The Best Italian Food in Kansas City: A Delicious Journey

Are you a foodie seeking the best Italian food in Kansas City? Look no further! Kansas City is known for its BBQ, but you might be surprised by the variety and quality of Italian cuisine in the city. From classic dishes to modern twists, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll guide you through 15 of the best Italian restaurants in Kansas City, highlighting their specialties and what makes them stand out. So, get ready to indulge in the flavors of Italy in the heart of the Midwest.

What Makes Italian Food So Special?

Italian cuisine is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. From pasta to pizza, Italian food is all about letting the ingredients speak for themselves. With a focus on regional specialties and homemade traditions, Italian food is a celebration of both food and culture. In Kansas City, Italian restaurants have adapted to the local palate while staying true to their roots. Here are some of our top picks for the best Italian food in Kansas City.

1. Il Lazzerone

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Il Lazzerone is a beloved Kansas City institution known for its Neapolitan-style pizza. Their wood-fired oven creates the perfect pizza crust, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Their pasta dishes are also top-notch, with homemade sauces bursting with flavor. Don’t miss their wine selection, which features Italian wines you won’t find anywhere else in Kansas City.

2. Jasper’s Italian Restaurant

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Jasper’s Italian Restaurant has been serving up classic Italian dishes since 1954. Their menu features favorites like spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna, alongside more modern dishes like lobster ravioli. Jasper’s also offers an extensive wine list and a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family.

3. Lidia’s Kansas City

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Lidia’s Kansas City is the brainchild of celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich. This upscale Italian restaurant offers a taste of Italy with a focus on regional specialties. Don’t miss the pasta tasting menu, which allows you to sample a variety of homemade pastas. Lidia’s also has an extensive wine cellar, featuring both Italian and American wines.

4. Garozzo’s Ristorante

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Garozzo’s Ristorante is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been serving up authentic Italian dishes since 1989. Their signature dish is the Chicken Spiedini, a breaded chicken breast stuffed with a blend of cheeses and prosciutto. Garozzo’s is also known for its homemade sauces and freshly made pasta, as well as its extensive wine list.

5. Tavolino

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Tavolino is a cozy Italian restaurant that serves up classic dishes with a modern twist. Their menu features homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood. Don’t miss their happy hour, which features discounted drinks and appetizers. Tavolino also has a great selection of Italian wines and cocktails.

6. Caffetteria Modern Cafe & Marketplace

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Caffetteria Modern Cafe & Marketplace is both a coffee shop and Italian marketplace. Their menu features homemade pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas, as well as paninis and salads. Don’t miss their Italian marketplace, where you can buy authentic Italian ingredients and products to take home. Caffetteria also serves up great coffee and cocktails.

7. Cupini’s

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Cupini’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant that specializes in homemade pasta dishes. Their pasta is made fresh daily, and their sauces are all homemade. Don’t miss their lasagna or their carbonara. Cupini’s also has a great selection of Italian wines and desserts.

8. Piropos

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Piropos is an upscale restaurant that offers both Italian and Argentinean cuisine. Their Italian menu features homemade pastas and classic dishes like veal parmesan. Piropos also has an extensive wine list, featuring both Italian and Argentinean wines. Don’t miss their stunning rooftop patio, which offers panoramic views of Kansas City.

9. Giovanni’s

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Giovanni’s is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up classic Italian dishes since 1977. Their menu features favorites like spaghetti and meatballs and fettuccine Alfredo, as well as seafood dishes like shrimp scampi. Giovanni’s also has a great selection of Italian wines and desserts.

10. Bella Napoli

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Bella Napoli is a casual Italian restaurant that serves up wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta dishes. Their pizza is thin and crispy, with toppings like prosciutto and arugula. Bella Napoli also has a great selection of Italian beers and wines.

11. Tavernonna

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Tavernonna is an Italian restaurant located in the Hotel Phillips. Their menu features classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs and eggplant parmesan, as well as more modern dishes like lamb chops and seafood risotto. Tavernonna also has a great wine list, featuring Italian and American wines.

12. Cascone’s Italian Restaurant

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Cascone’s Italian Restaurant has been serving up classic Italian dishes since 1954. Their menu features favorites like spaghetti and meatballs and chicken parmesan, as well as seafood dishes like shrimp scampi. Cascone’s also has a great selection of Italian wines and desserts.

13. V’s Italiano Ristorante

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V’s Italiano Ristorante is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up classic Italian dishes since 1963. Their menu features all of the Italian classics, like spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna, as well as more modern dishes like eggplant parmesan and chicken marsala. V’s also has a great selection of Italian wines and desserts.

FAQ

1. What Makes Italian Food So Special?

Italian food is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. From pasta to pizza, Italian food is all about letting the ingredients speak for themselves. With a focus on regional specialties and homemade traditions, Italian food is a celebration of both food and culture. In Kansas City, Italian restaurants have adapted to the local palate while staying true to their roots.

2. What Are Some Classic Italian Dishes?

Classic Italian dishes include spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, chicken parmesan, and eggplant parmesan.

3. What Kind of Wine Should I Pair with Italian Food?

Italian food pairs well with Italian wines like Chianti, Barolo, and Pinot Grigio. However, don’t be afraid to try other types of wine as well.

4. What Makes Neapolitan-Style Pizza Different?

Neapolitan-style pizza is made with fresh, simple ingredients and cooked in a wood-fired oven. The crust is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

5. What Makes Homemade Pasta Better?

Homemade pasta is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and is cooked to order. This results in a more flavorful and tender pasta than store-bought varieties.

6. What is Spiedini?

Spiedini is a signature dish at Garozzo’s Ristorante. It is a breaded chicken breast stuffed with a blend of cheeses and prosciutto.

7. What is Carbonara?

Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish made with spaghetti, eggs, pancetta, and Parmesan cheese.

8. What is the Best Italian Restaurant in Kansas City?

There are many great Italian restaurants in Kansas City, but it ultimately depends on your personal taste. Try several and decide for yourself!

9. What is the Best Italian Dish to Order?

Again, this is subjective and depends on your personal taste. However, some popular Italian dishes include spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmesan.

10. Do Italian Restaurants in Kansas City Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, many Italian restaurants in Kansas City offer gluten-free pasta and other options. Be sure to ask your server.

11. What is the Dress Code at Italian Restaurants in Kansas