Mamma mia! Visit KC for an Italian feast

Cinzzetti's is an all-you-can-eat delight

This is a buffet with a twist. An Italian twist.

I heard about Cinzzetti’s a few years ago when I was researching restaurants in the Kansas City area. I feared that COVID might shut it down — like it did many of Las Vegas’ buffets — but it survived.

This is a special place, located in Overland Park, Kansas. (There’s also a Cinzetti’s in the Denver, Colorado, suburb of Northglenn.)

The price point on my visits have averaged about $30 (meal, drink and tip) for a decadent and delicious dining experience.

At Cinzzetti’s, don’t forget to leave room for the cannoli. (Photo by John Naughton.)

So what makes this buffet so special?

For one, the restaurant is clean and comfortable (more so than many other buffet-style restaurants). The variety of items is outstanding, with many refreshed regularly to avoid the unappetizing appearance of things that linger too long.

There’s a pizza station where employees bake and serve a variety of pies.

Pasta choices include spaghetti, lasagna and gnocchi swimming in a pink sauce.

One of the best items on the menu is the arancini (rice balls). (Photo by John Naughton.)

“Mama’s Meatballs” are also simmering in a pot filled with marinara. They’re large, tender and flavorful.

There’s a good-sized salad area with fruit, Caesar and other salads of mixed greens.

A trio of soups are available, too.

One of my favorite dishes is the arancini — rice balls that are breaded and fried. They’re cooked to perfection and accompanied by a pot of tomato sauce that can be ladled on top.