Discover Banksia Bistro - Downtown in Kansas City, offering Australian-inspired small and large plates, artisan bakery goods, craft coffee, and a vibrant bar. Enjoy dishes like kangaroo loin, Australian king prawns, and Portuguese piri piri chicken in a modern, dog-friendly setting with friendly service.
Banksia Bistro - Downtown offers a vibrant menu that blends Australian flavors with modern bistro elegance. Their small plates, like the Neapolitan-style pizzas and the Grazing Platter featuring beet, mint goat cheese, and Spanish chorizo, showcase a thoughtful balance of fresh, vibrant ingredients. For larger dishes, highlights include the Australian King Prawns poached in a delicate mushroom broth and the Middle Eastern spiced Australian lamb cutlets served alongside Moroccan chickpeas and Israeli couscous. Each dish carries a distinct, rich profile that exemplifies cross-cultural culinary finesse.
What stands out is the quality and generous portions—dishes are both flavorful and artfully presented, inviting a memorable dining experience. Customer favorites such as the kangaroo loin and Portuguese chicken affirm the brand's commitment to authentic Australian-inspired cuisine with a sophisticated twist. Whether enjoying the dog-friendly patio or indulging in desserts like caramel slice, Banksia Bistro merges comfort with gourmet ambition, making it a must-visit hotspot in Kansas City’s bustling heart.
A few dishes from the current card — tap any shot to view larger.
Margherita, Pepperoni, Pancetta, Garlic Prawn, Pesto
Duo of Dips - Beet, Mint Goat Cheese & Cheesy Tuna, Jalapeno (warm) Spanish Chorizo, Speck, Cheeses - Manchego & Brie, Accouterments [GF Option]
Spiced, Lightly Seared, finished with Port Wine Reduction, Potato Pavé, Asparagus [GF]
Slow Braised in Red Wine and Herbs, Pan seared with Mustard & Caper Baby Potatoes, Chimichurri and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Flash Fried Southern Pacific Baby Calamari, seasoned with Szechuan, White and Black Pepper, served on a bed of shredded Iceburg Lettuce dressed with Soy, Shaoxing Wine and diced Bell Peppers & Jalapenos
Pork and Veal, Italian Herbs served with a Romesco Sauce and Bread Crisp
Arugula, Avocado, Pink Grapefruit, Pine Nuts, Cherry Tomatoes, Dill with Herb Aioli [GF]. ADD Grilled Soy & Ginger Chicken or Twice Cooked Pork Belly (+$6) or Australian King Prawns ($10)
Hearty Seasonal Specials
Giant Skull Island Prawns poached in a delicate Mushroom Broth served with King Oyster and Shitake Mushrooms and Chili Lime Aioli
Rubbed with Middle Eastern spices, crusted with Dukkah and served on a bed of Moroccan Chickpeas, Israeli Cous Cous and Sweet Potatoes [GF option]
Piri Piri Marinated Confit Chicken, finished in the Stone Oven served with Roasted Zucchini, Vine Ripened Tomatoes and Chimichurri [GF]
Rubbed in Quarte Éspice served atop Cauliflower Puree with Potato Pavé and Fried Capers [GF]
A Sky-High Burger with a Beef Patty, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Bacon, Fried Egg, Sliced Beet, Grilled Pineapple, Aussie BBQ Sauce and Mayo (No modifications allowed. Otherwise, it's not an Aussie Burger!!)
Chicken Tenders breaded in Shredded Coconut, Herbs and Parmesan Cheese served with Fries
Beer Battered Australian Barramundi filets with Fries and house-made Tartar Sauce
Wild Caught Red Prawns tossed in Garlic, Butter, Lime, Cherry Tomatoes and Baby Spinach [GF Option]
A selection from our favorite pasta dishes
Marinated Zucchini, Eggplant, Portabella Mushrooms, Sweet Potato, Grilled Cherry Tomatoes served atop Puffed Pastry with Onion Jam
It’s such a vibe, it’s a good place to eat. It is a little expensive but then again I’m coming from Wichita so that could be why. I can tell you though they for sure don’t skimp out on quantity and quality. The food was delicious!
Opening hours, the full address and the best way to get there are all on the restaurant page. Booking policies differ from place to place — so call ahead, or simply walk in.