Farina is chef Michael Smith’s modern Italian restaurant at 19 West 19th Street, at the corner of 19th and Baltimore Avenue, in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. Also listed as 1901 Baltimore Avenue, it opened in 2019, bringing handmade pasta, regional Italian cooking, and a serious wine program to this former industrial neighborhood. Smith, the 1999 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Midwest, makes Farina a compelling dinner destination for travelers looking beyond Kansas City barbecue.
What to Expect at Farina
Farina’s name means “flour” in Italian, and handcrafted pasta anchors the kitchen’s identity. Rather than following one region exclusively, the menu moves around Italy with the Midwestern growing season: Rome and Venice inform spring cooking; Calabria, Basilicata, and Sicily inspire summer; Tuscany and Umbria shape fall; and Lombardy and Piedmont guide winter. Expect changing preparations rather than a fixed checklist of signature dishes. Consult the official menu before dinner, particularly if a specific pasta or seafood preparation is central to your plans.
The experience is polished but comfortable, with warm interiors, contemporary detailing, and an oyster-bar component that provides a seafood counterpoint to the pasta-focused kitchen. Wine is integral rather than incidental: Farina hosts dedicated wine dinners, and its private wine room features a floor-to-ceiling bottle wall. For an à-la-carte evening, ask for a pairing suited to your chosen pasta and main course. Vegetarian diners should discuss the current selection; vegan and gluten-free diners should ask specifically about pasta ingredients, sauces, and preparation.
- Handcrafted pasta: The central attraction, reflecting Smith’s approach to regional Italian recipes and seasonal ingredients.
- Oyster bar: A seafood-focused starting point for diners who want something lighter before pasta.
- Seasonal regional cooking: Southern Italian influences in summer give way to northern regions such as Piedmont in winter.
- Wine-room dining: A private room seats up to 24, with a wine wall, separate entrance, lobby, and audiovisual facilities.
- Smaller private gatherings: An additional intimate space accommodates up to 10; private functions can be arranged seven days a week.
Farina at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 19 West 19th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108; also listed as 1901 Baltimore Avenue |
| Neighborhood / Area | Crossroads Arts District, downtown Kansas City |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday–Thursday, 5–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 5–10 p.m.; Sunday–Monday closed. Major-holiday closures apply. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; upscale à-la-carte dining. See the official menu for current prices and wine-dinner details. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free KC Streetcar, Crossroads stop at 19th and Main; signed street parking and paid neighborhood lots |
| Official Website & Phone | Farina official website; +1 816-768-6600 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through Farina’s website for Friday and Saturday dinner, and book wine dinners promptly: these events often sell out. A 5 p.m. reservation makes sense before an evening performance, but tell the team your curtain time rather than assuming a leisurely meal will fit. First Fridays bring additional visitors into the Crossroads, making advance planning especially useful. Smart casual clothing suits the dining room. For tasting-event pricing, deposits, cancellation terms, or payment arrangements for groups, confirm directly when booking.
The Crossroads streetcar stop at 19th and Main is roughly two blocks east; the streetcar is free. Drivers should check posted meter hours and individual lot rates rather than expect dedicated free parking. Farina occupies a ground-floor space; wheelchair users should request an accessible table and confirm the most suitable entrance and restroom arrangements by phone. Pair dinner with the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, about a 10-minute walk northwest, or Union Station, roughly 15 minutes south. Both walks cross downtown streets, and the route toward Kauffman includes an uphill stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Farina’s hours, and when should I visit?
Farina opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closing at 9 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday–Saturday. Choose an early weekday reservation for a straightforward dinner schedule; check holiday dates directly.
How expensive is Farina, and are reservations necessary?
Farina falls in the $$$ tier, with the final bill depending on courses, seafood selections, and wine. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends; consult the official menu for current dish prices.
How long should I allow for dinner?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a multi-course meal with wine. A dedicated wine dinner may require longer, so confirm its schedule before arranging transportation or another event.
Is Farina suitable for families or diners with accessibility needs?
The ground-floor restaurant works best for families comfortable with a seated, unhurried dinner. Call ahead about high chairs, stroller space, wheelchair seating, or dietary requirements so the team can discuss suitable arrangements.
When planning your Kansas City travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Kansas City, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Fontaine, Hilton President Kansas City, Kansas City Workhouse, and Extra Virgin (nearby).
