Hungry to explore the local flavors of Lawrence, Kansas? This vibrant college town dishes out everything from cozy cafes to creative farm-to-table spots that’ll satisfy every craving.

Highlights:

  • Trendy farm-to-table restaurants with locally inspired menus
  • Cozy cafes and brunch spots in downtown Lawrence
  • Authentic international cuisine from Thai to Mediterranean
  • Classic Kansas BBQ and burger joints
  • Craft breweries, gastropubs, and hidden foodie gems

Unique Restaurants in Lawrence, Kansas:

Savor Creative American Fare with Style at 715 Restaurant

Savor Creative American Fare with Style at 715 Restaurant

© 715 Restaurant

715 Restaurant is a romantic Italian eatery located in a historic stone building on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence. Featuring original stone walls, sleek wooden accents, and a lively full bar, this intimate restaurant offers Tuscan-inspired cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Recommended For: Couples, foodies, and anyone looking for a cozy yet upscale Italian dining experience in a historic setting.

  • Savor Tuscan-inspired dishes made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Enjoy house-made pasta, artisan sauces, and perfectly prepared meats and seafood.
  • Admire the cozy interior with stone walls, sleek furnishings, and elegant ambiance.
  • Unwind at the bar with curated wines, classic cocktails, and craft beers.
  • Experience top-tier Italian dining in one of Lawrence’s most charming buildings.

715 Restaurant, 715 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: 785-856-7150

If You’re Craving Comfort and Craft Cocktails, Nestle Into The Roost

If You’re Craving Comfort and Craft Cocktails, Nestle Into The Roost

© The Roost

The Roost is a beloved, family-owned breakfast and lunch spot located in downtown Lawrence, named after a family farm in western Kansas. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty American fare, this neighborhood favorite dishes up everything from fluffy omelets and potato pancakes to gourmet sandwiches and signature mac ‘n cheese.

Recommended For: Breakfast lovers, casual lunch diners, and anyone seeking a cozy, community-focused eatery with classic American flavors.

  • Start your day with sweet and savory options like French toast or corned beef hash.
  • Choose from flavorful lunch favorites like Reubens, roast chicken, and portobello mushrooms.
  • Relax at the full-service bar offering wines, craft beers, and hand-crafted cocktails.
  • Gather with friends and neighbors in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
  • Support a family-run local gem named after a Kansas family farm.

The Roost, 920 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: 785-843-1110

Date Ideas:

Experience Elevated Midwest Dining with Heart at J. Wilson's

Experience Elevated Midwest Dining with Heart at J. Wilson's

© J. Wilson's

J. Wilson's is a contemporary American restaurant in Lawrence that serves seasonal, market-driven cuisine in a warm, stylish setting. Formerly known as Mariscos, this intimate eatery features soft beige tones, stone and wood accents, and a relaxed ambiance perfect for date nights or casual dining.

Recommended For: Seasonal food enthusiasts, date-night diners, and anyone who enjoys elevated American cuisine in an inviting space.

  • Indulge in inventive dishes made with sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Try modern favorites like Spaghetti Squash Bake and Almond-Crusted Trout.
  • Relax in an elegant setting with warm wood and stone accents.
  • Enjoy lunch, dinner, or a leisurely weekend brunch served daily.
  • Experience a fresh take on American cuisine with bold, seasonal flair.

J. Wilson's, 4821 W 6th St Suite A, Lawrence, KS 66049
Phone: 785-312-9057

Feast on Steakhouse Classics at Six Mile Chop House and Tavern

Feast on Steakhouse Classics at Six Mile Chop House and Tavern

© Six Mile Chop House and Tavern

Six Mile Chop House and Tavern is a locally owned steakhouse in West Lawrence, renowned for its USDA prime steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty tavern-style burgers. With a warm, stylish setting and a menu packed with traditional chophouse favorites, this inviting spot is perfect for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners.

Recommended For: Steak lovers, seafood fans, and anyone looking for upscale American dining with a neighborhood feel.

  • Feast on USDA prime steaks, fresh seafood, and gourmet tavern burgers.
  • Start with bold appetizers like chicken wings and fried calamari.
  • Pair your meal with a selection from 26 rotating draft beers or 150+ wines.
  • Unwind at the full-service bar with classic cocktails and premium spirits.
  • Dine daily for lunch or dinner in a refined yet approachable atmosphere.

Six Mile Chop House and Tavern, 4931 W 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049
Phone: 785-856-6453

If You Love Local Flavor and Craft Beer, Head to Merchants Pub and Plate

If You Love Local Flavor and Craft Beer, Head to Merchants Pub and Plate

© Merchants Pub and Plate

Merchants Pub and Plate is an elegant dining destination housed in a historic former bank on Massachusetts Street, once home to Teller’s. With over 80 years of culinary tradition, this beautifully restored space features soaring windows, mosaic-tiled floors, and soft lighting that create a refined and intimate atmosphere.

Recommended For: Foodies, couples, and anyone seeking a fine dining experience with creative flair in a stunning historic setting.

  • Savor standout dishes like agnolotti with ricotta and pumpkin or braised rabbit cacciatore.
  • Enjoy refined starters such as pulled-pork spring rolls and char-grilled short ribs.
  • Indulge in seasonal cocktails and an expertly curated list of wines and draft beers.
  • Dine in a grand, historic space with tiled floors and dramatic lighting.
  • Experience contemporary American cuisine served with elegance and imagination.

Merchants Pub and Plate, 746 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: 785-843-4111

Slurp, Sip, and Savor Fresh Catch at Mass Street Fish House & Raw Bar

Slurp, Sip, and Savor Fresh Catch at Mass Street Fish House & Raw Bar

© Mass Street Fish House & Raw Bar

Mass Street Fish House & Raw Bar brings a refined coastal experience to the heart of Lawrence, specializing in fresh seafood, boutique oysters, and catch-of-the-day fish. Housed in a stylish bi-level space with exposed-brick walls and rustic wood furnishings, the restaurant delivers an intimate, upscale vibe. Guests can enjoy lobster rolls, grilled fish plates, and gourmet burgers, along with in-house smoked meats and crisp salads.

Recommended For: Seafood enthusiasts, brunch-goers, and anyone seeking elevated coastal cuisine in a trendy, urban setting.

  • Taste ultra-fresh boutique oysters, lobster rolls, and daily grilled seafood specials.
  • Relax in an intimate, bi-level space with exposed brick and rustic elegance.
  • Explore gourmet offerings like in-house smoked meats and artisan burgers.
  • Sip seasonally inspired cocktails and sustainable, natural wines from the rotating list.
  • Visit for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch in the heart of downtown Lawrence.

Mass Street Fish House & Raw Bar, 719 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: 785-856-1081

Indulge in Italian with a Twist at The Basil Leaf Cafe Ristorante

Indulge in Italian with a Twist at The Basil Leaf Cafe Ristorante

© InsideCreativeHouse/stock.adobe.com

The Basil Leaf Cafe Ristorante is a charming neighborhood Italian eatery in Locust Valley that serves fresh, made-from-scratch cuisine in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Owned by Vito Patronelli and tucked inside a Long Island shopping center, this fine dining spot features two dining rooms—perfect for both intimate meals and group celebrations.

Recommended For: Date nights, Italian food lovers, and guests looking for quality, scratch-made meals in a cozy setting.

  • Order delicious favorites like basil chicken cavatelli and tortellini cordon bleu.
  • Choose from two inviting dining spaces tailored for couples or group gatherings.
  • Enjoy a laid-back yet elegant atmosphere with personalized hospitality.
  • Pair your meal with wine, local brews, or seasonal cocktails from the bar.
  • Experience the warmth of authentic Italian cooking in a Long Island neighborhood gem.

The Basil Leaf Cafe Ristorante, 801 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: 785-856-0459

If You Want Bold Mediterranean Flavor, Try The Mad Greek

If You Want Bold Mediterranean Flavor, Try The Mad Greek

© Nestor/stock.adobe.com

The Mad Greek is a beloved, family-owned restaurant that has been delighting the Lawrence community with traditional Greek and Italian fare for over 20 years. Known for its warm hospitality and authentic recipes, this neighborhood gem uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft flavorful dishes passed down through generations.

Recommended For: Mediterranean cuisine lovers, families, and anyone craving authentic Greek and Italian dishes in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

  • Taste Greek classics like Santorini-style shrimp, souvlaki, moussaka, and lamb chops.
  • Delight in Italian specialties such as shrimp fettucini alfredo and gnocchi carbonara.
  • Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, local beers, and a thoughtfully selected wine list.
  • Grab a bite from The Mad Greek’s food truck for Greek and Italian on the go.
  • Dine daily for lunch or dinner at this long-standing local favorite.

The Mad Greek, 907 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: 785-843-2441

Enjoy Sushi, Sake, and Sleek Ambiance at Nagoya Japanese Cuisine

Enjoy Sushi, Sake, and Sleek Ambiance at Nagoya Japanese Cuisine

© Nagoya Japanese Cuisine

Nagoya Japanese Cuisine is a modern Japanese restaurant in Lawrence offering fresh handmade sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki in a sleek and stylish setting. The dinner menu features a wide variety of authentic Japanese dishes including hibachi, tempura, sushi rolls, teppanyaki plates, and seasonal seafood selections.

Recommended For: Sushi lovers, Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, and diners seeking a chic, flavorful experience.

  • Indulge in fresh sashimi, specialty rolls, and teppanyaki dishes made to order.
  • Watch skilled sushi chefs at work behind the vibrant open sushi bar.
  • Explore classic Japanese dishes like tempura, hibachi, and miso soup.
  • Pair your meal with sake, wine, or hand-crafted cocktails.
  • Dine in a sophisticated setting open for both lunch and dinner.

Nagoya Japanese Cuisine, 711 W 23rd St, Lawrence, KS 66046
Phone: 785-843-1111

  • Does Lawrence, Kansas, have good restaurants for romantic dining?
    • Yes! Lawrence, Kansas, has several excellent restaurants and places that are perfect for celebrating love.
  • What attractions can couples explore in Lawrence?
    • The city is home to a number of interesting attractions that couples can explore together during the day before enjoying a romantic dinner.
  • Where are the top romantic restaurants in Lawrence?
    • Here are some of the city's top romantic restaurants, offering great ambiance, delicious food, and a perfect setting for couples.

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