“ 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. ”

“ Hidden Gem in Kansas City – Delicious Aussie-Inspired Bistro Near the Convention Center! While visiting Kansas City for a volleyball tournament, we planned to grab a quick bite at Chipotle but ended up discovering an amazing Aussie-inspired restaurant instead—and we’re so glad we did! As the wife of an Australian, I was immediately drawn to this unique bistro that brings a taste of Australia to the Midwest. We arrived early for dinner, fresh off a flight, and were just looking for something light as it was technically our late lunch. The happy hour menu had great options at even better prices. We ordered the margherita pizza, grazing platter, and polpette meatballs. I had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, and my daughter enjoyed a Shirley Temple. Every dish was flavorful, fresh, and satisfying. The total came to just around $44 before tip, and we left completely full with leftovers. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, yet upbeat and contemporary—perfect for families, travelers, and anyone looking for a break from chain restaurants. I highly recommend this spot to anyone visiting Kansas City or searching for “Aussie food near me,” “best happy hour KC,” or “family-friendly restaurants Kansas City.” We’re already planning to return tomorrow to try their Australian meat pies and sausage rolls, which are my daughter’s all-time favorites. This place is a must-visit for fans of international cuisine or anyone looking to try something new in Kansas City! Second Visit – Still Delicious with a Few Misses (and a Fun Aussie Twist) We enjoyed our first visit so much that we came back the next day for lunch so my daughter could try the sausage roll and meat pie. Unfortunately, they were out of the lamb meat pie, so she went with the beef—it was good, but we both agreed we’d love to try the lamb next time. She also had the lamb sausage roll instead of the pork. I had a bite and thought it was tasty, but we’ll have to go back and compare it to the pork version. Both pastries were perfectly flaky, though I have to admit—it’s hard to beat my husband’s! For dessert, we tried the lamington. It was good, though a bit dry for my taste, and I wasn’t a fan of the raspberry filling (if that’s what it was). I’m more used to a traditional lamington, which I personally prefer. That said, my daughter loved it—she said it reminded her of a mashup between a lamington and an Iced VoVo biscuit. I ordered the pork belly, lentil, and spinach salad. The salad itself was fresh and well-balanced, but I wish the pork belly had more flavor—maybe I’m just used to BBQ-style pork belly with a smokier, more seasoned profile. Bonus: The table numbers are labeled with letters, and each one has a fun Aussie fact on it—which we loved! It’s a charming detail that adds to the experience and gives you a little conversation starter while you wait. We’re already planning to come back again—next time to try the mini pavlovas! ”

“ 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. ”

“ Wow! This place did NOT disappoint! Quaint, modern bistro with a wooden slat wall full of hanging plants and windows all around to let in tons of natural light. I had an iced vanilla latte and the Quinoa Watermelon salad. My daughter had an iced Chai tea latte and the biscuits and gravy. The drinks were fabulous. The Chai had just the right amount of spice. We could really taste the clove and cinnamon. The coffee was smooth and mild. They even did decaf for me. The biscuits were fresh, and the sausage gravy was very tasty. Thick and creamy and almost tasted healthy. My salad was phenomenal. Served on a bed of fresh arugula, cubed watermelon and quinoa featuring grilled halloumi cheese, and toasted macadamia nuts made for a very tantalizing taste experience. A very light vinaigrette with a touch of chili completed the masterpiece. ”

“ Good amount of gluten-free options, including actually-good GF toast (still rare!), and a selection of desserts. The service and atmosphere were lovely. The prices were a bit steep for the type of food and drink offered, but ultimately, it was understandable given the location and likely overhead costs. My favorite food item was the mushroom-beet toast. Haven't had anything like it before, and I was pleasantly surprised! ”