Cupini's
Restaurant seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

About
CUPINI'S

Authentic Italian Craft in the Heart of Kansas City

When you step into Cupini’s, you’re not just walking into a restaurant—you’re entering a living piece of Italian culinary tradition. This Kansas City gem, run by a talented father-and-son duo, has been a mainstay for locals and visitors alike for well over a decade. It’s more than a place to grab a meal; it’s a destination where each bite tells a story, where pasta isn’t just made, it’s crafted, and where you feel the warmth of genuine hospitality from the moment you arrive.

Guy Fieri himself brought the cameras of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives here, and for good reason. Cupini’s captures the soul of Italy while embracing the friendly, laid-back charm that Kansas City does so well. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular, you’ll leave not only satisfied but already plotting your return.

From Italy to Kansas City – A Culinary Journey

The roots of Cupini’s reach far deeper than Missouri soil. The patriarch of the family spent his early culinary years in Italy, training and perfecting recipes that have been passed down for generations. His résumé is as impressive as the food he serves—he even held the prestigious role of official cook for the president, a fact that leaves no doubt about the precision, flavor, and authenticity you’ll find in every dish.

When he and his son decided to bring this level of Italian excellence to Kansas City, they made a promise—to keep things real, fresh, and steeped in tradition. That’s why Cupini’s pasta is always made from scratch. It’s why sauces simmer until they’re rich with flavor. And it’s why guests here feel more like family than customers.

The Star of the Show – Handmade Pasta

At Cupini’s, pasta isn’t just part of the menu—it’s the heart and soul of the experience. You can see the craft happening right before your eyes. Sheets of dough are rolled out with care, shaped into silky ribbons or plump little pockets, then cooked to the perfect bite. This isn’t the kind of pasta you boil from a box—this is fresh, handmade, and lovingly prepared the way it’s been done in Italian kitchens for centuries.

And while everything here is delicious, there are a few standout dishes that simply demand your attention.

Lasagna – Layered Perfection

The Lasagna at Cupini’s is one of those rare dishes that stops conversation after the first bite. It’s hearty without being heavy, layered with tender sheets of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and a blend of cheeses that melt together into pure comfort. Each forkful is balanced—savory, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent. This is the kind of lasagna that makes you rethink what you thought lasagna could be.

Chicken Prosciutto Tortellini – Guy’s Favorite

If you watched the episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featuring Cupini’s, you already know this one: Chicken Prosciutto Tortellini. Plump tortellini filled with tender chicken and salty prosciutto are bathed in a silky sauce that’s pure magic. It’s rich, savory, and slightly smoky—a dish that’s as elegant as it is comforting. Guy Fieri gave it the thumbs-up on national TV, and we can confirm, it’s every bit as good as it looks.

More Must-Try Dishes

Cupini’s menu reads like a love letter to Italian cooking, and while it’s tempting to keep ordering your favorites, we recommend branching out. Here are just a few other items that deserve a spot on your table:

Homemade Spaghetti – Simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Sometimes the classics speak loudest.

Chicken Piccata – Tender chicken breast cooked with capers and lemon in a buttery sauce that sings with brightness.

Seafood Ravioli – Creamy, ocean-fresh filling wrapped in delicate pasta and paired with a sauce that complements, never overpowers.

Chicken Spiedini – Skewered and marinated chicken grilled to juicy perfection.

Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside, soft and buttery inside—perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

Cannolis – Crisp pastry shells filled with sweet, creamy ricotta. A perfect finish to your meal.

The Aroma That Hooks You

Part of the magic at Cupini’s is in the atmosphere. The moment you walk in, the aroma of fresh pasta, simmering sauces, and warm bread wraps around you like a cozy blanket. It’s not overpowering—it’s inviting. You can hear the gentle bustle of the kitchen, the clinking of dishes, the hum of happy conversation. It’s a place where food isn’t rushed; it’s respected.

A Gathering Place for All

While the food is undeniably the star, the hospitality here is equally memorable. The father and son don’t just run a restaurant—they’ve created a gathering place. Whether you’re on a lunch break, enjoying a romantic dinner, or stopping in with the whole family, you’ll find the vibe here warm and unpretentious. The staff greet you with genuine smiles, offer thoughtful recommendations, and treat you like you’ve been coming in for years, even if it’s your first time.

Why Cupini’s Belongs on Your Must-Visit List

Kansas City is no stranger to great food, but Cupini’s offers something truly special—a direct line to Italy without the long flight. It’s a place where time slows down, where the focus is on flavor, craft, and connection. You can taste the history in every bite, from the presidential kitchen experience of the father to the modern energy the son brings to the table.

If you’re road-tripping through Missouri or looking for your next Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives bucket-list stop, Cupini’s is a can’t-miss. Come hungry, bring friends, and don’t be afraid to take a few boxes home—you’ll want to relive the experience later.
Aired on December 2, 2013
Updated August 8, 2025

Address / Location

1809 Westport Rd
Kansas City, MO 64111

816-753-7662 website