Banksia Bistro - Downtown

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!

I’d say the food is pretty good, the sausage rolls were great. Didn’t try the pies but looked amazing and everyone around had ordered one so I’d say they are quite popular as well. The cappuccino wasn’t bad but the bean had a very acidic aftertaste so not my flavor but perhaps some people quite like that Lamingtons were nice just wish they had more jam inside and the sponge was a bit grainy for my taste but again a matter of taste.

We had a great time sitting on the patio on a Friday night. The patio is dog friendly. We absolutely LOVED the food. We had the meatballs to start. I had the Australian prawns and my husband had the Aussie burger. For dessert we had the caramel slice. The food was beyond amazing and the service was great. We love their cafe and this is the perfect extension of that. If this is what Australian food is like I want to go there immediately.

Banksia is a bright, modern minimalist take on an old fashioned canteen. The staff was friendly, helpful, and so genuinely nice that I briefly wondered if I’d wandered into a parallel universe where customer service is still a thing. I came for brunch and ordered eggs Benedict—except plot twist: no poached eggs here. Scrambled instead and it worked. Light, balanced, and paired with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic that whispered, “You’re making good life choices.” Then came the beef and red wine pie. Oh, this was no ordinary pie—it was a glorious Australian homage to its British gaatronomic ancestor, only better dressed and more flavorful. The sesame seeds on top were a cheeky flourish. Banksia is unique yet familiar—a culinary hug with an Aussie accent. If you’re in the mood for hearty comfort food that doesn’t feel like a cholesterol bomb, this is your spot. Just be prepared to fight for a seat during peak hours.

I ordered the lamb cutlets, very good. Well seasoned and cooked and the couscous medley that was served with it was delicious. Husband ordered the kangaroo, cooked well... but could have used more seasoning. Serving size on the small side. Really wanted to try the grazing appetizer but they were out... bummer. They were very kind and comped our drinks for this, didn't ask them to do that, so that was very nice customer service. Another plus side husband said the old fashioned was one of the best he's ever had.

Banksia Bistro in downtown KC absolutely delivered! The Grand Lamb Pie was incredible — perfectly seasoned, rich, and comforting with amazing flavor in every bite. The jerk chicken salad was fresh with just the right kick, and the minestrone was hearty and delicious. Everything tasted thoughtfully prepared and high quality. Can’t wait to come back and try more of the menu!

Very different style food but really good. Never had kangaroo before so had to try it. It’s more tough and gamey but good flavor.

Banksia is an absolute gem in downtown KC and a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fresh, flavorful food with a unique Australian twist. We had a fantastic experience from start to finish, made even better by the fact that we sat outside on their patio. It was a beautiful day, and the relaxed outdoor setting added so much to the overall vibe—perfect for soaking in the sunshine and people-watching while enjoying a leisurely meal. We started with the avocado toast, which was as delicious as it was photogenic—crisp bread topped with perfectly ripe avocado, tomatoes, and a beautiful fried egg on top. The jerk chicken salad was light but packed with bold, spicy flavor, balanced out by crisp greens and a refreshing dressing. But the real showstoppers were the meat pies. We tried three: Beef & Red Wine, Beef & Potato, and Greek Lamb. Each was wrapped in a flaky, golden crust and filled with deeply savory, comforting flavors. They were rich, satisfying, and absolutely unforgettable. Seriously—the meat pies are to die for. To round things out, we shared a Lamington for dessert—a classic Australian sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut. It was soft, sweet, and the perfect ending to an already stellar meal. Delicious food, great service, and a perfect patio setting—Banksia nailed it. We’ll definitely be back!