Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria — Restaurant in Wichita

I have been to Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria several times now. It is simply the best example of authenticity in both food and an elevated (but not stuffy!) dining experience that one can get in Wichita right now. In addition to a stunning menu that is continually evolving, Piatto also offers a delicious vegan cheese that, when combined with their various fresh, delicious ingredients, makes me roll my eyes to the back of my head. But that's not the only reason I've become incredibly fond of the place. Add to this an array of local brews, a good list of wines, fantastic service from knowledgeable servers, an elegant but understated dining area and owners that actually went to another country to learn the art/science of creating their cuisine, and you have an oasis of perfection that other Wichita-area restaurateurs would do good to take heed of.

I have read some of the other reviews that quibble about the prices and the quality of the pizza at Piatto. Not surprising in a part of the country where quantity is often valued over quality when it comes to dining out. To this, I'd have to put it quite simply: you get what you pay for. And what you get is worth it. Handmade dough that goes through a specific fermenting process, fresh ingredients, real sauces-- that's the true value, especially when you are mindful of where your food comes from and how it is made. (And such an incredibly European concept, no?)

Perhaps Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria could bring their prices down by using frozen cheese and dough and opting for the cheapest bulk-buy canned sauces. But then, this would fly in the face of everything that Piatto means to "bring to the table". And it would then just be like any other pizza joint in town touting to bring you a "taste of (frozen) Italy". For those whose palate has been shaped by franchise fare, you're better off just sticking with what you know. However, those with a broader palate-- or those who want to broaden their palate-- you need to get to here now!

Other things that I find commendable about Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria:

*NO TV's (Paying attention to your tablemates and your delicious food and beverages while engaging in delightful conversation is appropriate to the dining experience! I promise!)

*A wonderful, spacious and well-kept outdoor eating area in the back that you can bring your dog to! (To be mindful of other patrons, please be sure to have it on a leash.)

*A totally handy and useful rewards program by way of an easy to use phone app

Wichita, for the longest time, has wanted to show it has "that something" that can compete with larger cities and put it on the map. Unfortunately, putting in more franchises (like, ahem, overpriced adult barcades) has never done the trick. You can find those anywhere. But there is only one Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria and it's right here in Wichita. It is my sincere hope that the local population comes to recognize the gem it has in its own (downtown) backyard. The place really deserves some love for what its owners are trying to do for Wichita.

P.S. Don't forget to check out their amazing brick pizza oven where the magic is made! (It's imported,...

Best pizza in Wichita! This is a TRUE Neapolitan style pizza and made me feel like I was right back in Italy.

The poor reviews I read on here were by people who do not know what a Neapolitan pizza tastes like, it is not soggy...it is cooked in the intense heat of a one-of-a-kind Italian wood-fired oven with insanely fresh ingredients. Tomatoes should have juice in them when you bite them. That's not soggy. I understand if that's not for you, that's why there's an Old Chicago down the street for those that want deep dish Chicago pizza smothered in frozen ingredients and processed cheese. Also the complaints about price and slow service? Do you go into a steakhouse and harrumph that it costs more than a Big Mac and takes longer to prepare? No. Incomparable. This is not an American style pizza joint, this is a true Italian Neapolitan Pizzeria.

I had a wonderful romantic dinner with my wife here last Friday and found the atmosphere to be lovely, the staff extremely well trained, and the whole experience divine. We ordered a bottle of wine and were delighted to have hot bread brought to us straight from the oven. The bread is from the dough and it was so light, fluffy, and flavorful. Our appetizers were a the MISTO SALUMI and the CAPRESE. The salamis were fantastic and the mozzarella was fresh...but the star of the show was the balsamic on the caprese which was as thick as honey over the fresh tomatoes and whole basil leaves. For our pizzas we had a classic MARGHERITA and a DIAVOLA. One bite of both and I knew...this wasn't my favorite new pizzeria...this was my favorite new restaurant! The dough is so fluffy, the ingredients so fresh, the juices, the oils, the simplicity of the sauce...it was all so perfect. My wife and I couldn't stop looking over at each other in shock. This was the BEST meal I've had in Wichita recently.

Here's the kicker: I'm gluten free. I'm lucky to not have Celiac disease but my system doesn't respond well to gluten at all. Which means, I usually eat gluten free crusts when I go to pizza places or I eat "regular" and accept the consequences the day after. When I am in Italy, I eat whatever I want and have little to no issue. In America, I have to eat gluten free or be very sick. I decided to accept the consequences of eating "regular" here since it was a weekend...though I hoped that possibly I may have the same experience I have when I eat in Italy. My hopes came true. I felt 100% fine that night, the next day, and so on. Their flour and natural three-day-long fermentation process results in not only the fluffiest crust in Wichita, but a crust I can eat with no worry of gluten sensitivity reactions. (Your experience may differ...this is just what happened for me)

I found the whole thing very affordable, I thought the service was exceptional, and the food was the best. I will be back MANY times to try everything on the menu and I will be bringing many guests here too. This is a TREASURE. Thank you for opening Piatto in...

When I hear Wichita, Kansas I don’t automatically think “pizza.” Truthfully, when it comes to a signature culinary style, I’m not exactly sure what Wichita is known for. However, after my most recent trip to Piatto, it could very well be Pizza. These folks are bringing a strong pizza game to the Midwest.

A few highlights from my visit:

The Restaurant: Not big at all. Maybe 15 tables but the atmosphere is very cool, very modern, but inviting. I suppose you call call it trendy. Simply put, a super nice place to enjoy a pizza.

The Bar: Probably my favorite part. I was expecting, when I took my seat at the bar, to be greeted by a bartender. Instead, I was greeted by the gentleman who would soon be making my pizza. That’s right, they make the pizza right there in front of you. You see it go in the wood fired oven and you see it come out. Very different and a really nice touch.

The Pizza: For what I ordered, I thought the pizza was excellent. I went with the La Dona, which is one of their white pies (no sauce). It comes with spicy borsellino salami, olives, red onion, parmigiano reggiano, fresh mozzarella, and olio (olive oil). It was served with a side of their red sauce for dipping the crust (more on the sauce in a minute). I have to say, the crust was super impressive. Nice and thin but chewy and soft in all the right spots. Cooked to absolute perfection! So back to the sauce - wow! Once I dipped my crust in the sauce I immediately regretted getting a white pie. This sauce was outrageously delicious. I imagine, on a pizza, it would light off fireworks on your palate! On my next trip to Wichita I will be back to confirm this.

Service: Excellent from start to finish. From my waitress to the pizza maker, everyone was great.

Overall, a terrific visit. I highly recommend Piatto for anyone looking for great pizza in Wichita.

Update: I went back yesterday (4.3.18) and at the owners suggestion, in his reply to my review, I tried the ‘Nduja. It was excellent. Also, I brought 4 people with me so they could try it and they all agreed it was very very tasty. Lastly, I need to give huge kudos to our server. He was...