Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Upscale Restaurants in Lawrence
Lawrence’s dining scene pulses with culinary creativity, offering sophisticated palates a range of exceptional restaurants that showcase local ingredients and innovative techniques. From Mass Street’s vibrant dining corridor to hidden downtown gems, the city’s restaurant landscape reflects its dynamic food culture.
Discerning diners can explore everything from elegant steakhouses to intimate sushi bars, each restaurant presenting a unique interpretation of fine dining. The city’s commitment to quality and creativity ensures memorable gastronomic experiences that celebrate Lawrence’s rich culinary heritage.
Discover Lawrence’s most delectable dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Lawrence
- Mass Street Fish House & Raw Bar
- 715 Restaurant
- The Mad Greek
- Limestone
- Eldridge House Grille
- Bon Bon Lawrence
- Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
- J. Wilson's
- Culinaria
715 Restaurant
What to Expect
Seasonal Italian-inspired small plates with locally sourced ingredients
Description
Nestled in downtown Lawrence, 715 offers an intimate Italian-style bistro experience with seasonally-inspired, handmade cuisine. The restaurant features artfully crafted small plates, fresh pastas, and innovative cocktails in a sophisticated urban setting. Tableside preparations and locally sourced ingredients elevate the dining experience with a contemporary neighborhood restaurant vibe.
Restaurant Details
More Info: 715 Restaurant ↗
Bon Bon Lawrence
What to Expect
Community-focused neighborhood bistro with historical dinner series
Description
A neighborhood bistro in east Lawrence featuring innovative cuisine crafted by Chef Simon Bates. The intimate dining space offers a creative menu that celebrates local ingredients and culinary storytelling, with a focus on community-driven dining experiences and thoughtfully curated food and drink.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Bon Bon Lawrence ↗
Culinaria
What to Expect
Seasonally rotating menu showcasing Kansas regional ingredients
Description
Culinaria offers an intimate, sophisticated dining experience in Lawrence's culinary landscape. Their candlelit dining room features seasonally crafted menus highlighting local Kansas ingredients. Guests enjoy carefully composed dishes prepared with precision, served in an elegant, art-filled space that transforms regional produce into refined gastronomic expressions.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Culinaria ↗
Eldridge House Grille
What to Expect
Kansas City hand-cut steaks with seasonal culinary innovations
Description
Nestled in downtown Lawrence, this contemporary American restaurant showcases Kansas City hand-cut steaks and an award-winning wine list. Elegant dining rooms feature seasonal menus highlighting local ingredients, with creative dishes like cherry-brined Sakura Farms pork chop and tempura-fried avocado tacos.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Eldridge House Grille ↗
J. Wilson's
What to Expect
Sommelier-guided wine pairings with locally sourced sustainable cuisine
Description
A locally owned Lawrence restaurant featuring modern American cuisine with a commitment to local and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant offers boutique wine pairings, craft beer selections, and semi-private dining rooms that can accommodate groups of 12-40 guests. An expert sommelier curates custom wine selections to complement innovative dishes.
Restaurant Details
More Info: J. Wilson's ↗
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
What to Expect
Live teppanyaki chef cooking performances
Description
A vibrant teppanyaki-style Japanese restaurant featuring interactive tableside cooking where skilled chefs prepare meals on large iron griddles. The dining experience combines culinary performance with gourmet Japanese cuisine, offering both traditional sushi and theatrical teppanyaki-grilled specialties in a lively, engaging atmosphere.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Kobe Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar ↗
Limestone
What to Expect
Wood-fired artisan pizzas with locally sourced ingredients
Description
Limestone offers a modern pizza kitchen and bar featuring wood-fired pizzas crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant blends industrial-chic design with an open kitchen concept, creating an inviting atmosphere where guests can watch pizzas being prepared. Signature wood-fired pizzas, craft cocktails, and a curated beer selection highlight the menu.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Limestone ↗
Mass Street Fish House & Raw Bar
What to Expect
Neighborhood-style raw bar with curated seafood selections
Description
A downtown Lawrence oyster bar offering fresh seafood in an intimate neighborhood setting. Specializing in raw bar selections and locally sourced fish dishes, the restaurant provides a casual yet refined dining experience with an emphasis on maritime cuisine and fresh ingredients.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Mass Street Fish House & Raw Bar ↗
The Mad Greek
What to Expect
Authentic Greek street food in Lawrence, Kansas
Description
A casual Greek restaurant serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine in Lawrence, featuring traditional gyros, souvlaki, and Greek specialties. The Mad Greek offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with quick counter service and a menu highlighting classic Greek street food and family recipes.
Restaurant Details
More Info: The Mad Greek ↗
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