A small Japanese-style bar in Kansas City is getting national attention — and it could soon walk away with one of the biggest honors in the American food industry.
What Is Anjin?
Anjin is a Japanese izakaya-style restaurant located at 1708 Oak St. in Kansas City’s Crossroads neighborhood. It was created by chef and owner Nick Goellner and his wife, sommelier Leslie Newsam Goellner. The restaurant opened in July 2025 and has quickly become one of the most talked-about dining spots in the Midwest.
The Big News
Anjin has been named a finalist for the 2026 James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant award — often called the “Oscars of the food world.”
What’s on the Menu?
- Sake flights
- Fried pork collar sandwich
- Pickled mackerel
- A variety of skewers
- Soft serve ice cream in black sesame or strawberry
The restaurant features a U-shaped bar with an open kitchen, giving diners a full view of every dish being prepared.
Why It Matters for Kansas City
For a city that often gets overlooked in national food conversations, this nomination is a big deal.
“It just feels like the Midwest gets ignored a lot, so it’s definitely really amazing,” co-owner Leslie Newsam Goellner said after the announcement.
When Will the Winner Be Announced?
Winners will be revealed at the James Beard Awards Ceremony on June 15, 2026, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
If you haven’t visited Anjin yet, this might be the perfect time to go — before everyone else finds out.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
