The Definitive 7 Best Pizza Spots In Kansas City For 2025: From Certified Neapolitan To Deep Dish
Kansas City’s pizza scene is undergoing a delicious renaissance in late 2025, evolving from a local secret to a nationally recognized "smorgasbord" of styles that rivals any major U.S. city. While the city is famous for its barbecue, the deep roots of its Italian immigrant history have cultivated a vibrant and competitive pizza landscape, offering everything from certified authentic Neapolitan pies to thick, buttery Chicago deep dish and the newest ultra-thin New York slices. This guide cuts through the noise to deliver the freshest, most current, and highest-rated pizzerias you absolutely must try in the metro area today.
The key to finding truly *good pizza* in Kansas City is understanding that there is no single "KC-style" pie. Instead, the city celebrates variety, with top chefs and local institutions mastering distinct regional styles. Whether you crave a quick slice, a Zagat Award-winning gourmet creation, or a wood-fired masterpiece, the options are better and more diverse than ever, with new locations like Pizza 51 South in Olathe ensuring the scene is constantly updated.
The KC Pizza Power Rankings: Top Pizzerias by Style
Kansas City has become a true melting pot for regional pizza styles. This list highlights the top contenders, focusing on their unique specialty and why they are currently the best in their class.
1. Il Lazzarone: The Gold Standard of Neapolitan Authenticity
If your search for "good pizza in Kansas City" leads you to the River Market, you must stop at Il Lazzarone. This establishment isn't just serving pizza; it's upholding a culinary tradition. Il Lazzarone is one of fewer than a hundred pizzerias in the entire United States to receive certification from the prestigious Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) in Naples, Italy.
- The Style: Authentic Neapolitan. The pies are baked for just 90 seconds in a 900-degree wood-fired Acunto oven, resulting in a soft, airy, and slightly charred crust (known as *cornicione*).
- Must-Try Pie: The classic Margherita Pizza, which perfectly showcases the simple, high-quality ingredients (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil). For a unique experience, try the Patata Pizza, a signature offering featuring thinly sliced potatoes.
- Location Highlight: The River Market location offers a bustling atmosphere that perfectly complements the traditional Italian experience.
2. Minsky's Pizza: The KC Gourmet Legend
A true Kansas City institution, Minsky's Pizza has been voted "Kansas City's Best Pizza" time and again and holds multiple Zagat Awards. Their slogan, "Gourmet, and going to stay that way," reflects their commitment to quality ingredients and inventive flavor combinations, making them the go-to for a classic, fully-loaded American-style pie.
- The Style: Gourmet American/KC Classic. They are famous for their generous toppings, hand-rolled dough, and a wide selection of crusts, including their Original Sea Salt & Olive Oil, the thin-crust Minskinny, and a deep dish option.
- Must-Try Pie: The Papa Minsky's Gourmet Pizza. This signature pie was ranked by Zagat as the Best Pizza in Missouri. It is a crowd favorite, offering a savory combination of premium toppings.
- Topical Authority Note: Minsky's also excels in related entities like Gourmet Calzones and Pizza Rolls, further cementing their status as a KC pizza powerhouse.
3. Northeast Pizza: The New King of the NY Slice
For those who believe a good pizza must be foldable and sold by the slice, Northeast Pizza in the Pendleton Heights neighborhood is the newest and most authentic answer. This spot has quickly become a local favorite for bringing a genuine East Coast flavor to the Midwest.
- The Style: Authentic New York-Style. The crust is ultra-thin, super crispy, and perfectly balanced, designed to be eaten on the go.
- Must-Try Pie: You can't go wrong with their classic Cheese or Pepperoni slices, but be sure to check for the daily special, the "pie of the day," for unique flavor combinations.
- LSI Keyword Focus: This pizzeria, along with Pizza Tascio, represents the best of the NY/Manhattan-style pizza trend currently dominating the KC metro.
Exploring Kansas City's Diverse Pizza Map
The true measure of Kansas City's pizza excellence is its sheer diversity. Beyond the two biggest styles, the metro area offers exceptional versions of regional pies you'd typically have to travel hundreds of miles to find.
The Best Deep Dish and Detroit-Style Pies
Kansas City has successfully imported the best of the Midwest's thick-crust traditions, catering to fans of Chicago and Detroit-style pizza.
Third Coast Pizza (Lenexa): Widely considered to serve the best authentic Chicago deep dish in the Kansas City area. Their Second City pie is a must-try, loaded with mozzarella, pepperoni, ham, ground beef, pork sausage, and onion—a true Windy City experience.
Providence Pizza: This establishment is the local champion of the rich, rectangular Detroit-style pizza. This deep-dish style is characterized by a crispy, chewy crust and cheese that caramelizes along the edges, forming a savory, crunchy "frico" crust.
The Artisanal and Unique Culinary Destinations
For those seeking innovative, chef-driven pizzas that push the boundaries of traditional flavor, these spots are essential additions to your KC pizza tour.
Orange by Devoured: Located in Martini Corner, this is the flagship shop from chef Jhy Coulter. What started as a popular pop-up ("Backyard Specials") has blossomed into a vibrant spot known for its fresh, artisanal pizzas and delicious tapas. The Newbie pizza, featuring a deeply flavorful red sauce made from Stanislaus company tomatoes, is the perfect rich introduction to their unique menu.
Grinders Pizza: A staple in the Crossroads Arts District, Grinders offers a unique, gritty atmosphere alongside their New York-style pies. While known for their pizza, they are also famous for their authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and the world-famous Death Wings®, making them a full-service culinary entity.
1889 Pizza Napoletana: Another high-quality wood-fired Neapolitan option, 1889 has been gaining popularity since its opening in 2016. It's a fantastic alternative for those in search of the blistered, authentic Neapolitan crust outside of the River Market area.
The Latest Buzz: New Openings and Neighborhood Favorites
To keep your information fresh and your pizza tour current, it is important to note the newest developments and time-tested local gems.
New and Noteworthy for 2025
The most anticipated opening for this year is Pizza 51 South, which is now open in Downtown Olathe. This new location brings East Coast-inspired, hand-tossed, stone-baked pizza to the southern metro, housed in a historic, converted Phillips 66 gas service station. This blend of vintage style and fresh pizza makes it a must-visit destination for late 2025 and beyond.
Classic KC Neighborhood Gems
No list of "good pizza in Kansas City" is complete without mentioning the neighborhood favorites that have defined the local scene for decades:
- Pizza Shoppe: Known as "Kansas City's Original Neighborhood Pizza Place," this spot is famous for its one-of-a-kind crust and is an essential stop for classic, comforting pizza.
- Paulie D's Pizza (Mission): Highly rated for its excellent crust and generous, gooey cheese toppings, Paulie D's is a staple for those in the Mission area.
- Cupini's (Westport): While known for Italian fare, their pizzas are often cited as striking the perfect balance between a crispy, chewy crust and a light hand with the sauce, reminiscent of a high-quality Neapolitan pie.
From the certified authenticity of Il Lazzarone to the gourmet flair of Minsky's and the newest New York slices at Northeast Pizza, the Kansas City pizza scene offers a depth and quality that guarantees a perfect pie for every preference. The next time you are craving a slice, use this guide to explore the rich, diverse, and constantly evolving world of KC pizza. Your taste buds will thank you.
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