Italian, Kansas City

Located in a renovated railway freight house behind Union Station, and sporting exposed ceiling beams, brick walls, and an outdoor patio, this very popular restaurant (owned by PBS culinary star Lidia Bastianich) specializes in excellent yet affordable Northern Italian cuisine.

Favorite Dish: Try the three-pasta sampler, delivered to your plate straight from the kitchen via a frying pan (you can have as much as you wish) Also try the Tiramsu dessert.

This is a amazing little Italian restaurant that I recently discovered and I'm not the only one cause they are expanding cause buisness is doing so good. The food tastle like it came directly from Italy. The chef is an actual native from Rome. It's not real fancy, you stand in line to order and the will bring you your food. the prices are great esp for the quality of the food. They serve fresh pasta daily and you can watch them make it through the window in the morning. Oh and the staff is very friendly and fun and well the men are hot..

It's actually on the Kansas side of State Line, in the suburb of Mission, but certainly "Italian Delight" lives up to its name. In fact, it has some of the best inexpensive Italian food I've ever had - and darn good pizza, too. It has the feel - and the authenticity - of a neighborhood joint in Queens. My family - third generation Italian American - has been coming here for 20 years now.

Favorite Dish: Pastas, salads, pizzas, calzones - all fresh, wholesome, and tasty. I especially recommend the lasagna - the Avelluto family makes an excellent red sauce!

A little thing about Johnny's, if you are expecting or prefer something like Olive Garden or some type of Americanized Italian restaurant, do not come to Johnny's you just might be disappointed.

Come to Johnny's for the authenticity. Papa Cascone is often seen here and likes to visit with you. So if an old guy comes and sits with you, don't worry, more than likely it's Papa. (or a transient - heh)

I recommend going during midday or non-rush times. Johnny's is popular with the locals and the waitstaff gets spread thin. They might seem very rude and stand-offish. If you are not pressed for time this is a great place to drink a little vino and talk with your friends. Very laid back. On a busy day, it's very loud because the the restaurant itself is not overtly huge and Italian music is piped into the sound system.

I saw a review of Johnny's once, the commenter visited Johnny's because they read many good reviews but they were disappointed when they thought 10 mins was too long to get their appetizer, 35 mins to long to get their entrees, they thought the food was too runny, and the waitstaff didn't immediatly tend to their needs, etc., needless to say the review was not good.

If you do go, I want you to picture this......imagine you and your friends going to your grandparents' or fave relative's house and having an impromtu meal. If you have that in mind, then you will not be disappointed.

The portions are generous and the meals are thin saucy, it's not that thick paste sauce look. Stick around for dessert.

Favorite Dish: You know you are at a good restaurant when you can mix and match the entrees.

My favorite is getting the Shrimp Alfredo and have the smoked salmon as a side item. Their house white wine is good with this meal. This of course comes with a price, but I'm willing to pay for it and I'm never disappointed.

Recommend the toasted ravioli or fried mozzarella as an appetizer. Do a double order if you've got more than two people at your table. Try the house dressing if you get the salad.

Stylish restaurant serves a wide variety of Italian dishes, but specializes in northern cuisine, and that's what I go for. Pastas and pizzas baked in their brick oven.

Relaxing setting in the bustling Crown Center complex. Ask for a table in the glassed-in section viewable in this photo.

Favorite Dish: My favorite - chicken and artichoke hearts with pasta. I've had some terrific salmon, as well.