Red-and-white checkered tablecloths fill the dining room. Each table is topped with personal pepper grinders and an extensive drink menu to fit the tastes of every person. The calming music that plays over speakers, photos of countless guests who have dined here before and friendly smiles on everyone’s faces complete the welcoming atmosphere. Kenny’s Italian Kitchen is more like someone’s home or a chic diner in Italy than a nice restaurant in Addison – but that just adds to its charm. It’s no surprise that this beloved restaurant won Addison – The Guide’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Award for Favorite Italian Restaurant. There is just something about it that is beyond compare!
“We’re very appreciative to be a part of this community and are so thankful for their support,” said Chef Kenny Bowers, owner of Kenny’s Restaurant Group that includes Kenny’s Italian Kitchen, when asked about winning the 2019 RCA. “Our guests are truly the best!”
According to its website, Kenny’s Italian Kitchen is “a cozy, comfortable spot that is reminiscent of Northeast’s classic Little Italy. We offer Italian favorites that are sure to please everyone!”
You can get everything from lasagna to baked ziti, veal parmesan to chicken marsala, a light salad for lunch to a three-course meal at dinner. Of course, the perfect complement to your meal is a Grey Goose martini poured from their signature frozen tap system or a glass of wine from a carefully curated list.
“This winter weather is a perfect pairing for classic Southern Italian cuisine,” added Bowers. “Everyone craves saucy, cheesy food this time of year. Lasagna and fettuccine alfredo are very popular right now.”
Start with their delicious appetizers. They are famous for the Kenny’s Midnight Meatballs, smothered in mozzarella and red sauce. The mussels are also a great option, steamed with red sauce or garlic butter and white wine. Next, indulge in some world-class pasta. The baked ziti is filled with meatballs, sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, red sauce and alfredo, and the lasagna is made with ground beef, ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella cheese. A unique option is the gnocchi asiago, made with chicken, artichokes, mushrooms, tomatoes, asiago cream and basil pesto.
If you are craving more meat, order the chicken picatta, with white wine and lemon butter caper sauce. Or, go for the veal osso bucco, which is braised veal shank, natural jus, mushrooms and parmesan risotto. Seafood options include salmon, shrimp scampi, East Coast linguini and more.
Some features you don’t want to miss include their monthly entrée and appetizer selections that are always “unique and flavorful.” And, the happy hour is a guest favorite. Come by from 2-7 p.m. Monday-Friday for $5 wines, $4 premium wells, $1 off all beers and a $6 martini.
Kenny’s Italian Kitchen is a concept designed by Bowers, who wanted to create restaurants with good food and service that includes doing anything they can to make your experience more enjoyable. Their motto is “Every day is a holiday and every meal is a feast!”
Bowers began his career in 1992, when he formed a partnership with well-known chef/restaurateur (and fellow New Englander) Jack Chaplin. The two brought their recipes to North Texas when they created Daddy Jack’s Lobster and Chowder House in Dallas. Four years later, Bowers opened Lefty’s Lobster and Chowder House in Addison, which offered New England-style seafood to a larger audience. In 1998, Bowers helped Dan Vincent, owner of Natchez restaurant, convert his concept to Big Fish Little Fish. In 1999, Bowers received an offer from Randy Dewitt, the original creator and owner of Rockfish Seafood Grill, to become a partner/corporate chef. The company’s success was influenced by Bowers, which attracted Brinker International as a partner.
While at Rockfish, Bowers partnered with friend and colleague Bob Stegall, a 20-year restaurant operator. They created the popular, upscale restaurant Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill. In 2008, they opened Kenny’s Burger Joint in Frisco, before coming back to Addison to open Kenny’s Italian Kitchen in 2010. Later, they added Kenny’s Smoke House to Plano in 2013, another Kenny’s Burger Joint to Plano in 2014, and Kenny’s East Coast Pizza in 2016.
“We couldn’t be happier that our guests have embraced us and made us a neighborhood go-to,” said Bowers. Check them out today!
Sydni Ellis grew up in the great state of Texas, where the iced tea can never be too sweet and everyone does their makeup before going to the grocery store. She has her master’s degree in journalism from the University of North Texas, and she loves talking about her passions: writing, shopping and reading murder mysteries. Follow her on Twitter @sydnimellis to see her latest stories on fashion, entertainment, travel, lifestyle and local events–and to see 500+ pictures of her two blonde babies.
