Unreal. I have…read morelived in Kansas City for almost 10 years now and I have been searching for two things: the beast meatball sandwich and authentic high-tier Italian cuisine. I have found both at Jovito's. Their meatball grinder (I ordered the Motorworks) is "throw down the fork" quality. The flavors fight each other and land with you on a transcendent level. It is also incredibly easy to handle because the filling is stuffed into an Italian roll, rather than between two pieces of bread. It has a small, hole-in-the-wall feel to it and that makes it even better. You feel like you are pulling up to a walk-up sandwich joint but with the quality of an established, family-owned Italian fine dining establishment. Couldn't recommend more.

We love supporting local businesses and my husband convinced me to take a break from doing my tax…read morejob and enjoy this unusual, warm February day to have a late lunch and take a walk in Loose Park. Our son discovered Jovitos first and my husband has been coming here with friends. Today was my 1st visit and it's been a while since I've had a grinder and it didn't disappoint. What an eclectic place. The lovely lady at the counter took care of us and brought our meal to the back patio so we could our meal in the sunshine. We split the grinder and pasta salad. She was kind enough to bring us plates so we didn't have to share our if the basket and two bags of chips. The grinder was good, but the pasta salad was a bit different from past visits. It was too creamy for our liking. You definitely need to leave room for all the dessert options. We were planning on ice cream later, but I had to get the cookies from my childhood. What a treat.

Found a hidden gem at Hemma Hemma. Started with the burrata and tomato salad, which was excellent…read more-- rich, creamy burrata with a spiced oil drizzle that had a nice kick, paired perfectly with the tomatoes. The chicken wrap was excellent too, served with a side of dill sauce that tied everything together. Went during happy hour, which was a great deal -- just get there before 5:30, it cuts off early. Small, cozy spot.

I just want to say what a GREAT experience I've had dining at Hemma Hemma! I've been there twice…read moreso far, and have been consistently impressed. This past week, I joined a friend for lunch, and we both want to formally thank Dana at the front counter for being so welcoming, gracious and helpful. I accidentally knocked over the menu holder, and she reassured me that it was fine and happens frequently. My friend and I split the bill for our order, and she cheerfully rang up each of our portions separately. She guided us through some of the menu options which was much appreciated as there were some new items since my last visit. The food here is FANTASTIC!! I can't remember what I ordered on my first visit (but I do remember that it was delicious!); this week, I had the Brookside Buiddha Bowl, which was AMAZING! Even the presentation was wonderful (see attached photo)! All the ingredients were delicious, and the flavors melded beautifully, and it was so satisfying; it kept me fueled and focused during a long afternoon at work. My friend had the Pickle Chicken Bacon Ranch salad and said it was mouth-wateringly fabulous. The weather was nice enough to sit in the outside patio, which is well-appointed (even a free water station); the first time I was here, I ate indoors and the dining area is light, airy, and expansive, with plenty of room between tables and quiet enough to chat. Having such a healthy, delicious restaurant in the neighborhood is marvelous, and I'm already planning my next trip back to Hemma Hemma! Thank you all SO much!

Came here with a friend and it was SO GOOD! She and I both got a limoncello spritz and I'd return…read morefor that alone. Her husband got a spinach tortellini and that was great. I had a Diavola pizza which I loved. Can't wait to come back again! We sat on the patio and it was a great vibe. Our waiter was informative.

My husband and I had lunch at Bella Napoli this week, and it was DELICIOUS!…read more We were drawn to the restaurant by its large selection of deli sandwiches. We had considered simply stopping in for takeout, but the ambience of the restaurant was so appealing (simple and small but open-plan dining areas with lots of windows) that we decided to dine in. Nicole A. was our server, and she was exceptional! She was very welcoming, efficient, and helpful in guiding us through the menu (specifically helping me decide between the Soreta (with grilled eggplant) and the Eggplant Panino (with breaded/deep-fried eggplant). I opted for the Soreta, and I was very glad I did. The blend of flavors was superb, and everything was so fresh! The bread was perfectly chewy with a crispy crust, and the eggplant was beautifully seasoned. My husband chose the Il Saro, and said it was marvelous! It was a delightful meal, truly authentic Italian deli fare, and we'll definitely be back for more. Thank you so much to everyone at Bella Napoli!

We called in our order ahead of time. They were very helpful in expediting our order and having it…read moreready shortly after we arrived. We were in a bit of a time crunch so we appreciated that. This store is very clean and well kept And the staff was very nice and helpful. My wife and I both had the Italian sandwich on wheat bread and I added jalapeños to mine. Both of us thought the bread was absolutely fantastic and the sandwich was very, very good. I think this is the closest location to our house in Lee's Summit, so it's quite a drive. But it was worth it. Pickleman's was just great!! We will most definitely be back when we're in the area to try other sandwiches!

Service was fast and staff was friendly. For the price I paid I feel the portion sizes were way to…read moresmall, with all the other places in the area that have a similar menu then only stand out because of this. I have gotten the Bacon Chicken Mac and some of the chicken was still on the cold side.

Love love love this restaurant! I have been to all of them and each one is so unique. The food is…read morealways on par and the staff are always friendly and helpful! Today I am at the Waldo location and eating a delicious BLT with a Peachy Palmer! There is a sweet barista that has helped me at all the stores!!

In the storied enclave of Waldo, where the rhythm of Kansas City pulses with a quiet, neighborly…read morecharm, there stands a sanctuary not of silent stone, but of flour, butter, and memory: McLain's Bakery. To step through its threshold is to surrender to the siren song of warmth that curls from the oven like a whispered secret. I have made it my pilgrimage to traverse the entirety of their menu, a culinary odyssey that has yielded no false steps, only a symphony of consistency that borders on the miraculous. Each offering, from the flaky, golden architecture of their pastries to the robust, honest comfort of their savory fare, is a testament to the artisan's hand. Here, affordability is not a sacrifice of quality but a generous invitation, a rare confluence where the exquisite meets the accessible. There is a certain magic in the air at McLain's, a sweetness that feels woven into the very fabric of the establishment. It is a place that understands the language of comfort, speaking it fluently in the dialect of a perfect crust or the rich, dark notes of a expertly pulled espresso. It is perhaps no surprise that such a bastion of authentic delight has garnered a reputation that extends far beyond our local borders; if the standard of excellence is high enough to grace the plate of Taylor Swift, then surely, it is more than enough for us, the grateful residents who claim this treasure as our own. Yet, beyond the flour-dusted counters and the glowing glass cases, my deepest admiration is reserved for their spirit. In a world that often measures worth in cold, transactional metrics, McLain's chooses to honor those who pour themselves into the future of our community. As a teacher, I feel that recognition in the small gestures, the welcoming nods, and the genuine appreciation they extend to educators. It is a profound kindness, a recognition that the work of shaping minds requires nourishment, both intellectual and literal. They understand that a classroom is a marathon, and they act as the essential pit stop, providing the fuel that keeps the light of inquiry burning bright. To dine at McLain's is to participate in a ritual of belonging. It is a place where the passage of time is marked not by the ticking of a clock, but by the turning of the oven trays. It is a reliable heartbeat in the neighborhood, steadfast and true, offering a reprieve from the clamor of the outside world. Whether one seeks a quiet moment of reflection over a cup of coffee or a celebratory feast that honors the simple, profound joy of eating well, McLain's remains an unrivaled steward of taste. It is not merely a bakery; it is the living, breathing soul of Waldo, a place where every bite serves as a reminder that some things in this life are exactly as good as they ought to be.

Burger State never fails to be great! One of the most solid burgers in the city. Great fries, tots…read moreand rings. I've tried the specials and they are always excellent as well. Don't miss out. Head there now.

Located in a strip mall around 89th and Wornall, Burger State had me intrigued by the great reviews…read moreand, honestly, the juicy-looking burgers. And yeah, they delivered on exactly what they're promising: great burgers and great sides. I ordered on a Thursday and got the bacon jam burger, which was fire. The bacon jam was spot on. I added a little sriracha myself just to give it some extra kick, but the burger was already really good on its own. I was also way too excited to see chili cheese tots on the menu, and they actually gave me chili cheese tots--not some sad fast-food version. The tots were nicely cooked and golden brown, with actual chili and plenty of melted cheese on top. Definitely beats anything you're getting from a fast-food place. I did carryout, so I can't really speak to the atmosphere inside, but based on the food alone, this place delivers. They have their regular menu plus different daily specials, and after these two items I'm genuinely excited to go back and work my way through some of the other burgers and specials. The bacon jam burger and chili cheese tots were enough to sell me.

Okay Modern Market, I see you…read more I was on the hunt for a healthy-ish spot for lunch (I mean, hello it is January), when I came upon Modern Market Eatery on Yelp. Upon doing some research I learned it's a scratch kitchen specializing in clean eats, and that it's a chain. A win for the health options, a ding for the chain, but not all chains are bad, an we are living in a time where there are some winners. So, I packed myself up and headed down the road to Prairie Village. It's still fairly new, and it has that squeaky clean feeling to it when you arrive. Inside it's counter service and you seat yourself (they will bring the food to you). It kind of reminded me of how Noodles and Company felt when they first became a thing way back in the early 2000s. I ordered a thai salad that came in at under 400 calories so I was honestly skeptical at how big or flavorful it would really be when it arrived, and holy cow was it good. The chicken was cold, but still held some flavor, the dressing was great, there were fresh veggies, pickled onions. It was one of the best 400 calorie meals I've had in a long time. My dad ordered the salmon curry and he also enjoyed his though I didn't try it so jury's out on my opinion! I left full and happy to have discovered this spot. I'll be back soon!

Yesss a healthy option near me! The Buddha bowl was amazing and felt so good to eat - you can sub…read morein things like avocado and mushrooms to your liking. The tofu in this bowl was some of the best tofu I've ever had! My partner ordered a banh mi and loved the spice level. They also make fresh and interesting lemonades, like cucumber mint and hibiscus! Everything you get here makes you feel like you're doing something right for your body. I left feeling the right amount of full and very satisfied! I super appreciate being able to have Modern Market so nearby, and I'm shocked I hadn't tried it sooner!

Amazing food!!! But pricey for a salad!…read more Love their breakfast pizza, rocket salad, and their turkey club and sweet potatoes fries. Their dressings are so good!!

There are so many options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and the list goes on…read more I really loved the space. It's open, clean, spacious, and welcoming, and they also have a patio, which is always a plus. I also appreciate how much variety they offer on the menu, from vegan and gluten-free options to sandwiches, salads, and pizza. There's truly something for everyone. I highly recommend getting the Thai Chicken Salad with a lemonade

French Market is a very popular spot located in Prairie Village Shops…read more You order at the counter, get a number and if you come with a group everyone needs to be present in order to sit down. No holding tables! Full bar. Food is tasty. I've had the chicken salad and ordered the Ruben to go. Cold brew was delicious, I always add cream to round out the flavor. . Bon Appetite!

Saturday evening review…read more We stopped in for a glass of wine & dessert. Attentive service. I side tables pretty close together. Nice outside patio.

I feel like this Firehouse Subs never knows what's going on, I come here often, usually with my mom…read morebecause it's the closest location near us both. We usually use the in app deals and the employees always seem confused or the orders always seem backed up. However, I do really enjoy the subs and how they reimplemented the hot sauce bar that disappeared shortly during the Pandemic. The hot sauces pay homage to the fire fighters who started the buisness so, in my opinion, they are vital. The last time I stopped in it was to get my free birthday sub (a nice perk if you join the reward program) but, the sub I wanted- the newest featured sub on the menu- wasn't available online so, I ended up ordering my moms sub with my coupon and just paying for mine. We somehow ended up with another sub, so three in total when we ordered two, no biggie but, it just illustrates the confusion of the staff working. I mean hey, we weren't going to complain. My mom's favorite sub is the hook and ladder, it has turkey and ham. It seems to be the most popular sub here. We both always have to visit around thanksgiving and get the thanksgiving sub with stuffing and cranberry sauce on it. It really is one of the best out there (and nowadays every sub place seems to have one around November). My go to is the Jamaican Jerk Turkey sub, which isn't too spicy but has a little bit extra oomph than just a regular turkey sub. I also enjoy the club on a sub which adds bacon to the turkey and ham. The problem is when you order on the app it seems they prioritize your order last and since all the deals are on the app but we like to sit down and eat inside we end up waiting quite long for our sandwiches.

Firehouse is close to work, and it's an easy pick up when I'm needing something fast and relatively…read morehealthy. I lovelovelove their Veggie Sub. I like that you can delete & add ingredients on the app and so far they've never gotten anything wrong. You can even add an extra pickle spear for no extra charge- nice little perk. They do get busy often, so expect a wait, and I recommend checking to make sure your order is correct. One time they left the ham & turkey off a ham & turkey salad- no fun!