A Guide to the Best Pizzerias in Kansas City

Kansas City is well-known for its barbecue but the city also for has fantastic pizzerias. These local places serve a variety of pizza styles, from classic Italian to innovative American-style pies.
In this guide, we'll feature five of the top pizzerias in the city. Each one has its own special way of making pizza, atmosphere, and unique recipes.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/providencebytheslice/

Located in a renovated 1940s gas station in Grandview, Providence Pizza adds a unique charm to the area. The owners gained their pizza-making skills from third-generation pizza makers in Brooklyn, but they add their own touch from Kansas City. They're famous for their "Pizza Lab" on Thursdays, where they try out unusual toppings like mushrooms found nearby and seasonal ingredients. The place has an open kitchen where you can see pizzas being made by hand to the sound of classic rock music.

Special feature: They have a sourdough starter named "Betty" that has been around since 1992.
Most popular dishes: Pepperoni Pizza Slice, Sicilian Pizza, East Coast Pizza Slice.

The Il Lazzarone brings a taste of Italy to the center of Kansas City. Their oven, which comes from Naples, weighs more than 6,000 pounds and can reach temperatures of up to 900 degrees. The walls are covered with black-and-white pictures of Naples from the 1950s, and the main pizza chef learned his craft in Italy. The restaurant has an official certificate from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which confirms its authenticity.
Special feature: They use flour that is delivered weekly directly from mills in Naples.

Most popular dishes: Pesto Pizza, Crepa Pizza, Pizza Caprese.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/il_lazzarone_kc/

A true neighborhood legend since 1987, this spot is housed in a former pharmacy, keeping the original storefront and wooden interior elements. Waldo Pizza boast the city’s largest selection of craft beer, with over 100 varieties. What makes them unique is that they offer three different types of dough, including gluten-free options, which are prepared in a separate kitchen.
Special feature: The walls are decorated with a collection of vintage beer signs gathered over 35+ years.

Most popular dishes: Veggie Pizza, Dessert Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza.

Operating since 1976, Minsky’s has become a Kansas City institution. Their first pizzeria is still open on 51st Street, keeping the original recipes. With 15 locations around the city, each one has its own character. They’re known for freshly grating their cheese blend every morning and using a family sauce recipe that’s now passed down to the third generation.

Special feature: They have a "Wall of Fame" featuring photos of famous customers over the past 45+ years.

Most popular dishes: Cheese Pizza, Cheeseburger Pizza, Prime Cut Pizza.

Photo Credit: google.com

Original Pizza - a true family-run business in Independence, managed by the same family for over 30 years. The interior resembles a typical Italian trattoria – red-and-white tablecloths, woven Chianti bottles, and old photos of Sicily. All the recipes come from the family’s hometown of Palermo, Italy.
Special feature: Every Sunday, they host "Family Nights," where kids can make their own pizza under the guidance of the chef.

Most popular dishes: Pepperoni Roll, Gluten Free Pizza, New York Style Pizza.

Photo Credit: google.com

Each spot offers something unique:

    Il Lazzarone regularly invites chefs from Italy.
    Waldo Pizza has a collection of board games for customers.
    Providence Pizza hosts jazz nights.
    Minsky’s has a rewards program for regular customers.
    Original Pizza offers Italian language lessons during dinner.