Columbus Park, also known as the North End, was Kansas City's original Little Italy, settled by Italian immigrants in the late 1800s who worked around the nearby City Market. The neighborhood gave rise to chicken spiedini — marinated chicken skewered, breaded, and grilled — a KC-Italian signature dish you won't find quite the same way anywhere else.
Home of Chicken Spiedini
While Columbus Park has shrunk from its early-1900s peak, and a couple of once-iconic institutions have closed over the years, the neighborhood's surviving restaurants still serve the red-sauce classics and spiedini that made KC Italian food its own regional style.
Top Italian Spots
Garozzo's Ristorante
Columbus Park • Classic red-sauce Italian-American
Open since 1989 and famous for its chicken spiedini, this is the neighborhood's flagship Italian restaurant.
Cascone's Grill
Columbus Park (5th Street) • Old-school breakfast & lunch counter
Family-run since 1930, a historic breakfast-and-lunch-only spot right next to the streetcar stop.
The North End
Upper Columbus Park • Italian-American bar & eatery
A hole-in-the-wall neighborhood bar serving classics like chicken parm and lobster ravioli.
🏆 Our Picks
Best Overall: Garozzo's Ristorante - the chicken spiedini that defines KC Italian
Best Historic: Cascone's Grill - a breakfast counter running since 1930
Best Hidden Gem: The North End - neighborhood bar classics
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Spin for Kansas City ItalianFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best Italian restaurants in Kansas City?
Some standout Italian spots in Kansas City featured in this guide include Garozzo's Ristorante, Cascone's Grill and The North End.
How do I find Italian restaurants near me in Kansas City?
Use ChooseMy.Food's free restaurant picker — set your location to Kansas City, filter by Italian, and spin the wheel for an instant pick from a top-rated nearby restaurant.
When's the best time to visit Italian restaurants in Kansas City?
Weekday evenings and early lunch hours typically mean shorter waits at popular spots. For weekend visits, consider going early or booking a reservation where available.