lidia’s

we had a great time celebrating our 7 year olds birthday. we had a great server who made great recommendations and was very attentive. we made reservations for 6:30, but arrived around 6:15. we were sat at a cozy table in the center of the restaurant. therestaurantis all “cozy”; tables are very close together and it’s dimly lit. although this could easily be a date place, we felt more than welcome with our children.

the fresh foccicia with spreads were very tasty, even the kids enjoyed them.

we had the calamari for an appetizer, which i would not recommend. it was mixed with veggies and shrimp and we searched for the calamari. i tend to think a calamari appetizer should consist mostly of calamari. the bits that we did have were tender, i just wish there was more calamari and less veg.

the kids had pesto gnocchi (absolutely delicious) and calamari (too many tentacles he said). the gnocchi was soft, tender and had a generous but not overpowering basil sauce. the calamari was just ok. the breading was light and seasoned well but fell off most of the pieces.

hubs had filet mignon which was tender and flavorful, but lacked the truffle flavor as described. the steak was cooked beautifully and overall he was pleased.

i had the pasta trio: fresh fettuccine (delicious), sausage ravioli (very good) and boxed spicy cavetappi (not that great). i wonder, why even search a 3rd option that isn’t fresh pasta?? all the pastas came out hot, but some bits of the ravioli had raw dough and some filling was quite salty. overall hubs liked the ravioli best and i liked the fettuccine. the servers were careful to always give pieces of shrimp with the fettuccine.

we upgraded the pasta trio to include a caesar salad (shared) which was very very good. it was dressed well with freshly shaved parmesan and house made crouton, even the kids liked the salad! it also included a dessert which we let the waitress choose - it was delicious! she gave our little guy a special treat for his birthday which was so thoughtful!

we would definitely return with or without the kids and enjoy other items or drinks!

we went here for my birthday which happened to be duringrestaurantweek. i would love to go back another time because i think they had to make so much food and were so busy it may not have been an accurate reflection of their normal food. food was a little dry and several orders were over or under cooked-but cutting some slack given circumstances.

given how busy they were, they were so friendly and really took care of us with free drinks because of wait times. the place is beautiful and comfortable.

we have been going to lidia's since we moved to kansas city in 2008 and have never been disappointed. whether ordering ala carte from the menu or enjoying their fabulous sunday brunch, the food is always consistent and delicious although a bit pricey.

antipasti (appetizers) range from $7.50 to $14.00 and include traditional favorites like "frico" (cheese crisp - $12.50), "cozze" (mussels - $12.00), "arancini" (deep fried risotto balls - $12.00), and "pappa al pomodoro" ( a tuscan tomato and bread soup - $7.50). the frico, for example, is delicious with crispy cheese (usually a higher-fat hard cheeses like montasio or asiago) baked in the oven with various decadent ingredients, having originated in the friuli region of italy.

insalate (salads) are normally ordered along with the main course (secondo) when dining in italy and are not "meal size" as you will find in the united states. at lidia's they range from $8.00 to $12.50, but i cannot comment on them as i have never ordered one because, other than the caprese salad - one of my favorites, you should not come torestaurantlike lidia's unless you plan on focusing on pasta and meat/seafood dishes, all of which are quite filling.

ranging from $17.00 (canneloni) to $22.00 (pasta trio), the prices for their "primi" (first courses - pastas) are lidia's "best value", especially their "pasta trio" which my wife and i have had on numerous occasions. this "all you can eat" medley of three pastas changes daily and includes three different selections (fettucine, penne, ravioli, etc.), each with its own sauce (butter and sage, amatriciana, and other favorites). servers come around with a large plate of each, giving you as much or as little as you desire so you can sample all three before deciding on which one (or three) you want more of. you can add a caesar salad and choice of dessert for an additional $13, but i would not waste my money and recommend enjoying as much pasta as you can eat instead.

the meat and seafood (secondi) dishes are not cheap at $21 for the lemon chicken to $49.50 for the bone-in rib eye steak, but if you like a traditional italian meal with antipasto, primo and secondo, you will not be disappointed ... you will, however, be bursting at the seams! secondi at lidia's, unlike restaurants in italy, are accompanied by "contorni" (vegetables and potatoes), making a full meal if you prefer meat and potatoes over pasta. my favorite used to be their "involtini di manzo", rolled beef scallops with pickle, vegetables and mustard (a northern italian recipe), accompanied by mashed potatoes, but it has not been on the menu lately.

their wine list is extensive with nothing under $32 for a bottle (the "value list" has a nice selection of reds and whites) and ranging up to as high as $495 for a bottle of lange (2005) gaja if that is your style. we have ordered from the value list every time we have been there and found the wines quite good and somewhat as the name implies, a "decent" value. they also have a full bar with drinks ranging from $9 to $34.

we have not been there for sunday brunch in several years, but it used to be an excellent value at $25 (now $29.50). served buffet style, you can help yourself to a nice selection of antipasti and dolci (desserts), ordering a selection from the wide variety of main courses, including the "pasta tasting menu", frico, porchetta hash, osso buco, and lasagna bolognese among others.

we have never been there for lunch, but looking at the menu it appears to be a decent value with meal selections reduced by $5 or so compared to the dinner menu and with sandwiches in the $12 to $13 range. 

expect to pay a $100 to $125 for dinner for two, including antipasti and either a primo (pasta) or secondo, a bottle of wine from the value list, and a shared dessert (tip and tax included). we cannot afford to spend that kind of money every time we go out to eat, but for special occasions lidia's italy - kansas city is a decent value with exceptional food, excellent service, and moderate prices.

combatcritic gives lidia's italy - kansas city 7 out of 10 bombs ... more bombs are better!

we have been going to lidia's since we moved to kansas city in 2008 and have never been disappointed. whether ordering ala carte from the menu or enjoying their fabulous sunday brunch, the food is always consistent and delicious although a bit pricey.

antipasti (appetizers) range from $7.50 to $14.00 and include traditional favorites like "frico" (cheese crisp - $12.50), "cozze" (mussels - $12.00), "arancini" (deep fried risotto balls - $12.00), and "pappa al pomodoro" ( a tuscan tomato and bread soup - $7.50). the frico, for example, is delicious with crispy cheese (usually a higher-fat hard cheeses like montasio or asiago) baked in the oven with various decadent ingredients, having originated in the friuli region of italy.

insalate (salads) are normally ordered along with the main course (secondo) when dining in italy and are not "meal size" as you will find in the united states. at lidia's they range from $8.00 to $12.50, but i cannot comment on them as i have never ordered one because, other than the caprese salad - one of my favorites, you should not come torestaurantlike lidia's unless you plan on focusing on pasta and meat/seafood dishes, which are quite filling.

ranging from $17.00 (canneloni) to $22.00 (pasta trio), the prices for their "primi" (first courses - pastas) are lidia's "best value", especially their "pasta trio" which my wife and i have had on numerous occasions. this "all you can eat" medley of three pastas changes daily and includes three different pastas (fettucine, penne, ravioli, etc.), each with its own sauce (butter and sage, amatriciana, and other favorites). servers come around with a large plate of each, giving you as much or as little as you desire so you can sample all three before deciding on which one (or three) you want more of. you can add a caesar salad and choice of dessert for an additional $13, but i would not waste my money and recommend enjoying as much pasta as you can instead.

the meat and seafood (secondi) dishes are not cheap at $21 for the lemon chicken to $49.50 for the bone-in rib eye steak, but if you like a traditional italian meal with antipasto, primo and secondo, you will not be disappointed ... but you will be bursting at the seams! secondi at lidia's, unlike restaurants in italy, are accompanied by "contorni" (vegetables and potatoes), making a full meal if you prefer meat and potatoes over pasta. my favorite used to be their "involtini di manzo", rolled beef scallops with pickle, vegetables and mustard (a northern italian recipe), accompanied by mashed potatoes, but it has not been on the menu lately.

their wine list is extensive with nothing under $32 for a bottle (the "value list" has a nice selection of reds and whites) and ranging up to as high as $495 for a bottle of lange (2005) gaja if that is your style. we have ordered from the value list every time we have been there and found the wines quite good and somewhat as the name implies, a "decent" value. they also have a full bar with drinks ranging from $9 to $34.

we have not been there for sunday brunch in several years, but it used to be an excellent value at $29.50. served buffet style, you can help yourself to a nice selection of antipasti and dolci (desserts), ordering a selection from a wide variety on main courses, including the "pasta tasting menu", frico, porchetta hash, osso buco, and lasagna bolognese among others.

we have never been there for lunch, but looking at the menu it appears to be a decent value with meal selections reduced by $5 or so compared to the dinner menu and with sandwiches in the $12 to $13 range. 

expect to pay a $100 to $125 for dinner for two, including antipasti and either a primo (pasta) or secondo, a bottle of wine from the value list, and a shared dessert (tip and tax included). we cannot afford to spend that kind of money every time we go out to eat, but for special occasions lidia's italy - kansas city is a decent value with exceptional food, excellent service, and moderate prices.

combatcritic gives lidia's italy - kansas city 7 out of 10 bombs ... more bombs are better!

went here duringrestaurantweek, thought it was really good. the server was pretty knowledgable about the dishes and the service was decent for it beingrestaurantweek. i would recommend trying for authentic italian.

this place is a very upscale italian-stylerestaurantthat does not disappoint. the parking is fairly expansive for the area, and you get a great view of the bridges and the skyscrapers all lit up if you get out of the car just at twilight. walking in, the hostess stand is immediately to your right, across from a rack of coats which, i can only assume, belong to the other patrons. to tell you the truth, the idea of checking your coat literally next to the door with no employee directly next to it was a little unnerving, so i opted to keep mine. (plus i get cold easily.) we were seated within five minutes of arrival by a gorgeous black hostess who, i must say, had the most beautiful head of hair i've ever seen. her perfect red lipstick almost matched the decor. she sat us at a table that was easily the tiniest i've ever seen meant for two people and began to explain the wine choices for the evening. she stopped mid-sentence, though, to ask if we were over 21. i, a healthy 26, and my date, a robust 28, exchanged quizzical looks and promptly laughed as we nodded. "you two do not look over 21!" she exclaimed with a smile. "seriously? look at his beard," i said. b laughed, she laughed, we all laughed. the bread sticks, foccacia and compound butters and water were quickly brought to the table by our server, who was very well-versed at his job. the butters were vibrant hues of green and purple(one herb and one kalamata olive, if i had to guess) and both were and tasty. the bread wasn't my favorite, to be honest, but the fact that they make it in-house should be commended. b was feeling a bit adventurous, and i know his appetite is always huge, so we went for a caesar salad and th

a great experience. it was a great experience from first entering therestaurantthe decor, service and also the great great food. the waitstaff was very knowledgeable and attentive
we will be back when in kansas city area

lidia bastianich is one of the few tv chefs i respect, so i was eager to try herrestaurantin kansas city. but i was possibly expecting too much by comparing it to the excellent frontera grill of rick bayless in chicago or emeril’s delmonico in las vegas. a nice opener by a gas log. i was flying solo and sat at the bar and started with a campari. the bartender was friendly and quick, but the cocktail glass was covered in sticky campari, making it a less-than-pleasant experience, and i had to ask for a glass of water, which irked me. i guess i can forgive the sticky stemware, because i’ve gotten campari everywhere in a drunken rage before. starch me up. i chose the prix fixe tuscan grill which came with four courses for a very reasonable $34: polenta, daily pasta, choice of a grilled plate, and a mixed dessert. in general, all of the plates felt like they weren’t made with excellence, but more with a banquet dinner in mind. none of the dishes came out hot, merely warm. i’ve said many t

fanatastic antipasti and dessert..terrible entrees. i won't bother reviewing the antipasti or desserts as they were all fabulous, however, the entrees were very sub standard. my husband had the wild boar ravioli and i had the porchetta. both dishes were unattractively plated and not very appetizing looking. both dishes were also way over salted. the worst part was i don't think that thisrestaurantknows what porchetta is supposed to be since a porchetta has crispy skin on the outside. this was rolled up pork covered in sauce with soggy, flabby skin. it was really quite unappealing. we may give thisrestaurantanother chance but, since both entrees were bad, we will probably just have antipasti and dessert. also, the service was lacking. our waiter tried very hard to push the pasta trio which we had no interest in but neglected to tell us about a fish special which we repeatedly heard other servers tell their customers about. our waiter also waited until at least 5 or 10 minutes after our dessert was served to ask if we wanted dessert drinks or cocktails. he also never asked if we wanted coffee. we had to remind him to pour the rest of our bottle of wine which he had away from our table due to the table for two being tiny. we had the family pinot grigio and it was ok at best. definitely not what we expected. it seems to me that the bastianich family is not really concerned with quality control.

pastry chef danica pollard, at lidia’s, is a culinary nomad who has honed her skill and craft with stints at new york’s nobu and noerestaurantin los angeles. she currently calls kansas city home, and for the last 4 years, been delighting diners with her unique flavor combinations and the intense precision of her dessert creations. her desserts change frequently, so there is always a new favorite to discover. she tends to use seasonal flavors and ingredients that perfectly compliment the rustic nature of the rest of lidia’s menu, but she has her own take on how those flavors come together. know: that in 2012, chef won people’s choice for best pastry chef in the central region from food + wine magazine.

exceptional service. when i spend $$$ for arestaurantmeal i expect to find a pleasant atmosphere, professional service, and wonderful food. for the most part, lidia's fills the bill.
lidia's has a handsome, casually elegant feel to it. that is exactly the sort of atmosphere i like best...professional but not pretentious. the menu isn't huge, but offers enough interesting items to spike your interest, and even intrigue you with options you may never have heard of. for the most part, the kitchen delivers admirably. items of particular note include their famous pasta trio, an ever changing, bottomless plate of three distinct pastas. the salmon served atop veggies was cooked a perfect medium rare, and served largely without added seasonings. it was fine, if unremarkable. we also loved the polpetti appetizer, which consisted of four meatballs served atop crusty bread. only the frito misto fell flat. it looked marvelous, and was certainly a huge dish, but whatever underlying qualities it had suffered from far too much use of salt.
service was absolutely exemplary. our server bent over backwards to make our meal enjoyable, even offering to take several photos of us, as well as doing the same for other tables. when we asked for a few more of the mini breadsticks she returned with a wine glass filled with perhaps 20. i lost count of how many times my water glass was quietly filled without my noticing. bread crumbs were quickly and quietly whisked from the table. literally everything about the service was top notch. and to my mind that is the most difficult thing for arestaurantto get right.
prices are not cheap, but when the customer is treated this special, you don't mind paying a little bit more to be pampered.
midtown kc has many wonderful places to eat. lidia's holds its own with the best of the rest.
food: b+
atmosphere: a
service: a+
menu sophistication: a
value: a-

good but not superb. i was immensly pleased to be able to dine at lidia bastianich'srestaurantin kc! i was even more pleased to know that there was plenty on the menu for those who are gluten intolerant. i had the zuppa di pesce minus the cannellini beans (not my request, but they were missing). the seafood in the broth was amazing. the broth had heat, but little else toward flavoring. (it must have been minus the saffron also.) what was delicious and memorable was the gelato trio i had for dessert . . . blood orange chai sorbet, blackberry sorbet, and hazelnut gelato. how many ways can i say scrumptious?

i made the mistake of reading the zagat review and menu for lidia's before trying it. i had high expectations and unfortunately was very disappointed. my food was average in contrast with my server's sentiment, "everything is homemade so everything is delicious!" i found the menu to be people-pleasing dishes in large portions...not exactly what i wanted from a chef of lidia's reputation. honestly, i think thisrestaurantis more concerned with generating money than providing top quality food.

walked out on our valentine's date. i have enjoyed my past 2 outings to this classic kc joint in a location that can't be beat. our 20 minute experience was less than desireable. a table for 2 and we were sat right next to/across from the servers station. tough to engage in conversation with drinks, dishes and orders getting rang up. the servers seem cordial but wtf are you doing waiting on me at the age of 52 and slow initial approach to boot. then everyone making thisrestaurantgo is a latin guy between the ages of 18-40. pile on top of this the fact that all the clientele are schmoes and yuppies with no fashion sense. oh yeah, and the most important thing, the menu lacks originality and they were also out of their dish for the evening (lobster and scallops). then it turns out the 3 dish rotation was some boring ravioli, fetuccinni with pesto and something else so boring i can't even remember. save your dime on this joint that has everything going for it but still lacks in atmosphere. my my, how my memories of this place have changed. i suggest lydia come in town and experience herrestaurantfor herself, she would not be so pleased.

pretty good.... went for our anniversary and had the crispy quail for an app. i probably wouldn't order that again. the wild boar ravioli however, was very tasty. my husband and i both enjoyed our entrees and the desserts. the service was not very friendly. i felt like we were putting him out which is annoying when you are spending that much money. i would go again and hope to get a different server. therestaurantitself is so beautiful!