Jasper’s Restaurant

We had a reservation for 6pm, Saturday, June 25, 2016. The restaurant had very few customers at that time. A woman led us to a table. We preferred a booth. This woman, who I later learned is the hostess, and will remain unnamed as a respectful gesture to her told us she had no booths available at this time. I looked around seeing many available booths and was certainly puzzled by her response to our request. My son went to the front reservation area to voice our concern at being denied a booth. Tony, had us taken to a booth and we were seated. As we were settling in eager to see the menu, the same unnamed hostess came to our booth and literally slammed the menus down which then caused the dishes to clatter, unnerving the three of us. This did not give us a pleasant start to the evenings meal. I was really shocked by this woman’s behavior. This was to be a memorable 72^nd birthday dinner for me. It certainly is memorable, but not in a favorable way. If not for this unpleasant hostess, I would have given the restaurant a 5 rating as the waitress was excellent, very friendly, and helpful with questions.
The food was good as was the wine and desserts. I will not be returning to Jasper’s due to this hostess nor will I recommend it.

This place is under stated, but pretty cool.
So first of all, to the Unilocalers who said they are racist, I apologize for your experience. My party was comprised of one African American (so to speak, albeit quite mixed), a Caucasian and two of Indian decent. None of us have any Italian decent… We were treated quite fairly, respectfully and as I would only expect.
The table side mozzarella was an experience beyond my imagination as I never knew how to make it! Delicioso!
The house Bruschetta was flavorful and paired with the House Garlic, garlicky shrimp in a light sauce appetizer… just stop. no, there’s more!
Pasta with fresh tomato sauce and rich, flavorful meatballs… Did we leave room for dessert?
Hell no, but it did not stop us from enjoying a couple martinis and… coconut cake and tiramisu!
Yip…on my calendar for next trip back… which is next week! Look got my next check in!

First time here and we like it! I didn’t love my meal but that was my fault, I asked them to make carbonara… which I’ve only basically have had at Cinzetti’s, so I don’t know, I really didn’t like it that much, the waiter told me it was a tractional style carbonara. My husband though, had the pork chop… oh man was that good. It was probably the best most tender pork chop we’ve ever had! We started with calamari and that was good too. I wish we would have gotten the motz… next time

Let me start this review off by saying that Jasper’s is a truly great restaurant, clearly the kitchen understands how to make delicious food and I highly respect the use of local ingredients in this restaurant. This might leave the reader wondering why I am giving a 3 star review, that will make sense later. I’m going to go through our latest experience at Jasper’s course by course.
My wife and I just ate there two days ago for dinner because it had been a while and the table side mozzarella really sounded great. To start they always bring out bread and butter, and while this may sound like the typical American Italian restaurant, this bread is simply perfect. I give the bread five stars for sure. For appetizers we had the table side mozzarella, which they have more than perfected, a five star service to say the least. We also had the shrimp scampi as an appetizer, and this dish was among the best things I have eaten anywhere in my life, great flavor and a perfectly smooth sauce. So far the meal is exceeding any expectations I could have, then we get to the main course. Let me preface this by saying that my wife and I know food, especially Italian, so as a note to Jaspers management — we do not eat at Olive Garden or anything resembling that. My wife had the summer pasta, which was a tomato, basil and garlic sauce with a shell pasta, I think that Jaspers may blanch the tomatoes for the sauce, and this is what I would call a checca sauce, and the sauce was really great, expertly done. I don’t remember the name of my dish but it is a cheese tortellini served in a cream sauce with prosciutto, again the sauce was excellent. Readers are now wondering what the problem with the main course was… Maybe this isn’t a problem for the average Kansas City eater, but the pasta was criminally over cooked on BOTH of our dishes. The pasta on my wife’s plate was so over cooked that little pieces were falling apart. I could tell immediately when I forked one of my tortellini that it was way over. I was willing to excuse this because it is so easy to over cook a fresh tortellini, but the way it mushed under my teeth indicated at least three minutes past the amount of time it should be cooked. This may be ok at the Olive Garden or Dave and busters, but when Jaspers is bringing out such amazing appetizers and the sauce is so good, it is very disappointing. Also one would think that a restaurant that claims the best Italian in the city would never bring pasta to a table that was so over done. If it weren’t for everything else being so great, I would give 1 star to Jaspers for doing this to the pasta, everything else suggests that they know better. All of this said, I still recommend Jaspers, and I hope the chef reads this and realizes that he has to execute al dente on pasta if he wants to claim to make the best Italian food in the city. I’m not crazy about dessert, but let me say that Jaspers makes amazing dessert, and the seasonal special with the peaches was worth going there alone. I see a lot of reviews saying the Jasper’s has very lackluster main courses, and I think that the over cooked pasta is the reason for this. My goal with this is that when we return to Jasper’s for the table side mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes that the main course is done as beautifully as the rest of the meal, by making pasta al dente as any Italian restaurant of this quality should at all times.

If you live in a large community and you hear how great a particular restaurant is and you never go… then resolve yourself to regret. But. If you live in or near to KCMO, Jaspers has got to be one of those places you visit! Do try the Mozzarella Theater! It is worth all the hype and talk and the fresh basil is the key! The staff is attentive and engaging and the dinners are exceptional! We only tried two of their pasta dishes and we will have to go back to try their deserts!

Mozzarella Theater is BACK! Incredibly fresh and unique! We shared a plate of Escagot. which was fresh, hot, and flavorful! We each had a plate of Morels with Garlic Scapes in Olive Oil… and I can’t begin to tell you how transformative this dish truly is. We each had Napoleans for dessert… and if it were my last day. and this were my last dessert. then I could die a happy man! Folks, this restaurant is truly a top Italian restaurant in America. Jasper is almost ALWAYS in the house. he has his eye on what it takes to make HIS restaurant successful. The servers are present, unobtrusive, and knowledgeable! You will come in a stranger. but leave as a part of the Jasper family!

I took my fiancé here last night for his 30^th birthday and we were pleasantly surprised! The ambiance of the place was very nice and romantic. Our server was Melissa and she was fantastic! Very quick and aware of everything going on around her. We ordered a bottle of there house Pinot noir and it was perfect! We both got the same pasta that was on there spring menu– it had asparagus and mushrooms and chicken medallions in a delicious sauce! We also ordered Caesar salads which were also fantastic– the dressing tasted homemade ! Melissa was nice enough to offer to box up the cake for my fiances birthday since we were both stuffed! They also serve warm rolls and butter beforehand– the rolls were fresh out of the oven! My fiances favorite food is Italian and this was the perfect spot to try out for his birthday! We will definitely be coming back!

Food here was nothing short of amazing. We had excellent and prompt service even though it was prom night and it was busy! We’ll definitely be back. House made sausage was so good! And those cannolis… #FoodComa !

One of the best Italian joints I’ve had in a while. It’s in a strip mall, but don’t let that fool you. Wear whatever you like — our kids and my wife wore jeans and t-​shirts, and we were fine. Didn’t have an appetizer, but my pre-​meal drink was solid. I had a cream-​based tomato and seafood pasta, which had plenty of scallops, shrimp, calamari and octopus. My wife had a creamy scampi over wild rice that was delicious. We split a carafe of reasonably priced Pinot Grigio. Although there was no kids menu, the waiter listed off several things they could get, including small lets portions and appropriately sized pizzas. The star of the show, however, was the tiramisu. Quite possibly the best I’ve ever eaten, and I’ve eaten a bunch. Canolis were OK. Will definitely be back and would recommend it to anyone.

This is a long one, but both the food and service were bad — and they charge premium for it. We have a list of places to visit based on many things; Jasper’s was renowned in Kansas City, MO, so we dropped in. The first impression is, it is classic Italian. The light is dim, it’s a little stuffy, and you feel like you could peel the pasta starch out of the air. Then you see Jasper — of Jasper’s Restaurant — walking around talking to people, and you know it’s old-​school Italian. We were intrigued, but then the service started. The waitress clearly wanted a $ 10,000 table, and when she found out we were going to share a spaghetti and meatball, with two waters, she deflated into a slightly bothered state. She asked twice if I wanted wine in the 45 seconds of introductions, so I told her I was a recovering alcoholic so she would stop asking. Clearly, a theme began to emerge: «you’re not spending money on overpriced wine and too much food? Let’s just move this along, shall we.» The bread has a good crust due to the oven, but lacks flavor that would have been helped along by using 2 pads of butter in the dough — which could be had from the 5 pads of cold butter they bring on a dish to butter the flavorless rolls. Okay, so we ordered the $ 16 Spaghetti and meatball — with accompanying house salad. The salad is iceberg, so they clearly spend big on the good stuff. The cucumber is cubed, and strewn about the lettuce, all atop a plate; good luck not rolling 2 or 3 dressing-​covered cubes onto the table, or your pants. They have a mandatory $ 6 up-​charge for sharing a plate, so whatever; a $ 25 spaghetti and meatball, but I thought it might be good. They didn’t separate the one dish onto two plates in the kitchen — like most restaurants do when you PAY EXTRA FOR SHARING. So the lady places it in front of me and walks away. Okay, I start to split it up, and I notice that the sauce is runny to the point of nearly being tomato juice in the bottom, like minestrone. I poured some of it on the other plate; which is really romantic, pouring sauce juice onto your partner’s plate. The «sauce» didn’t stick, and ran to the bottom of the bowl; our first bite after kicking it around was what seemed like a flat tomato sauce with thick cheap noodle that you buy from the store — I make spaghetti from scratch, and it tastes different than spaghetti-o’s. A proper noodle can be eaten without sauce; that’s how good it is. I tried the meatball: it’s delicate and somewhat flavorful, but lacks «pizzazz» found in great Italian cooking. I told the server we didn’t like the dish, and her immediate reaction was, «Ooohhh kayyyyy?» Her response certainly didn’t imply, «how can I help your experience?» I asked if it was possible to just pay for the salad we had finished, and leave — because I was uncomfortable, and if you can’t make spaghetti and meatballs well, I don’t care to try your real food encased in cheese fat, then fried in fat. Sure enough, four minutes later, she hands me a check for $ 6.55, for a side salad, and immediately begins bussing my table while we were getting our money. I have never had that happen before; she cleaned it completely — napkins, pepper grinder, everything. A clean table. I paid and left. I won’t be back. I think Jasper’s is a culmination of cultural and social novelty, and misguided piety. Get kids like, Paul Rudd, smoking when their young, and you’ll have them forever: Stockholm’s Syndrome with chicken parm’. We went to Bravo, and shared the same dish — with a free flatbread pizza, and rosemary breadsticks with sun-​dried tomato dipping oil — all for 15 bucks. I’ve now tried Jasper’s, and will never return. There are better places to spend ninety bucks, and feel relaxed while doing it. If you like to spend a lot of money and throw it around, maybe go for the wine and the host, not the food. The servers are waiting quizzically for your purchase decisions.

Just finishing up a large group luncheon on the terrace. Exemplary service, attention to detail, smiling faces and great food. I had preordered lasagne for an entrée and though not a usual favorite I managed to eat almost the whole thing! Thanks to the staff for a delicious meal. Well done.

Went to Jasper’s today on Valentine’s Day and it was an all around excellent experience. The food here was great along with the staff. I had the veal parmigiana with potatoes and green beans that they substituted for me instead of pasta and it was fantastic. We called and made a reservation and got seated right when we arrived. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a romantic night out, or simply just loves Italian cuisine.

I’m sure the food would have been great, but we never got any. We asked the hostess if we could just get some apps, desserts and drinks at the bar. She says sure, find an open spot. We find seats at the bar, and order drinks. once we receive our drinks we ask to order the apps and dessert. the bartender rudely tells us to get a table in the restaurant side? We paid our bill finished our drinks and left and will not return. horrible service from the bar, can’t speak to anything else.

Great atmosphere for a romantic date with an amazing selection of wine and they had a cool Italian beer called La Rosa too.
Their bread and salad to start the meal was great.
I ordered the Linguine Con Pesto Alla Genovese and the basil smelled fresh but tasted a little bland.
My husband got the Involtini Di Pollo Alla Siciliana. I avoid chicken because I hate getting hard, dry chicken but this was the tastiest, juiciest chicken I’ve had!
Everyone raved about their desserts so we had to get one even if it meant taking the rest of dinner to go. We got the tiramisu which was a perfect way to finish up dinner.

My husband and I along with a good friend had the pleasure of dining at Jaspers last night. Our booth I requested was ready right when we walked in. Our waiter and service was exceptional. We all enjoyed our meals, drinks and desserts and the atmosphere and cannot wait to go back. And thank you Jasper Jr. For being so kind to stop and chat with us about Jersey!

Pork Shank Osso Bucco on the specials menu was absolutely amazing! You have to try it. It was on a bed of risotto!

Since my initial visit to Jasper’s three years ago, I’ve returned at least a dozen times. A restaurant that has me eagerly looking to go again and again has earned its five-​star rating.
I live and work in the south KC area during the week, and the majority of my Jasper’s visits are for dining alone. It’s the treat I give myself every month or so. However, I do take the missus when we’re in the area on occasional weekends, and she loves Jasper’s as well.
My caution is to make reservations for weekend dining. Otherwise, you’ll need to eat very early or very late.
I’ve never had a bad experience at Jasper’s. Just the opposite! Every visit will leave you basking in the experience and eager for another return. My wife likes to find the dish she loves and stick with it. For her, it’s the Osso Buco, for which Jasper’s uses a pork shank rather than the traditional veal. That’s more than OK. I’ve had it, too, and the braised pork truly melts on the palate. Unlike my wife, however, I like to explore a menu, and Jasper’s is quite a culinary travel agent. I’ve eaten the standards, and I’ve eaten the specials. I don’t know who the creative genius at Jasper’s is, but he/​she/​they never leave me disappointed. Ever!
Two final notes. First, the waiters and bartenders are exceptional. .. well trained, well dressed, informative, friendly and prompt. Tip well. They earn it.
Next, I’m guessing the desserts may be made offsite. If that’s the case, I’ll just say that Jasper’s has partnered with an exceptional bakery. It’s not cheesecake and carrot cake from Sam’s! Their layered coconut cake and espresso are the perfect ending to a perfect meal.
Buon appetito!

Well I have eaten at Jaspers numerous times and always enjoyed it, but tonight was off the chart, I had the Pork Osso Bucco and my wife had the Pasta Nanni, they were both outstanding. We followed it up with the Peach Napolean, that is as good as any dessert ever.

This was without a doubt one of the very best restaurant experiences of our lives. We celebrated my wife’s birthday on Saturday evening and the service, food, and ambiance were second to none. I was worried we would be underdressed but everyone seemed comfortable, from those wearing shorts and tshirts to those dressed formally.
Jasper himself made fresh mozzarella at our table and using fresh local tomatoes and basil from his wife’s garden, made us a caprese salad that was phenomenal. Our server was impeccable in her timing, and every dish we had was superb.
If you want the best in Italian dining, you owe it to yourself to go to Jasper’s.

The boyfriend and I were in the mood for some delicious Italian for dinner, so the time was right to try Jasper’s. I have eaten at Marco Polo’s several times (their attached location for sandwiches, premade meals, etc.), so was expecting Jasper’s to be just as amazing. We walked in on a weeknight around 6, and were seated right away. The place is very nice inside, but we felt very underdressed, so get your most beautiful outfit before dining here!
The service was a little slow at the beginning. We were both very thirsty on this hot June day and waiting for some water. We had to ask for it twice before getting some, with a 5 – 10 minute wait between asking. After that initial slowness though, the service was good.
We ordered calamari as an appetizer, and it was really delicious. I ordered a chicken dish with proscuitto and fontina cheese and my boyfriend got a seafood pasta dish with calamari, shrimp, and scallops. Both of us really enjoyed our meals. We were too full for dessert, but agreed we will have to get some next time we dine here (instead of the appetizer). They bring around a dessert cart and those desserts looked amazing.
We definitely enjoyed our experience here, but be prepared to spend some money. Our bill was just under $ 80 with tip. I did not see prices online so wasn’t sure how much it would be. Most meals were between $ 25 – 30, so it was a little pricier than I anticipated. Definitely an awesome place for a special occasion, though. I look forward to returning!