'We just hope everybody loves it': New Italian restaurant promises new flavors for Topeka residents

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Hungry Topeka residents will soon have a new dining option to enjoy in 2025 with the opening of a new Italian food restaurant.

27 News got in touch with the owners of Chef's Kiss Ristorante on Monday, Aug. 4. It is a brand-new Italian-style restaurant opening this month near the city's Washburn University and promises to deliver some new flavors to locals.

Head Chef Kelli Page said the restaurant will be holding an invitation-only soft opening on Sunday, Aug. 10 with a full grand opening tentatively planned for Saturday, Aug. 16. Page said customers can expect a variety of Italian foods alongside a rotating list of specials that break away from customer's expectations.

"You're gonna have a lot of traditional Italian food," Page said.

Page, alongside her husband Jesse and co-owner Dustin Pfamatter, are the brains behind the new restaurant venture. She said a mix of her own Italian heritage and long history of working in restaurants inspired her to push for the new restaurant in Topeka.

"I've always loved to cook," Page said. "I grew up in restaurants."

Page said when the owners spotted the space for lease at 1618 Southwest Washburn Avenue they jumped at the opportunity to get the ball rolling for Chef's Kiss. She said the restaurant has been in the works since March and experienced some delays this year due to waiting on contractors and inspectors. However, all the pieces are now falling into place with the owners nervously anticipating the day customers are allowed in.

"Besides the stress... excitement and a little bit of nervousness because its something new for me," Pfamatter said when asked how he is feeling ahead of the opening day. "I know in other markets restaurants aren't doing so well. So, it's just a lot of worry but it's gonna pay off."

Pfamatter said people will be able to enjoy six signature cocktails at Chef's Kiss such as the "Mob Boss" or "Italian Stallion." Customers will also have the option to choose from a list of wines or beers if cocktails aren't their style.

"We have some traditional Italian beverages with an American flair," Pfamatter said.

Pfamatter and his co-owners believe there is a need for a restaurant like Chef's Kiss in Topeka. Moving beyond its opening day, the restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday and will be available through DoorDash during the week.

"It's my love language, feeding people," Page said.

Customers will find no shortage of Italian foods on the menu. Page said there will be create-your-own pastas where people can select their choice of protein, pasta and sauces. French onion soup, manicotti, lasagna, salads, steak, salmon, stuffed mushrooms and more can be found at Chef's Kiss, according to a draft of the menu.

"We are hoping to be as close to perfect as we can possibly get because first impressions mean everything," Page said.

Page said the specials will break away from Italian food and may sometimes be dependent on the time of the year with different Cajun or Mexican-style foods to switch things up. She said the first special for opening day will be a surprise.

"We just hope everybody loves it," Page said.

You can look through an early draft of the menu for Chef's Kiss Ristorante in the document below. To learn more about the restaurant, check out its Facebook page by clicking here.

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