Located inside the charming Inn at Meadowbrook in Leawood, Verbena is a restaurant that manages to feel both elegant yet familiar. Whether you’re here for an intimate date night, lunch with friends, or a solo cocktail at the bar, Verbena delivers comfort with a sophisticated edge.
The restaurant opened quietly during the pandemic and since then, it’s blossomed into a local favorite for those in the know. The bright, airy dining room is bordered by a wraparound patio that overlooks the lush greenery of Meadowbrook Park, giving diners an unexpected yet welcome escape just steps from Prairie Village.
At the heart of Verbena’s day-to-day operations is General Manager Joe Follett. With more than two decades in the hospitality industry, Joe knows how to create a seamless guest experience.
“After years in fast-paced, multi-concept environments, I was ready to return to upscale, full-service dining,” says Follett. “Verbena felt like home almost immediately. I'm proud to be part of such a special place.”
That feeling of home comes through in the service, but it’s the food that anchors the experience. The menu nods to east coast classics while celebrating midwestern ingredients. You’ll also find plenty of thoughtful small plates to start things off.
“Some of the most popular dishes are the bang bang shrimp, maple and miso glazed Faroe Island salmon, and the linguini and clams. I really enjoy the hamachi tostada and the seared foie gras from the small plates menu, and the lobster and crab roll or the Berkshire pork ribeye chop from the large plates menu.”
Verbena’s bar program is equally compelling, with craft cocktails that rotate seasonally and a curated wine list that’s garnered more than a few awards. Sip on a Spring Water made with vodka, elderflower, apricot, lime, sparkling rosé, or their signature old fashioned made with an exclusive single-barrel whiskey. Even their mocktails are worth a detour—light, refreshing, and beautifully balanced.
Their welcoming spirit extends to their local partnerships as well. Verbena works with a host of regional purveyors, from Ibis Bakery to 2 Birds Farm and Salt Creek Meats, bringing the freshest possible ingredients into the kitchen.
For those not quite ready for a full meal, just head next door to The Market at Meadowbrook, Verbena’s more casual sister spot, to grab coffee, lunch, or a pastry on the go.
Verbena is a reflection of where Kansas City’s dining scene is headed: deeply rooted in hospitality, locally inspired, and unafraid to raise the bar.
“Verbena is elegant and refined, but very approachable. We want everyone in our care to feel as comfortable as they possibly can be.”
Verbena is located at 4901 Meadowbrook Parkway in Prairie Village. For more information, visit verbenakc.com.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Leawood City Lifestyle