Cupini’s, the unassuming Italian mainstay just steps from the state line at 1809 Westport Road has become service editor Allison Dikanovic’s KC cheesy, carby comfort food haven. The restaurant feels like the extension of our living rooms, she says, and that’s exactly the vibe Franco Cupini wants. He opened his namesake eatery with his son and daughter-in-law almost 20 years ago after learning to cook in Rome and building his career in luxury dining. And while he has tales of plating immaculate dishes for the president of Italy, he said he wanted his restaurant to feel more relaxed and welcoming. “It’s a family business, it’s home,” he told Allison when she stopped by for lunch recently. “I’ve worked at fancy hotels all over the world, but this is home. Everything we serve is home taste.” Read more about cupinis and Allison’s favorite homemade pasta at the link in our bio. #KansasCity #KCFoodies #KCRestaurants #ItalianRestaurant #KCEats #Local