"The Crossroads' grown-up tapas bar — Michael Smith plates squid-ink scallops and Mediterranean small plates for sharing, backed by a serious wine list, in Kansas City."
About Extra Virgin
Extra Virgin is a high-energy Mediterranean tapas bar at 1900 Main Street in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City. It opened in 2007 as the more relaxed counterpart to chef Michael Smith's fine-dining room, and Smith — a James Beard Award winner — has kept it a Crossroads fixture ever since. The format is small plates built for sharing, drawn from across the Mediterranean and Spain, paired with an extensive wine list and a full cocktail bar.
For Kansas City's other tables, compare Smith's own Italian room Farina, the classic French Le Fou Frog and the seasonal The Antler Room. It belongs to the city's Spanish and fine-dining scene.
The Kitchen
The kitchen turns out innovative but unfussy Mediterranean tapas, designed so a table orders several plates and passes them around. The signature scallops with squid ink are the dish regulars name first, with the deviled eggs and grilled bread with ricotta close behind, and the card changes with the season and the market. A full spread with drinks lands around $50 to $70 per person, and the extended weekday happy hour — half-price tapas from late morning into the evening — is the value play.
The Room
The room is loud, lively and made for sharing: a buzzing bar, close tables and a tempo that suits a group working through a long list of small plates. It is a place to settle in over wine and conversation rather than a hushed, formal dinner, and the energy is the point. Set on Main Street in the gallery-dense Crossroads, it works as easily for an after-work spread as for a sociable weekend dinner.
Best for a Team Dinner
Shareable plates, a long wine list and a buzzing bar make Extra Virgin a natural team dinner or sociable group meal in the Crossroads. The lively, low-pressure mood also suits a relaxed first date or a casual birthday over tapas.
Not for
Not for diners after a quiet, formal tasting menu or solo plated mains — Extra Virgin is a loud, shared-plate tapas bar built for groups, conversation and a long table of small dishes.
Frequently Asked
What is Extra Virgin known for?
It is James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Smith's high-energy Mediterranean tapas bar in Kansas City's Crossroads, known for shareable small plates such as scallops with squid ink and an extensive wine list.
What should I order?
The squid-ink scallops are the signature, with deviled eggs and grilled bread with ricotta close behind; order several plates to share across the table.
How much does it cost?
Plan on roughly $50 to $70 per person for a full spread with drinks; the extended weekday happy hour offers half-price tapas.
Who is the chef?
Extra Virgin is the work of chef Michael Smith, a James Beard Award winner who opened it in 2007 alongside his fine-dining restaurant in the Crossroads.
Where is Extra Virgin located?
At 1900 Main Street in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City, Missouri.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Extra Virgin
Lively tapas bar; reservations recommended for groups and weekends.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address1900 Main Street, Kansas City
NeighbourhoodCrossroads Arts District
CuisineMediterranean / Tapas
Price~$50–70 per person; shared plates
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingBuzzing bar & dining room
ReservationRecommended
