A decade back, finding a decent slice meant trekking to some stuffy joint with checkered tablecloths and a guy named Vito behind the counter. Today? Kansas City’s pizza scene has exploded, proving you don’t need a reservation or a fancy address for a truly great pie. Whether you’re feeding the family or just craving a perfect slice, here are the spots where the crust is always right.
Artego Pizza
$ | (816) 960-4787 | WEBSITE
The Stockyard pizza on 39th Street is a slightly better delivery option, but the Philly cheesesteak pizza is very useful when you need a hot meal for weeknight dinner with someone in the neighborhood. It’s a popular spot filled with friendly staff and a couple of vegetarian choices, and they make some incredible wings. Get your order in early to guarantee yourself a fresh pie, and be aware that this place gets very busy on the weekend.
Johnny Jo’s Pizzeria
$ | (816) 401-4483 | WEBSITE
Johnny Jo’s Pizzeria is a Kansas City spot that specializes in authentic, true-to-style pizza slices that are a must-try. The New York-style slices here are large and packed with flavor, with a thick and crispy crust that’s perfect for folding. The balanced sauce and cheese make for a delicious combination, and you can also try the pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, and onions combo, as well as the new Italian Beef sandwich on Dutch crunch bread.
The pizzeria features a cute little Italian style building with unique decor, and the friendly staff enhances the overall experience. Orders may take around 45-50 minutes during peak hours, but the pizza is made fresh and offers a crispy, simple, and delicious taste at a good price. Don’t forget to grab a cute free friendship bracelet near the cash register! It’s recommended to check online for hours, as they are not always open consistently.
The Combine
$ | (816) 895-3036 | WEBSITE
At The Combine, all the pizzas are made from scratch, and the cocktails come from Gina. If that sounds straightforward, that’s because it is. But Gina also makes for some pretty memorable drinks, and it’s fun to sip on things like the Georgia Mule while the smell of freshly baked dough fills the air.
The space is welcoming and comfortable, and there’s plenty of room for large groups, but it’s a good place to bring someone who doesn’t know that this restaurant exists in the old Wonder Bread Building.
Marco’s Pizza
$$ | (816) 708-2300 | WEBSITE
Marco’s Pizza is a Kansas City classic that we probably talk about too much. But if you’re looking for a well-made pizza and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, it’s one of your best options. It feels a little like a family-owned spot run by people who genuinely care about every detail, and it’s exactly the sort of place you wish you had in your neighborhood.
Haha’s Pizza Hub
$ | (816) 702-0014 | WEBSITE
Haha’s Pizza Hub is equal parts pizza joint and takeout spot. But after dark, it’s mostly just takeout. The pizza menu is straightforward, and they do some interesting things with spicy chicken. So if you’re a spicy pizza fan, this is the place. Or if you like a nice crunch with fresh toppings, they have that, too. This place tends to get pretty chaotic with parking, but it never gets out of control, and you can usually find a table or two.
City Barrel Pizza + Patio
$ | (816) 214-8776 | WEBSITE
Walk into City Barrel Pizza + Patio on a Saturday night, and you’ll probably get a seat. This is remarkable because a) it’s in the bustling Waldo neighborhood, b) the local beers are consistently fantastic, and c) this place is more welcoming than most other spots in the area (although from the outside it doesn’t look like much).
The big outdoor patio feels like a family-friendly gathering space that happens to be perfect for birthday parties, and there’s both a vibrant atmosphere and a good number of tables where you can sit with friends, have some hazy IPAs, and eat phenomenal things like jalapeno buffalo wings and amazing pizza.
MOD Pizza
$ | (816) 875-5090 | WEBSITE
MOD Pizza is very much a go-to spot for those with dietary restrictions, but they take their food safety very seriously here. By which we mean, they follow proper procedures that actually make you feel comfortable eating. Although if you just want to build your own pizza with unlimited toppings and various sauces, you can do that, too. The next time you’re in Kansas City and need a place that accommodates dairy or gluten allergies while still serving delicious food, come here.
Milwaukee Delicatessen Company
$ | (816) 471-6900 | WEBSITE
We once had a slice of pizza here that was literally the size of our head. We wouldn’t recommend trying to finish it alone – but we respect the fact that they don’t skimp on portions, and our other visits here have been perfectly satisfying. Mostly, we like this place because it’s a cozy deli with plenty of seating where you can hang out with a small group or grab a casual meal in Kansas City.
There are also solid options like grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade tomato soup for when you accidentally order that massive pizza slice and need to balance it with something different.
Bella Napoli
$ | (816) 444-5041 | WEBSITE
Bella Napoli is very close to the ideal casual Italian restaurant. They serve excellent pizza, and you can come here in jeans (as long as you haven’t actually been gardening). This is a welcoming little spot where food doesn’t cost a fortune and they even serve some decent wine. So stop by and get a slice with some carbonara on the side. It’ll probably be noisy, because plenty of people like it for all the same reasons we do.
Nicky’s Pizza
$ | (816) 781-6500 | WEBSITE
Some days, you might crave a neighborhood pizza joint with big windows and cozy booths where you can settle in and order a casual slice at noon. Well, good news: that place exists, and it’s called Nicky’s Pizza. This is a little spot in Kansas City that feels like a cross between a classic family restaurant and something you’d find in a cozy Italian kitchen, and it’s a great neighborhood hangout to relax and enjoy a satisfying meal.
Northern Lights Pizza
$ | (816) 587-5050 | WEBSITE
Northern Lights Pizza might be the best pizza spot in Kansas City. It’s fresh and delicious, and there’s a no-skimping policy on toppings that keeps things from getting disappointing. They also make a lot of good pizzas here, and there are sides like garlic knots and breadsticks. Also, this place sort of feels like a little pizzeria that hasn’t cut corners in a decade (in a satisfying sort of way). Bring your appetite (and have a decent discount code), and you’ll be ahead of the craving.
Pizza 51
$ | (816) 531-1151 | WEBSITE
Our favorite place to grab a slice in downtown Olathe just might be the outdoor patio at Pizza 51. It has a few picnic tables and string lights, and we could hang out there for several hours. But if you show up and the tables are taken, there’s plenty of other seating inside the converted gas station. There’s also a great pizza called the ‘Italian sausage,’ as well as a cheese pizza for anyone who, against all odds, prefers something simpler.
Osteria Bianchi
$$ | (816) 222-4900 | WEBSITE
Osteria Bianchi is an Italian restaurant in Northland, and they serve dishes with ingredients like sweet peas, kanpachi, and hanger steak. We especially like the bread that comes fresh from the oven – although whatever you order, you’ll probably want to try several courses of it. To help you eat more, there’s some fantastic pasta like the sweet pea agnolotti and lasagna layered with rich sauce.
And if you enjoy cozy sophistication, there’s a warm dining room filled with tables and the passion of owners Kelly and Josh Bianchi, too.
Southside Mafia Pizzeria
$ | (816) 255-2621 | WEBSITE
The pizza at Southside Mafia Pizzeria is also seriously amazing, and it’s as good as they come. If you’ve never had the Hawaiian pizza before, order one here. It’s like a classic pizza, but for people who want pineapple without the judgment. This is a nice little hidden gem in Kansas City, and it doesn’t get too crowded on weeknights. Also, the booths are comfortable (and very red), and there’s a jukebox in the corner.
Hot Rocks Pizza Kitchen
$ | (816) 209-1616 | WEBSITE
We’re going to go out on a limb and assume that Hot Rocks Pizza Kitchen is run by the same folks behind some of the city’s best pizzerias because a) they have a consistently delicious, fresh pizza with that flavorful crust everyone loves, and b) they have that same welcoming, kid-friendly vibe with the vast game room. This is also the sort of place where you can order a beer from their praised selection and not feel out of place.
They won’t mind if you’re there for a family dinner or just grabbing drinks, and you can safely bring either your kids or a group of friends.
You Say Tomato
$ | (816) 536-6197 | WEBSITE
You Say Tomato is in Kansas City, and it’s a nice, casual place to get a good breakfast or lunch. Sure, they have a standout breakfast casserole – but it’s all pretty delicious. (The mushroom and sausage gravy is what makes it.) The restaurant itself isn’t huge, but there’s a large selection of fresh dishes, and whoever you’re eating with will probably appreciate the fact that the cinnamon rolls are some of the best in town.
Waldo Pizza
$ | (816) 363-5242 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving St. Louis-style pizza in Kansas City, head to Waldo Pizza. The dining area isn’t massive, but there’s a family-style setup and a few booths that are ideal for enjoying their amazing pies with friends or family. There’s also a lunch buffet in the front offering plenty of options for meat-lovers, including their standout meat-lovers pizza with robust flavor and great crust. The service is highly praised, with attentive staff like Cassie making sure you feel welcome.
While delivery can be slow at times, the food is definitely worth a visit, especially with their renowned garlic cheese bread add-on and fresh salad bar with homemade garlic ranch dressing. The new parking situation, created by ongoing city street construction, has been praised as wonderful, making access easier than before. Overall, Waldo Pizza delivers delicious food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.
Il Lazzarone Pizza
$ | (816) 541-3695 | WEBSITE
If you’re in the City Market craving pizza, try Il Lazzarone. It’s a cozy spot with an open floor design and an old-school wood fire oven, and it kind of feels like it should be in Naples. It’s perfect for a family meal on a weeknight, and it gets pretty lively (with happy hour specials) on weekends. Grab a slice with the authentic D.O.C. toppings and share it with someone at the impressive bar. That’s called a good time.
