Favorite Wichita Spots for Foodies

My husband I LOVE food. We love to cook, explore new cuisines, seek out new restaurants, and create new recipes. At first glance, Wichita can leave something to be desired for those of us who are self-described “Foodies”. But if you can weed through all the chains, you’ll find some local treasures that will feed your stomach as well as your food loving heart. Here is a handful of some of my favorite local restaurants. 

Sakana Japanese Grill & Sushi

My most recent foodie discovery is a no frills sushi restaurant right off of Andover and Kellogg. None of that “let’s stuff this sushi roll with mostly cream cheese and only slightly vary it from every other roll on this menu” trick. If they have an ingredient in a roll, it has the purpose of building flavor and depth. It’s also not just a place for us who like our fish raw. They have rolls with cooked meat and rolls for the vegetarian crew as well as a menu for those who aren’t interested in sushi. I get the Spider roll with ponzu sauce and the Dragon roll every time we go. 

Elderslie Farm & Bramble Cafe

If you haven’t heard of Elderslie Farm by this point, you may have been living under a rock. While young, this you-pick blackberry farm has become quite a local rockstar in a very short period of time. The Bramble Cafe is what my weekend dreams are made of. You’re in a picturesque slice of Kansas heaven eating delicious scones and muffins, drinking coffee while your children are free to play and roam. BUT their Farm to Table meals are my absolute jam. Focused on local ingredients from their farm and nearby farms/providers, these meals are curated heaven on a plate. Can you tell I love this place? Seriously, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to one of these meals. 

Public at the Brickyard

Go down the stairs and enter the land of cool. With an eclectic hipster vibe that feels hip and inviting, Public at the Brickyard is a #win from the start. They have more specialty craft beers than you can shake a stick at, amazing seasonal cocktails, and some of the best food in town. The menu focuses on creating unique and flavorful meals by using local ingredients from regional vendors. I tend to order from their “Specials” menu, but I love to start the night with the Buffalo Cauliflower and a Gordon’s Cup. 

The Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning our family tradition consists of a trip to one of Wichita’s Farmers Markets, either the Kansas Grown Farmers Market or the Old Town Farmers Market.  There we pick up most of our produce for the week from the amazing local vendors, buy a chocolate croissant from Crust & Crumb for our toddler, and buy some lovely flowers to brighten our home. I love getting to speak with the people growing our food and forming a relationship with them. It’s an absolute highlight of my week.

Fizz Burgers & Bottles

Wichitans are lucky to have some amazing burger joint to frequent, but my go-to is Fizz Burgers & Bottles. I love that their menu isn’t overly complicated: traditional beef burgers, other sandwiches, salads, and fries. Everything I’ve had has been wonderful, but it’s hard to beat their House Burger with a side of their Sweet Potato Fries and a Diet Hank’s Root Beer. They even have gluten-free buns for those of us intolerant to gluten! Go there enough and they’ll know you by name and order… not that I’m speaking from experience or anything.

Georges French Bistro

French cuisine, the food made for foodies, and Georges doesn’t disappoint. From Mussels and Frites, raw oysters, crepes, chocolate mousse, and Grand-Mere Chicken, they offer some classic recipes. I love that practically every time I have gone, Chef George has been on the floor greeting his guests making sure they know he is glad they came. This is his kitchen and he is proud of it. Raw oysters, the Beet Salad, the Rock Shrimp Meuneire, and of course a glass of wine. #micdrop

Poblano’s Mexican Grill

Like other fast-casual Mexican grills, this local eatery offers tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and bowls made to order. Except Poblano’s does it so much better. The ingredients taste fresher, the meat is cooked and seasoned perfectly, and the salsa is outstanding. I love trying new things, but I love my chicken tacos on soft corn tortillas topped with roasted corn relish, cheese, guacamole, hot salsa, and extra roasted corn relish just for good measure. 

Chester’s Chophouse

When wanting to treat ourselves, we love to hit up Chester’s Chophouse. Known for their amazing steaks, delicious a la cart sides, and one of the best wine menus in Wichita, this restaurant does not disappoint. The environment is luxurious and inviting. The staff is friendly and knowledgable. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but some of my favorites are The Bangkok Calamari, Mixed Field Greens Salad, the Filet (medium rare), the Corn and Mushroom, and the Sweet Potato Mash. If you’re into alcohol desserts, please, please, please try the Tumbleweed. 

*This post was originally written in 2017.

Jill
Jill is a native Wichitan who fell for an Okie, Josh, at summer camp 12 years ago. After 3 wonderful years in Durham, NC they moved back to East Wichita and have been growing roots ever since. She is a stay at home mom to their daughters, Isla Rose (Oct. 2014) and Poppy June (Sep. 2016). Jill loves all things creative and delicious and has been sharing recipes and photography on her blog since 2011. When not navigating the joys and trials of motherhood, she enjoys chatting with friends, working out, wine, and laughing with her hilariously quick-witted husband.

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