In the heart of Columbia, Missouri, a restaurant is challenging the notion that the Midwest is just a “flyover zone” when it comes to fine dining. 🍽️
Flyover Restaurant is proving that Midwestern cuisine is anything but boring, offering a rotating menu of seasonal small plates with a distinctive Missouri twist.
The restaurant’s commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients means their menu changes daily.
They’d rather serve the best quality meal available than offer the same dishes with varying levels of freshness and taste.
Their wood-fired dishes showcase regional ingredients from local farms, creating a dining experience that feels both innovative and comfortingly familiar.
Food Highlights
- Soft Pretzels: Wood-fired Companion Bakery pretzel bread served with warm Boursin fondue topped with walnuts, dried cranberries, and thyme-infused Beyla Apiary honey. This dish consistently receives rave reviews and is a must-try according to multiple customers.
- “Chicken Fried” Cauliflower: Crisp fried cauliflower with smoked sweet potato puree, fresh goat cheese, arugula chimichurri, and local micro greens. 🌱 This vegetarian option is so flavorful and satisfying that it’s become one of their most popular dishes.
- Midwestern Carnitas: Wood-fired braised Patchwork Farms pork shoulder, served with rosemary and bacon roasted hominy, smoked sweet potato puree, and peppadew pepper and caper salsa crudo. Customers frequently mention this as a standout dish worth ordering again.
- Catfish: Corn meal and blackening spice fried catfish filet, Crystal hot sauce aioli dressed apple and cabbage “slaw”, and lemon caper remoulade. This dish showcases how Flyover elevates classic Midwestern fare with sophisticated techniques and flavor combinations.
- Fettuccine Bolognese: A rich ragu of ground beef, pork, veal, caramelized mirepoix, applewood smoked bacon, chili flake, and San Marzano tomatoes, finished with Parmigiano Reggiano and cold-pressed olive oil. 🍝 This pasta dish exemplifies their commitment to comfort food with an upscale twist.
Atmosphere
The ambiance at Flyover strikes a perfect balance between casual and upscale.
Diners describe it as both romantic and relaxed, making it suitable for special occasions or regular visits.
The restaurant isn’t huge, creating an intimate setting that encourages conversation and connection.
Their full-service bar is a highlight, offering craft cocktails that showcase Midwest beers, wines, and liquors. 🍸
The open kitchen with wood-fired cooking adds warmth and character to the space.
Regular patrons appreciate how the ever-changing menu makes each dining experience feel fresh and exciting.
Related: Folks Drive From All Over Missouri to Eat at This Top BBQ Spot
Bottom Line
Flyover Restaurant is redefining Midwestern cuisine one plate at a time.
With its commitment to local ingredients, innovative small plates designed for sharing, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for food enthusiasts looking to experience the true flavors of the Midwest.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through Columbia, this hidden gem is worth making a reservation for—and yes, reservations are strongly encouraged!
Address: 212 E. Green Meadows, Ste. 9, Columbia, Missouri 65205
📞 573-825-6036
🕔 Open Tuesday-Thursday: 4:30 PM-9:00 PM (Kitchen), 4:30 PM-10:00 PM (Bar); Friday-Saturday: 4:30 PM-10:00 PM; Closed Sundays