Nathan Washburn
Currently, this is the most important review I have ever written, and it may hold that title for my life. See… We came knowing we would enjoy great food. We could tell that much from the photos that have been shared by others. However, this was much more than just a great meal. The meal, coupled with the experience, was emotionally stirring. This experience was one I have always dreamed of having, after watching films, such as the Last Holiday. I did not expect this to be such an experience, and it was everything that I have dreamed and much more. Being that this was an experience that I’ve always longed for, and it exceeded my expectations in every way, my eyes welled up with tears of excitement and joy. The flavors blew me away. You could see the passion pouring from the staff, feel it in the atmosphere, and taste it in every single bite. Tucked away, in an old school gymnasium building, in a small town off Interstate 135, and about 20 minutes south of Salina, Kansas… Renaissance Cafe is a destination restaurant. I would take the 12 hour trip from home, only to enjoy the meals here.
… moreButch Moore
Started off with apologies, slow service and watching others come in after us and getting drinks first. Old fashions served over rocks instead of a big ice cube was heartbreaking. From there it a solid lettuce boat, different while needing more dressing. Finally our meal comes, wife bites into a shard of bone making her gums bleed. We are not ones to complain and already tired of the 2hr meal experience, we left quietly. I do this so you don’t have to. Hard pass for a 2 experience
… moreJerry D. Voss
This hidden gem is just that! It is a sleeper for sure, unless you know about it! Plenty of parking. No traffic to fight. Easy to find. The ambience in this joint is very fitting and comforting. There are more choices for drinks than there are for food, which is great because they make it easy to find something new. I had the Black Cherry Old Fashioned and I was very happy with that. The dining area is cozy, but if there is a party in the basketball court area,,,, that echos a lot and can be a bit loud. The salmon starting bite was great, the blueberry sorbet for cleansing our pallet between our app and entrée was really nice. Over all, all our food was very tasty.
This place is a great First Date location as well as a nice date night place. It is a special dinner café!
… moreCourtney Train
Such a unique and exquisite gem in a tiny town of Kansas. Gourmet food.
Service can be a little slow, but that’s okay since it’s so gourmet and fancy! Great place to be for hours, so bring your favorite people!
… moreLance Tilton
I have eaten a lot of places around this country, as my wife and I travel to eat great food. This was hands down one of the best meals I’ve ever had, start to finish. Service by Adrianna (also the executive chef) was amazing and friendly. Our only tiny complaint re: service was the time it took to get our first dish; other than that, the pace was great. The arugula salad was fresh, my 16oz ribeye was one of the best steaks I have ever had, my wife really loved her salmon, and our friends really enjoyed their rack of lamb. The anitpasti platter is a must-order. And the atmosphere is 100% unique – inside of an old elementary school, complete with the old theater-style basketball court. Simply put – Drive to Assaria, KS and have one of the best culinary experiences of your life.
… moreHeinousActual
If you are looking for delicious food and a nice atmosphere this is the place! It’s out of the way but worth the drive. The lasagna was amazing and the presentation was superb. Being from Kansas there isn’t much opportunity for “fine dining” but this cafe meets my mark!!! Everything was hot, fresh and made to order and although my partner and I don’t drink, they have a large wine selection. Go indulge in some amazing food!!!!
… moreKimberely Matous
I was so excited to try this place. Sadly I was disappointed. Appetizer was not very good. Soup I could have made myself. Caesar salad disappointing. Steaks good but barely warm with cold vegetables. Sad to say I won’t come back. I love gourmet food. This wasn’t it. I’ll pay good money for good food. This is overpriced
… moreK S
We love this place! Such a unique gem in Kansas, with amazingly crafted entree’s well paired with complimenting wines. I just can’t say enough about it, the entire atmosphere, service and detail afforded to a meal – this is it. Prepare to spend 2-3 hours truly enjoying the meal experience, this isn’t Applebee’s. You won’t be disappointed!
… moreamanda norman
We really enjoy this place. It’s perfect for a quiet dinner. The menu is incredible. The full bar and experienced bartenders offer endless drink options. Walking around the old gym, looking at the pictures and books is such a unique, nostalgic atmosphere.
… moreRon Roelfs
After reading a list of great reviews, we booked on open table and gave it a try. It was excellent! Everything was beautifully presented, wait staff was knowledgable, and the food was delicious.
We’ll be back our next trip to Kansas.
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