Best Restaurants in Springfield MO (2025)

The city’s benchmark for Central Texas–style barbecue, run by local pitmasters and famous for sell‑out brisket and sausage. Frequently crowned Best Barbecue by 417 Magazine and ranked on Yelp’s Top 100 Barbecue Spots. Go early—when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Chef Tony Garcia’s family‑run institution moved into a grand new home with an open kitchen, wine dinners, and refined Northern Italian flavors. Celebrated by 417 Magazine’s editors in 2025 and covered by Springfield Daily Citizen for its big relocation.

Downtown’s classic for dry‑aged steaks, raw bar touches, and a deep cellar. A perennial fine‑dining pick in 417 Magazine’s Best Of lists, with signature plates like Flame Bacon and lobster mac alongside serious wine service.

Run by the family of David Leong, creator of Springfield‑style cashew chicken, this lively spot preserves a hometown original. Featured by Food & Wine for the city’s Cashew Chicken Trail and highlighted by the local tourism bureau for culinary history.

Mother‑and‑son owned on historic C‑Street, Café Cusco serves Peruvian‑inspired dishes with lots of gluten‑free and vegan options. Repeatedly praised by 417 Magazine readers for vegetarian and gluten‑free dining and loved by local critics for ceviche and lomo saltado.

A Dutch pancake house from the Café Cusco team, serving sweet and savory pannenkoeken, poffertjes, and hearty Dutch plates. Frequently noted by local publications for excellent gluten‑free choices and its C‑Street neighborhood setting.

Chef Thippawan Shutts cooks bright, from‑scratch Thai classics with dialed‑in heat levels. Consistently voted Best Thai by 417 Magazine readers and applauded by locals for curries, pad thai, and mango sticky rice.

Inside Hotel Vandivort, The Order channels Ozarks farms into seasonal plates and polished cocktails. Frequently featured by 417 Magazine and praised by downtown advocates for weekend brunch and inventive spins on local staples.

A Rountree neighborhood favorite from local owners Brent Sonnemaker and Cary Harris, known for creative, ingredient‑driven tacos and agave cocktails. Recommended by 417 Magazine’s taco roundups for punchy flavors and a fun patio vibe.

Springfield’s century‑old chili parlor reopened in 2023 at a new address, retaining its funky decor and overflow‑your‑bowl chili. Covered by KY3 and reviewed by 417 Magazine, it remains a beloved slice of local dining history.

Owner John Tsahiridis channels his Greek upbringing into authentic pork and chicken gyros, souvlaki, and baklava. Featured by 417 Magazine and Feast Magazine, and appreciated by locals for scratch dips and Greek wines.

A long‑running, locally owned sushi standout with late‑night hours, premium rolls, and sake. Frequently tops 417 Magazine’s reader polls for sushi, and anchors the city’s modern Japanese dining scene.