There is something special about walking into a restaurant that instantly makes you want to linger. At Casa Ama, that feeling is by design.The newest concept from Billie’s Grocery owner Robin Krause, Casa Ama brings a fresh perspective to Kansas City's dining scene with modern Mexican inspired cuisine, vibrant design, and a hospitality-first approach that invites guests to settle in for an evening of great food, cocktails, and conversation.
"It felt like the right moment creatively for Robin," says Marie Effertz, Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy for Casa Ama. "Billie's Grocery has such a strong identity in the daytime space, and Casa Ama gave her the opportunity to explore a different side of hospitality with dinner, drinks, music, atmosphere, and staying out a little longer."
The name itself sets the tone. Loosely translated as "the house that loves," Casa Ama reflects the team's vision of creating more than just a restaurant.
"To us, 'the house that loves' means creating a place where people feel genuinely cared for," Effertz says. "A place that feels welcoming, lively, full of warmth, and one that you want to return to time and time again."
While Kansas City is already home to an impressive collection of Mexican restaurants, Casa Ama isn't trying to replicate what's already here. Instead, the restaurant offers its own thoughtful interpretation of Mexican inspired cuisine by honoring traditional flavors while incorporating carefully selected global influences.
"Our menu is rooted in a genuine appreciation for Mexican flavors and traditions," Krause explains. "We honor those foundations while thoughtfully incorporating complementary ingredients and techniques from around the world."
Those influences come together in unexpected but balanced ways, like sesame oil paired with Mexican chiles or soy ginger glaze served alongside citrus chile sauce on whole fish. The result is a menu that feels both familiar and full of discovery.
The culinary philosophy grew naturally from years of teaching cooking classes at Billie’s Grocery.
"Every class has been an opportunity not only to teach, but also to keep learning ourselves," Krause says. "We've explored new techniques, ingredients, and culinary traditions from around the world, and that curiosity naturally carried into Casa Ama."
Guests will find bright, shareable dishes inspired not only by Mexico, but also the Southwest, the Mediterranean, Italy, and parts of Asia. From fresh aguachiles and ceviches to grilled meats, vibrant vegetable dishes, and whole fish, the menu encourages gathering around the table.
For first time visitors, Krause already has a game plan.
"The fajitas are definitely a signature dish," she says. "I'd also tell people not to skip the Pollo en Mole or shrimp coctel and one of our Casa-rita cocktails. The menu really shines when the table has a mix of fresh, smoky, savory, and citrusy flavors happening all at once."
Among all the dishes, the Pollo en Mole holds a particularly meaningful place.
"I spent months working on it because I knew it had to feel right," Krause says. "I studied recipes from different regions of Mexico, tested countless variations, and experimented with everything from different types of bread and tortillas to seven kinds of chocolate."
That careful attention to detail extends well beyond the kitchen. Designed in collaboration with Stephanie Agne of Retreat Interiors, Casa Ama balances clean, modern design with warmth and personality. White brick, handcrafted ceramics, colorful blue tile, lush greenery, and warm wood create an atmosphere that feels both elevated and comfortable. The space will continue evolving with handcrafted textiles and artwork sourced from Mexico City, giving it a collected feel inspired by travel rather than imitation.
"I wanted Casa Ama to feel collected rather than copied, with layers that tell a story," Krause says.
Hospitality remains the foundation that ties every detail together.
"Great food and beautiful design bring people in, but it's how they are treated that makes them want to come back," Krause says. "Every day we're refining, listening, and finding new ways to make the experience better and make guests feel more at home."
That commitment extends to accommodating a variety of dining preferences. Most of the menu is naturally gluten free, and guests will also find several vegetarian options, including a mushroom taco featuring mushroom tofu pâté and morita salsa roja, along with flavorful vegetable fajitas.
Although Casa Ama has only recently opened, the team already has exciting plans ahead. Weekend brunch, Sunday service, and the opening of the Agave Room for private celebrations are all on the horizon.
"We're just getting started," Krause says. "My hope is that Casa Ama becomes more than just a place to eat. It's a place where people gather and celebrate life's moments."
For Prairie Village, Leawood, and the greater Kansas City community, Casa Ama hopes to become exactly that: a welcoming neighborhood destination where exceptional food, thoughtful design, and heartfelt hospitality come together to create an experience guests will want to revisit again and again.
For more information visit https://www.thisiscasaama.com/