If you’re looking for authentic ethnic cuisine in Wichita, you often have to look no further than the starter menus at these favorite Wichita eateries. Some of our favorite dishes in the city are appetizers. Here are 18 must-try appetizers full of ethnic character.
Bella Luna Café
Wichita has voted Bella Luna Café - Northwest and Bella Lunch Café - Northeast’s hummus appetizer one of the best in the city for multiple years in a row. The owner and chef Matteo Tata’s Lebanese roots inspired a menu of Mediterranean specialties.
Bella Vita Bistro
Transport yourself to a European bistro while dining on the ever-popular Mozzarella Fritti at Bella Vita Bistro. An inventive take on a classic Italian dish, it’s prepared with house-made mozzarella lightly breaded and fried served with marinara. The restaurant is an ideal stop for couples celebrating a special occasion.
Café Bel Ami
Patrons of Cafe Bel Ami repeatedly order the Scalloped Bouchée as a prelude to dinner after work or before a night out on the town. The appetizer is prepared with sautéed scallops in a pastry shell served with a garlic cream sauce. The highly-rated restaurant serves French Mediterranean cuisine in a white tablecloth atmosphere.
District Taqueria
All you have to do is ask locals or read online reviews to learn that District Taqueria’s dip trio is crave-worthy. Made with a blend of cream cheese, house salsa, peppers, and garlic, the queso comes with homemade chips. Fresh salsa and guacamole round out this popular appetizer.
Georges French Bistro
At Georges French Bistro, there’s a little piece of France for everyone to enjoy. Known as a great place to enjoy a special meal, you will want to enjoy multiple courses. Their vast appetizer selection includes everything from salmon and beef tartare, mussels and frites, calamari and escargot – roasted, stuff mushroom caps topped with provolone cheese.
The Hill Bar and Grill
In addition to watching your favorite sports team play on one of the many big screen TVs at The Hill Bar and Grill, you’ll find a menu full of mouth-watering appetizers. Drizzled with soy sauce, order the blistered shishito peppers and you’ll savor each spicy bite.
Larkspur Bistro and Bar
Fans of Larkspur Bistro and Bar rave about the Roasted Garlic, Spinach, Artichoke Dip served with baked pita and grilled bread. The restaurant has an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying an appetizer with a glass of wine or award-winning cocktail under a pergola of wisteria. Located in Old Town, Larkspur is steps away from evening entertainment options.
Lola’s Bistro
Indulge in a traditional Filipino dish, lumpia, at the upscale east-side restaurant Lola’s Bistro. Similar to an egg roll, the appetizer is made from crepe-like pastry and filled with savory pork, shrimp and vegetables before it is fried to a crisp. A side dish of sweet chili sauce makes the best dipping sauce for the popular starter.
Meddys
The hummus or mezze platter at Meddys (Northeast, Old Town, Southeast and West) are some of the most requested appetizers on the menu. The hummus is award-winning and the mezze platter is a sampler of the entire starter menu featuring falafel, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, grape leaves, kibbeh balls and pita bread.
Piatto Neopolitan Pizzeria
Craving Italian food? Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria serves Misto Salumi, an array of fresh ingredients including smoked prosciutto, prosciutto di Parma, arugula, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and house baked baguette slices. Experience the authentic flavors of Italy in the Heart of the Country.
PourHouse by Walnut River Brewing Company
The Scotch Eggs at PourHouse by Walnut River Brewing Company are hard-boiled and wrapped in sausage, hand-breaded and then deep-fried before being sliced and served with a delicious mustard aioli.
Prost
If you’re looking for authentic German flavor in Wichita, try the Flammkuchen at Prost. This German style pizza (pronounced flam-KOOK-en) features a crispy thin flatbread topped with sour cream, bacon and caramelized onions. They’ll even make it vegetarian if you ask.
Redrock Canyon Grill
Choose an appetizer with a bit of heat at Redrock Canyon Grill by opting for the Stuffed Poblano, a dish representing Mexican cooking. The pepper is a deep-fried wonder prepared with rotisserie chicken, chipotle sour cream, black bean salsa, and salsa verde. After dining, take in the colorful sidewalks and storefronts of Bradley Fair.
Sabor Latin Bar and Grille
The Creamy Corn Queso at Sabor Latin Bar and Grille is a creamy blend of white cheese and fresh sweet corn served with tri-color tortilla chips and warm flatbread. Don’t forget to order the sweet and delicious sangria to go with it!
Two Olives Restaurant & Bar
The chef casual eatery, Two Olives Restaurant & Bar, hosts a Lebanese Night every Wednesday inviting guests to enjoy shareable dishes called “mezze’ in the Middle East or “tapas” in Spain with drinks. It is available for dine in or take out.
Vora Restaurant European
Calamari is the starting star at Vora Restaurant European – it’s served with a homemade pesto and cocktail sauce. With a focus on French and Italian cuisines, the restaurant is the best place to start an evening before strolling to the historic Crown Uptown Theatre for a show.
Wine Dive
You’re in for a treat when you pair the Arancini with the extensive wine and cocktail list at Wine Dive. Order their Arancini and enjoy the flavors of asparagus risotto balls fried and served with roasted red pepper Romesco sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Molino’s Mexican Cuisine
Flambéd tableside, Molino’s Mexican Cuisine prepares Queso Fundido with Monterrey Jack and mozzarella cheese blended with Mexican chorizo and chopped poblano peppers and served with fresh tortillas. The eatery offers a fusion of Mexican and Latin American menu options.
This is just a small selection of the amazing menus you’ll find at the more than 1,200 Wichita restaurants. Make sure you check out our extensive list the next time you’re dining out in Wichita!
