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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeMissouriJackson CountyKansas CityDowntown Kansas CityJapanese Restaurant in East 31st StreetNoka
Noka ico

Noka

334 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA

4.0
Incredible and unique food. Ambiance like nothing else in KC. SUCH a cool place! Great for an intimate dinner or fancy celebration with friends. Definitely upscale. The owner/chef came over to chat with us and was so nice. - Melissa Ayers
Noka Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

Noka Introduce

For residents of Missouri, particularly those in Kansas City, the search for a truly exceptional and unique dining experience often leads to Noka. Nestled in the vibrant Martini Corner area, Noka is not just another Japanese restaurant; it's an upscale culinary destination that blends incredible, unique food with an ambiance unlike anything else in the city. It's a place designed for those special occasions, intimate dinners, or fancy celebrations with friends, offering a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that has quickly captured the hearts of local diners.

Noka prides itself on delivering a fusion of New American and Japanese cuisine, meticulously prepared to create "flavor bombs" that leave a lasting impression. From the moment you step inside, the chic and intimate setting sets the stage for an unforgettable meal, complemented by genuinely friendly service and an impressive array of expertly crafted drinks. It's a testament to the passion and vision of its owner/chef, making Noka a true standout in Kansas City's thriving food scene.


Location and Accessibility

Noka is conveniently situated in the lively Martini Corner district of Kansas City, Missouri, making it an accessible and attractive destination for locals seeking an upscale dining experience. You can find this acclaimed Japanese restaurant at:

334 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA

This central location places Noka at the corner of 31st and Oak Streets, within easy reach from various parts of Kansas City. The Martini Corner area is known for its energetic nightlife and diverse culinary offerings, adding to the overall appeal of visiting Noka. While street parking can sometimes be a consideration in busy urban areas, Noka reportedly offers a private lot, which is a significant convenience for diners. Its accessibility, coupled with the vibrant surroundings, makes Noka an ideal choice for a sophisticated evening out in the city.


Services Offered

Noka is committed to providing a high-quality, full-service dining experience tailored for its upscale clientele:

  • Dine-In Service: Enjoy the incredible ambiance and intimate setting of Noka's dining room, chef's counter, sushi bar, or high-top tables. The attentive staff ensures a memorable and refined meal.
  • Reservations: Given its popularity and upscale nature, making reservations is highly recommended, especially for peak dining times. Noka accepts reservations through platforms like OpenTable, ensuring you secure your preferred time.
  • Full Bar & Craft Cocktails: Noka features a full-service marble-top bar offering a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including Japanese beer, sake, shochu, Japanese whisky, and expertly crafted cocktails (like their "divine" Dirty Martini).
  • Large Party Booking & Catering: Noka is well-equipped to host private events and large parties. They offer a "somakase" (service-lead dining) pre-fixe menu for groups of 8 or more, and their team specializes in elevated buffet installations, family-style spreads, and intimate chef experiences for catering.
  • Lunch & Dinner Service: Noka offers both lunch and dinner services, providing opportunities to experience their unique menu at different times of the day. Their lunch menu is noted to be on par with the high quality of their dinner offerings.
  • Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Options: For those preferring non-alcoholic beverages, Noka offers delicious mocktails like Coconut Water and Zen's Garden.
  • Dietary Accommodations: Noka is sensitive to various dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on its menu.

Features / Highlights

Noka distinguishes itself as a premier Japanese restaurant in Kansas City through several exceptional features that contribute to its "incredible" and "unique" appeal:

  • Incredible and Unique Food: This is a consistent highlight. Noka offers a blend of New American and Japanese cuisine, where dishes are described as "flavor bombs" and "divine." Customers rave about the interesting spin on traditional preparations.
  • Unparalleled Ambiance: The atmosphere at Noka is frequently praised as "like nothing else in KC" and "SUCH a cool place!" It's characterized as trendy, intimate, and upscale, making it ideal for special occasions or romantic dinners.
  • Exceptional Dishes: Specific menu items that receive high acclaim include the Wagyu nigiri (described as "divine"), rice cakes, and filet. Other standout dishes mentioned are the Filipino Salmon (cooked to perfection with a great sauce), Tofu Tempura (a special and memorable dish), Tartare lettuce wraps, General Tso chicken skewers, XO fried rice, and Kung Pao Brussels sprouts (crispy and flavorful). The truffle roll is noted for its subtle truffle flavor.
  • Friendly Owner/Chef Interaction: A highly appreciated feature is the owner/chef's willingness to chat with guests, making the dining experience more personal and memorable. Customers find him "so nice."
  • Divine Drinks: The beverage program is a significant highlight. Customers praise the "dirty martini" as divine, and other drinks like the Whiskey, Number 2, Passion Fruit Vodka, and Japanese Horse Feather have been rated "10 out of 10." The attention to detail in their mocktails (Coconut Water, Zen's Garden) is also noted.
  • High Quality Ingredients: Dishes like the "wild salmon," "dry aged duck breast," and "prime ribeye" highlight Noka's commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients.
  • Desserts Worth Saving Room For: The Togarashi spiced brownie is singled out as the "star of the show," described as perfectly warm, gooey, and flavorful. The crème brûlée is also highly recommended for its creaminess.
  • Suitable for Celebrations: The upscale yet welcoming setting makes it a great choice for "fancy celebration with friends" or an "intimate dinner."
  • Consistent Quality: Even with a new lunch menu, the quality was on par with the high standards set for their dinner menu, indicating consistency in their offerings.

Promotions or Special Offers

Noka offers various promotions and features designed to enhance the dining experience, especially during specific times. While it’s an upscale establishment, they do provide opportunities for value:

  • Happy Hour: Noka features a popular Happy Hour. Based on various reports, Happy Hour runs Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and also has a late-night Happy Hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. During Happy Hour, patrons can expect discounts on select bar bites and drinks. Past offers have included "A5 Wagyu sliders" as a "star of happy hour," and specific pricing on cocktails, beer, and wine. Tuesdays have been noted to have "Happy Hour All Night Long," and Thursdays may feature half-off Sushi & Sake.
  • Wine Wednesday: Noka has a "Wine Wednesday" promotion, where all wine bottles are half-off, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy their extensive wine list at a reduced price.
  • Special Events & Collaborations: Noka participates in and hosts unique events, such as the "Ugly Dinner Series" in collaboration with Kanbe's Markets, which focuses on farm-to-table ingredients and supports local food systems. They also host "Date Night on the Farm" events. These exclusive, limited-ticket engagements offer a chance to experience Noka's cuisine in a unique context.

These promotions provide enticing reasons for locals to experience Noka, whether for a relaxed evening of drinks and appetizers or a more extensive culinary journey.


Contact Information

To make a reservation or inquire about the unique dining experience at Noka, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 334 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Phone: (816) 766-4441
Mobile Phone: +1 816-766-4441

It is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially for dinner and weekend visits, to ensure you secure a table at this popular establishment. You can generally book through online platforms like OpenTable.


Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Missouri, especially those in the Kansas City area, Noka stands out as a truly exceptional and highly suitable destination for a memorable Japanese dining experience. It's more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that blends high-end Japanese artistry with New American influences, creating a unique "flavor bomb" experience that consistently wows patrons. The "incredible and unique food" alone makes it a must-visit, with dishes like "divine" Wagyu nigiri and Filipino Salmon proving to be standout highlights.

What truly sets Noka apart for locals is its unparalleled ambiance. Described as "SUCH a cool place" and "like nothing else in KC," it offers an intimate, trendy, and upscale setting perfect for celebrating special moments or enjoying a sophisticated night out. This makes it an ideal choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply when you want to treat yourself to a truly elevated meal without leaving the city. The opportunity to chat with the friendly owner/chef adds a personal touch that resonates deeply with the local community, fostering a sense of connection.

Furthermore, Noka’s commitment to a full, high-quality experience extends to its bar, offering "amazing" drinks, including expertly crafted cocktails and a selection of Japanese beverages. The generous Happy Hour deals, particularly the touted $3 sake bombs and discounted cocktails, provide a more accessible entry point to enjoy Noka's sophisticated offerings. Even with slight variations in service speed, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the food and ambiance means locals consistently find themselves drawn back to this gem. Its convenient location in Martini Corner, coupled with dedicated parking, removes common urban dining hassles. In essence, Noka is the perfect blend of culinary innovation, elegant atmosphere, and welcoming service, making it a premier choice for Kansas City residents seeking an extraordinary Japanese dining experience.

Noka Photos

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Noka Location

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