This sleek, shiny 66-seat bistro was once a small-town pharmacy run by the parents of the current tenant, chef Jonathan Justus. Jonathan and his wife Camille returned to Smithville from France in 2006 and turned the empty building into a sophisticated restaurant specializing in exquisitely prepared dishes made from regional meats, fruits and vegetables. The menu features four or five starters, four salads and 10 entrées. Justus is a talented chef who has assembled a top-notch staff. The wine list is excellent and the desserts are wonderfully creative. — Charles Ferruzza
Price: $$-$$$
Payment Type: All Major Credit Cards, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, cash, ATM/Debit
Parking: Lot Available, Street
Reservations: Highly Recommended, Required for Large Parties
Attire: business casual
Showing 1-5 of 5
OK, this is one of my top three places to eat in KC. The main reason is that it is part of the slow food movement. When I really need to reconnect to my significant other, dinner here is a great leisurely meal with lots of adventure. If you are not willing to take the time to enjoy the experience, go to the Golden Corral buffet.
The food is excellent, the service has always been friendly and the wine list is spectacular. And we’ve picked up some interesting tips from the bartender as well. If you really want to appreciate and enjoy Justus, make a reservation, clear your evening calendar and relax. Its worth the trip.
I will never walk into this place again. I had intended to take a party of 7 there in a couple weeks - we are a group of friends that eat out once a month all over the city. We pride ourselves on the adventure of the group to variety and trying new places where none of us have gone before.
Justus will not seat a party greater than 6 people - telling me that the kitchen can not do more than 6 at a table and that our party would have to sit at TWO TABLES.
I went in on a weekday and told the hostess that we were planning a night out in two weeks with appetizers, entrees, dessert and drinks and that waiting for the 7th would not be an issue, but that we wanted to sit at one table.
The hostess told me that she would have to check with the kitchen. She returned to tell me that we would have to sit at two tables - 4 at one and 3 at the other and that they would try to get us as close together as possible.
I told her that it this arrangement was not acceptable and that they would not have our business.
Buyer Beware!
Rating Detail:
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Value: 1
Overall: 1
The Justus's have a long history with the city of Smithville, and my childhood is filled with memories of getting cold drinks on hot summer days from the soda fountain that was in the old drugstore. While the city was sad to see the institution go, with the return of Jonathan and Camille, the place has been reborn into something no one ever expected to thrive in a small town Smithville.
In supporting exclusively local products including high grade ethically butchered grass fed beef from just down the road in Tremble, and a vast array of local organics they are able to capture the primary principle of French cuisine: start with fresh ingredients. Jonathan's French culinary education is evident in the subtle, yet complex flavors that seem to hit you, and then gently unfold in your mouth. The cocktails Camille cooks up are also a treat. The desserts are truly works of art with sugary projections jutting out from the plate. The menu is small, but that doesn't keep it from being a difficult decision, as there isn't a bad choice on it.
The success of this restaurant can be chalked up to quality. It has been written up in countless magazines, receiving national attention for the innovative menu and business practices. In short, it's worth the trek to Smithville. You would be wise to set aside the entire evening, as dinner here is not a quick affair, and make reservations at least two weeks in advance. It's the best restaurant in the in city, hands down, and one of the best in the country.
*Note: This review was written while living and dining in Paris, and craving a meal at Justus's.
Rating Detail:
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Value: 5
Overall: 5
Went to Justus the first time the other day. Went last minute with no reservation on a tuesday night. We expected to wait. 1 hour wait for the patio. No biggie, had a drink and sat around and looked over the place. After the hour finally got seated on patio. 45 minutes later we got our drinks we orderd. 1 hour after that we got our entree...a kobe burger.
Now if we had orderd a full meal I would have expected a wait, but we are now 2 hours and 45 minutes into getting two drinks and a burger on the patio. An hour later we finally finish dessert and can leave.
Here are the cold hard facts....
3 hours and 45 minutes to get served a burger on the patio. Sorry, Justus, no matter how you spread the home made condiments...this is completely unacceptable.
We are going to try dining inside next time. If we have a similar experience, then no matter how tasty the food might be, we will not be back.
We understand that they are actually "cooking" all the food. A leisurely meal is certainly nice, but waiting for trees to grow and fruit to ripen so you can serve it is a little tedious for your cutomers. The patio should have a quicker service time. The menu is grilled burgers and sausages.....
the jury is out.
Rating Detail:
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4
Value: 2
Overall: 2
This restaurant is one of the few that actually have to pay for there good reviews...seriously! I visited with my family on June 28th at around 5:45 p.m. a Saturday they told us there was no way we could get in that evening, that they were too busy, but if we would like to sit on the patio we could get in right away. We arrive...i talk to hostess that tells me that there is no room for our party of 5! (empty tables everywhere) until i tell her we called 10 minutes earlier and that they told me that they could seat us on the patio...so she says let me check (undecided). I explained to my party that i did not think they wanted our business since she ignored me 10 minutes after stating she would be right back...blah blah blah! ten minutes later she chases me out to my car and says no problem we can seat you... so we all proceed to unload the car and head to our table....so good so far! (ya right)! until we are finished with our 22nd glass of water 1 hour later and told that two of our entree's have been given to a different party and that the owner would like to buy us desert for our inconvenience. I myself am not a big desert person so i pass....the other partie members take advantage of her offer and order desert (bad idea) they bring me the bill and charge me for all 4 deserts that were suppose to be free. I tell the waiter and he starts shaking uncontrollably because he says we were only suppose to get 1 free desert...but they charged me for all 4...huh...what's that all about? anyway my experience was terrible to say the least...food sucks, service is even worse and my poor sister has to live in the same town as this phony restaurant!
Rating Detail:
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2
Value: 1
Overall: 1
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