My wife and I moved to Kansas City from Washington, DC, a city with exceptional dining. Over the past year, we’ve explored many restaurants across KC, and Westport Café is now one of our absolute favorites. It easily stands above the finest bistros in America....
Read MoreMy wife and I moved to Kansas City from Washington, DC, a city with exceptional dining. Over the past year, we’ve explored many restaurants across KC, and Westport Café is now one of our absolute favorites. It easily stands above the finest bistros in America. I dare say in Paris, too.
Dining here felt especially personal for me. My father was French, from Lyon, just like Westport’s executive chef. He opened the first Vietnamese restaurant in DC in 1971, serving presidents, dignitaries, and diplomats. Hospitality was his art form, and walking into Westport Café brought back memories of him. The bistro’s warm, unpretentious elegance, the glowing bar, the buzz of conversation, the thoughtful details felt both nostalgic and new. I know my father would have loved it here.
The food was outstanding. You must try the truffle focaccia. The steak frites was perfectly executed: tender, flavorful, and accompanied by crisp, classic shoestring golden fries. The grouper, a MUST! The coconut curry mussels were a standout (ask for additional bread for the luxurious broth!), unexpected, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. The desserts were exceptional, featuring classic French technique and just the right creative twist.
What I especially appreciated was that this isn’t strict, classical French fare, and that should be celebrated. The chef is confident enough in his foundation to blend in international nuances that elevate the dishes in surprising and delightful ways. It’s French cuisine that honors tradition without being confined by it.
The service was just as memorable. Meghan, the General Manager, offered impeccable front-of-house hospitality. She was warm, inviting, polished, and genuine. Also, throughout the meal, she was attentive. We felt welcomed immediately. She is a GM to be studied by other establishments.
And John, our server, was extraordinary. His encyclopedic knowledge of the menu, ingredients, and even the chef’s story made the entire experience feel curated and intimate.
As someone who grew up and worked front of the house of an award-winning restaurant, these two lead with confidence and precision. The restaurant is lucky to have them.
Westport Café is a gem. It’s the kind of place that lingers with you, in memory and feeling. We are already looking forward to our next visit. We will be back for their Tuesday night steak and frites special, to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or any occasion that requires a beautiful atmosphere, joy, and impeccable food.
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