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    Noka

    4.3 (169 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Noka Photos

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    NOKA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Noka

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    Crab truffle pasta
    Jonelle W.

    Having my birthday dinner here was an experience. The food was delicious and different. We sat by the kitchen so we got to see the food getting prepared and we were offered a tasting of multiple dishes. The general manager was sweet and came over to chat us up and made sure we had a good experience.

    Togarashi spiced brownie
    Insia Z.

    Fancy vibe Japanese restaurant in KC, very pretty decor, good for a special occasion. The bathroom is a must-visit (lol). My family loves the sushi taco, we also loved the filet, shishito peppers, sweet potato jewels, crab campanelle, and togarashi spiced brownie (def save room for dessert!). Yummy mocktails (we loved the zen garden and coconut water).

    Taylor C.

    We came here for a birthday dinner and the vibe was amazing. Its a more intimate dim setting. We thought the food was good and unique, will have to come back and try more I know they add new things to the menu.

    Katelyn W.

    We went for a friends birthday after seeing good reviews. We had a reservation so we're seated quickly. There was some nice mood lighting and the decor was definitely unique, setting the vibe. The drink menu was extensive and the food options were plentiful. There were also some off-menu specials our server shared with us. Our server helped us make our decisions. Everything we had was great. My favorites were the edamame toast and the brussel sprouts. The toast was thick and while I didn't have a huge sourdough flavor, it was perfectly salty, the goat cheese was creamy and the edamame added some fun texture. Overall we had a great dinner!

    Jansher D.

    Noka was great! A bit hit or miss with the food, but overall a great experience. The noodle dish with prawns was easily my favorite--super flavorful and comforting. The drinks were delicious, and the vibes are really cute and intimate, perfect for a chill night out. Service was a little slow at times, but nothing terrible. I'd definitely come back again, especially on Thursdays when they do half-off sushi--such a great deal. Their happy hour specials are solid too. Overall, a fun spot worth revisiting!

    Table setting
    Rachel M.

    My husband and I visited Noka for our anniversary, and from the moment we sat down, it felt like an experience rather than just dinner. First, the aesthetics are an easy 11/10. Every detail feels intentional, from the plating and presentation to the atmosphere itself. As someone who appreciates design, Noka absolutely delivers. Food-wise, there were two undeniable stars of the night: * Wagyu Nigiri (100/10) - One of the best bites I've ever had. Rich, buttery, perfectly balanced, and worth ordering every single time. * Crab Campanelli (11/10) - Absolutely incredible. Comfort food elevated to fine dining quality. If I came back tomorrow, I'd order this again without hesitation. Other highlights: * Filet (10/10) - Beautifully cooked, incredibly flavorful, and paired with perfectly prepared bok choy. Everything on the plate felt intentional. * Night Market Wings (8.5/10) - The quality was excellent. The sweet heat profile just wasn't exactly my personal preference, but that's purely subjective. If you enjoy spicy food with a lingering, slightly numbing heat, you'll probably love these. * Shrimp Tempura Roll (8/10) - Very good and executed well. * Tuna Roll (7/10) - Good, but it was the least memorable item compared to some of the standout dishes we ordered. Noka excels at creating a complete dining experience. Beautiful atmosphere, thoughtful presentation, excellent service, and several dishes that genuinely surprised us. For a special occasion, date night, or anyone looking for an elevated dining experience in Kansas City, it's absolutely worth a visit.

    Night market chicken wings
    Lisa R.

    Eric R. and I had a very nice experience here last night. We came early sans resy to have a "pre-theatre" meal before the comedy show at Midland Theater. We sat at the bar and it was happy hour! I had a glass of sake which had yuzu and floral notes. Eric R. got a Sapporo on draft. We ordered the spicy tuna rice cakes with leek hay, toro tartare make your own hand rolls, sushi donuts, night market sichuan chicken wings, and the scallop nigiri. The food was all very good. I had no idea what to expect with the sushi donuts. They were like arancini balls stuffed with sushi rice and topped with salmon roe. The wings had a sichuan peppercorn dry spice blend with brown sugar and five spice powder. We asked for a dipping sauce and were given house made chili crunch for additional spicy deliciousness. The chili crisp had black beans in it too, mmm! The scallop nigiri was a delicious way to end as it was grilled and full of flavor. The menu is quite extensive and there are seasonal options so we would definitely return. Everyone at the bar provided excellent service too. The restaurant is beautiful! Also, there are purse hooks at the bar (but inexplicably not in the bathroom). You can make a reservation on OpenTable which is recommended for peak dining hours especially on weekends. Itadakimasu!

    Gretchen N.

    First time here this week and already want to go back. The staff were so helpful- point your GF options for me. We ordered six sushi rolls and the sake flight. The sake flight cam with a card describing the notes and what it pairs well with. The interior is stunning. The bar is picturesque. You have the option to sit at the chef counter or the sushi counter. They have fantastic long table for large parties. Tuesday is happy hour all day and Thursday evening is half price sushi. Another fabulous spot from Chef Amante.

    Chef Amante making us a yummy hand roll.
    Jason G.

    I finally managed to remember to take photos of a few dishes this time at Noka, before shoving every delicious bite in my mouth! We reserved a spot at the kitchen bar and had the extreme pleasure of hanging out with chef Megan and head chef and owner Amante. Both are warm, friendly, down-to-earth people, and as you'd expect by the quality of food they crank out, they are super passionate about their craft. Chef Amante even whipped up something unique for us! A hand roll of toro with lots of yummy things - each bite had everything! A little sweet, a little sour, a little crunch and a little heat. It was perfect. Speaking of perfect I don't want to take away from the rest of the plates and entrees we had - they were all amazing... Pictured: mushroom roll, chef's hand roll, sushi taco (I could eat 6 I bet!), and their calamari. We also had the lamb entree and the tempura banana for dessert. No photos of those, sorry. After all that crazy delicious food, and being treated like an absolute rock star by the whole staff, I felt the bill I paid wasn't too crazy and worth every penny! If I absolutely HAD to say something poor in critique about Noka, my only note would be their dang door - in which I've seen a few people either stand a few seconds trying to find the door handle, or even try it, not be able to open it (it's heavy) and start walking around the building trying to find the entrance. It is a cool door though. My partner and I love Noka and we try to dine there at least once a month.

    Left: Tuna nigiri with olive tapenade, salmon nigiri with lemon harissa and crème fraiche (yuck). Right: spicy tuna roll with truffle

    For starters, I looked into places in KC with a strong reputation for sushi. I come from the east coast which is hard to beat in seafood to begin with, but I know now why it stands far and away the best for sushi or sashimi. To interpret on sushi and sashimi, to me, is to respect the culture it comes from; and, of course the chef needs to add their own flair and interpretation to their creations. The worst of the night: toro handroll by far was the biggest disappointment. Toro is already hard to come by and a delicate slice of fish. To chop it up into ceviche style cubes and dump lemon on it completely ruined this. Not to mention it was disassembled in a molcajete, so I had to make the handroll myself which was so shockingly awful. Putting what was essentially a ceviche with a crema (?), that was nowhere described in the menu by the way, into a piece of nori myself for 32$ was my most humiliating choice of the night. The second worst was the salmon nigiri with another cream, in the form of crème fraiche, to the bottom of the rice. It just overpowered the subtlety of the fish and reinstated why cream and sushi do not mix for me. The sashimi I ordered was the albacore which said seared with cucumber and a "chili water" which was a green sauce dumped onto the plate. The albacore was over seared and did not spark any reminiscent idea of sashimi to me. Nothing close to raw and a little tough on the edges to chew. The star of the night and my only good choice was the scallop nigiri which was seared perfectly, melted in your mouth, and was delicious. Service was great they checked in regularly and were very quick to refill glasses and ask for additional ordering and just to see how I was doing. Ambiance was fine, however playing through an entire album of Frank Ocean the entire time I was there was a choice. Overall, the staff was friendly and I left full but there was a certain lack of appreciation for the subtleties that sushi and sashimi bring that would make me warn anyone coming here to look into other cooked options on the menu and not to spend a night at the sushi bar.

    Sara G.

    Somehow two years old and my friends are just now bringing me here??? I had never been, which felt irresponsible. We sat at the bar and the bartender was excellent. We went sashimi and nigiri-heavy, as one should, and the scallop nigiri sealed the deal for me. I'm deeply loyal to any restaurant that does scallop right. Pro tip do the brownie and the shoestring fries for dessert. A little salty and sweet action.

    Sushi donut
    Megan H.

    This place was very unique with a great ambiance. I felt like I was in LA or NYC. The menu had a lot of creative items, but I wish the descriptions were a little bit better. For example, the sushi donut did not say it was fried or hot, we assumed it was just shaped like a donut. The burger was our favorite and half off on Wednesdays!! The furikake fries were also amazing. The sushi rolls were good but underwhelming. I also enjoyed the vegetable tempura. We were not a fan of the calamari. Service was good, but it took us a very long time to get a check. Our waiter was very nice and helpful but we were often looking around for him when we needed something. Overall, we will likely be back but maybe try some new dishes.

    Brussels
    Tyson C.

    First off, great place for a date night very intimate, very upscale feel. menu was unique and had many options. Our waitress was very down to earth, helpful and kind. We got 6 shareable plates. The sushi was very good I was very excited about the gator roll, but because of all the hot sauce on the roll I lost taste of the gator. The truffle tuna roll was simple and delightful. The Calamari was cooked perfect lightly fried, had a good taste but you better like lime. The scallop pasta was pretty good too, you get 3 little scallops and the noodles seemed homemade. For dessert we had a very eye pleasing fried banana dish that was very tasty. overall great place, lots and lots of flavor in every dish some I wish they would tone down for my liking.

    Wagyu burger

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    Anjin - Cabbage dish

    Anjin

    4.9(57 reviews)
    1.5 miCrossroads, Greater Downtown

    This lovely, small restaurant near Crossroads in Kansas City has a very small sushi bar-style…read morecounter seating, so getting reservations can be hard, but once you get one, it's worth the work. The staff are incredible--super knowledgeable, nice, conversational, and friendly. What more could you ask for? The food is FANTASTIC. I don't know how they categorize their style of cuisine but I'd call it "Japanese fusion" for lack of a better, more specific take. It's largely (or wholly?) Japanese, but I've been to Japan many times and am a huge fan of Japanese cuisine of all varieties, and I couldn't pinpoint some of the dishes, but this is not a criticism, only an explanation as to why I am challenged with categorizing the place. All small plates, we had excellent cocktails and a variety of (recommended) small plates, all of which were surprising and excellent. Standout dishes: well, all of them, but the Corn & Crab Okonomiyaki was delicious--and different; the skewers with Jidori Chicken Oyster, Barham Farm Chicken Heart, and Barham Farm Chicken Tsukune were delectable; and the local Enoki Mushroom Tempura--also incredible and should have ordered a second. The Fried Chicken Sando was good but I was surprised it wasn't as flavorful as it looked...or I hoped. Still, not complaining!

    Walked through the streets of Kansas City at night to try the dessert here. They have side benches…read morefor you so you don't necessarily need a reservation! The soft serve was delicious, so smooth, flavorful and definitely had a unique flavor with the custard/japanese brown sugar and mango. They change up the flavors and toppings which makes it super unique and you HAVE to try the trash candy. I don't know who called it that, but I will eat trash all day everyday if it tastes like this. Beautiful ambiance with a very traditional Japanese restaurant set up. Super kind and attentive service. I would love to come back one day for the food!

    Photos
    Anjin
    Anjin - Blackberry soft serve with garbage candy, marshmallow, and strawberry yogurt pieces

    Blackberry soft serve with garbage candy, marshmallow, and strawberry yogurt pieces

    Anjin - Tempura (get it!)

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    Tempura (get it!)

    TORO Hibachi & Sushi - Honey wasabi roll, crazy salmon roll, and dinosaur roll

    TORO Hibachi & Sushi

    3.9(236 reviews)
    8.8 mi
    $$

    A group of us dropped in, and honestly, the vibes started out strong. The hostess was actually…read morepleasant and the place looked clean--which, in this city, is usually a win. Then we sat down at the teppanyaki table, and things went south faster than a dropped egg. Our server was solid, but the "chef" was a total trainwreck. It felt like we were an inconvenience to his schedule. He just rushed through the motions with zero engagement, like he was checking off a grocery list instead of actually cooking for people. The "Highlights" (and I use that term loosely): The Timing: I ordered the steak and scallops. He finished my steak before the rice even hit the grill. My cow just sat there getting cold while we watched him "work." The Culinary Wisdom: When one of us asked if the beef was a strip or a ribeye, he literally just said, "It's steak." Cool. Glad we cleared that up. The Cross-Contamination Special: We had a vegetarian in the group. He proceeded to cook her tofu directly in the steak juice. Truly a "chef's kiss" moment if you hate your customers. The Doneness (or lack thereof): The salmon was basically still swimming (raw), and the scallops were charred and tasted like fire and brimstone. The Mussels: I grabbed a side of green mussels. They were... fine? I've had much better elsewhere in town, but they were the Olympic gold medalists of my meal by default. The Silver Lining? The Sake. It came in a take-home glass, was incredibly easy to drink, and was 100% necessary to get through the rest of the experience. I can't speak for the sushi, but if it's handled with the same "I don't want to be here" energy as the teppanyaki, I'd stay far, far away. Two stars only because the hostess was nice and the Sake did its job.

    Great little hidden jam. It's been here for a long time outstanding service good prices extensive…read moremenu. You can order your sushi or you can order from the hibachi.... Fun ambience.... if it's your birthday, they bring out a cool sparkling candle.

    Photos
    TORO Hibachi & Sushi
    TORO Hibachi & Sushi - Chicken (5 oz.) Hibachi

    Chicken (5 oz.) Hibachi

    TORO Hibachi & Sushi - The hot water.

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    The hot water.

    Blue Sushi Sake Grill - My friends sushi

    Blue Sushi Sake Grill

    4.4(262 reviews)
    1.8 miPower & Light District, Central Business District, Greater Downtown
    $$

    A sushi restaurant that has its own extensive vegan menu??…read more It sounds weird, but Blue Sushi does it and does it right! Sushi is more than the fish; it's the rice, it's the ingredients, and its the combination of flavor and texture wrapped up in a small bite-sized piece. I'm used to (and love) my avocado rolls, but it's nice to get some proper creative vegan rolls! Here, they have an extensive menu full of creative vegan rolls, some made with vegan proteins such as salmon and tuna! Even better, they do an incredible happy hour where many of the vegan rolls are included! I went here twice during my trip. I tried these rolls: Vegan Philadelphia: My favorite, as it is a simple roll I rarely get to enjoy as a vegan. Vegan cream cheese and vegan salmon put together to get that nostalgic creamy flavor. Vegan Kaluna Crunch: Delicious texture combining crunchy and smooth. Shiitake to me: Umami burst of flavor from the mushrooms Vegan Hot Pepper: My least favorite of the 4 I've tried, but still creative and has a spicy kick! I also had their miso soup and sake cocktails. I sat at the bar and had a great time. It was always busy, so I recommend reservations if you want a table!

    Their makis combine multiple ingredients into something different than most sushi places. Fish…read moretasted fresh. Reasonably priced except for their nigiri and miso soup (would go elsewhere for this). We got the tatami maki and salmon nigiri. The salmon had a subtle spice with it and the basil with the eel sauce came together nicely. I can't remember what maki roll my friend got but it was pretty spicy! It was all pretty yummy though. Service for food was a little slow but they were friendly and made sure to keep our waters filled. A solid place for sushi. Nice, nightlife ambiance fitting of the Power Light District. Loved staring at their lanterns.

    Photos
    Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Blue Sushi

    Blue Sushi

    Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Tidal Wave, Spicy Gringo*, Amazon Roll*

    Tidal Wave, Spicy Gringo*, Amazon Roll*

    Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Tuna Tower*

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    Tuna Tower*

    Jun's Authentic Japanese - Chirashi Don

    Jun's Authentic Japanese

    4.1(241 reviews)
    5.9 mi
    $$

    Sushi was amazing last night -- really fresh, you can tell. Got there around 7pm and it wasn't too…read morecrowded (small spot), though they mentioned they were busy and quoted us 30 minutes for food. It actually came out in about 20, which was a nice surprise. Great sake selection, and the waitstaff was incredibly attentive all night. One thing I really appreciated: they organize the menu into cooked vs. uncooked sushi, so if you can't do raw fish you can still easily find plenty to eat -- nice touch for mixed groups. Overall, great value for the money. We'll definitely be back.

    I always look up decent Japanese restaurant when traveling. I am so happy that I found Jun on Yelp…read more Jun has been in business for over 4 decades, still clean still serving authentic Japanese food. The head chef has been with this restaurant over 3 decades, a lot of their staff are long time employees, it tells a lot in times like now. I sat at the sushi bar, chat with the chef, and enjoying decent Chirashi don and my ever go to umeshiso roll. It is not like the best that I had in my life, but it was decent quality with the price tag I was paying. The sashimi cut on the don is thick and fresh. I loved to hear a lot regulars came in and just ordered without looking at menu. This is the place where I would go back again and again and not hesitate to ask what is recommended by the chef and place customize request.

    Photos
    Jun's Authentic Japanese - Bar area

    Bar area

    Jun's Authentic Japanese - Sake, oysters, calamari

    Sake, oysters, calamari

    Jun's Authentic Japanese

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    Sayachi - Squid Salad

    Sayachi

    4.1(94 reviews)
    4.0 miBrookside

    GNO!!!! We had an amazing time eating here! It was my first time & I enjoyed it. The spicy crab was…read moreby far my favorite! My friends loved the cali roll & please don't get me started on the margaritas!!! They were sooo delicious! The only con was that if you don't like your food, they won't take it off your bill. My Kansas City roll tasted burnt (specifically the salmon)... it was too smoked.. but they said they couldn't do anything about it. So $12 down the drain. No replacements or anything. Even with that, I would still come back. I just know what to order now. They also have a patio which is pretty cute & a decent dining area. I recommend for a date night or a guys/girls night out!

    We arrived at 550pm on a Sunday. Our server welcomed us and urged us to check out the happy hour…read moremenu that goes till 6pm. Their happy hour is every day 4-6, all day Wednesday, and Friday and Saturday 8-10. We ordered a couple rolls and apps. My fave was the Kansas City Roll. Smoked Salmon, with cream cheese, then they cut the roll, fry the pieces, then sliced in half. Perfection! I had had crab Rangoons a few hours earlier, so I didn't order them... but the table next to me did and I was slightly envious.... Most of the food rolls out from the kitchen on a robot trey. It's a very fun way as the robot livens up the room. Our server made the final delivery from Trey to Table. For entrees, we ended up with surf and Turf. The Gyu Don is a bowl of streamed rice topped with marinated slow cooked Beef Ribeye and Mushrooms. The Okimari Chirashi is chefs choice raw fish. We selected sashimi style, so it's on a Bed of sushi rice. My friend had the Lychee Martini which was delicious and potent.

    Photos
    Sayachi - Inside

    Inside

    Sayachi - Chirashi ( chefs choice sashimi )

    Chirashi ( chefs choice sashimi )

    Sayachi - Happy hour menu! (Updated as of May 2024)

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    Happy hour menu! (Updated as of May 2024)

    Noka - japanese - Updated September 2026

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