Updated October 2026
As Kansas City locals we know that Kansas City isn’t the first place to come to mind when thinking of iconic pizza destinations.
However, we have come to find that Kansas City can compete with the best of them. Whether you are craving New York, Neapolitan or traditional style pies; Kansas City delivers.
Here are some of our top picks in the city when craving some pizza.
Pizza Tascio - Best for Take Out
This is not your typical New York style pizza. They’ve put a spin on flavor combos you don’t typically find a basic New York slice and we are here for it. The pizzas are huge, so come hungry.
What to Order
Red Tascio. This is our favorite pizza. Topped with cupping pepperoni, basil and hot honey. It’s the perfect combination of flavors.
Bacon N Glaze. This pie is a white style pizza with bacon, garlic, basil and a sweet balsamic glaze.
The Style & Vibe
New York Style Pizza. Just your basic, cool pizza joint. No fluff, but you don’t need it.
What to Know
The pies are huge, they feed 4-7 people. However, you can go in store to get individual slices or a combo with 2 slices and a drink. This place has grown in popularity that locations have sprung up fast all over the city. You can find locations in Waldo, 39th Street, Mission, North KC, Overland Park, Olathe, Belton, Barry, and St. Joseph.
Waldo Pizza - Best for Traditional Style Pizza
This is what you think about when you imagine your basic pizza joint. Except it’s better. It’s a no-frills dining experience, but you’re here for the pizza. The crust is delightfully chewy and their specialty pizzas are delicious. We like to order one original style crust and one thin crust.
What to Order
Buffalo Chicken Pizza. This is perfect to order on their thin crust pizza. Roasted chicken, red onion, pepperjack cheese, and buffalo sauce.
Build your own. Often we like a no frills pizza and will just build a 2 topping pizza. We like their spicy beef. Select your crust preference they have thin crust or original style.
The Style & Vibe
Traditional style pizza. You might feel like you’ve walked back in time. It feels like a pizza joint from the 90s. Dark with basic tables and booths.
What to Know
This place is popular. We often order takeout, but you may have to wait for a table on a weekend night. Otherwise, it’s not too difficult to snag a table here.
Il Lazzarone - Best for Neapolitan Pizza
Our favorite Neapolitan style pizza in the city. Located in the River Market, they’ve got a nice patio and serve up some interesting pizza combinations to fit any appetite.
What to Order
Bruxelles. This is a white style pie with brussel sprouts, mozzarella and bacon.
Margherita. Sometimes it’s good to just go simple. This is the place to do it. The Neapolitan pizza is perfect for a traditional margherita and they do it well.
The Style & Vibe
Neapolitan pizza. The vibe is a modernized version of your typical pizza shop. Being in the River Market, the building has got character and as mentioned before they have a great patio.
What to Know
Il Lazzarone can get busy, especially on the weekends. Try to get here early so you don’t have to wait for a table. They’ve also got a good bar menu.
Johnny Jo’s - Best for a New York Slice
While Pizza Tascio shines with their unique New York style, Johnny Jo’s delivers when you want just a basic slice.
What to Order
Trenton Style Cheese. If you like a basic cheese pizza with a little spin, order this. This pizza has a unique cheese blend that goes on first and then the tomato. Don’t knock it til you try it.
Pepperoni. New York style is the best for just getting a basic pepperoni slice.
The Style & Vibe
Traditional New York Style pizza. A small walk up just like you’d find in New York, Johnny Jo’s has what you are looking for. It’s not a place you will linger at. Grab a slice, hunker down and be on your way.
What to Know
You can order by the slice or whole pie. Be prepared to receive a humongous pie if you do order a whole pizza. Parking is limited in this area, there is just street parking. They’ve also got some really great Italian subs.
Wise Guy Tavern - Best for Happy Hour
If you are visiting, you will probably be frequenting the Crossroads. Here you will find Wise Guy Tavern an Italian eatery serving up pizza, pastas and sandwiches.
What to Order
Sausage & Giardiniera. Exactly how its sounds. It’s perfectly cheesy with the zing from the giardiniera and spice from the sausage.
The Wise Guy. Perfect for the meat lover. It’s topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, meatball, Canadian bacon and bacon.
The Style & Vibe
Their pizza is a thin crust pizza bubbling with cheese and toppings. If thin style pizza is your favorite, you will love Wise Guy. The atmosphere is also top notch. It’s can be a great date night spot or a casual hang. It’s dimly lit with cozy tables, but also features many TVs for the sports fans.
What to Know
This spot is popular, so grab a reservation. Wise Guy has a great happy hour menu with discounted pizzas and cocktails.
City Barrel Pizza & Patio - Best for Patio & Beer
If you are in Kansas City on a beautiful day craving some pizza, you’ll want to go here. It’s only got a small indoor space, so their outdoor patio is where they shine.
What to Order
Smash Burger Pie. Craving a burger? You’ll love this pizza with hamburger, American cheese, pickles, lettuce and a burger sauce drizzle.
Sweet Heat. This is our favorite pizza here. Cupping pepperoni and candied jalapenos. It’s a perfect sweet heat.
The Style & Vibe
Their pizza is a Neapolitan style, but their crust is perfectly crisp rather than a traditional floppy crust. The outdoor patio is a vibe. You’ll want to hang out here all day. With swing seating on the outer perimeter and tables in the center, there’s plenty of space to enjoy the sun while also enjoying a delicious pizza and beer.
What to Know
Another busy spot, especially on a nice day. Get here early and you shouldn’t have to wait. Parking is limited here, there are just a few parking spots and street parking.
Bacaro Primo - Best for Date Night
We originally came here for a date night for some pasta, but knew we had to return soon to try their pizzas. We were not disappointed. Another Neapolitan style pizza spot serving up a really great chewy crust.
What to Order
Margherita. Another simple pie, but done very well.
Seasonal Pie. They usually have a pizza on their menu that rotates and it’s always interesting. Step out of your comfort zone and try it.
The Style & Vibe
Again this is another spot where it is Neapolitan style, but their crust is chewy and holds up perfectly. This place is perfect for a date night. It’s cozy and intimate with dim lighting.
What to Know
Get reservations otherwise be prepared for a wait. We have a luck getting here early and snagging a spot at the bar, but it’s not guaranteed.
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Honorable Mention
Old Shawnee Pizza
This is another basic pizza joint similar to the atmosphere of Waldo Pizza. It’s got a classic pizza joint vibe with cushioned booths and TVs. Here you will find a delightful cracker style crust and cheesy toppings. It is a great option for a basic pizza and it is located in charming downtown Shawnee that has some great spots for cocktails and beer in the area.
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