History of Italian Heritage

Fun Fact: Italy became a unified nation-state in 1861, the same year Kansas was admitted into the union.

The history of Italians in Kansas dates back to the state's founding in the early 1860s. Back then, many Italians were ecstatic to see the entire peninsula finally united into a single nation-state; however, many of the regional differences that previously existed remained in place. Additionally, the concurrent industrial revolution created new economic conditions that also generated a lot of uncertainty, especially in what used to be a very agrarian society. Even though Italy was a newly unified nation, many Italians found themselves looking abroad in search of new opportunities, and some chose to settle in the likewise newly found state of Kansas.
 

Frontenac and Southeast Kansas

While the Italians never came to be as populous as the Germans, Irish, or English, who also settled in Kansas, Italian heritage in Kansas remains significant to the state's identity, especially in the Southeast region of the state. Many Italian-Kansans provided a good portion of the labor in the newly discovered coal mines in places like Crawford County, while others came and started businesses of their own.

One of the most notable businesses started by Italians in Kansas is the Frontenac Bakery, which was founded by George Vacca, who was injured in a mining accident. Another major Italian-inspired business located in Frontenac is the Palluca meat market, whose original owners also arrived in Kansas in search of coal-mining work.^[1] If you ever decide to visit Crawford County and want to really immerse yourself in the history of the area, be sure to also visit the Miners Hall Museum in Franklin, which is only a few miles north of Frontenac.

Want to learn more about Frontenac? Check out our things to do in Frontenac page!

Frontenac - The Hub for Italian Culture in Kansas

Pallucca's Italian Meat Market & Deli - This place has become well-known over the years. Opening back in 1912, it was originally founded by two immigrants from San Pelligrino, a city in the Italian Alps. As the business was passed down through time, the quality of the meat only improved in reputation ^[2]. They do have meals for you to purchase as well, and if you ever need a good catering service, well, you might have found it!

Frontenac Bakery - Okay, so this isn't an official "Italian Restaurant" -- it's a bakery. However, this place is too historic not to be on this list. Founded 125 years ago in the year 1900, this Bakery has become a relic of Kansas history and Italian heritage in the state. And yes, they do specialize in Italian bread. But it isn't just the Italian bread that people love. Many local restaurants and grocery stores use the Frontenac Bakery as their source for bread because it is so good. 
 

Independence

Joe's Italian Restaurant & Pizza - Joe's is easily one of the finest places you can eat in Independence. The food and service are of exceptional quality and worth every penny spent!
 

Iola

Sam & Louie's New York Pizzeria - While their Facebook says they are a casual NY pizzeria, I would go further and say this place is more of an authentic experience. The building and interior are quite nice, and is a great compliment to the city of Iola. The menu also has much more than just Pizza, and offers a large selection of various Italian dishes.

Lawrence

Basil Leaf Cafe - Once a small restaurant near the outskirts of downtown Lawrence, it's now in a premier location on the corner of 8th and Mass Street, right in the heart of downtown Lawrence! The food is excellent, and the new atmosphere is a fantastic addition to the restaurant. Whether you've been before the move or have never been before, you have to check this place out!

The Mad Greek - Don't let the name fool you; they have amazing Italian food on the menu! I absolutely love this place. I like it so much that I usually recommend it as my first or second option when asked for places to eat in town. (Order the Gyro Fries, they are amazing)
 

Atchison

Paolucci's Restaurant - This is more than just a restaurant! Not only is this place historic (dating back to 1894), family-owned, and filled with a variety of great-tasting food, but they also have an adjacent market and grocery store to go with it. Don't just take my word for it, read more about family business here.
 

Leavenworth

Luigi's 418 - Another family-owned enterprise, this restaurant is one of the finest places you can eat in Leavenworth. They are also well-known for their large event space for private parties. They can also come straight to you since they offer catering services!

Wichita - So Many Choices!

Siena Tuscan Steakhouse Restaurant - Located inside the Ambassador Hotel on S. Broadway Street in Downtown Wichita, this restaurant is one of the best compliments to the city! The inside seating is decorated very beautifully, and the menu offers an authentic Tuscan experience!

For the full list of Italian Restaurants in Wichita, check out Visit Wichita's page on Italian Restaurants in Wichita!
 

Winfield

Luigi's Italian Restaurant - While I have yet to eat here in Winfield, it's been on my bucket list for quite some time! The location and indoor decorations alone make me want to eat here. I've heard nothing but great things about Luigi's in Winfield!
 

Newton

Genova Italian Restaurant - My favorite place to eat in all of Newton! I came here once while visiting from Salina with my family. Being the pasta lover that I am, I insisted we try the Italian place in town. Needless to say, my family was glad googled "Italian food near me" that day...
 

Mulvane

Luciano's - Yet another restaurant with impressive architecture. Located just outside of Wichita, this restaurant has limited hours, and reservations are highly encouraged. Not sure about you, but when reservations are encouraged at a restaurant, that's usually a sign that the food is pretty dang good.

Salina

Martinelli's Little Italy - As a native of Salina, it would be a crime if I failed to mention Martinelli's. This restaurant has always been a local favorite for so many in the Salina area. I recall numerous banquets and private events being hosted here when I was growing up. And are you ready for the interesting part? Their main driver is actually the homemade Salad. Don't believe me? Ask people in Salina! Of course, I enjoy the salad, but not nearly as much as I enjoy the pasta!
 

Assaria

Renaissance Cafe - Sadly, I didn't know about this place until after I left Salina, which is a real shame. Not only is this place highly sought after in the Salina area, but it has also become a bit of a hidden gem for those around the state looking for cool places to eat in smaller towns. Just another place on my bucket list!
 

Manhattan - The Little Apple!

Nico's Little Italy - Sorry, Lawrence, but Manhattan also has good Italian food. After all, it is the Little Apple; what did you expect? Nico's is the sister restaurant to Martinelli's in Salina, so you cannot go wrong by eating here!

Syracuse

Bulldog Pizzeria - Great Pizza awaits you in Syracuse. I would highly recommend stopping here the next time you find yourself in the far end of Southwest Kansas. This part of the state will certainly surprise you! 
 

Kinsley

Romano's Pizza - Here's another pizza place you have to check out. Kinsley is a quaint little town right on Hwy 56 on your way to either Dodge City or Great Bend. On the east edge of town, closer to Hwy 50, is the premier food stop, Romano's Pizza. Even if you find yourself on the opposite side of town, be sure to take the time and drive over to Romano's (it won't take long - like I said, a quaint little town). 
 

Dodge City

Bella Italia - Dodge City is an incredibly historic place with so many places to eat. The next time you "get the heck into Dodge," be sure to stop by Bella Italia Restaurant to enjoy the flavors of Italy in the "Wild West" of Kansas.

Stockton

1872 Italian Restaurant - If you haven't heard of Stockton before, get ready to hear all about it! This small town is located 40 miles north of Hays and is the gateway to Webster State Park. The population of Stockton is roughly 1,500 people, and Volga Germans mostly influenced the surrounding area, so having this restaurant certainly adds an element of diversity. The 1872 Italian Restaurant truly stands out in this community. Like many other aforementioned restaurants, this place has beautiful architecture and truly feels like a hidden gem in the middle of Northwest Kansas.
 

Hays

Italian Cafe - Get ready for the classic Italian experience. The name alone says it all; they specialize in all things Italian! You won't find many better places to stuff your face full of pasta in Northwest Kansas than the Italian Cafe in Hays.