Genovese does pizza perfectly — and everything else, too

After a trip to Topeka for soccer, we decided to stop at Genovese Italian in Lawrence. Owned by Subarna Bhattachan and Alejandro Lule — proprietors of Lawrence's popular La Parilla and Zen Zero dining spots — and Mexican-born chef Armando Paniagua. It's located in the three-story building, Genovese features seasonal rustic Italian cuisine from the Liguria region of North West Italy by the Italian Rivieras. The restaurant imported Italian made wood-fired rotisserie and charcoal grill. Additionally, another cooking feature is the gas/wood fired pizza oven. The menu features hot and cold antipastis, soup & salads, crisp thin pizzas, homemade fresh pastas --ravioli, fettuccine, pappardelle and gnoochi, and wood-fired rotisserie meats.

We were seated on the second floor and the dining room was noisy and upbeat, with high ceilings. The people can afford to become regulars here; the prices are modest. Diners can also choose from a wide range of wines from the wine list whether the $20 list, premium or reserve list. It is rare these days to find a bottle of wine for $20.

We started with an appetizer: Grass Fed Local Beef Carpaccio with Arugula, Capers, Parmesan & Extra Virgin Olive Oil - $7.5
The night's special was Sea Scallop with Truffles and Risotto. At $28, it's one of the least costly dishes on the dinner menu, and it's memorably satisfying.

The service at Genovese is low-key but gracious and observant. Over all, not surprising that the restaurant was packed.

941 Massachusetts Street.           
Lawrence, KS 66044
Ph. 785-842-0300
web site