V Modern Italian, a DJ-curated "fast fine" Italian spot, is officially headed to Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza as the first confirmed restaurant for Drake Development’s Cocina 47 project. The chain promises a multi-sensory evening built around handcrafted pastas, spritzes and late-night DJ sets, a clear sign that developers are betting on fresh energy for dining and nightlife along 47th Street.
As reported by Startland News, V Modern Italian is the first confirmed tenant for the $35 million Cocina 47 development at 604 W. 47th St., with an opening targeted for late 2026 to early 2027. The outlet notes that Drake spent three years scouting premier operations before choosing V Modern; Startland does not specify that a lease has been signed for the street-level restaurant space.
What V Modern Brings
According to V Modern, the brand already operates in several U.S. markets and builds its menu around house-made pasta, sourdough pizza and a busy beverage program. The Tampa Bay Business Journal reports that the group is set to open a Tampa location this fall, underscoring a broader national expansion push.
Cocina 47 And The Plaza
According to Open Data KC (data.kcmo.org), a "Permit to Plant a Tree in City Right-of-Way" is listed for 604 W 47th St with coordinates 39.04273683642994,-94.5937768994696.
Drake Development describes Cocina 47 as a three-story, luxury, multi-tenant building with 20-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and patios overlooking the Plaza. The developer, which recently wrapped the nearby Jack Henry redevelopment, says the project is intended to restore destination dining to the 47th Street corridor, per Drake Development.
Plaza Reaction
Plaza-area leaders are greeting the news with enthusiasm. Kate Marshall, founder of the Plaza District Council, told Startland News that V Modern will be "a fantastic addition" and a strong fit for Matt Pennington’s vision for Cocina 47. Plaza retailer Keith Bradley said the deal signals renewed investor interest following the World Cup and could help revive the district’s evening scene.
What To Expect
Guests can expect shareable antipasti, table-side theatrics and a beverage program built around spritzes and European wines, with the vibe shifting from happy hour to DJ-curated late nights as the evening goes on. Startland News also reported that the operator plans to require reservations secured with a credit card and a 24-hour cancellation policy that carries a $15 per person fee. The company says it will release full menu and programming details as the opening draws closer. For now, construction and tenant build-outs are scheduled to continue through the rest of the year.
