A Taste of the World: International Restaurants to Try Around Kansas City

As visitors from around the world gather in the Kansas City region for the FIFA World Cup, it’s the perfect time to experience the cultures that are already part of our community. Travel storyteller April Jay recently put together a fantastic guide highlighting locally owned restaurants serving authentic cuisine from around the metro. We loved her recommendations and wanted to share a few more of our favorite places in Overland Park.

Kansas Features in April’s Guide

Antojitos del Peru

📍 7809 Quivira Rd, Lenexa

Step into one of the world’s most diverse cuisines. From vibrant ceviche to comforting lomo saltado and refreshing chicha morada, this cozy spot offers a flavorful introduction to Peruvian culture.

El Salvadoreño

📍 9860 W 87th St, Overland Park

A cozy Salvadoran spot serving authentic comfort food and handmade staples like pupusas. It’s the kind of place that feels less like dining out and more like being welcomed into someone’s home.

Kiyoshi Omakase

📍 8016 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park

A reservation-only omakase experience featuring 12–14 chef-curated courses and live sushi preparation. Tucked away in Overland Park, it feels less like suburban Kansas and more like stepping into Japan for the night.

Saap Saap Noodles

📍 8750 Penrose Ln, Lenexa

This family-run noodle spot shares authentic flavors from Laos and Thailand through recipes passed down for generations. Don’t miss the khao piak sen, a comforting Lao noodle soup full of rich homemade flavor.

Turath Coffee

📍9916 College Blvd, Overland Park

A spacious Arabic coffee house rooted in tradition, hospitality, and late-night connection. Handcrafted drinks, rich aromas, and a warm atmosphere make it easy to linger long after your cup is empty.

African Dream Cuisine

📍 8750 Penrose Ln, Lenexa

An African restaurant serving bold, soulful dishes rooted in tradition and made with care. Meals here are as much about culture and connection as they are about flavor, offering a shared dining experience that invites curiosity, conversation, and discovery.

European Market & Cafe

📍 11170 Antioch Rd, Overland Park

More than a cafe and market, this gathering space celebrates European culture through traditional foods, Sunday tea experiences, live music, and seasonal events. It’s a place where food, community, and cultural traditions come together around a shared table.

More Global Flavors to Explore in Overland Park

Overland Park is home to an incredible variety of international restaurants, making it easy to continue your culinary adventure close to home. Whether you’re craving authentic street food, handcrafted pastries, flavorful curries, or classic European dishes, you’ll find flavors from around the world just minutes apart. Here are a few more local favorites worth adding to your list.

Find These Local Favorites at FIFA Fan Fest

If you’re heading downtown for Fan Fest, keep an eye out for these Overland Park favorites:

Continue Your Culinary Adventure Around Overland Park

When you’re back in Overland Park, consider adding these local favorites to your list:

Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or simply looking for your next great meal, exploring local restaurants is one of the best ways to experience the cultures that make Overland Park and the Kansas City region so vibrant.

For even more recommendations from across both Kansas and Missouri, check out April Jay’s complete Global Food Guide and discover even more incredible local restaurants to add to your list.

April Jay standing in front of a mural