein Bowl (organic wild greens, chimichurri, hempseed, fennel, arugula, rosemary, zucchini, mint, basil, green onion, green tahini, sweet sesame dressing, choice of protein), and the Beet Root Veggie Burger (housemade lentil + beetroot patty, caramelized onion, lettuce, pickle, brioche bun, garlic aioli).
Succotash, 2601 Holmes St., KCMO – One of my long time favorites, especially when I lived down the street years ago. Might be hard to get into these days. My breakfast favorites are the Veggie Sink or the Vegan Sink. The former includes “2 eggs scrambled with spinach, peppers & onions, served on home fries, covered in cheddar & mushroom gravy.” I also like the biscuits and gravy with mushroom gravy and the Vegan Shortstack Platter. If I’m more in a lunch mood, I order the Fancy B Grilled Cheese sandwich.
The Wooden Spoon, 4671 Indian Creek Pkwy, Overland Park, KS / 11823 College Blvd
Overland Park, KS – Two locations in Johnson County. Vegetarian options include a Vegan Scramble, Mexi Avocado Toast, Hashbrown Casserole, and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.
Casual Dining
Aladdin Cafe, 3903 Wyoming St, Kansas City, MO – This restaurant on 39th Street has long been one of my favorite Middle Eastern concepts. I reviewed them in 2020. For appetizers, try the Cauliflower Zahra or the Zaater. Try Jasmine’s Vegetarian Platter for your entree.
Blue Nile Cafe, 20 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO – With over half of the menu being vegan, this Ethiopian cafe has long been a favorite destination of Kansas City area vegans and vegetarians. They have a big outdoor patio with City Market street scenes. Try their vegetarian combo platter. (Blue Nile Cafe is a client of Chuck’s)
Café Gratitude, 333 Southwest Blvd., KCMO – Since the closing years ago of the beloved Eden Alley on the Country Club Plaza, Café Gratitude has taken over the mantle of Kansas City’s all vegan, fast casual restaurant. I’ve always been happy with the dishes whenever I dine here with friends and family. As a long time vegetarian, it’s fun to enjoy a restaurant where I can order anything on the menu. My review.
Enjoy Pure Food + Drink, 10573 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS – There are a bunch of great restaurants in the Mission Farms development in Leawood, but did you know there is a natural food restaurant there? I didn’t, but Enjoy was recently pointed out to me by a friend. Menu options include Vegelicious Wrap (Mixed greens, avocado, quinoa, tomato, red onion, almonds, red pepper + walnut spread, balsamic vinaigrette, whole-wheat tortilla), Boho Bowl, and the Terra Bella (Vegan lasagna with roasted zucchini, eggplant, marinara, house-made cashew cheese).
Mattie’s Foods, 633 E. 63rd St., KCMO – Vegan comfort food? Sign me up! Vegan brunch? I’m totally there! Try the Chik’n Philly (Soy Curls or Mushrooms, Peppers, Onions, Cheez, Jerk Mayo, Romaine, jalepenos) or the Feed My Soul Bowl (a combination of macaroni and cheese, collard greens, yams, freshly baked cornbread with a side of meatloaf in one bowl).
True. Food Kitchen, 4749 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO – True Food Kitchen is a national chain with dozens of locations, founded by Dr. Andrew Weil. The focus is on healthy, nutritious, tasty comfort foods. I love their airy, well lit location next to Brush Creek on the Country Club Plaza. That district is well suited for destination natural, fast casual restaurants. I always enjoyed Eden Alley, where you could enjoy a tasty vegetarian meal and afterwards walk around The Plaza.
Date Night
Brown & Loe, 429 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO – Try the Churrasco Veggie sandwich (roasted mojo vegetables, chimchurri, plantain jam, caramelized onion, ciabatta baguette) or the Spaghetti Squash Tinga (fajita rajas, tomato tinga, vegan elote, roasted zucchini flower, beet chips).
Extra Virgin, 1900 Main St, Kansas City, MO – With around 14 vegetarian and vegan entrees on the dinner menu, this Mediterranean tapas restaurant in the Crossroads is a romantic spot for a date. For dinner, try their FIRE ROASTED PUMPKIN (farm pumpkin, white bean puree, gremolata, pepita, dried apricot, pomegranate) or the BEETS (candy-striped beets, halloumi, cherry vinegar, frisee, red onion, pepitas).
Mesob Restaurant & Rum Bar, 3601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO – A traditional Ethiopian and Caribbean restaurant located across the street from the Uptown Theater. A good place to get dinner before you see a concert at the Uptown with your sweetie. Try the Vegan Paella (Black mushroom rice, saffron broth, eggplant, squash, spinach Brussels sprouts, sweet peas, sun-dried tomatoes, Fennel’s, Sofrito) or the Vegetarians Platter (Ethiopian).
Silo Modern Farmhouse, 17501 W 87th St, Lenexa, KS – If you like a romantic dinner with a country club vibe and a bustling dining room, check out the Silo Modern Farmhouse in Lenexa. My only visit here was for a family member’s anniversary or birthday. Try the Agedashi Tofu (Sticky Rice, Sautéed Wild Mushrooms, Crispy Onions, and Gochujang Sauce), or the Handmade Oregano Gnocchi (Wild Mushrooms, Parmesan Cream, Blistered Heirloom Tomatoes)
Vivilore, 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO – Looking for a date restaurant with white table cloths, fine art, antiques, and fresh ingredients? Consider Vivilore in the historic Englewood Art District in Independence, Missouri. Try the Vegetable Tamales, the Wild Mushroom Cheesecake or the Creme Brulee with fresh berries. My review.
Desserts and Bakeries
Mud Pie Bakery & Coffee, 7319 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS – I was a big fan and frequent visitor of their former coffeehouse on West 39th Street. We really miss that location. Their Overland Park location has an expanded dessert menu, specials, and the coffee and tea. Try the Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage Scone, yeasted doughnuts, or the Tart Cherry Orange Muffin. And fresh coffee! My review: Mud Pie Vegan Bakery
Veg Barbecue Time!
Char Bar, 4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO – Try their Jackknife Sandwich (choice of smoked jackfruit or smoked turkey; melted provolone, sliced avocado, fried jalapeños, egg bun).
Joe’s KC BBQ, multiple locations – Home of the Portobello Z-Man, which features mushrooms instead of meat.
If you need more ideas, check out my comprehensive list of Kansas City vegan and vegetarian restaurants.
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