Since 2009, this downtown Massachusetts Street bistro has been serving handmade Italian-inspired plates that turned a simple street address into a genuine Kansas dining destination. 🍷
Led by Chef Kelly Conwell, this award-winning Lawrence restaurant built its reputation on scratch-made pasta, thoughtfully sourced meats, and a menu that keeps evolving while staying true to its Italian bistro roots. 🍝
How 715 won Lawrence’s hearts
There’s a reason this Mass Street institution keeps landing on best-of lists nearly two decades after opening, and it comes down to a genuine commitment to handmade food.
The Pitch KC’s profile of Chef Michael Beard described the restaurant’s early menu as pairing chestnut-filled ravioli with simple butter and pecorino sauces, setting a scratch-cooking standard that has carried through every chef since.
That same feature praised the leisurely Sunday brunch, blending traditional dishes like quiche and buttermilk waffles with genuine surprises, a formula that turned casual diners into regulars.
Under current chef Kelly Conwell, the kitchen has leaned further into house-made pasta, with dishes like the crab ravioli and lasagna Bolognese becoming genuine signatures.
That same feature noted Chef Conwell’s personal favorite is the Lumache alla Vodka, a detail that gives diners a peek into the kitchen’s creative process.
The restaurant’s dedication to an extensive wine list and inventive cocktail program has also made it a go-to spot for date nights and celebrations across Douglas County.
That balance of elevated technique and genuine hospitality has made 715 a fixture for anyone searching for the best Italian restaurant Lawrence KS has to offer.
Nearly two decades in, the restaurant continues to prove that a name built from a street address can still become synonymous with celebration-worthy food.
Food Highlights 🍝
- Lamb Lollipops: Grilled lamb chops drizzled with pomegranate molasses and harissa crème, finished with a crunchy dukkah spice blend.
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The Ribeye: A hefty 32-ounce bone-in steak served simply with a side of French fries, built for guests who want their beef front and center.
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Filet: A tender filet finished with mojo verde, sautéed mushrooms, potato pavé, and spicy greens for a bright, herby contrast.
- Lumache alla Vodka: Snail-shaped pasta tossed in a tomato vodka sauce with fresh basil and parmesan, Chef Conwell’s personal favorite.
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Chicken Schnitzel: A crispy breaded chicken breast served with garlic herb spaetzle, apple slaw in herb cream, and a Düsseldorf mustard cranberry chutney.
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Crab Ravioli: House-made pasta filled with ricotta and butter-poached crab, finished in a rich cognac cream sauce with fresh herbs.
- Lobster: A whole lobster served with a generous bowl of warm melted butter for dipping.
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Lasagna Bolognese: Braised pork and beef layered with béchamel, tomato, and parmesan.
Atmosphere
The dining room strikes a warm, upscale-casual balance, comfortable enough for a weeknight dinner but polished enough for anniversaries and special celebrations.
Indoor and outdoor seating give guests flexibility depending on the season, with the outdoor patio drawing a crowd on warm Kansas evenings.
The extensive wine list and inventive cocktail menu add a sense of occasion without feeling stuffy. It’s the kind of downtown Lawrence spot where regulars and first-time visitors alike feel genuinely welcomed. 🍷
Bottom Line
Come for the house-made ravioli and lasagna Bolognese, stay for the extensive wine list, and don’t skip the lamb lollipops.
Since 2009, thoughtful cooking and downtown charm have made this Lawrence bistro a true Kansas dining landmark. 🍝🥂
Address:
715 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
📞 (785) 856-7150
🕔 Open Tue-Wed 3 PM–9 PM, Thu-Sat 3 PM–10 PM (closed Sun-Mon)