Novel Restaurant

1927 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
+1 816-221-0785
$$$ New American restaurant , Bar , Fine dining restaurant , Wine bar
(800 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Novel Restaurant is a delightful gem that offers a fresh take on New American cuisine. With its stunning design and intimate atmosphere, this dining establishment invites guests to explore innovative dishes rooted in seasonal flavors and local ingredients.

The menu at Novel is a culinary adventure, showcasing a range of imaginative dishes that cater to both traditional and adventurous palates. You might start your meal with the Beef Sirloin Tartare, a vibrant creation featuring wasabi tofu and roasted beets that invigorates your taste buds with each bite, or indulge in the crisp and satisfying Brussels Sprout Salad, tossed in a luscious tahini-maple vinaigrette that transforms simple greens into a flavorful experience.

For the main course, the dining options are just as captivating. The lamb chops, celebrated by guests like Shane Griffin for their rich and nuanced flavors, are perfectly paired with a house-made sausage that has garnered its own fanfare. However, if you’re in the mood for something equally exquisite that sings with bold notes, try the Crispy Farm Egg that’s been raved about across reviews. The dishes at Novel are designed not just to please the palate but to spark joy and conversation among diners.

The ambiance at Novel is as inviting as the meticulously crafted dishes. Dim lighting sets a warm tone, making it perfect for anniversaries or special celebrations—just ask Avinash Vellori, who noted how the attentive staff and thoughtfully designed space contributed to a memorable evening. The restaurant embraces a philosophy of allowing diners to savor their meals without feeling rushed, making each visit feel like a mini escape from the everyday hustle.

Desserts at Novel are a sweet conclusion to your meal; the Pistachio Cream Pie is a standout, with its rich whipped cream and honey caramel that promise to delight your senses. Or, indulge in the Chocolate Torte with caramel ice cream, which has left guests like Thea Neal in awe, proclaiming the dessert to be worth the wait.

With a genial staff who are eager to share their knowledge of the menu and wine pairings, Novel Restaurant not only serves food but also curates an entire dining experience. Especially recommended is to make a reservation in advance, as this sought-after locale can fill up quickly. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner date or a gathering with friends, Novel Restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression and create beautiful culinary memories.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

800 Reviews
Shane Griffin

24 Sep 2025

We recently tried Novel because we've heard good things and have not tried it yet. Overall, it was a good experience. The breakdown is below. Food - I had the lamb chops and lamp sausage. The chops were good, but the sausage stole the show for me. Great balance of flavors that I could've eaten more of. My wife had the pork chop. She was disappointed in the amount of fat in the chop but was pleased with the flavor. It was a very big portion as well. We shared the bread service that is served with a side of hummus and salted butter. The rye bread we had was delicious. We also shared the fried cauliflower. This was our favorite dish of the night. Not one piece remained. Overall food experience 4 Service - We were seated in a booth adjacent to the bar, so our server was one of the bartenders. He was very friendly. After finding out it was our first visit, he quickly walked us through the menu, suggested the bread service, and left us to decide on drinks. The cocktails were unique and delicious, and our service was spectacular. After dinner, we were offered a fresh brewed cup of coffee, which they roasted in house. Great finish to dinner. The dessert looked good, but we were too stuffed. Overall Service Experience - 5 Atmosphere - The atmosphere is intimate in a small space. The art and design are minimalist. We enjoyed the restaurant. The only minor drawback for us was the closeness of the tables. We were seated at a two person table with a wall bench for seating on one side. The table next to us was close enough that it was difficult to exit our table and not interrupt the patrons seated next to us. We were close enough too that the couple next to us heard our conversation and commented . It's not terrible, but I was a little less comfortable than I like for a higher end dinner. Overall Atmosphere Experience - 3 I enjoyed Novel and expect to visit again. If you haven't heen here, i recommend you give it a try.

Avinash Vellori

11 Sep 2025

Novel Restaurant in Kansas City completely stole our hearts during our anniversary dinner. The space is beautifully designed with an intimate, thoughtful atmosphere, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable about both the menu and wine selections. We made a reservation a week in advance (highly recommended, as it’s a small, popular spot) and found parking easily behind the restaurant. We started with the bread service — freshly baked, warm, and served with outstanding sea salt butter. The octopus was a true standout — tender, juicy, and perfectly prepared. For entrées, the mushroom ravioli and scallops were both cooked to perfection. We ended the night with their pistachio cheesecake, which absolutely stole the show. Every dish was crafted with so much care, making the night feel extra special. If you’re looking for an incredible dining experience in Kansas City, Novel is a must-visit. Just be sure to book ahead — walk-ins aren’t recommended!

Jessica Love

17 Aug 2025

A very cute and quaint little place. Food was amazing and so were the drinks! We tried the polenta appetizer, a pasta dish and the halibut. Not pictures is the bread and their delicious butter & hummus and we also got a taster of the crab bisque and a salad. They do spread dishes out a bit so you do not feel rushed which is nice.

Thea Neal

08 Aug 2025

Novel is a dreamy spot. Their food is super inventive and delightful. Their service can be a bit slow (it took an hour to get our main course), but I would wait two hours for that pistachio pie. We got drinks - flotation device and some red wine - but the crispy farm egg is a STAR app. One of the best KC restaurants!

Jess Flower

07 Aug 2025

Went in on a Saturday afternoon in Spring with a group of 4. We were able to be sat at the bar without a booking. We ordered wines by the glass, bread service, the Spanish Octopus and the Hamachi Crudo. Food was fresh and tasted amazing. Excellent texture and flavor! Service was lovely, attentive without being too much, wine was well priced by the glass and was a perfect spot for some share plates with friends. Reasonably priced for 2 drinks each and 3 plates to share was total $125 without tip. Highly recommend. I’ll be back!

Travis

29 Jun 2025

Amazing experience. Top notch food and service from top to bottom. we were recommended this restaurant via wine rep and did not disappoint. Chef Ryan and his team are impeccable, from the presentation of the dishes through and through to the flavors. The wines accomplished the dishes so well everything sang in harmony together. As a chef looking for an experience this was it. Novel hit every mark i was hoping for, from food to wine and hospitality alone. Their hospitality in our unfortunate night was top tier as well. Thank you to the kictchen staff and our server Trey as well. Top notch service, food, cocktails and wine program. You’re missing out by not dining at this establishment.

Katie Camlin

28 Jun 2025

I had a reservation with my partner for his birthday on a very snowy, cold day, and we had such a wonderful time! The crew, despite it being a very slow night, was so attentive and fun, even giving us a personalized birthday card. The food was spectacular- we tried multiple small plates and entrees and loved every bite. They were very accommodating of dietary restrictions and happy to make recommendations. This was our first time dining here and we will definitely be back! We had such a great time!

Arturs Mons

16 Jun 2025

I had dinner at Novel last night, and overall, it was a great experience. The flavors were solid across the board, but the standout for me was the 7-layer salad—definitely recommend it. The drinks were well-made, and the food was flavorful, though I’d say it leans on the pricey side. The vibe was laid-back, which made for a really enjoyable evening, and the staff was fantastic—attentive and friendly without being overbearing. If you’re looking for a great spot in KC with creative dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, Novel is worth checking out.

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