Great Restaurants in Downtown Springfield, Missouri

When most people think of Springfield, Missouri, fine dining doesn't immediately spring to mind. That's really too bad, because recent years have seen Springfield's historic downtown absolutely flourish with hip new restaurants and upscale dining establishments. If you haven't been to downtown Springfield lately, you're missing out on some of the best restaurant experiences in Missouri. Here are five great downtown restaurants:

Kai

There is no shortage of selection when it comes to Japanese restaurants in Springfield (no fewer than a dozen at last count), but Kai (and its sister restaurant, Haruno) offers far and away the best sushi in town. Located at 306 S. Campbell, Kai brings a decidedly urban flair to downtown. The interior is hip and modern, and the dishes blend flavors you aren't likely to find anywhere else. Kai was voted the No. 1 new restaurant in Springfield, and with its amazing sushi (try the Jurassic Park Roll or the "Crazy Salmon") and inventive cocktails, it's not hard to see why.

Gallery Bistro

Gallery Bistro, located at 221 E. Walnut, takes the idea of comfort food to a whole new level: nothing warms to heart quite like their amazing Mushroom-sage cream soup. The cuisine is a fusion of traditional American, Asian, Spanish, English, and Indian and really has to be eaten to fully appreciate. Alongside these remarkable meals is perhaps the greatest dessert menu in Springfield.

Bijan's Sea & Grille

Bijan's (located right down the street from Gallery Bistro at 209 E. Walnut) is consistently rated as one of the very best local restaurants in Springfield, and is definitely one of downtown's most interesting offerings. Though the cuisine is technically labeled as "Mediterranean," that title is a little too narrow for the dishes at Bijan's. This restaurant's seafood dishes are its best, and the infusion of Mediterranean, Asian, and Pacific Island flavors makes Bijan's stand out. While there make sure to try out one of their famous martinis, the selection of which may make your head spin.

Flame Steakhouse

Though Flame is a little pricier than the others on this list (expect to spend at least $100 on dinner for two), it is definitely worth it. Flame is located at 314 W. Walnut and has been voted best steak in Springfield time and time again. Though the menu doesn't deviate much from the steak, salad, and potatoes form, what they do they do well. The atmosphere is both relaxed and upscale, and the wait staff is just as attentive as you'd expect at such a restaurant. The steak is incredible, and the sides (like the divine twice baked potato) are the perfect complement.

Grad School

This downtown restaurant (located at 434 S. Jefferson) is not quite like the others on this list. You won't find any ultra hip décor or fancy fruit-infused dishes at Grad School. Instead you'll simply find the best burgers in town. In addition to the incredible burgers, there are also great pasta selections and the famous Long Beach Tacos. Not only for carnivores, Grad School is well-known for being vegetarian and vegan friendly. The atmosphere at Grad School is relaxed and friendly, and everything on the menu is under $9. What more could you ask for?