TOP 5: BEST PIZZA IN KANSAS CITY

Deliciousness at Il Lazzarone

I’ve been around for 33 years and have never met someone who doesn’t like pizza. Do those people even exist? Hope not. Anyway, Kansas City might have the best BBQ in the world and some amazing tacos, but we are no strangers to incredible pizza.

Yeah of course we ALL enjoy the big chain pies from Pizza Hut, Dominos, Papa John’s, etc. However, we don’t need to talk about them, instead I am going to share with you what I think are the best five local pizza spots in town and yes, I know there is a chance that you won’t agree with my list or that your favorite didn’t make it so I’m sorry in advance. That being said, please send more recs my way.

5. PIZZA 51. (WWW.PIZZA51.COM)

Pizza 51 takes me back to my college years at UMKC since it was a place I frequented often as a broke student. Located at the corner of 51st St. and Oak, this gem of a place used to be a gas station and still looks like one.

Owners Jason and Shannon Pryor opened their doors to a hungry public in 2004. Since then Pizza 51 has become an integral part of the Brookside and South Plaza neighborhoods. It is not just a pizza joint but also a college hangout spot but more often than not, hungry folk of all ages stop by to get a slice the size of their head.

Pizza 51 at UMKC

While their Highway Special is always a great choice, I personally enjoy creating my own, the Daniel Special, you might think I’m crazy but this combo hits different: pepperoni, banana peppers, pineapple and cream cheese. Yum!

4. PIZZA TASCIO (WWW.PIZZATASCIO.COM)

The Lombardino brothers have created a great family-owned business in Kansas City and the metro area. With 8 locations across the city, Pizza Tascio focuses on NY-Style, thin crust pies but also sell by-the-slice, which let me tell you, a slice will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.

Pizza Tascio strives on making the most authentic NY pies using only the highest quality ingredients possible. Perhaps one of the reasons they are so good is because they use Central Milling Organic flour, Organic Bianco Dinapoli Tomatoes, and 100% whole milk mozzarella.

One of 5 locations in the KC Metro

Their Red Tascio and White Tascio specialty pizzas are my favorite but they have many options when it comes to toppings. One that you might find interesting is the Upside Down, which has a layer of whole milk mozz beneath the sauce, topped with fresh Parmesan.

However, one of my favorite things about Pizza Tascio is their “Donate A Pie” option. When ordering online or by phone, you can choose this option, which is more than buying another pizza, it means they will craft an extra pie and donate it to a charity or people in need. Since this program started, people and Pizza Tascio have donated over 300 pizzas!

3. IL LAZZARONE (WWW.ILLAZZARONE.ORG)

With two locations (St. Joseph and the River Market), Il Lazzarone is perhaps the most traditional and authentic pizza you will eat in Kansas City. One of my favorite things is that their Acunto ovens are handmade with soil from the base of Mount Vesuvius by a family of fourth generation artisans. They are wood-fired and imported from Naples.

Il Lazzarone is a sit-down restaurant where you will be taken care of by always friendly staff instead of a takeout/quick bite kind of experience. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz and a fresh caprese salad before feasting on Neapolitan-style pizza from this family-owned business.

This year, Chef Erik and Leslie Borger are celebrating 10 years in business and guess who loves eating here? Yes, our three-time Super Bowl Champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Before moving on, I just want to ask you to please save some room for the life-changing desert pizza that is their Nutella Pizze (yes, with an e).

2. MINSKY’S (WWW.MINSKYS.COM)

A true Kansas City classic! Everyone knows about Minsky’s because they have been around since 1976, have 17 locations in the metro area and well, they are excellent. For Minsky’s, “Gourmet, and going to stay that way” is more than just a slogan. They have been voted “Kansas City’s Best Pizza” so many times and a lot of times feature mouthwatering collaborations with other local restaurants and recipes.

The two locations I frequent the most are the one in the River Market as well as the one right on the state line on Southwest Boulevard. You will always find friendly and cool staff, get fast service and if someone on your party isn’t feeling pizza, they have an array of options like chicken wings, Philly cheesesteaks, etc.

Perhaps one of the best pizzas I have ever had came from here. Their annual collab with Joe’s KC features the traditional cheesy pie with burnt ends, pickles and BBQ sauce. It’s to die for. They are also ALL about KC and our sports teams so you can always catch a Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC or Current games there!

1. BUFFALO STATE PIZZA (www.buffalostatepizza.com)

Without a doubt my number one, my fave, the one I’m most loyal to: Buffalo State! Located in the heart of the Crossroads District (they also have an Overland Park location), this place focuses on New York-style pizza. Not deep dish, not Cracker crust, not super artisanal, just your honest, old school, “New York Style Pie,” as well as featuring some great salads, appetizers and a full bar with local brews as well as some imports.  

Their incredible and ridiculously big specialty slices as well as whole pies range from a delicious vegetarian option like the Green Goddess all the way to the Mexican-inspired El Patron.

Personally I have tried all of their options and not one has disappointed. My top three are the Hawaiian Five-O, the Parma and the Buffalo Bill.

 Buffalo State Pizza is affordable and the ambiance at both their locations is chill and just right. When there is night weather, their patio features local musicians so be sure to check out their event calendar.