The ultimate guide to the best Korean and Japanese eateries in Overland Park
Whether you’re craving a steaming bowl of ramen, crispy Korean fried chicken, or the perfect chewy mochi donut, Overland Park has quietly become a foodie paradise for lovers of Korean and Japanese cuisine. From cozy dessert cafés to full-on noodle experiences, this is your ultimate guide to the best spots in town.
So if you’re looking for the best Korean food and desserts or top Japanese restaurants in Overland Park, then prepare your tastebuds because I have a major list for you!
If you have any favorite places that deserve a shoutout, drop a comment below! 👇
First off, who am I and why am I sharing this list?
I’m April Jay—a Korean and Japanese food lover with roots in Kansas and a heart still half in Seoul and Tokyo. Back in 2011, I moved to South Korea after college, but my obsession started way earlier—think teenage fangirl forcing friends to watch Rain while they asked if South Korea was still communist. 🙄
Thirteen years, three years abroad, and countless bowls of bibimbap later, I’m still living the K-life here in Overland Park. From Korean BBQ to kawaii cafés, this guide is all about the best Korean and Japanese spots that bring a taste of East Asia to the Midwest.
*If you’re interested in quirky travel, check out my guides from all over the world!
*updated 6.11.25 to include the opening of 85C Bakery Cafe
🍧 Dessert Spots You’ll Keep Going Back To
Leafy Korean Dessert Cafe
📍7406 W 121st St, Overland Park, KS, 66213
A calming, minimalist vibe with rich, authentic Korean treats—think bingsu (Korean shaved ice), and delicious Japanese Taiyaki (fish shaped pastry), and matcha everything. A hidden gem for unwinding or catching up with friends. You can also have fun in their photobooth, that features various Kpop groups.
Leafy is also one of the few places in the area that serves my FAVORITE dessert: affogato (a scoop of gelato topped with espresso).
Try making your own Taiyaki at home!
85C Bakery Cafe
📍12061 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66213
This Taiwanese pastry shop just opened right beside the new Pan Asia Supermarket with fluffy pastries and colorful drinks.
I went to their soft opening and as soon as I got there, almost all the pastries were wiped out. They even snatched the bread off the trays the servers were holding before they could even place them. It’s a cut throat pastry world!
MochiNut
📍7417 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66210
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside—these ring-shaped treats are addictive and come in rotating flavors like ube, matcha, black sesame, and strawberry milk. Definitely not for those who prefer traditional donuts, but if you’re a fan of mochi (rice cake), this place is for you!
Mochinut also currently has a Strawberry Dubai Chocolate drink that I’m eager to try!
I Am Cafe
📍14357 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66223
Still flying under the radar, this spot serves up a fusion of Korean and Taiwanese shaved ice like bingsu and Tsua Bing (Vietnamese name), plus the once-viral Honey Toast. Their rose-flavored boba drinks are also worth a try!
Tous Les Jours
📍10348 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212
My friend Carol and I have been eating at TLJ since 2016—almost a decade before it was overshared by local food influencers.
Back then, it was our hidden gem in what we call “Little Korea,” tucked behind the Indian Creek Shopping Center on Metcalf, alongside the Korean grocery store, Gangnam Restaurant (now closed), a nondescript shop called Gifts (now renamed Kpop Gifts) and Café Vie.
I first tried TLJ in Korea, but actually preferred Paris Baguette at the time. Though, once it was the only Korean/French bakery I had access to in the states, I quickly acquired a love for it.
Opening Soon… and worth the hype:
- Paris Baguette 📍1137 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS 66214 – It’s like Tous Les Jours but with a more premium, modern vibe. Get ready for amazing cakes, tarts, and the fluffiest bread. I’m going to be sad when this place gets blasted and becomes overcrowded like TLJ. *Insert stuckup sad face
🧋 Boba Spots Worth the Hype
If you’re wondering where to get the best boba in Overland Park, then look no further! If this list is missing your favorite spot, drop it in the comments!
Bubble Cup Tea Zone
📍8331 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
Located right beside Jumbo Noodles, this boba spot is great for grabbing a tasty drink after some hearty ramen.
Tsaocaa
📍11770 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66221
Tsaocaa was a favorite spot of mine in Chicago when I’d hang out with my friends in Chinatown. I love all their offerings and highly recommend.
Or try making your own boba at home!
Stickman Boba
📍11770 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66221
Small space with not many food items but their rose drink is tasty. Their Japanese, hard sugar coated fruit on a stick is only available after 2pm.
Kung Fu Tea
📍7504 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66213
Located a few doors down from Mochinut, this is the OG for many boba lovers—consistent quality and great seasonal flavors. I hope they expand soon to have seating.
Pan-Asia Supermarket Food Court (New Location)
📍12035 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66213
I will expand on this spot further in the food section, but wanted to highlight their extensive boba selection. This food court is absolutely A VIBE. It also seems to be a favorite among the local Gen Z Asians.
🍜 Ramen, Noodles & Chicken You Can’t Miss
Jumbo Noodles
📍8327 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
🔥 Craving next-level noodles in Kansas City? Jumbo Noodles delivers BIG time. You can read more about them here and why I believe they’re one of the best ramen spots in Overland Park.
Their Tonkatsu ramen is supreme while their Japanese Miso Hot Pot is a go-to favorite.
Gyu Kaku
📍7865 W 159th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
Gyu-Kaku is one of the best Japanese food spots in Overland Park. It’s also a top-tier lunch option thanks to their happy hour prices. I love stuffing my mouth with all the delicious dishes and finishing off with one of their amazing desserts.
I have a coworker who still mispronounces the name—no matter how many times I say it correctly. I guess my four trips to Japan mean nothing??! Let’s break it down together: pronounce the G like in gum, while saying you—that’s gyu. Ka like cop, and ku like cool.
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk and download their app for rewards!
Trying making BBQ at your next summer party!
Jinya Ramen Bar
📍7761 W 159th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
Rich tonkotsu broth and perfectly cooked noodles. Their spicy chicken ramen is a must-try.
KC Craft Ramen
📍6830 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66209
Craft Ramen quickly blew up in Overland Park, with long lines full of eager ramen lovers. Their spontaneous pop-ups feature Japanese restaurants from prefectures all over Japan, showcasing local flavors. Other than going to Japan, when else would you ever get the experience of tasting and interacting with renowned Japanese chefs in Kansas City? I’ll wait.
Craft Ramen’s most recent collab was with Kichijoji Musashiya from Tokyo, Japan.
Also, don’t miss out on their Japanese-style curry. You can’t find this style of curry in many places.
Magic Noodle
📍8013 W 159th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
Yes, this is Chinese but this is my list so here we go! Experiencing hand-pulled noodles right in front of you is an experience that you’ll be glad I recommended.
Pan-Asia Supermarket Food Court (New Location)
📍12035 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66213
The new mega-market has a bustling food court featuring Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese bites. They also sell my favorite Japanese quick snack, ONIGIRI.
And, at the time of this post, you get an awesome insulated to-go tote. My friend and I were seriously shocked at the quality of the bag and how it was free.
Choga
📍6920 W 105th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
Choga has been one of my go-to Korean restaurant for years as it brings back the flavors I remember from back in the day.
A lot of people don’t realize that bulgogi also comes in a soup/stew version called Ttukbaegi Bulgogi—and Choga’s version is absolutely DIVINE.
The owner, who I believe is an older Korean lady, has never once been inviting or warm, which can be off-putting. But the waitstaff are usually quite kind, so it somehow balances out.
Overall, I still choose Choga when I’m craving something that tastes like homemade Korean.
If you want to try bibimbap or Korean stews at home, then a hot stone pot is a MUST.
Chosun
📍12611 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66213
My mom has fond memories of this place as it was the first Korean restaurant I took her to after I came back from Korea. I recently stopped in, after a decade and was pleasantly surprised with how different the inside changed.
Chosun has some of the best Korean food in Overland Park. Their Mul Naeng Myung (cold water noodles) is flavorful and transports me back to the shops I used to eat at in Korea. This is definitely one of the few OG Korean restaurants left in the city.
Cafe Vie
📍10330 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212
If you don’t know Cafe Vie, do you reallly enjoy Asian food? Lol, just kidding. But truly, this is a favorite spot of many locals that somehow still retains a charming vibe. For years, this has been my go-to spot, for quick Asian comfort food.
Their recipes have changed throughout the years, so some dishes aren’t as tasty as before, but somehow they reverse and get back on track. I’ll probably go here until I’m 85.
1981 Chicken
📍10412 Mastin St, Overland Park, KS 66212
Serving crispy Korean fried chicken with sauces that slap.
K-Hot Dogs
📍10308 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212
K-Hot Dogs serves Korean corn dogs with stretchy mozzarella with a sweet + savory batter.
In all transparency, after trying them when they first opened years ago, I was highly unimpressed and hadn’t been back in years. I’ve recently retried them, and appreciated that the service has improved along with their offerings.
CM Chicken
📍6601 W 135th St a21, Overland Park, KS 66223
More Korean fried chicken, and they do it very well. Their signature Red Hot Pepper flavor is spicy, crispy, and satisfying.
KPot BBQ and Hot Pot
📍7001 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
I consider KPOT BBQ and Hot Pot a safe introduction for anyone who’s never tried Korean BBQ before. I like to compare it to being the cruise ship traveler instead of the “be among the locals” kind of traveler.
I highly recommend their to-go bento boxes—I ordered one once on Uber Eats and was seriously impressed with the quality.
🍽️ Your Turn!
Know of any hidden gems or new spots opening soon in Overland Park or the KC area?
Let me know in the comments!
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