Wichita’s Culinary Scene Is on Fire: These 15 Spots Are the Proof
By Jamie Dutton | March 27, 2025
When work used to bring me to Wichita regularly, I’ll admit I was pretty stuck in a two-restaurant funk: Doo-Dah for breakfast and then enchiladas at Pollo Express. These days when I’m in town, I know it’s worth branching out. I know to check out what’s new and exciting, because these days in Wichita, there are lots of new and exciting places. The thing is, Wichita’s food scene is on fire, which is why I’ve updated our list of the best restaurants in Wichita to include four new-to-me spots below.
The Belmont
1. Lottē
At Lottē, owner and executive chef Josh Rathbun pulls off the rare feat of making fine dining feel like something you'd do on a Wednesday night just because you can. It's a farm-to-table spot with a menu that shifts with the seasons—meaning your new favorite dish might vanish by next week. On my visit, it was the dish above, pork and fennel agnolotti in a parmigiano brodo, with pork breadcrumbs and fennel agrodolce so good I considered licking the bowl, decorum be damned.
2. The Belmont
Newer on the scene, The Belmont offers a chic yet comfortable spot for a night out, with a menu that balances American classics and more eclectic options. It’s the kind of place where you start with cocktails and end with a nightcap, convinced you’re a regular even if it’s your first visit.
3. Redrock Canyon Grill
Redrock Canyon Grill may not sound like a typical Midwestern spot, but their roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and glazed carrots is just as comforting as anything your grandma made. Don’t leave without trying the pineapple upside-down cake for dessert—it’s practically an obligation.
4. Georges French Bistro
Some French restaurants try to make you feel like you’re on a Parisian vacation, but Georges just wants you to eat well and maybe drink a little too much wine. The menu is the kind of thing you wish all bistros had: duck confit that’s fall-apart tender, escargot soaked in garlic butter so rich you’ll be scraping the dish with bread, and an excellent steak frites that doesn’t overcomplicate things. The place has an easy charm—no pretension, just good food and a steady hum of conversation, the way a proper French bistro should be.
5. Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar
Chester's is where Wichita goes to feel fancy without faking it—think plush leather booths, a lakeside view, and steaks so good they could silence a room. The wine list reads like a novel you’ll never finish, but who cares when the sommelier actually knows their stuff? It’s the kind of place where deals get closed and anniversaries are celebrated, with a side of lobster mac and cheese that steals the spotlight every time.
6. Miya Izakaya
Tucked away but not to be missed, Miya Izakaya offers Japanese small plates and sushi with a relaxed, almost lounge-like atmosphere. It’s a great spot for those evenings when you want something light and flavorful but don’t want the hustle of a busy restaurant.
7. Prost
Post serves traditional German plates and brews from an urban bier garten within Revolutsia. The Jägerschnitzel is a must-try–breaded pork cutlet smothered in creamy mushroom gravy with spätzle and red cabbage. And while you're at it, don't skip the Flammkuchen, a German-style flatbread with sour cream and browned onions. Work off all that by wandering through Revolutsia, a funky shipping container district that surprised me in how much it feels more Portland than Kansas, one more sign of Wichita’s ascent.
8. Bella Vita Bistro
Bella Vita is the kind of spot that people call a hidden gem, which is really just a way of saying, “You won’t think much of it from the outside, but trust me.” Inside, it’s cozy, with white tablecloths and a menu of northern Italian and French countryside dishes. The owner might swing by your table to check in, which is good, because you’ll want to thank him for making you rethink Wichita’s Italian food scene.
9. Norton’s Brewing Company
Norton’s isn’t just about the beer, though the brews are top-notch. Their food menu, featuring everything from burgers to massive soft pretzels, makes it the perfect spot for a casual night out. Bonus points for the lively beer garden that doubles as a great people-watching perch.
10. Sabor Latin Bar & Grill
There’s always one restaurant in a city that, no matter who you ask, everyone tells you to go there. In Wichita, that’s Sabor. It’s Latin American, but not in the sense that you’ll find Tex-Mex enchiladas drowning in cheddar. Instead, think Peruvian lomo saltado, Brazilian shrimp stew, and empanadas that taste like someone’s grandmother made them from a recipe she refuses to write down. The cocktails lean tropical—mojitos, caipirinhas, and a dangerously smooth sangria—meaning you’ll probably order two before realizing you should’ve stopped at one.
11. Tacos tj 664
In a city filled with taco joints, Tacos tj 664 manages to stand out. Their street-style tacos are the real deal, with all the authenticity you’d expect from a family-run place. Try the carne asada or al pastor tacos, and don’t forget to ask for extra napkins—you’ll need them.
12. Meddys
Meddys is where Mediterranean comfort food meets Wichita’s laid-back vibe. It’s the spot to get your hummus fix, paired with chicken shawarma and a side of live music on the patio during the warmer months. The only downside? Their popularity has pushed the prices up a little, but hey, can you put a price on happiness?
13. Doo-Dah Diner
Yes, Wichita has a diner called Doo-Dah, and yes, it’s as quirky as it sounds. Known for the banana nut bread French toast, this spot fills up fast, especially for brunch. Pro tip: Get there early and be prepared to wait. You’ll be rewarded with their legendary strawberry jalapeño jelly, which is more addictive than anyone’s willing to admit.
14. Pollo Express
Pollo Express is where you go when you want no-frills, all-flavor Mexican food. The carne asada tacos are a must. There’s something refreshing about how Pollo Express focuses solely on delivering good food without trying to be trendy.
15. Wasabi Hinkaku
If you’re craving sushi, Wasabi Hinkaku is the place to be. Located on East Douglas Avenue, this restaurant brings sushi with flair to Wichita. The sushi here is fresh and beautifully presented, proving that Kansas can hold its own against coastal sushi hubs.
With family spread across the Midwest and a job that has her in airports regularly, Jamie Dutton finds herself across the center of the U.S. regularly. She’s partial to BPTs and a Bell's Lager in a very cold glass.
