Novel Restaurant

This is an outstanding dining experience. If Kansas City had Michelin ratings they would give a star to Novel. The egg appetizer was complex and delicious. The pork chop was the star of the show. Our server was knowledgeable and we were not rushed.

Novel came highly regarded by friends and was good but just didn't feel worth the hype or value. The vibe is clean, bright, simple, standard expensive American.
The service was great. Friendly, engaged, was willing to explain everything on the menu, frequently checking on us. Overall great service.
The appetizers started off strong. The brussel sprout salad, fried sunchokes and crispy egg. The flavors were really flavorful, unique and balanced. Then we got the rest the ramen which Eaters insisted you needed to get if available and the gnocchetta. The server did say that the flavor was mild and changed recipe recently but honestly it was disappointing with how flavorless it was. The gnocchetta was good but nothing to write home about. The pistachio pie was good. Overall it was a bit lack luster for the price which is disappointing considering the friends and reviews.

If you enjoy fantastic craft cocktails in a great atmosphere you must visit Novel. Located on the east side of the crossroads we wish we would have tried it earlier because the drinks, food, and service were all top notch. We stopped in on Friday night before First Fridays and sat at the bar since we didn’t make a reservation. Every cocktail we had was packed with flavor and creativity. The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful from the bar to the bathrooms to the patio. You can tell the owner really took the time to make this place stand out. We had the bread service and the toasted hummus was incredible. We are also a huge fan of brussel sprouts and they were some of the best we’ve had in KC if not the best! The dining room fills up quick so make sure to book a reservation!

Chic atmosphere. Very professional, but still warm team, exceptional food and cocktails. A definite favourite in KC!

A solid 3.5/5. The cocktails, the hamachi crudo, and blue crab tortellini were all incredible. In fact, I’d put the crudo up for top dish in KC. The rest? Blasé. I had the walleye and a taste of the lamb and the pork chop — none of them were remarkable or worth their price. The walleye was bland and the components don’t complement or contrast it. The caesar salad was good but it seemed out of place on the menu. The other main courses didn’t even seem appetizing, so I can’t imagine this menu rotation lasting much longer.

The biggest dinger for me with Novel has been the atmosphere. It feels impersonal and noisy every time. Novel has so much potential. With a little warmth, a little space, a little character, and menu that offers both comfort and adventure, I think it’ll be great.

This place is tucked away but worth the discovery. The staff was excellent and went above & beyond to make the dinner special. Deliciously crafted dishes that tickle your tongue with flavor and texture. From the appetizers to dessert, Chef Ryan knows what he’s doing and we’re lucky he’s sharing his craft with Kansas City. Highly recommend.

One of the best restaurants in Kansas City. If you want to try food that is unique yet flavorful I would recommend this place. The crispy fried egg appetizer was something we felt truly stood out. Also, our server Nate made elevated the experience that much more.