About

Our History

The roots of V's Italiano Ristorante date back to 1963 when "V" (Vita) and Jay Totta decided to open the first "V's Café", consisting of a seven stool counter, three tables, and four booths, for a total seating capacity of 35 people. Utilizing family recipes rich in tradition, high quality standards, and the personal touch of "V" herself greeting customers, an ever expanding business was created.

In 1966, the Totta's acquired and remodeled a building that seemed massive at the time. It could accommodate 85 guests; nearly two and one-half times the original seating. However, that building was soon outgrown. "V" and her husband Jay, an architect, dreamed of someday being able to design and build their own building that would create an atmosphere of elegant, old world charm.

The dream became reality in 1972 when the present building was completed. The dining room comfortably accommodates 150 patrons in a relaxed atmosphere. The building also has a beautiful lounge and three private dining rooms available for groups of up to 135 guests. On the exterior of the building is a beautiful wood arbor with grape vines planted by V's father, Tony Barber. These vines are now carefully tended by the fourth generation, and can be viewed from the interior of the "Vista Vite" room. You may also enjoy a cocktail under the vines, while listening to the cascading waters of our beautiful stone waterfall in the intimate setting of our "Garden Patio".

"V", the entire Totta family, and staff are thankful to you, our many friends and loyal customers, who have provided over five decades of friendship and support. We trust our sincere efforts to provide you with a pleasant dining experience will merit your continued patronage.

Timeline of Events at V's Italiano

1963

Opened V's Café

7 Stools 3 Tables 4 Booths

35 Total Seats

1966

Moved West on Highway 40

Across from Nativity of Mary Catholic Church at 9809 E. US Highway 40

New Restaurant Seated 85

1972

Momma V's Husband, Jay Totta, designs and builds our current building

Seating for 118 in Main Dining Room

135 in Private Dining Rooms

24 in Cocktail Lounge

1973

Added Lower Level Kitchen for Private Dining Rooms

Offered Dinner & Dancing on Friday and Saturday evenings

1976

First Main Kitchen expansion to accommodate growth

1977

Added Vineyard Garden Piano Lounge and Outdoor Patio

1984

Removed Candy Counter and added 2 New Booths, increasing Main Dining Room Seating to 126

1986

Added the Tuscany Room as our Non Smoking Section, increasing our Main Dining Room Seating to 150

1988

Completely Remodeled Main Dining Room and Lounge

Added Front Patio and Water Fall

Converted Vineyard Garden Piano Lounge to a Private Dining Room

1990

Second Main Kitchen expansion to accommodate growth

1993

Momma V's son-in-law, Greg Hunsucker (Sr.), is elected President of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association

1993

Completely Remodeled Lower Level Banquet Rooms

1995

Greg Sr. is nominated as the Missouri Restaurant Association's Restaurateur of the Year

1996

Third Main Kitchen expansion to accommodate growth

2002

Converted Cocktail Lounge Restrooms for Handicap Accessibility

2007

Converted Entire Building to Non Smoking

2013

Celebrated our 50th Anniversary by giving away a Trip for Two to Italy

2013

Momma V and Greg Sr. are inducted into the Missouri Restaurant Association's "Hall of Fame"

2015

Voted a "Top 100 Brunch Restaurant in America" by Open Table

2017

Voted a "Top 100 Brunch Restaurant in America" by Open Table, for the second time

2017

Momma V's Grandson, Greg Hunsucker (Jr.), is elected president of the Kansas City Originals. A position he would hold for 6 years

2019

Redecoration of the Main Dining Room and Lounge begins

2019

Greg Sr. is awarded the Missouri Restaurant Association's "Distinguished Service Award"

2020

Greg Jr. becomes President of the Missouri Restaurant Association. Greg Jr. and Sr. become one of only three Father and Son teams to lead the association in its' 100+ year history.

2021

Greg Jr. becomes the third generation owner.

2021

Redecorating of the Main Dining Room and Lounge are completed with new booths, tables, chairs and flooring

2022

Momma V passes away at 90 years old on January 4th - National Spaghetti Day

2025

Our Lunch Buffet Italiano is named One of the "Nine Best Italian Buffets in the US" by TastingTable

2026

Gold Medal Winner for Best Italian Restaurant and Best Brunch by Kansas City Favorites (Kansas City Star)

Voted Best Italian Restaurant of Eastern Jackson County (The Examiner)