a weekend in kansas city pt. 2

So before we made the trek back to Jeff City, my husband and I hit up on more KC restaurant—Pizza Bella. This cozy little place is located on a relatively barren street downtown in the Crossroads Arts District. Despite the emerging popularity of the district as a dining and entertainment destination, Pizza Bella still feels obscure, especially during off-hours. Still, it’s a welcome respite from some of the chains in the Power & Light.

We had one of the discount gift certificates from kansascitymenus.com. If you aren’t on the site’s e-mail list, you should be. About four times a year, they sell significantly discounted gift certificates to area restaurants (pay $35, get $50) and its a great way to try new places while saving a buck or two. Though be forewarned: The minute you get that e-mail, you better haul to the website because they go fast.

Back to Pizza Bella. The restaurant is the one of four in Rob Dalzell’s restaurant family (Souperman, 1924 Main and Chef Burger round out the group). I’ve only been to Souperman, which was good, not great, and I’ve heard positive things about 1924 Main and Chef Burger.

First, the actual building housing Pizza Bella is stellar—as is the décor. Once past the nondescript outside, you’re greeted by a warm chocolate brown and orange color scheme that sets off the otherwise utilitarian space. It’s eclectic meets cozy. And the pair of woodfired ovens just add to the homespun chic vibe. I love that the menu is on the back of the tablemats and that water is served in big clear bottles with “buckles” on top. The service is friendly and efficient and as hopelessly cool as the Crossroads District itself.

This was actually my second visit and my husband’s first, so I had high hopes. I had already tried the sausage pizza, which wasn’t just plain ol’ sausage at all, but was topped with fennel sausage, tomato, olive oil, red onions and grana padano—a cheese very similar to Parmigiano Reggiano. We had also ordered the chorizo pizza, with ricotta, pesto, roasted peppers and of course, spicy chorizo. Both different and both so good. As a starter, we tried the cheese plate, which was so tasty I had to get it again with my husband. It was a beautiful presentation with pecorino romano, taleggio, gorgonzola and fresh mozzarella and was served with homemade crunchy walnut bread and various preserves. This cheese plate put Café Trio’s to shame.

This time I went with the leek pizza. I haven’t paid much attention to leeks before, but an article in Bon Appétit convinced me I should. I’m so glad I can somewhat retain what I read, because this pizza was fantastic. Of course the rustic crust was as crunchy/soft as I remember, not too thin and not too thick, but the toppings made it. The caramelized leeks tossed with roasted onions shared the pie with crispy pancetta and goat cheese. My husband had the sausage pizza, but he added salami to his. Let’s just say we didn’t take home any leftovers, and though the pizzas are made for individuals, they are definitely generous portions.

I should also say that we were there on a Sunday at about 1 p.m., and there was only one other table. I’m sure Pizza Bella is packed on weekend nights and I hope its enough to keep this elevated local pizza joint around for a long while. It’s that good.