History
Ventana Gourmet Grill was established in 2002 by sisters Jill Rickart and Wendy Baldwin, who wanted to bring great food, great service and great ambience back to the diners of Excelsior Springs and its’ many visitors. Ventana is located in a building that dates back to the 1890s in the National Register Hall of Waters District. The atmosphere is relaxed with bistro-style furnishings, exposed brick walls, tin ceilings and wood flooring.
Over the years, the restaurant has become a favorite for locals, both for dining and meeting for specials occasions. Expanding into an adjacent building allowed a separate space for special occasions such as wedding rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, graduation parties and community meetings.
The restaurant has been recognized with local awards, was a feature in Home in the Northland April/May 2012 edition, and was also featured on KCPT’s food program Check, Please! Kansas City in 2010. The restaurant received a Trip Advisor Award in 2019.
