Best New Restaurant, Best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern, Best Vegetarian Food
Winner: Meddys
They may be new in the area, but Meddys certainly has left a strong impression since making its Johnson County debut earlier this year.
The authentic, healthy, fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant came out on top in three categories in this year’s Best of Johnson County vote: Best New Restaurant, Best Vegetarian Food and Best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Restaurant.
“We are beyond humbled and honored to receive the votes we did for these categories,” said owner Alex Harb. “We absolutely love being a part of the Kansas City community.”
With a menu of Mediterranean classics like hummus and shawarmas as well as freshly mixed signature cocktails, Meddys has quickly become a go-to gathering spot at Corinth Quarter, drawing diners from across Johnson County and Kansas City, Mo.
“Our approach to food is that we believe that the secret to a truly unforgettable dining experience is the quality and freshness of our ingredients,” Harb said. “We truly care about and appreciate every guest that walks through our doors, and we want to make sure their experience is the best it can possibly be!”
With the success of the Prairie Village location, the company already has expansion plans in the works that will bring a new Meddys to Brookside in the next few weeks and one to Lenexa in early 2024.
To check out their menu and find out more, check out the Meddys website here.
Best New Restaurant runners up: Silo Modern Farmhouse and Wandering Vine at the Castle
Best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern runners up: KINZI and Holy Land Cafe
Best Vegetarian runners up: Holy Land Cafe and Enjoy Pure Food and Drink
Best Chef
Winner: Hannah Winnett – Wandering Vine at the Castle
She may be young, but Wandering Vine at the Castle’s Executive Chef Hannah Winnett has built a menu and a team of cooks that are turning heads and making for happy palates.
Tasked by Wandering Vine owners Carla and Dan Dyer with creating a menu that celebrates the culinary traditions of the American west, Winnett and her team turn out dishes that start with high quality seasonal ingredients at the foundation and elevate them with unique complementary flavors and textures.
Take, for example, the glazed pork chop paired with bone marrow risotto and shaved fennel paired with a bok choy salad that’s punctuated with cherries, jalapenos and cilantro. Or the peach and tomato salad, which takes heirloom produce from peak season and marries it with charred corn, basil vinaigrette, labneh and toasted almonds.
Winnett, who got her start cooking through the Blue Valley School District’s culinary program while a student at Blue Valley Northwest, has demonstrated a sophisticated approach to crafting fine cuisine that’s earned her a loyal following.
You can find Wandering Vine’s current menu on their website here.
Runners up: Carl Thorne-Thomsen of Story and Colby Garrelts of Rye
Best Fine Dining
Winner: Story
For the second year in a row, readers have chosen Story in Prairie Village as Johnson County’s best fine dining restaurant. Story is owned by Chef Carl Thorne-Thomsen and his wife Susan. Story has been receiving local and national attention since opening 12 years ago. Most notably, Chef Carl was a 2022 James Beard nominee for Best Chef Midwest and Story was awarded the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the 9th year in a row. Story features an elegant dining room, expansive patio, intimate bar and of course, Chef Carl’s award-winning creative American cuisine. View the menu, reserve a table or order carry-out at storykc.com.
Runners up: Wandering Vine at the Castle and Cafe Provence
Best Burger
Winner: The Snack Shack on Johnson Drive
The Snack Shack prides itself on keeping things simple and true, offering a classic burgers, fries and ice cream. A local family-owned business, they focus on quality ingredients providing a great experience to their guests. The Snack Shack is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Find out more on their Facebook page here.
Runners up: BRGR Kitchen + Bar and Burg & Barrel
Best Pizza
Winner: Minsky’s
At Minsky’s, “Gourmet, and going to stay that way” is more than just a slogan. Their savory pizzas begin with hand-rolled dough layered with generous portions of lean, succulent meats, fresh-cut vegetables, aromatic herbs and topped with 100% Wisconsin mozzarella, then baked to bubbling perfection. Their original or honey whole wheat doughs are both offered in thin and crispy, Minsky’s original or deep dish pan. Teamed with your favorite beverage from their full bar – including their very own Minsky’s Burlesque Lager and Burlesque IPA – you’ll be able to taste why Minsky’s Pizza has been Kansas City’s favorite neighborhood pizzeria for more than 45 years!
Runners up: Old Shawnee Pizza and SPIN! Pizza
Best Thai
Bamboo Penny’s
Bamboo Penny’s is an exciting chef-driven restaurant featuring the culinary wizardry of a Thai chef, Penny Mufuka. Claiming the space between traditional cooking and contemporary craft, Bamboo Penny’ brings tropical Thai flavors to Leawood in style, showcasing bold flavors and fresh ingredients that encompass every color of the rainbow.Find out more about Bamboo Penny’s on their website here.
Runners up: Thai Place and Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop
Best Bakery
Winner: McLain’s Market Overland Park
Runners up: McLain’s Market Shawnee and Black Dog Coffeehouse
Best Barbecue
Winner: Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Runners up: Jack Stack Overland Park and Q39 South
Best Breakfast Spot
Winner: First Watch
Runners up: Ronnie’s Restaurant and French Market
Best Chinese Food
Winner: Bo Lings
Runners up: Blue Koi and Dragon Inn
Best Coffee Shop
Winner: Black Dog Coffeehouse
Runners up: Homer’s Coffee House and Hattie’s Fine Coffee
Best Donut Shop
Winner: LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee
Runners up: Fluffy Fresh Donuts
Best Ice Cream
Winner: The Golden Scoop
Runners up: Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream and Andy’s Frozen Custard
Best Italian
Winner: Garozzo’s Overland Park
Runners up: Ricco’s Italian Bistro and Viona’s Italian Bistro
Best Mexican
Winner: Mi Ranchito
Runners up: K-Macho’s Mexican Grill and Cantina and Taco Naco KC
Best Steakhouse
Winner: J. Gilbert’s
Runners up: Hereford House Shawnee and Texas Roadhouse
Best Sushi/Japanese
Winner: Sushi Uni
Runners up: Kyoto Sushi & Steak and Jun’s
Best Wings
Winner: The Peanut
Runners up: Q39 South and Johnny’s Tavern 95th Street
