Cafe Italia

RESTAURANT PERMANENTLY CLOSED!!!
This restaurant is no longer open. They didn’t even tell their employees they were closing.

I do not like giving poor reviews. Truth is the food at café Italia is not very good. As I’ve mentioned in some of my other reviews, I’m a good cook, so when I eat out, the food has to be better than I can make at home for me to give a good review. At café Italia we had the bruschetta appetizer, Caesar salad, pasta and sauce entrée, tiramisu dessert… and nope, none of it was «good». I’m from the NE, I’ve eaten Italian in North Boston, I’ve eaten at Italian restaurants in NY, so that’s a pretty high bar. Our service was good, parkville is a cute little town, If you want Italian, I’d say go to Avelutos for Stromboli and their tiramisu, then drive up to parkville and go for a walk along the river trail.

Not bad. We would go there again.
Service was great; very fast, attentive and very personable.
The food was good; we had a party of 6 that had veal parm, chicken marsala, steak, and a couple of pasta dishes. My only negative comment would be the portion size of the chicken marsala (very small) and lack of any vegetables. It came with a side of pasta, but it would have been nice to offer a veggie on the side, as well.
The bread, as all have commented here, was great. It was much better warm than after sitting on the table for a bit.
If you are in Parkville, definitely give this place a try.

Nothing remarkable. It’s not a bad place to go, but I think the food is extremely average and the prices a little high for what you get. We had a cheese and meat tray and I think I could have done better with $ 15 at a grocery store.

Was very good years back in old location. This place is horrible. Used Groupon and was treated like second class citizen. I wanted to order a cocktail and was told that it was not on the groupon coupon. No s**t. I asked if it was alright if I paid for it. No sense of humor. Ordered dirty martini on rocks. The dirty part was heavy lipstick on the glass. Served straight up. I said on the rocks and she brought over an ice cube. Food was not edible. Too bad to take home for the dog.

With a shortage of non-​chain Italian restaurants in the Northland, Café Italia in Parkville did not let us down. The atmosphere is sparse, but modern with a touch of elegance as opposed to their old location on North Oak. The menu was missing one of my favorites from the old location, vitello (veal) saltimbocca. We started with wine, Canyon Road Cabernet ($ 22/​bottle) from the limited wine list. Prices by the glass are reasonable, from $ 6-​$ 7.50/glass.
We ordered a stuffed artichoke, while tasty, and hot, was too «cheesy» and drenched in olive oil. It was a bit disappointing, but my standards are very high because I learned an excellent stuffed artichoke recipe form my grandmother who was born in the Irpino region of Italy. We both had the caesar salad which was excellent, the only problem being the very large (but delicious) croutons that had to be eaten by hand because they were too hard to cut into pieces. My wife, a native Italian, had ravioli con funghi, stuffed with chicken, prosciutto, and capocollo in a mushroom sauce. The taste was excellent, but the pasta was too «al dente» (undercooked). Being Italian, my wife is hard to please when it comes to Italian food, but she enjoyed her meal very much. I had the vitello alla parmigiana which was tasty, but a little tough for «milk-​fed veal» which was advertised on the menu. The color and texture seemed more like sliced beef to me, but it was tasty and reasonably priced, veal or beef.
The size of the portions were overly generous, so we had to pass on dessert. The owners stopped by to talk and one had family from the same area of Sicily where my wife was born, so they were able to speak in Italian about their shared heritage. Overall, we had a nice meal, the service was very good, and we will return soon to see if any of the problems noted above have been taken care of.
CombatCritic Gives Café Italia 6 out of 10 Bombs … More Bombs Are Better!

Café Italia was my family’s favorite Italian restaurant while it was located at Metro North. You can imagine how surprised and ecstatic we were when we discovered it reopened three years ago in Parkville! We went there for a graduation dinner and the food was exactly as we had remembered! It was absolutely amazing and the closest to grandma’s fresh Italian cooking one could find. However, I was EXTREMELY disappointed with our server. I could provide a list of things that wasn’t right on the serving side of things. But, as a previous server, I understand that mistakes are made and sometimes things happen. The multiple serving mistakes that were made would have been immediately forgiven, if the server at least had a good attitude. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. This server seemed annoyed with our group the moment we walked in to sit down for our reservations and that attitude continued throughout our visit until I requested another waitress. She ignored multiple questions and the few she did answer were very short and not helpful. We had two children with us and a drink wasn’t offered to either of them (among many other things). We remember the serving staff making you feel like family; that was not the case for this visit. A restaurant can have the worst food in the world, but an awesome staff can make it the best experience ever. That statement holds true in vise versa as well.
Also, the menus are entirely too big and the font is not easy to read quickly. This becomes problematic when your server is grilling you for an answer the moment you sit down.

My Husband and I took my In Laws and my brother to dinner this evening. The ride into Parkville was very nice and the town itself is very quaint. There was very accessible parking and the entry of the restaurant was clean and welcoming. As you entered you are welcomed by a bar setting and a host stand. I made reservations just in case, but it was not needed (only 2 couples were seated). The space is a good size and we had a lot of room when we were sat. The Hostess who greeted us lacked any warmth and the only 2 things she said to me were «Do you have a Groupon.» I said no, but should I buy one now? She promptly replied «I don’t know, I’m just supposed to ask you that.» The ambiance was subpar and almost above our table there was ceiling water damage and the Sheetrock was peeling off. We were greatly appreciative of our waiter who was very professional and had a great personality. We ordered a few drinks an appetizer of mozzarella sticks which arrived promptly. I ordered a peach Bellini (unfortunately it was warm and way too sweet). Bread was available with oil and cheese, so that was nice. Our party of five ordered 2 chicken dishes and 3 seafood dishes (salad also is provided with the meal — we all ordered caesar). Our main courses arrived on time and they were average at best. There was a great need for our waters to be refilled on a regular basis. After dining, we decided that for the price we would have much rather attended another KC Italian establishment and paid just a tad more for the flavor and ambiance.

I first ate here when I was in high school and they were located on North Oak. It was always a favorite. Then, I moved to Chicago where the Italian food is above and beyond so I would consider myself more picky. I moved back to Parkville and decided to try it again. Although the location is an odd one, the food and service were great. I’m happy to see that a local restaurant is still as good as I remembered!

We were told our wait would be 6 – 8 minutes…40 minutes later we were seated. The place was so warm, you couldn’t enjoy your food. Everything had to be salted because it was so bland. We have went to this place several times, but instead of getting better, it has gotten worse. We will not go back.

This place is awesome!
Went here for our date night. Our waiter was superb and super informational not only about the menu but Parkville itself. He gave us excellent recommendations as well. My hubby had the Pollo Diavolo and I had the Fettucini Alfredo with Shrimp, both packed with flavor! Our appetizer was the Shrimp Italia, also great it was like a scampi with drenched buttery garlic bread crumbs.
The house salad was nice and for dessert, we tried the Tiramisu it was packed with goodness.
We had a bottle of wine as well the house Chardonnay which was crisp with hints of green apple and citrus.
The ambiance surrounding the place outside the windows was great. This place is a must!

Don’t waste your time! Bread was about the only good thing about this NASTY place. It was dirty and needed to be updated about 5 years ago! The food looked good but was bland! We Used a Groupon and I’m glad I did I would never pay the regular menu prices for the food at this place!

We heard rave reviews from my brother and sister-​in-​law after my husband and I bought them a Groupon. They in turn bought another Groupon and invited us to dinner.
I was so excited. I love Italian food, this place seemed so promising too. I mean at this price point you expect MORE than just an average Italian place.
However, AVERAGE is exactly what we got.
The food was «Meh» at best. Nothing that really stood out or peaked an interest.
My shrimp was good, but the pasta that came along with it was bland. The sauce tasted canned.
My husband had the veal. The marinara sauce also tasted like it came from a can.
The atmosphere was plain. Not really much to look at. It does not feel warm or inviting.
The ONLY three things that we really enjoyed:
1) the service was really great. Our waitress was attentive and kind.
2) The bread with olive oil dipping.
3) The Gelato.
Would I visit again? Only if I had a Groupon. Otherwise I would not pay that much money for food that was just «meh».
Go and try for yourself… Don’t say you weren’t warned.

I have dined at both locations… the old one on North Oak that closed, and the new location since it reopened in Parkville. For the life of me, I cannot understand why people continue to post marginal or negative reviews about this place, because it is my go to for exceptional Italian food. This past weekend, I took my girlfriend there to celebrate her recently getting a new job. We purchased a Groupon for a dinner for 2 that included a shared appetizer, 2 entrees, a shared dessert, and a bottle of wine… a $ 108.00 value. all for $ 52.00.
She had never been to either location, but she was very pleased when we walked in. Our hostess was very pleasant, and since we had made a reservation online, we got to choose either a booth or table. Our booth was perfect. Perfect lighting, atmosphere, and very nicely set for dinner service. When our waiter arrived, I told him I had the Groupon. He informed me that there was a separate menu for the Groupon diners, but he assured us that many of their most popular dishes were on there, and the portion sizes were the same. Many have complained about this being the case when they are made aware of this change, however… I understand why they do this. Bottom line… they are running a business… and they cannot afford to put $ 30 plus menu items up for grabs on a Groupon. Our waiter left us the regular menu just so we could compare, and needless to say, everything we could have wanted for apps, entrees, and desserts were on the Groupon menu. We even had 10 different wines to choose from. Our meal consisted of the the fresh oven baked bread with Italian butter, salad, Mozzarella sticks, Lasagna (times 2) with an amazing red sauce, a bottle of Moscato (Her choice… I had Boulevard Pale Ale), and a huge piece of delicious Tiramisu for dessert.
Every aspect of our meal was amazing. Our service, the atmosphere, the food quality… everything. She LOVED her meal, and since the night was all about her to begin with… that made everything all the more enjoyable. Most of the tables and booths were full, as it was a Saturday night at 6:30, but our waiter was very attentive to us, and we NEVER had to wait for a full glass of water, a fresh drink for myself, or any aspect of the dining service experience. All of our food arrived promptly, but we never felt rushed through each portion of the service. It was all hot, fresh, and delicious.
So if you are looking for a great adult «Date Night» place with someone special… this is a great place to go. Even without the Groupon, the prices are very reasonable… but if the Groupon experience get you in the door, I am very confident you will repeat as a customer as I have… more than a dozen times now. Evviva!

I love Italian and so I really want this to be a great place close to home but it’s just meh. The people are nice but it’s missing something that I cannot put my finger on. Last time I went I have the spaghetti and meatballs. Again it was ok but missing something. Nothing draws me back, sadly.

My wife and I visited Café Italia after hearing great reviews from some friends and then purchasing a Groupon deal for a multi-​course dinner for 2 w/​wine. Needless to say, we were largely underwhelmed by our experience. First of all, the restaurant itself has very little character. Even during the holidays, it felt plain. Very little décor, no table cloths, and what felt like really cheap booths. For a restaurant at this price point, I expect more. In addition, the service was mediocre at best. On multiple occasions we had to flag someone down for refills on our water, and our waitress’ knowledge of the menu and options left much to be desired (but she was relatively new, so I can excuse that one).
As for the food, the fresh bread and dipping sauce were a great way to start the meal. The side salads that came next were bland and disappointing. Then came our entrees. I got the lasagna and my wife ordered the pasta diablo. Both portions were huge (esp. the pasta diablo — that could feed a family of 4)! But neither were all that good. The lasagna lacked flavor, and the pasta diablo could have been much spicier. The gelato, however, was a delicious way to end the meal! All in all, I doubt we’ll return to Café Italia anytime soon, especially at full menu price. I would much rather drive down the street to Dominic’s, where I can get more flavorful food at a much cheaper price.

We ate dinner Monday evening at Café Italia. This is a wonderful restaurant and owners Paul and Guy make sure you enjoy the food and service! The homemade bread is a must and you won’t stop at one loaf. The double pork chop is one of the best in Kansas City! This is the only none Italian item on the menu, and worth a try.
We love this restaurant and never have had a bad meal.

We love this little place. Good Italian food is few and far between in Kansas City. We have been disappointed to Cascone’s and Garozzo’s, although we do like Anthony’s. This venue is a bit more upscale and in a beautiful area of Parkville which is convenient to where we live in KCK. I had the braciole di maiale and it was delicious. Tender meat. The manager was very friendly and affable. Server was professional and professional. This is a lovely place for a special occasion or for something different. You’ll pay a little more but it is worth it.

i heard a commercial for this place on the radio, so when Garozzos was packed on a saturday night, we drove up to Parkville, to try some new.
First off, the menus, the physical things that you read what you order off of, were the size of the Ten Commandments from the movie of the same name. HUGE. too big, too big, and I don’t mean too many items, just too big. shrink that puppy down and make 3 pages or 4, seriously, it was like holding a refridgerator box in your hand.
Second, the home-​made bread was very good. we ate a lot of it. it was delicious.
third, home made pasta, it was pretty tasty.
QUATRO, worst sangria i ever had. it tasted like a juice box.
our service was good, the wine were very small pours, and atmosphere was a little to be desired. I don’t know anything about café italia’s roots, or owners, or anything like that, just the facts ma’am, and this is how i see it. 13 – 30 dollar entres, boring ass salad, great bread, awful sangria. that’s about it.

I had been wanting to try this place for such a long time… I will say after visiting, I will not go back. Where to begin… My husband is an architect and he was looking at the floor, which was not the same throughout the dining room. The carpet was old and dirty looking. They could have spent some money on updating the room.
The waiter was not very knowledgeable about the menu.
We started with the escargot. Typically this is a French restaurant menu item but since it is one of my favs, we ordered. The little escargot got lost in the butter and garlic — so suggestion to the restaurant — remove it from your menu and stick with Italian dishes.
I make better Italian food. I ordered a dish called Pasta Con Pomodora and I asked to add grilled chicken and to change the noodles to something other than angel hair pasta. The waiter said that wasn’t a problem so I selected penne. Well, I got angel hair and asked where the chicken was… it was there buried under a huge pile of tomato sauce. The chicken was not grilled — tasted and looked baked and it wasn’t sliced. It was a chicken breast pounded down. The dish did not have any flavor. My husbands dish was not any better. I asked for a few changes based upon the fact that I do not eat dairy or heavy sauces. I usually find something healthy or semi-​healthy in any restaurant but was struggling here.
The portions were large enough to feed 4 people.
They have too many menu items. They should reduce the choices and focus on cooking fewer dishes really well. They also need to taste what they are cooking. I would never send something out of my kitchen this bland.