Novel Restaurant

I’ve been wanting to try this place since it opened, but we’re blessed with good restaurants in KC, and I can’t believe I haven’t tried it yet. Went for restaurant week and everything was delicious and had great service. Our server helped us make good picks throughout and shared his love of wine. The standout was the lobster ravioli, the pasta was cooked to perfection. I’ll be back!

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!

I asked for a couple ideas and selected on the salmon Caesar salad and pork chops. Both were fantastic. The pork chop comes with one of the greatest ragouts I've ever tried. I felt neither self-conscious or gazed at. The service was reasonably swift, courteous, and genuine. This restaurant should be at the top of your Kansas City eating selections.

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.

I had to try this KC Restaurant Week menu! It felt special to have Monday reservations, since they usually are closed that day. Course 1 darkhorse winner was the butternut squash soup, extremely tasty and perfect for taking this chill off. Course 2 winner, porkchop because of everything; the scallops also wonderful. Course 3 the pie bars are their signature. I was disappointed the dessert was different than the KCRW web menu, caught off guard. The service was top notch!, making this a new favorite.

I'm downtown for business and wanted to explore a new restaurant. Normally reservations are suggested here, but there was plenty of room for me to sit at the bar or a couple small high-top tables near the windows (which was my choice). SERVICE 5⭐️ Rusty was very friendly and attentive. I appreciated his suggestions and recommendations. The manager came over and checked on me as well. 👍 FOOD 5⭐️ I selected the bread service, a (very small) cup of the honeynut squash soup, and the fried cauliflower. Everything was delicious. The cauliflower and the soup was my favorite. I will definitely recommend both to you. Next time, I will be ordering a bowl of the soup!! I would've taken a photo of the food, but it was so good and I just enjoyed myself. 😋 ATMOSPHERE 5⭐️ I appreciate the chill, low-key vibe, decor, and lighting. I'm sensitive to loud noises... so the background music was at a very nice level for me. I will definitely be recommending this little hidden restaurant. Nearly everything is sourced locally which changes seasonally, and that is an effort close to my heart. It's just on the edge of the crossroads district... and well worth your trip!!

Oct. ‘24: After our first visit to Novel, it really stuck with me as one of my very favorite KC restaurant experiences and for months I had been looking forward to returning. Once again, I was thoroughly impressed. They put effort into their mocktails which are quite nice and the food here is well prepared and full of flavor. I particularly enjoyed the crab ravioli and the ramen. The ramen doesn’t have as much broth as one may expect, but the flavor is outstanding and the dish is cooked perfectly. On top of all that, service is truly excellent and we were well attended to. The atmosphere is quite relaxed and great for a romantic date. Looks like we’ll continue to return! 2023: Truly outstanding all around. From the nice atmosphere to the great service and stunning food, this is a place you must try. The cocktail I had (smoke n flowers) was perfectly mixed and my wife loved their mocktail as well and it’s nice that they have a couple mocktail options on the menu. I had the Wild Alaskan Halibut, which had a perfect sear. The accompaniments of the dish were quite flavorful as well. My wife loved the farm chicken roulade, which is served in medallions and perfectly tender. There are definitely other options on the menu we’d love to try so we’ll be back.

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.

Now THIS place is a must-do. As I was in KCMO for a conference, I found myself alone on the second evening I was there (colleagues went to the casino), and I am incredibly reluctant to dine at a sit-down restaurant by myself. None-the-less, this place came HIGHLY recommended by a long-time foodie friend of mine, so I trudged the mile or so in the cold rain to check it out. Super chill, quiet and unassuming inside. The bus came over and took my drink order, and before long, the waiter was also tableside. I asked for a few recommendations, and settled on the salmon Caesar salad, and the pork chop. Both of which wer amazing. The pork chop comes with a ragout that was among the best I've ever sampled. I did not feel self-conscious, or stared-at. Service was reasonably quick, friendly and genuine. I thought the value at the price-point was quite good. This restaurant should be at the top of your Kansas City dining list.

First, the space is lovely and welcoming. Love a good 360ish bar with seating. The food is special and prepared with care. Our favorites this go around were the beef tartare and scallops! The butter!! The desserts were a tad underwhelming but the cocktails hit the spot. Novel is a popular place for good reason. When all the reservations were snagged weeks in advance of restaurant week 2025, I knew I had to keep an eye on cancellations. Luckily we got one and added Novel to our RW tour. Glad we did!

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.

What a lovely experience!!! My wife and I dined here early on a Wednesday at 5 pm. Nate, our server was excellent. The restaurant has a lovely modern bistro ambiance. Loved it! The tile work is special. We started with the honey butter squash soup, which was divine. The heirloom tomato salad with watermelon was just lovely. The ramen dish was interesting. A little small for the price, but nice. My wife had the Alaskan Halibut with a smoked cream sauce that was magical! My pork chop was charred and just perfect. It was accompanied by spetzel and spicy pork belly. Just wonderful! We were too full for dessert. We will absolutely be back!! 5 stars!!

My friend and I stumbled upon this restaurant by mistake and we were glad we did. They were completely booked but allowed bar seating. So we sat at the bar. Great friendly service. Attentive servers/bartenders. Cute little place. GREAT cocktails AND even better mocktails. And good food. I'd definitely go back to try more items.

After our first visit to Novel, it really stuck with me as one of my very favorite KC restaurant experiences and for months I had been looking forward to returning. Once again, I was thoroughly impressed. They put effort into their mocktails which are quite nice and the food here is well prepared and full of flavor. I particularly enjoyed the crab ravioli and the ramen. The ramen doesn't have as much broth as one may expect, but the flavor is outstanding and the dish is cooked perfectly. On top of all that, service is truly excellent and we were well attended to. The atmosphere is quite relaxed and great for a romantic date. Looks like we'll continue to return!

PENROSE COFFEE COUNTER There's not a yelp account for Novel's new little coffee counter so I'm leaving one here. Cute little walk up coffee place with delicate little pastries and classic espresso/coffee drinks. Nice outside seating area for a little treat!

We had a great anniversary dinner at Novel. We started with the bread service and the fried cauliflower. I enjoyed both and would get the cauliflower again. Following that, we got the blue crab ravioli and loved it. It was very flavorful and I enjoyed the sauce. For our mains we got the wild Alaskan halibut and the seared Diver Scallops. Although I enjoyed both, I found the halibut to be my favorite. For dessert, we shared the chocolate mousse cake. I would absolutely get this dessert again. Our server was amazing and gave great recommendations. he made sure to check in on us throughout our meal. We plan on returning!

We had an absolutely lovely experience at Novel! The service is awesome! Our server was so helpful and knowledgeable with recommendations. Our meal was perfectly paced. We were celebrating our anniversary, and they gave us a card signed by the chef and our server! What a lovely touch. I can't say enough about how wonderful the service was! The drink menu is superb. They have tons of wine and cocktail options, and even a good mocktail list! The food was stunning. This is a great place to share several small plates and small pasta dishes if you're not into stunt meat entrees. The crispy egg appetizer was so intriguing (savory boba!!) and made me excited to come back for more. I am devastated that the pasta of the moment from our weekend won't be around for ever -- tender ricotta gnocchi with Green Dirt Farm cheese and lamb sausage. It was perfection! The duck agnolotti was also very sweet and savory and comforting. 2 appetizers, 2 pastas, and 2 desserts was a great big meal for 2. They have a small parking lot next to the restaurant, and it's very conveniently located by the Crossroads streetcar stop. It's also a relatively quiet part of crossroads if you need to search for street parking. This is a great date night spot! and a great fancy spot to share small plates with friends and family!

My partner and I really enjoyed our experience at Novel. We had the Blue Crab Tortellini, Agnolotti, Beef Tartare, Scallops and Halibut. The pastas dishes really stood out with some truly mouth watering flavors, especially the blue crab tortellini. The food was excellent I will say I was a bit disappointed in the halibut, I didn't think the flavors all came together for me personally but it was cooked to perfection in terms of doneness. Our waiter Nathan was super personable and had really great understanding of each dish and their components and what to expect from them. The ambiance was very nice, the decor is interesting and the kitchen visible, which I personally enjoy as you get to see the talented chefs and staff in their space. It did get quite a bit loud as the evening went on, so it may not be the best location for all get togethers. Can't wait to go back soon!

It's KC Restaurant Week 2024 and my husband and I spent opening night at Novel! We have NO notes! It's been one year since we've been at Novel and it's just as perfect as the last time we dined there. All of their dining reservations for restaurant week are booked but you can still walk-in and grab a seat at their beautiful bar. The restaurant itself is stunning - designed by local architecture firm El Dorado. I love the woodland animals hidden in the design throughout (fox, owl, rabbit, etc.). The host was kind (even though we were a couple minutes late), sat us and took our coats to hang up for us in the front. Our waitor immediately came over to welcome us and give a quick overview of the menu and where to find everything. A few minutes later we decided on cocktails - he had the Open to Discussion and I had the Pearfecta, which I was nervous about because it had absinthe in it but it was pearfectly balanced and delicious. We put in our full order so that they could course it property. Bread was served first - one sourdough and one multigrain for each of us with salted butter and hummus. The hummus wasn't for me, but I liked the creativity there. Next, our appetizers. I had the lobster ravioli which was truly incredible - the lobster was so fresh, the sauce was so creamy and delicioius, and it was garnished with the cutest, tiniest popcorn I've ever seen! He dared to try beef tartare for the first time and it was the best I've ever had. The flavors were addiciting and made you want to dive in for more! Then, our entrees! He had the perfectly cooked scallops and I had the perfectly cooked salmon and mushroom risotto. Lastly, our desserts. He had the pineapple carrot cake with a delicious cream cheese frosting on top. I had the pistachio pie bar which we both were obsessed with. And, of course, I had to get a cappuccino to go with it. The service is just incredible. Everyone is calm, kind. They don't overbook the restaurant so it doesn't get too loud or chaotic. They course the food so well. Staff is attentive enough that you feel taken perfectly taken care of but not too attentive to where you're like ok leave me alone if you know what I mean! Would love to take my parents here the next time they are in town. Highly reccomend to anyone who appreciates fine dining.

Service was great! Food was good, but each dish I ordered was slightly too salty! It would have been so good if the salt content was cut down just a tad. I love the scallop dish, but this time the scallops were too salty. The purée was phenomenal on the other hand. I also tried the mushroom ravioli, but that too was also a bit salty. A little disappointed this time, but I definitely would come back again to try it out!

What a fabulous experience! This restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and the service is amazing. I went with a few friends & we tried several drinks & lots of food. We all shared so that we could get a taste of everything. It was all so good. I tried lamb for the first time & it was so delicious. I got the diamond dancer drink & loved it, but my favorite was the seasonal margarita someone at our table got. You can't skip the bread service and the ravioli was perfect. I'm not a cauliflower fan but their fried cauliflower was so yummy. It is definitely a fine dining restaurant & it shows in the prices, but it's worth the splurge for sure! I'd love to go back just to try their desserts.

I haven't been here in 7 years, when they were in their westside house location. Happy to report they are going as strong as ever! We had a late Friday resy (8:30), and the kitchen and service all did a great job all the wait up until closing (a hard stamina to keep for many restaurants). Our server was super knowledgeable about wine (he has his level 1) and made some great recommendations. The kitchen did a great job with pacing and every dish was declious and unique. That duck agnolotti...so good! While this new spot isn't nearly as cool as their old house location, it still is welcoming and feels nicer to dine in compared to the pictures you see online. Glad to be back!

I've wanted to go to Novel for years and was delighted when we had some friends around to double date with us there. All in, I thought the food was quite good but I wouldn't say I'd consider it a "good value" and would recommend other spots around town for a high end experience. We had reservations for 6:45 on a Saturday night. We didn't need it as the restaurant had 2-3 tables open all night. We were seated right away. All in, here's what we got: bread service (serves 1 really - ended up with 2 unsatisfying orders), ramen dish, scallop dish, side of crispy potatoes, and pistachio cream pie. Our friend got the gnocchi special and the lamb chops. Everything thing was very tasty but really we could have used more guidance from our waiter. We weren't sure how much bread service we should get and he explained it in the most confusing way we ended up spending $8 on the bread service for 4 pieces of bread (2 kinds so the couples had to share bread pieces) and 2 dips. LOVED the smoked hummus, but the portion is so small. They were nice enough to plate the pasta dishes split so we didn't have to share dishes. The ramen dish was quite yummy, and different. The entrees weren't split, which was odd, and our scallop dish was SO small that we ended up getting the crispy potatoes because we were still extremely hungry. Potatoes were SO good and the cream pie was really delicious. I'm only knocking a point off because we spent $175 between us (we spent $25 on drinks), and left hungry. It would have been nice to get a little guidance from the waiter that we should have gotten more food as we ordered. So I do recommend it for the food and flavors. But it's expensive with small portions so expect to spend around ~$100pp if you want to leave sated.

We came here for drinks and dessert after having dinner at another restaurant. This was my first visit to the newer crossroads location. I was surprised that the covered patio area was completely empty when we arrived around 7pm. I ordered a glass of wine and the chocolate mousse cake. The other girls ordered the pineapple upside down cake and the strawberry semifreddo, as well as a couple of cocktails. Overall, we enjoyed our desserts a lot. I look forward to coming back to Novel for dinner sometime!

We have dined at Novel many times- it is a go to spot when we have out of town guests and for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. The service has always been impeccable: the host would greet us by name, the servers have been very attentive- remembering us and our preferences and the food has always been well prepared. They are very sensitive to my husbands gluten allergy and have had some very exciting cocktails! This last time was quite different- we were the only diners in the restaurant. This is the first time we've had this experience and found it a bit odd but didn't think much of it. We also noticed all of the staff was new, which surprised us since we have always recognized everyone that works there. Our server came to the table and asked if we were ready to order. I asked if they could make a drink I've had several times at Novel and she told me they couldn't make it so I ordered something else and told her we needed to confirm which dishes were gluten free for my husband who has celiac. She said ok that she would check with the kitchen and disappeared. After quite a long while we got our drinks and she returned asking if we were ready to order. We repeated again that we needed confirmation of which items were gluten free before we could, and she said she didn't know and would check with the kitchen (again). It became evident that the kitchen was not familiar with the menu, but they did go through and figure out what was gluten free. It took quite a bit of time but we appreciated the effort and were finally able to place our orders. The hamachi tasted old and was so salty our guest (who is a very unfussy person) was not able to eat it. We all tried it and it truly was inedible. This is a dish we have had many times. The server saw she wasn't eating it and asked if she was enjoying it so she politely said it was too salty for her. To their credit, they remade the dish. This time it was so flavorless she did not eat it. I'm not sure what was missing but it was not what we are accustomed to when ordering this item. I always love the crispy farm egg and smoked salmon Caesar salad. The salad was also quite bad this time. Different people make the same recipe quite differently, and while all the ingredients were there this chef was clearly new and- to put it kindly, lacked finesse. The salad was completely covered in what appeared to be pre shaved Parmesan. It was almost like a kid had made it. Novel does one of my favorite takes on a Caesar salad but this was not great. I did not finish it. The farm egg was good, but my husband's lamb (which he asked to be cooked to medium) came out raw- so raw it was literally cold and bluish in the middle. Our server was nowhere to be found in spite of us being the only diners, so I asked the host if they wouldn't mind cooking it further. He was very accommodating and apologetic and they redid the lamb. The side of the potatoes, too, were prepared carelessly. They used very large granule coarse salt, which was very heavy in some areas and absent in others, rather than the shaved salt they used to use. As a result the potatoes were either very over or under seasoned, depending on the bite. My guest did not enjoy herself and we felt embarrassed after speaking so highly of novel. The meal was very expensive and equally disappointing. I asked if they had new management and they said yes. At this time our server came to the table and told us she was the new bar manager, which I guess may explain her lackluster skills as a server. I'm not sure what happened at Novel and maybe this was just a bad night (it was late August) but it was bad enough to outshine our previous experiences. I hope they get it together, this was one of our favorite restaurants, but I don't know if or when we'll be back. I have to give 3 stars because I've had such great experiences there in the past, but this particular visit left a bad taste in my mouth.

"A feeling of ambiance comparable to an 'Arts and Crafts' room in a mental health facility" "A 'Novel' idea, but this establishment rapidly falls into the categories of 'Antediluvian' and 'Platitudinous' within seconds of sitting down." "The tables and chairs give off a very '$6.99 All You Can Eat' Chinese buffet vibe." "The 'Novel Caesar' salad should be renamed 'I hope you really, really like green onions'." "I've had friendlier service in the red light district on nickel night." Positives: I overheard a man being "friendzoned" by the female he was with. The tile mosaic is very white. Negatives: Overpriced. Just because you put lipstick on a pig, it's still just a pig. I was not impressed with anything other than the bacon flavored butter that came with the bread. The Caesar salad was SATURATED with green onions. The "Crispy Potatoes" were not crispy, and this was very disappointing. The pork was actually very good...but I had to dismiss the odd spicy sauce concoction that was placed on top. My partner had the scallops...5/10. Service. Our server was very uninteresting. We asked a few questions only to be presented with a reciting of the description we had just read. By the end of the meal, our server had his arms folded and was tapping his foot with impatience. Atmosphere. Very drab. Boring. The seating is very close quarters. I could hear the person next to us chewing and grunting. Summary: It was a rather strange affair. Just because it's expensive, that doesn't mean it's good.

My husband took me out to Novel for our date night, and I was so excited to give it a try! I love that it was downtown but just outside of the busiest areas, so parking wasn't that difficult. The restaurant is modern and beautiful. It definitely seems like a place you come for a special occasion or a group get-together. The staff and servers were great. Overall, I thought the food was beautifully plated - it's like eating art. Our appetizer and meals were delicious and packed full of flavor. My only comment was that everything seemed really acidic, and my husband thought the same. We would definitely come back to try more of the menu though.

Last stop on the birthday celebration and Novel did not disappoint. This is a smaller intimate resturaunt you'll want to make a reservation. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. Our waiter was fantastic explaining the menu. My entree was the Seared Diver Scallops with shiitake, sweet potato, tamarind, chili leek jam when I tell you little slice of heaven, so good! Scallops cooked to perfection I did my happy dance. My husband had the Agnolotti braised duck, foie gras, pickled cherry, port reduction. Anywhere there is duck he's going to get it and this pasta dish didn't disappoint the pickled cherries were a sweet and sour touch you wouldn't have expected but really set off the dish. My 2nd favorite was the Blue Crab Tortellini- sweet corn, coral pasta, calamansi butter. Delicious, creamy, buttery, fresh crab and little bites of sweet corn let's just say I cleaned the bowl and forgot I was sharing, lol. Highly recommend Novel can't wait to be in KC and try more. Thank you Novel for a beautiful bday dinner!

Great birthday dinner for 2! We live that the menu change's seasonally. We split the bread service & Brussel sprout salad ( love the apple pieces); shared the spring ravioli & gnocchi dish then capped it off with scallops & pork chop! It was too much food so lucky to take home my pork chop & cauliflower leftovers! Yummmm Great personable service!!!

This is one of the best meals I have had in a while! The staff was amazing and assisted us in curating a fun and delicious meal. The ambiance is perfect for a date night if you are wanting to splurge. Every dish was complex and unique. I will definitely be back!

I was visiting my brother from CA and we decided to have dinner here for my birthday. The service was great. Loved our guy! We got some really yummy food and the dessert was delicious. Dishes are shareable but very small. Everyone gets about one bite for a party of 4. I would order duplicates of your favorites. The restaurant is toddler-friendly, which is what I've been on the hunt for lately. It's hard to find a spot with quality food that doesn't make you feel like having a kid means you don't belong there or need to eat somewhere else. A fancy toddler menu would up the game though..just saying

How have I not reviewed this place?!?! First off if you are taking a date out to eat... GO HERE! Food - The options are seasonal and devine. I have eaten a number of their dishes (tasted even more) and have yet to find anything that I would not order again! Everything seems to fit my taste, even when I thought it wouldn't at first. Drinks - Customized cocktails at this location really bring the meal together. If you are a wine person; the staff can make amazing recommendations to keep you happy as well. The Service - Classic feel with knowledgeable wait staff that can guide you through the menu based on what they like; and Yes they have tried all of it and aren't just reading off some sheet that says it tastes "essence of ocean, with spring hints of leather and baking spices" which no one knows what it means. The Site - one of these times I will sit outside and eat... but inside is drastically interesting to look at! The open kitchen provides constant movement and a ever changing background with comfortable yet upscale decor. The Price - This one can be a little heavy on the wallet. But the value is there and you are paying for extremely good food (locally and responsibly sourced), Hand made cocktails, exemplary services, a staff in the know, and an experience that you will treasure. Unlike most of my reviews where I tell you to say "Hi" if you see me... here I am likely on a date... so just give a nod and enjoy!

Novel was easily my favorite dining experience while visiting Kansas City. The staff was excellent, especially our knowledgeable and friendly waiter. The food was so good, my group ordered tapas style and shared about 4 different dishes and shared a dessert. The atmosphere was hip and warm, with cool artwork on the walls. Novel lived up to the hype and is definitely a place to check out again for their eclectic rotating menu.

My first experience at Novel was nothing short of exquisite. The cuisine was absolutely delicious, and the service was impeccable. The servers worked together seamlessly, operating like a well-oiled machine. The ambiance of the restaurant was charming and added to the overall delightful experience.

Five stars for food, service and ambiance! When you park and approach the building you are surrounded by earthy, calms vibes, which transition into a clean, vibrant interior. Very modern, simplistic, minimal, industrial-like interior. Menu is one (1) page, but offers plenty of diversity. Matter of fact, so much diversity, you have a hard time narrowing down your selections. I suggest to bring a group, so you can order one of everything (lol). I enjoyed my first dinner on a Friday evening, and it was so enjoyable, I returned Saturday evening. Special shout out to Trey and Matt for their outstanding service. Fried Cauliflower: particularly like this version because there is no breading. The Caesar dressing is amazing and the capers give it the perfect zing! Brussels Sprout Salad: Kinda bland. The honeycrisp apples were really the only flavor I picked up on. Probably wouldn't order it again. But was happy to try it. Agnolotti: pleasantly surprised that each little purse was packed with duck! I didn't really get much of the foie gras flavor; however, the pickled cherry and port reduction was fantastic. I did think the dough was overworked, but the rest of the table thought it was okay. Local Oyster Mushrooms: Yum-O. Perfectly sautéed, the chicken skins added the perfect amount of crispy-savoriness to complement the celery root purée. Butternut Squash Ravioli: pasta was perfect, filling sweet, but not too sweet, black truffle butter was balanced and the pecan bread crumbs and apple saba created a masterpiece. Ramen Noodles: IMO, the #1 pick out of everything. Maybe because it takes ramen to the next level. Lobster was a bit chewy, but the Yuzu-miso butter was out of this world. The noodles were perfect... I could eat this dish everyday of my life! Center Cut Duroc Pork Chop: Holy smokes. This mega piece of pork will transport your taste buds into a frenzy. It's spicy, with jumbo chucks of rich, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. The chop itself is very tender and juicy, and the rice spaetzle tames the richness of the pork belly and spice. Miller Farm Chicken Roulade: I have to say I'm not a chicken fan, but I did taste this to provide a review. The chicken was tender and the center is a chicken sausage-like filling. The herbed risotto was really earthy, but it was missing the lemon butter flare. Seared Diver Scallops: Scallops were prepared well. This dish is a little sweet for my palate. No reminiscence of bone marrow, but pronounced sweet potato flavor all-around. Pineapple Upside Down Carrot Cake: was a bit dry and crumbly, but if you let the citrusy sorbet soak into the cake it made it more enjoyable. Key Lime Pavlova: Airy, crunchy meringue that was almost caramelized. Filled with rich gooey tart key lime custard. There's a few pieces of graham bread crumbs to compliment the custard and crunchy meringue.

In the city's heart lies a gem where cuisine is elevated to art. The restaurant, with its modern, clean lines, exudes confidence and sophistication, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Our journey here was remarkable, thanks to the kitchen's inventive use of ingredients, turning each dish into a visually stunning and deliciously surprising masterpiece. The service was another highlight, with attentive staff enhancing our enjoyment and making us feel part of the restaurant's family. A special mention goes to our second night at the Chef's counter, where friendly banter and culinary insights enriched our meal. This isn't just a place to eat; it's where food becomes an experience, blending taste, presentation, and warmth into something unforgettable. If you're looking for a vegetarian meal that will impress and delight, this restaurant is your destination.

Amazing menu is always interesting, and never disappoints. Staff is always solid and service is always a memorable experience. Really well done every time come here.

This is my new favorite restaurant in the country. From start-to-finish, our meal at Novel was continuously new and interesting. From the bright and Asian-y hamachi crudo to the fried brussel sprouts (I didn't even want to order this often lackluster bar food staple, but it was executed perfectly) to the delicious, mouth-watering, huge lamb chop (I don't even like lamb) to the amazing dessert (some sort of pie, I forgot the name), Novel knew the assignment and delivered. Nothing was phoned-in. And the cocktails. WOW. The smokiness, herbal, textures were so unique. White Rabbit and Pearfecta were our cocktails of choice. And the service is phenomenal - very midwest patient and open to conversation and very knowledgeable about the ingredients. The staff give off an air that they really want to be there (unlike NYC). It is surprising that I only discovered this gem via a subReddit. Why are there no accolades/awards from tire companies? Our dinner experience at Novel surpassed our experiences at other starred restaurants on either coasts.

The whole setting from the time we walked in and were greeted to the end was amazing. As a whole, an exceptional culinary experience. We had the pleasure of enjoying an exquisite meal on my birthday. The entire dining experience, from beginning to end, was impeccable. I eagerly anticipate my next opportunity to dine there. The cocktails were among the finest we have ever had. We commenced the meal with the bread service, followed by two delectable appetizers. The subsequent course consisted of a blue crab tortellini, while my wife savored the pork chop entrée. Both dishes were extraordinary. Lastly, the whole staff was the absolute best. We look forward to returning sooner rather than later.

We went to Novel Restaurant for the first time to celebrate my birthday and it turned out to be one our favorite restaurants in Kansas City! To start off, the bottle of white wine that the waiter helped us choose was exquisite. We ordered the hamachi and fried Cauliflower to start and absolutely loved both! The cauliflower was the perfect amount of crispy and and the hamachi was fresh! We also tried the crispy farm egg, however we found it to be lacking distinct flavor. Next, we ordered both the ramen noodles and lobster ravioli which the waiter was nice enough to split into two portions so my boyfriend and I could share. Both were very delicious and texture of the noodles were cooked to perfection. For my main, I ordered the scallops and my boyfriend got the pork chop. I enjoyed my scallops, but my boyfriend found his pork chop to be too salty. Overall, we had a great experience at Novel, from the service to the classy ambiance. The food was overall great, and I would come back to try other dishes!

This is an amazing place. Food, service, ambience are all excellent but what made the experience even better was the creative and daring expression of the food. The flavors, presentation and textures were absolutely delicious. In the last year we've been to a 3-star and a few 1-star Michelin restaurants on both coasts and I would say that this restaurant should at least be getting a 1-Michelin. Cocktails were also creative -- really enjoyed the few that had savory hints to them. Relaxed, warm, inventive and surprising - all in all a great experience. The crudo, crispy egg, lamb and brussel sprouts were all excellent.

Really enjoyed this restaurant. Very unique! The service was wonderful from start to finish, the food was excellent. The interior was modern but still very cozy.

The food was delicious! Excellent ambiance and service. The restaurant definitely has an elevated feel, but I didn't feel out of place with jeans and a nice top on.

For a birthday celebration, we tried Novel one evening. The service was excellent and the menu has so many cool flavors. The beef tartare was AMAZING and the pistachio cream pie was also fantastic. Skip the pasta course. We tried the squash ravioli and the duck and they were not worth finishing. I would be back to try the scallops or the steak because they both looked amazing. If you're Covid sensitive, this might be uncomfortable. They set the tables about 2 feet apart from each other.

Unique and tasty food in Kansas City. We were visiting our daughter and decided to give novel restaurant a try to celebrate her birthday. Excellent choice! Highly recommend!

I had a perfectly fine visit to Novel for a special occasion. Service could sometimes feel a little slow, but it never got bad. I liked coming in earlier when the sun was going down because I hate dim "mood" lighting in restaurants. It was quiet inside and easy to find parking since they have their own small lot. This would certainly be a good date spot. Overall I was more impressed by the small bites/appetizers than the entree-style options. I didn't find the entrees that "novel". They were good, but it just made me realize it's hard to impress with entrees. Same with the desserts. For two of us, 3 small plates, 2 smallish noodles, 1 main, 1 side, and 2 desserts were too much. I'd give up a main and noodle for small plates instead. Nothing was too salty, which I really appreciated. I got a mocktail which was refreshing and delicious (only about $3 cheaper than with alcohol, fyi). 1. Bread service for two ($5): I'd like to know if I came here solo if I could just order this and still get two portions, because two slices of bread (of different flavors) were not enough considering how fantastic they were. I do wish the bread had been toasted or warmed, but at least it was sliced. The hummus was okay, but the butter was the star. 2. Beef sirloin tartare ($19): Yummy. I thought it'd be accompanied by chips or something, but it wasn't. Highly recommend for tartare-lovers. 3. Smoked salmon belly tart ($13): Impressive how the tart wasn't soggy. Very good, surprisingly easy to cut through and well worth an order. 4. Shrimp ramen ($21): Our server kindly split the ramen for us, but I was surprised by how much I didn't like it compared to other rave reviews. There wasn't as much of a soup base like I was expecting; it was more like a thicker carbonara with slightly more liquid. It was too lemony/yuzu-y and cheesy, although the shrimp and mushrooms in it were tasty. 5. Orechiette ($16): The slight bitterness of kale in the orrechiette balanced well with the subtly fennel (?) taste, even though I normally don't like fennel. It was a good dish, if you like meat and cream-type sauces. 6. Center cut duroc pork chop ($38): A nice little kick to the dish. I found the pork chop itself a little plain, but it was cooked nicely, a little pink, and not dry. Also just looking back at my photos, this was kind of badly plated? 7. Crispy fried potatoes ($10) Not worth it. Funny enough, I didn't like the curry ketchup that came with the fries, but after having the leftovers in my fridge for over a week, it tasted more flavorful and almost garlicky. I didn't like the spicy mayo because it had more of a flat, salty sting than a robust umami flavor you might get with sriracha-type mayos, but again after mellowing out in my fridge for over a week it tasted better. (I'd still take sriracha mixed with mayo at home any day, though.) 8. Pistachio cream pie ($9): I'm of the opinion that every slice of pie could be improved with ice cream and most pies are usually better ice cold. This was neither, but was still delicious. I loved how light the flavor was, while still delivering the pistachio taste. 9. Gooey butter cake ($10): A very hearty type of dessert. Can be overly filling after a big meal. Not very pretty, but good.

We just recently went after a long time of having on the to go list. This place is great, everything we ate was very good and the service was exceptional. My favorite thing about the food is they really let the ingredients speak for themselves and there's real depth of flavor with how the spice as well. The drinks put us at about $75 a person but that also included a taste of soup, an appetizer, 2 pastas and a dessert. Not outrageous for the quality at all. We had a taste of butternut squash soup and it was outstanding. Shrimp and grits was also outstanding but if you aren't a texture person you probably will not enjoy the sorghum. My duck agnolotti was fantastic, the duck shines but the layers of flavor put it over the top. I didn't enjoy my wife's crab dish but I avoided it for that reason. The topper was the chocolate mousse dessert. Absolutely one of the best desserts I can remember eating.

Three stars for the amazing, friendly, personalized service. However, I was here to eat and the food was closer to 2 star especially at a restaurant of this caliber charging these prices. We ordered the fried cauliflower and the crispy farm egg to start. The cauliflower would be the highlight of our trip, well seasoned, perfectly cooked and very tasty. I could do without the accompanying sauce which I felt took away from the crunchiness and flavor. The crispy farm egg was the dish I was most excited to try, and perhaps the most disappointing. Served on bland grits and so few pieces of rock shrimp that they shouldn't even include on the ingredients on the menu. Adding boba was a strange choice, I assume their purpose is for contrast in texture but ultimately just add to the lack luster flavor. Grits are so easy to infuse with almost any flavor yet here they are served relatively plain. The egg was the star of the dish but in the end it's just a fried soft boiled egg. Our main dishes were the ramen and the crab tortellini. The crab tortellini was purposely basic to let the crab stand out on its own, though I would have preferred something to elevate the crab I respect the simple preparation. The ramen were cooked perfectly, but that's where any praise would cease. No broth and served in an overly rich creamy sauce that didn't make much sense whether you are in Asia or KC. A hodge podge of ingredients that don't play well together. I assume this restaurant has a seasonal menu so experiences may differ, but I was not impressed with what was served during our summer visit. Another bright side were the incredibly balanced and well thought out cocktails. Kudos to the bar team, and the service team in general.

Great food and service. Unique menu. Beautifully decorated. Drinks were exceptional. Will be back next time I'm in KC.

Our first time and definitely not the last - what a spot! The atmosphere: from the outside of the building you are wondering if you typed in the address wrong, but right when you walk in the door welcomed into a modern elegant dining area. The service: Outstanding. Need I say more? Our server matched our vibe from the moment we sat down and provided fantastic service without standing over our shoulder all night. We asked loads of questions about his opinion on the food and wine selection and he did not do us wrong. The drinks: bottle of wine for us tonight. Great cocktail options and a very nice wine selection. The food: I'm not sure there was a wrong option on the menu, but what was suggested for the night was great. The best bite for us was the agnolotti. Can't wait to come back and try the rest of this menu!

Cocktails were amazing. I definitely over ordered. We thought the pasta portions were small as described but the pasta alone is very filling. Everything was cooked perfectly.

What a wonderful night at Novel for my 62nd BIRTHDAY! My still Rose wine, was divine. Both kinds of house made bread have street cred! (Great sourdough AND unique quinoa bread!) What app DIDN'T we get? Our needs were so well met! (Pork Toast is just a must and I have never had an app like the Crispy Farm Egg. It is amazing!) Our attentive servers flew around us invisibly handling and anticipating every need. Beautiful date night setting, small group conversation is easy peasy or solo to enjoy a delightful meal. You will fit right in, Absolutely Everyone ... !

Cute American restaurant in downtown Kansas City. It was dressier then I expected so I'd recommend dressing up at least for dinner. Service was good & we got seated at the bar despite how busy it was on a Saturday night. I definitely recommend making reservations. Cocktails were average so considering how expensive they were we played it safe & switched to wine. They had a nice selection of wines. Food was very delicious. We had spring ravioli & fried cauliflower. Both were cooked perfectly & had great flavor.

Service was decent, waiter didn't know types of wine to recommend. Food was decent a lot more expensive than worth it.

Restaurant week. Novel is great atmosphere with great food and service. The apps and mains were great. The deserts were just okay.

It was my first time going and It was the 2 nd to last day of service since they were closing the doors and the food was still great Thanks again and hopefully since Giovanni steaks is same Owners I believe; I'll have to try them next time because Noveldell was so hidden I nerved thought of it but I see Giovanni every time I go to town so good luck

Amazing service and even better food! We have been a few times for dinner and now we have started going for first Friday lunches