Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Kansas City | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Kansas City | Upscale Italian Food

• Fevere — Italian · rated 5/5: The air at Fevere is thick with the comforting perfume of toasted grain and fresh herbs, drawing visitors into a space where the ancient art of the hearth takes center stage. Hand-dusted loaves like the savory rosemary polenta and the citrus-kissed olive lemon bread boast crackling crusts and airy, tender crumbs that celebrate the simple beauty of flour, water, and time. Whether it’s a classic, golden baguette or a fruit-studded orchard loaf, every bake offers a sensory journey through rustic textures and deep, soulful flavors.
• Parlor — Italian · rated 3/5: Parlor serves as a vibrant social sanctuary where the rhythmic shake of cocktails and the bright pop of champagne bottles set the stage for spirited gatherings. The space hums with an effortless energy, offering everything from crisp, effervescent mimosas to perfectly balanced draft cocktails that keep the conversation flowing long into the afternoon. It is a stylish yet approachable retreat where every pour is designed to elevate the art of the casual neighborhood get-together.
• Vita's Place — Italian · rated 3/5: Vita’s Place invites guests into an intimate, sophisticated sanctuary where the vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean is captured in every thoughtfully composed small plate. The air hums with energy as diners share artisanal treasures, from creamy ricotta drizzled with spicy Calabrian honey to delicate ribbons of Serrano ham and citrus-brightened jumbo lump crab. It is a space where rustic charm meets modern elegance, offering a sensory journey through salty cured meats, sharp aged cheeses, and the bright, peppery notes of house-made pestos.
• SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza — Italian: Sunlight streams into this vibrant, modern eatery where the rhythmic toss of hand-spun dough and the crackle of stone ovens create a lively backdrop for a spirited meal. Each pizza emerges from the heat with a perfectly charred, bubbly crust, topped with a creative array of fresh ingredients that offer a playful twist on Neapolitan traditions. Crisp, garden-fresh salads and a curated selection of wines round out the experience, making it an inviting destination for a relaxed family night out or a cheerful gathering with friends.
• Pizza Man — Italian: This lively neighborhood cornerstone hums with the energy of a classic pizzeria, where the air is thick with the savory scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted dough. Hand-tossed crusts emerge from the oven with a perfect char, topped with vibrant sauces and molten cheese that stretch with every slice. Whether grabbing a quick slice at the counter or settling into a booth for a family feast, guests find a timeless comfort in every bite of these expertly crafted pies.
• Pizza Shoppe — Italian: Step into a nostalgic neighborhood haunt where the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted dough fills the air, inviting guests to settle into cozy booths under the glow of warm, amber lighting. Artisanal pies emerge from the oven with perfectly blistered crusts and vibrant toppings, offering a masterclass in simple, soulful flavors that turn a casual meal into a cherished tradition.
• Viona's Italian Bistro — Italian: Viona’s Italian Bistro captures the soul of a neighborhood gathering spot, where the golden glow of soft lighting meets the intoxicating aroma of garlic, basil, and simmering sauces. Guests are treated to a symphony of flavors through silken, hand-crafted pastas and rustic plates that celebrate the simplicity of Italian tradition, all served in a space that hums with the warmth of genuine hospitality. It is an inviting sanctuary where every glass of wine and shared plate feels like a celebration of the slow, savory art of dining.
• Sarpino's Pizza — Italian: The air fills with the irresistible scent of hand-kneaded dough and bubbling mozzarella as artisanal pizzas emerge golden-brown from the oven, topped with a vibrant tapestry of garden-fresh ingredients. Each slice delivers a comforting harmony of zesty sauces and premium meats, elevating the classic convenience of a neighborhood pizzeria into a gourmet experience that satisfies both late-night cravings and bustling family gatherings.
• Johnny Jo's Pizza — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the warm glow of the oven define this intimate neighborhood haunt, where the air is thick with the aroma of simmering tomato sauce and toasted garlic. Each hand-tossed pie emerges with a crisp, blistered crust and molten cheese, offering a soulful dining experience that feels like a cherished local secret.
• Cupini's — Italian: Step into a sun-drenched, bustling Italian deli where the rhythmic sound of pasta being hand-cut and the savory aroma of slow-simmered pomodoro create an atmosphere of effortless charm. Guests gather around rustic tables to feast on silken, house-made noodles and crusty paninis, finding a slice of authentic Mediterranean warmth in every vibrant, flour-dusted corner.
• Simon's Pasta — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the rhythmic hum of a pasta machine define this intimate sanctuary, where the comforting aroma of slow-simmered sauces fills the air. Guests gather around rustic tables to twirl golden strands of house-made noodles tossed in vibrant, seasonal ingredients that celebrate the simple joy of a perfectly crafted bowl.
• Gusto Coffee Bistro — Italian: The rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine provides a steady heartbeat for this sun-drenched sanctuary, where the aroma of freshly ground beans mingles with the comforting scent of golden-toasted sourdough. Guests find solace in velvety lattes and vibrant, seasonal bistro plates, settling into cozy nooks that offer a peaceful reprieve from the bustling world outside. This neighborhood gem transforms the simple ritual of a coffee break into a soulful, lingering experience.
• Long-Bell Pizzaria — Italian: Sunlight dances across reclaimed wood and industrial accents in this lively neighborhood haunt, where the intoxicating aroma of blistered dough and melting mozzarella beckons from the street. Artisanal pizzas emerge from the heat with a signature char, balancing crisp edges with chewy centers and a symphony of fresh, vibrant toppings. It is a spirited gathering place where the hum of conversation and the clink of chilled glasses turn a simple meal into a soulful celebration of craft and community.
• Bacaro Primo — Italian: Bacaro Primo captures the spirited energy of a Venetian tavern, where the clink of wine glasses and the hum of conversation fill a space adorned with warm wood and soft, golden light. Guests linger over an ever-changing array of artisanal cicchetti and hand-rolled pastas that celebrate the bold, sun-drenched flavors of Italy. It is a sanctuary of conviviality where every pour of crisp prosecco and every shared plate invites you to slow down and savor the timeless art of the Italian aperitivo.
• The Wise Guy — Italian: The Wise Guy hums with a cinematic, speakeasy energy, drawing guests into a world of dim lighting, rich leather, and the enticing aroma of flame-kissed meats and savory reductions. Here, the art of the craft cocktail meets a menu of bold, soulful plates that reinvent classic indulgence with a sharp, modern swagger.
• Dewey's Pizza — Italian: Flour dusts the air in this high-energy neighborhood haunt, where the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough provides a theatrical backdrop to a vibrant, light-filled dining room. Creative, gourmet toppings transform each thin-crust canvas into a culinary discovery, perfectly complemented by crisp, garden-fresh salads and a curated selection of local craft brews. The atmosphere hums with an upbeat soundtrack and the inviting warmth of the stone oven, making every visit feel like a celebratory slice of local life.
• Mamma Leone's — Italian: Stepping into Mamma Leone’s feels like entering a sun-drenched kitchen in the heart of Italy, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of slow-simmered pomodoro and toasted garlic. Velvety ribbons of handmade pasta and golden, bubbling lasagnas take center stage on candlelit tables, inviting guests to linger over bottles of robust red wine and lively conversation. It is a soulful sanctuary where time slows down, celebrating the timeless joy of a home-cooked meal shared among friends and family.
• Anton's — American: Stepping into Anton's feels like a warm embrace from a bygone era, where polished wood and soft candlelight create a nostalgic sanctuary for long, wine-soaked evenings. The kitchen breathes new life into classic European comfort, sending out plates of buttery, hand-rolled pastas and perfectly seasoned roasts that celebrate the timeless elegance of a well-cooked meal.
• Lidia's — Italian: Lidia’s welcomes guests into a warm, sophisticated sanctuary where the enticing aroma of slow-simmered sauces and toasted herbs drifts from an open, bustling kitchen. Hand-crafted pastas and seasonal treasures are elevated into soulful masterpieces, creating a dining experience that feels like both a refined celebration and a heartfelt invitation to a grand family table.
• Rosati's Pizzeria — Italian: The air at Rosati's Pizzeria is thick with the irresistible aroma of rising dough and savory garlic, drawing guests into a warm space where the legacy of authentic Chicago-style pizza takes center stage. From the satisfying snap of a thin-crust slice to the decadent layers of a deep-dish pie overflowing with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, each dish offers a nostalgic journey through hearty Italian-American comfort.
• Johnny Cascone's — Italian: This storied neighborhood landmark envelops guests in the warm embrace of old-school Italian hospitality, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered marinara and sizzling garlic. Hearty plates of handmade pasta and tender, cheese-laden classics arrive at candlelit tables, offering a soulful taste of tradition that feels like a timeless Sunday dinner shared among family.
• il Lazzerone — Italian: The golden glow of a massive wood-burning oven serves as the heartbeat of this vibrant space, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of charred dough and bubbling San Marzano tomatoes. Artisanal Neapolitan pies emerge from the flames with perfectly blistered crusts and molten centers, offering a masterclass in traditional technique within an atmosphere of industrial-chic warmth. A sprawling collection of craft beers and rare whiskeys complements the smoky flavors, creating a lively destination where old-world soul meets modern energy.
• SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza — Italian: Vibrant energy fills this modern pizzeria, where the rhythmic toss of hand-spun dough and the golden glow of stone ovens create a backdrop for artisanal Neapolitan pies. Each blistered, thin-crust creation emerges with a perfect char, inviting guests to linger over colorful seasonal salads and crisp glasses of wine in a space that feels both effortlessly stylish and warmly welcoming.
• Chuck E. Cheese — Italian: A kaleidoscope of neon lights and rhythmic arcade chimes, this high-energy destination pulses with the pure, unbridled joy of childhood celebration. The air carries the nostalgic aroma of bubbling mozzarella and golden-baked dough, providing a savory anchor to an afternoon spent navigating a vibrant wonderland of games and whimsical performances.
• Square Pizza — Italian: Step into a vibrant, sun-drenched space where the comforting aroma of bubbling mozzarella and golden, toasted dough invites long afternoons of communal dining. Thick, airy crusts serve as the canvas for vibrant seasonal toppings, each slice boasting the signature crispy, caramelized edges that define the perfect square pie. Whether shared over chilled craft beers or enjoyed as a quick, crunchy bite on the go, the experience offers a nostalgic yet elevated take on the classic neighborhood pizza parlor.
• Sarpino's Pizzeria — Italian: The warm, inviting scent of hand-stretched dough and zesty tomato sauce greets guests, setting the stage for a dining experience defined by artisanal flair and generous toppings. Each pizza emerges from the oven with a perfectly crisp, golden crust and a blanket of molten cheese, creating a savory masterpiece that brings the comforting essence of a traditional Italian kitchen to the modern table.
• Paulie D's Pizza — Italian: Paulie D’s Pizza captures the bustling energy of a classic neighborhood parlor, where the scent of toasted dough and zesty marinara draws guests into a space filled with warmth and conversation. Hand-tossed pies emerge from the oven with beautifully blistered crusts and molten cheese, offering a soulful dining experience that honors the simple, irresistible joy of an authentic slice.
• Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe — American: The air hums with the energy of a bustling neighborhood haunt, thick with the irresistible scent of artisan bread crisping to a golden brown in the oven. Here, toasted sandwiches are elevated to an art form, layered with premium meats and vibrant produce, while thin-crust pizzas and savory soups offer a comforting embrace for the soul. It is a welcoming retreat where fresh ingredients and bold flavors converge, turning a simple meal into a satisfying, sensory escape.
• Farina — Italian: This intimate culinary haven celebrates the elemental beauty of grain, where the air is perpetually scented with the comforting aroma of toasted flour and simmering pomodoro. Guests gather around rustic tables to witness the artistry of hand-stretched dough being transformed into silken pastas and charred, bubbly crusts that anchor a menu of soulful, heritage-driven flavors. It is a space where the tactile joy of the kitchen meets a warm, communal energy, turning every meal into a heartfelt tribute to the simplicity of the Italian table.
• Pizza Shuttle — Italian: This high-energy neighborhood staple pulses with the aroma of bubbling mozzarella and savory toppings, serving as a beacon for those seeking the ultimate comfort of a perfectly baked pie. Golden, chewy crusts provide the canvas for a symphony of melted cheeses and zesty sauces, creating a vibrant atmosphere where the simple joy of a hot, fresh pizza is delivered with speed and spirit.