By Kristina Light, KCParent.com

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to raise children with diverse culinary palates? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they thought sampling new food was fun and adventurous? This is possible thanks to the terrific variety of ethnic restaurants in Kansas City where children are welcome and the food is fun!

Here are the top picks in my family:

1. What is more fun than watching a chef juggle knives, create an onion volcano or throw shrimp into Daddy’s mouth? Our favorite out to eat treat is a trip to our local Hibachi Restaurants. Three we love: Gojo Japanese Steakhouse (4163 Broadway St, KCMO), Kobe Japanese Steakhouse (19800 E. Valleyview Parkway, Independence, MO), and Shogun Japanese Steakhouse (12028 W. 95th St. Lenexa, KS).
    
2. Journey to Greece at Tasso’s Greek Restaurant (8411 Wornall Rd). The Gyro meat is juicy and tender, the Kabobs are delicious, the flaming cheese is a great delicacy… but the live music, dancing and plate breaking makes great fun!   
    
3. Make a trip to Brazil one of the Plaza’s newest restaurants, which is also one of the most fun! Fogo de Chao (222 W. 47th St, KCMO), features an authentic Brazilian churrascaria dining format, where patrons enjoy skewered fire-roasted meats served by Gaucho chefs throughout their meal.
    
4. Fancy Ireland? O’Dowd’s Little Dublin Restaurant (4742 Pennsylvania on the Plaza) feels Irish because it is. Nearly all of the woodwork was handcrafted and imported directly from Ireland! Bring a hearty appetite! 
    
5. To enjoy an authentic Czech meal, visit the Kolache Factory (7112 W. 135th St, OPKS). They are only open for breakfast and lunch, but you can purchase bakery kolaches to serve at home.
    
6. For a taste of Germany, visit Werners (5736 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS). Werners is a great casual lunch spot. You can eat outdoors or inside and enjoy European style sausages, sandwiches and  Schnitzel. The strudel is a delicious dessert.
    
7. Ethiopian Cuisine has been served at theBlue Nile Café for ten years (Three locations: 20 E. 5th St. KCMO, 2020 Main St., or on W. 39th St). My girls loved the Sambusa, an Ethiopian appetizer pastry filled with veggies, beef and spices.
    
8. Try Mongolian BBQ where you build your OWN plate at this all-you-can-eat restaurant. The buffet line boasts noodles, vegetables, a variety of meats, oils and spices. You'll even find a "cheat sheet" with suggested seasoning to suit your taste. The chefs cook right before your eyes and you won't leave hungry! Our favorite is Genghis Khan (Two Locations: 3906 Bell, KCMO. or 8634 N. Boardwalk. KCMO).

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