Jasper’s named top Italian restaurant in KC by Zagat

• Crissy Dastrup
• Chef Jasper J. Mirabile Jr. is kicking out the top Italian in KC, according to Zagat.

Kansas City has a few absolutes for out-of-towners. You’re going to sample wood-smoked meat. Somebody will tell you that KC has a prodigious number of fountains. And if you’re going for Italian food, you’ll wind up at Jasper’s Restaurant.

Zagat has named the top Italian restaurant in 22 metro areas, and Jasper’s was tabbed for Kansas City. In the accompanying USA Today article, though, salesman Jim Burditt from Bucyrus, Kansas, explains why he is committed to Martinelli’s in Salina and Garozzo’s in Overland Park:

“Martinelli’s chopped salad is the best salad I have ever eaten, and it also has great lasagna and chicken piccata,” Burditt tells USA Today. “Garozzo’s is famous for chicken Spiedini and a three-way pasta dish that is so large, I dare anyone to finish it.”

Where would you send someone if they asked you for the best Italian food in Kansas City?