9 Restaurants in KC's Hottest Neighborhoods Perfect for Rehearsal Dinners or Private Dining

The Kansas City restaurant scene is never lacking in new and exciting places to try. Lucky for KC couples, many of these restaurants cater to those wanting a private and memorable dining experience. So for those couples, we’ve compiled this list of drool worthy (both in look and taste) restaurants in Kansas City’s coolest neighborhoods. Like any good restaurant, we won’t make you wait for the goods! Bon appetit!

Fox and Pearl - Historic Westside Neighborhood

Fox and Pearl is an adorable Midwestern bistro located in the historic Westside Neighborhood. Go experience the vibrant life that is Fox and Pearl and make sure to explore every inch from their bar to their patio.

Fare: Southern and Midwestern Fine Dining
Atmosphere: Engulfed in warm natural light and surrounded by greenery
Dress Code: Business Casual
Rooms/Capacity: The Chef’s Table seating for 18, Large Group Reservations (under 50)
Special Features: Their quaint patio is perfect for those looking to grab a bite in the fresh air!

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Farina - The Crossroads Arts District

It’s hard to label Farina as “up and coming” since it is owned and run by award winning chef Michael Smith and wife Nancy Smith. Guaranteed to impress, this Italian restaurant and oyster bar is just one block over from Smith’s restaurant Extra Virgin and just a few blocks southwest of The Vow Exchange Chapel in The Crossroads.

Fare: Rustic Italian Dishes and Oyster Bar
Atmosphere: Modern space with a laid back yet refined feel
Dress Code: Business Casual
Rooms/Capacity: Wine Room seating for 24 or Private Dining Space seating for 13
Special Features: Their private dining wine room has a gorgeous floor-to-ceiling wine wall and a lobby area for gathering before dinner.

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The Campground - West Bottoms Stockyards District

If you haven’t been to The Campground we strongly suggest stopping by and getting yourself a nice strong drink! Once you step foot in the place you’ll know why they’ve made our list. This charming cocktail bar and restaurant is a wonderful new addition to the Stockyards District and would make a magical private dining experience for you and yours.

Fare: Aperitivo Bar and Small Plate Comfort Foods
Atmosphere: Cozy, intimate, and inviting
Dress Code: Casual
Rooms/Capacity: Large Group Reservations (under 50)
Special Features: No “campground” would be complete without s’mores so don’t you dare leave without trying their signature dessert!

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Lazia - The Crossroads Arts District

We can attest to Lazia’s incredibly romantic atmosphere and delicious menu. Treat your loved ones (and yourselves) to a dinner at Lazia and you’re guaranteed to wow your guests.

Fare: Classic Italian
Atmosphere: Magical and elegant with candles littered throughout
Dress Code: Business Casual
Rooms/Capacity: Wine Room seating for 14
Special Features: Lazia promises that if you dine in their wine room you should “expect an unexpected transformation as a throw-back playlist brings the beats”.


The Russell - Union Hill

The Russell is a trendy, antique-filled restaurant on Main Street just one block south of the historic Union Hill neighborhood. Feast your eyes on their treasures around the room before digging into their one-of-a-kind dishes. The Russell happily hosts private dining experiences or they will work with you to make an event your friends and family will remember.

Fare: American Cuisine
Atmosphere: Incredibly trendy and fun, an instagram-worthy restaurant
Dress Code: Business Casual
Rooms/Capacity: Available for Private Dining, Dinners, and Events (50+)
Special Features: In addition to catering, The Russell offers rentals for decor, tableware, and furniture so you can bring the look of their space wherever you wish!

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RYE - Plaza

If you’re looking for a unique experience that your group is sure to remember, take them to Rye on the Plaza. Rye can promise you that their “attention to detail” and “extraordinary care for your special event” will make your private dining experience at their restaurant one for the books. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, then we suggest reaching out to Rye about hosting your private dinner or event!

Fare: Farm-to-table
Atmosphere: Contemporary and comfortable
Dress Code: Casual to business casual
Rooms/Capacity: 2 Private Dining Rooms seating for 36-45, Full Private Dining Room with capacity for 70-100
Special Features: The staff at Rye pride themselves in helping plan your special event ensuring it’s a “fun and hassle-free” process.

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Parlor - The Crossroads Arts District

Another guaranteed crowd pleaser in the crossroads is Parlor. This trendy “food hall” offers multiple spaces that can be reserved with a beverage minimum. We can promise this place is the hot place to be in KC. We get a front row view of the party every weekend from our front porch at The Vow Exchange Chapel! Bring your party to them, no matter the size, and they will take it from there!

Fare: Food Hall Featuring 6 Different Restaurants and Bar
Atmosphere: Like a mall food court but in new millenium! Every corner is different, from a library lounge to a modern cafeteria to a party porch.
Dress Code: Casual
Rooms/Capacity: The Living Room seating for 28 (50 mingling), The Study seating for 20 (25 mingling), The Study and Bleachers seating for 40 (75 mingling), The Cellar seating for 140 (mingling 180), The Patio seating for 40 (mingling 60)
Special Features: Parlor has a 3 step process to help you book your event! Just choose a space, confirm your beverage minimum, and choose your food. They will work with you so you can cover the tab or split it!

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Messenger Coffee Co. - The Crossroads Arts District

Now here’s a favorite of Kansas Citians. This modern coffee shop is instagram worthy and wedding worthy all in one. You may not think of this spot right away for your private event, but with multiple space options available for renting out, Messenger should absolutely be a contender for your group.

Fare: Farm-to-table
Atmosphere: Fresh & modern
Dress Code: Casual
Rooms/Capacity: 4 Space options for up to 100
Special Features: A rooftop patio with an oversized outdoor fireplace.


Affare - The Crossroads Arts District

Last, but certainly not least, Affare has always been one of our hometown favorites. Several couples married at The Vow Exchange Chapel have chosen this restaurant for their after-ceremony dinner and for good reason. Their menu is exquisite and their restaurant feels fancy without being stuffy.

Location: Crossroads
Fare: Modern German
Atmosphere: Contemporary
Dress Code: Casual to business casual
Rooms/Capacity: 1 Room option for 50
Special Features: The private dining room accesses a charming private patio.

Read our deep dive on Affare and see more of this elegant restaurant just around the corner from The Vow Exchange Chapel in the Crossroads!


Thanks goes to Eater’s The 12 Hottest New Restaurants in Kansas City & KCUR’s 18 New Developments In Kansas City Restaurants This Spring And Summer for keeping us updated on the latest and greatest in our city!


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