This post includes some of the best places to be discovered in Chicago to taste the best pizzas once in your life. It answers your query “Where to find best pizza in Chicago?”
Pizza always blows our senses, and a debate arises in our minds as to which pizza is the best. Whether you like it with a thin crust or deep-dish pizza, with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, tavern-style, or simple cheese pizza, no matter which way you like it, one thing is consistent, you can’t escape its luscious taste.
In a city like Chicago, explore its cuisine, where there are many pizza restaurants open, some old and some new; it’s hard to decide which pizza place is the best and where to eat as every restaurant serves only the most delicious pizzas in Chicago.
As Chicago, IL is famous for its deep-dish pizza, if you are planning to take a road trip to the city, then don’t forget to try some of the different styles of pizza available here.
Types of pizza
1. Tavern style
Despite the fact that deep-pan pizza is often associated with Chicago, the tavern-style was the city’s first invention.
Tavern-style pizzas were originally served in taverns, frequently as an inducement to consume alcoholic beverages, hence the name. The pizza’s square shape made it possible for taverns to serve their pizza without plates to set the slices on napkins, which is how the pizza got its start in taverns.
It also comes with caramelized crust to enhance its flavor. Though, the caramelized crust is most common in Detroit-style pizza which is often rectangular in shape and resembles tavern pizza.
2. Pizza Pot Pie
Another type of pizza is The Pizza Pot Pie. This Pizza was created by the owner in his Chicago law office while daydreaming about “il gran giorno,” (the big day) when he would open his restaurant.
Since the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company opened its doors in 1972, it has become a favorite among pizza enthusiasts from all over the world.
The Pizza Pot Pie is a single serving that is “made from scratch” using triple-raised Sicilian bread-type dough, a homemade sauce made with olive oil, fresh garlic, onions, green peppers, whole plum tomatoes, and a special cheese blend, sausage made with premium Boston butts, and doorknob-sized, whole, fresh mushrooms.
3. New York Pizza
This style developed in the United States from the pizza that started in New York City in the early 1900s and was itself descended from Italian pizza made in the Neapolitan style.
Pizza cooked in New York style has a distinctively large, hand-tossed thin crust and is sometimes offered in wide pieces for takeout.
Only the edge of the crust is thick and crunchy; underneath, it is soft, thin, and malleable enough to be folded in half to consume.
Shredded mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce are the only traditional toppings.
4. Deep-dish
Due to its cooking method, Chicago-style pizza is frequently referred to as simply “deep dish pizza.” Chicago-style pizza is pizza prepared in accordance with a variety of Chicago-developed styles.
The pizza’s distinctively high edge is a result of the baking pan, which also gives the pizza plenty of room for a thick layer of cheese including goat cheese, mozzarella, etc, and tomato sauce.
Chicago-style pizza can be made as a stuffed pizza or in a deep-dish form.
5. Sicilian style
Pizza served in a style that originated in Sicily, Italy, is known as Sicilian pizza. Sfincione, commonly referred to as focaccia with toppings or sfinciuni in Sicily, is another name for Sicilian pizza.
By the middle of the 19th century, this style of pizza had gained popularity in western Sicily, and up until the 1860s, it was the most common pizza served there. With a thicker crust and a rectangular shape, it eventually made it to North America in a slightly altered state.
The traditional Sicilian style pizza frequently has a thick crust and is rectangular in shape, yet it can also be circular and resemble Neapolitan pizza.
Onions, anchovies, tomatoes, herbs, and strong cheeses like caciocavallo and toma are frequently used as toppings. Some variations don’t have cheese.
6. Frozen pizza
According to Thrillist’s ranking of frozen pizza, Home Run Inn is the best ever. It’s included on this list because it’s one of the few things in your neighborhood freezer aisle you can experience with us if you’re not from Chicago.
Naturally, it tastes much better when it is freshly prepared from one of the eight Chicago locations, but even from your oven.
7. Sausage pie
This large pie has a buttery, crisp crust and a filling of oozy cheese and crumbled sausage that is topped with a tomato sauce that has a hint of sweetness and heat.
According to most accounts, this deep-dish style of pizza was created in Chicago (thus the name), and it truly satisfies hungry pizza appetites!
8. Sourdough crust
Using a sourdough starter, the dough is naturally fermented to create a sourdough pizza.
The appropriate (and advantageous) bacteria and wild yeasts in a sourdough starter are responsible for developing flavor and helping the sourdough pizza dough rise rather than utilizing commercial or instant yeast to leaven and flavor the dough.
Mike’s hot honey
Famous as a drizzling topping, Mike’s hot honey became the most popular brand of hot honey in America. The company was established in 2010 by Mike Kurtz out of a desire to produce and distribute the best honey infused with chili peppers.
Customers began asking if they could purchase bottles after he started dripping it on pizzas at the Brooklyn pizzeria where he works.
The popularity of Mike’s Hot Honey led to the emergence of a brand-new class of honey. Mike’s Hot Honey, with its headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, is currently offered on menus and in stores all across the US.
Best Places for Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
If you are looking for the best pizza in Chicago, then it is hard to find one because here, every pizza is different and unique. But two pizzas are popular here – New York and Chicago pizza, making Chicago a place for the absolute best pizza.
If you are a pizza enthusiast, you already know the difference between New York pizza and Chicago pizza.
Both have different tastes and characteristics, but the main difference is in their crust.
New York-style pizza has a thinner crust and more crunch, usually served with mozzarella cheese and sweet tomato sauce; Chicago-style pizza has a thicker crust, commonly known as deep-dish pizza.
This pizza guide will help you find where to get stuffed pizza, thin-crust pizza, and the best pizza in Chicago.
1) Uno Pizzeria & Grill
If you are looking for Chicago deep-dish pizza, Uno Pizzeria & Grill would be the perfect place for you as it serves one of the rated pizzas in Chicago. And believe us, the hype actually has worth behind it.
Starting in 1943, the original deep dish pizza in Pizzeria Uno can be found only here. If you ever come to Chicago, then you must try it.
One of the best deep-dish pizzas in the city, you can taste a pizza loaded with crispy cheese, Italian tomatoes, pepperoni, sausage, and their original Numero Uno, where all the fun parts of the thick crust are.
Don’t forget to taste Classic Chicago-style pizza here, which you will be served with extra cheese and sausage. And who wouldn’t want extra cheese and sausage on their pizza?
Along with deep-dish pizza, Pizzeria Uno also serves thin crust. If you’re looking for something lighter, then a pizza served by Pizzeria, filled with several unique toppings, will be perfect and easy for your stomach to digest. And complete this meal with a delicious dessert.
Pizzeria Uno branches are spread all over the US, and the best part is that they ship it to all the states.
You can order your pizza from here.
Address:
29 East Ohio, Chicago, IL 60611
2) Giordano’s
Deep Dish authentic Chicago Pizza may or may not be everyone’s favorite, but when it’s from Giordano’s, one of the oldest pizza franchises, you can’t stop trying it. Among locals, it is considered the best pizza in the city of Chicago.
There is always a debate between Giordano and Lou Malnati pizza lovers as to which is the best pizza in the City. However, both pizza chains have their distinctive quality and taste.
Giordano remains the first choice for those who love Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza. Its Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza comes with an extra layer of cheese and dough which makes it fluffy and full of toppings. If you love cheese layering, you should try Giordano’s Chicago Pizza.
Don’t forget to try San Pellegrino with your Giordano’s golden crust. And salad mixed with asiago, cherry tomatoes, fennel, and mesclun make it more delicious.
Address:
5311 S Blackstone Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
3) Lou Malnati: Chicago’s Oldest Deep Dish Pizza
The oldest pizza in Chicago, Lou Malnati, is a paradise for deep-dish pizza lovers. It serves the best pizza and is the oldest franchise in the city. The fascinating thing about this restaurant is that chefs here have their secret recipes for pizza. Didn’t this excite you?
The secret family recipe of their fresh tomato sauce and crust will make your mouth water. Also, it can be found only in Lou Malnati.
Its iconic golden crust that stands out over several layers on the outside but softens in the middle creates an explosion of distinct taste in your mouth.
Here you can also taste Chicago-style pizza with extra cheese and sausage. Another famous pizza is The Lou which is stuffed with mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.
Lo Malnati also serves thin-crust pizza, commonly known as tavern-style, in square pieces.
Don’t forget to order the Chocolate Chip Pizza from Lo Malnati, which is served hot pan pizza style with vanilla ice cream, a dessert that every pizza lover must try.
Address:
410 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
4) Labriola Chicago
If you are looking for the best Italian restaurant that offers fine pizza in the city of Chicago, then Labriola Chicago is what you must visit.
Their homemade pizza is just what you would be looking for. You will forget the Italian beef after eating their finest homemade Italian pizza.
Labriola Chicago’s signature artisan pizza comes ciabatta style, with a crunchy crust filled with cheese, tomatoes, and artisan meats which gives a unique flavor.
They have unique toppings like salsiccia, hot honey, fresh mozzarella cheese, organic tomatoes, crumbled Italian sausage, arugula, and mushrooms.
If you’re a fan of Chicago Style pizza with balanced red sauce, cheese, and crispy crust, you’ll find it at Labriola Chicago too. It comes with Russo sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, and Danny’s special with Russo sausage, green pepper, mushrooms, and onion.
Don’t forget to try Richie’s Italian Beef, which comprises thin-sliced beef, Au Jus, and Giardiniera.
Those who prefer a lighter pizza can go with the skinny deep dish with a thin and crispy crust. Its creative toppings were loaded with Russo sausage, mushrooms, green pepper, burrata, fresh basil, and more.
The best part of Labriola Chicago is its custom-made pizza. You can create your pizza with the desired crust and choose from over twenty toppings.
Order your deep-dish crust pizza from here.
Address:
535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
5) Uncle Jerry’s Pizza Company
If you’re a fan of classic sausages, you must try Uncle Jerry’s Pizza Company, which serves one of Chicago’s finest deep-dish.
Here you will find the Chicago Pan Style Pizza, for which it has been known for the past 15 years. So, basically, this company has been in the market since forever, which is enough to illustrate its expertise.
And the cherry on top is that all their food is homemade and only fresh food is cooked daily, you don’t have to worry about its cleanliness.
Don’t forget to order the Garden Fresh Salad, which consists of fresh arugula, red onion, grape tomatoes, romaine, and bleu cheese mixed with a raspberry vinaigrette.
And don’t forget to taste Uncle Jerry’s Classic Sausage Specialty Pizza made with their secret and original dough, sauces, and sausages.
You can check out the Chicago pan-style pizza and deep-dish pizza menu.
Address:
133 W Main St, Cary, IL 60013
Best Places for Chicago Thin-Crust Pizza
6) Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company
If you are a pizza lover but like thin crust more, try out Robert’s Pizza in Chicago.
This pizzeria restaurant serves its guests thin-crust pizza with unique toppings collected from all over the world, giving a global flavor to its pizzas.
Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company’s menu comprises soups and salads where you can find chicken soup, little gem, beet and kale, simple salad, caesar, apple hazelnut, and Chopped Mediterranean.
You can also enjoy homemade noodles, including Gnocchi, Penne & Meatballs. It also offers sandwiches, including Chicken Parm, tacos, meatballs, Prosciutto and Arugula, and Robert’s Burger.
The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery facilities.
You can book your pizza online from here.
Address:
465 N McClurg Ct
7) Spacca Napoli
If you’re looking for good Italian-style pizza, Spacca Napoli in West Town is the perfect place for you. Best Pizza in City that serves Italian-style pizza in the US.
This place is famous for Neapolitan pizza, a custom-made pizza of Spacca Napoli in an oak-stoked oven.
They make the crust with their hand so that the dough gets thin and chewy, giving the flavor of amazing Neapolitan pizza. It serves the best handmade thin-crust pizzas in Chicago.
The crust that is made here is the one you will never forget, as it is perfectly thin and loaded with a bunch of items on top.
Their toppings include different sauces and cheese, including fennel sausage, mozzarella cheese, and more.
Along with delicious pizza, you will also find a large wine and beer list that completes a pleasant evening out.
You can never go wrong with pizzas at Spacca Napoli. Here, you will find a daily special that includes Polenta, a cake loaded with basil, sea salt, black pepper, olive oil, and prosciutto.
Another is Polpette di Vitello, a veal meatball served with lemon and capers, and zucchini slices. Also, don’t miss trying their Cozze and Bietole from their daily special.
You can reserve your table from here.
Address:
1769 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago
8) My Pi Pizza
One of the local favorite pizza places in Chicago, My Pi Pizza, offers a range of pizzas. It is also the best pizza in City for those who want to try some uniquely flavored pizza.
You can enjoy small-size pizza on Mondays and Tuesdays, while big deep-dish pizza will be offered at a heavy discount on Wednesdays. And on Thursday, Medium Deep Dish Pizza would be offered in the daily special.
What makes My Pi Pizza different from other Chicago Pizzas is its secret recipe where tomato sauce flavored with secret used spices and herbs makes the pizza taste different and unique.
They also use San Marzano tomatoes in their pizzas that are picked from Modesto, California. It gives a sweet taste and adds a luscious taste to their pizza.
In both their deep dish and thin crust, different types of tomatoes, spices, and caramelized cheese are used. So you will not get the same taste because every pizza is different than others.
Another ingredient that makes their pizza different is their handmade dough. Since the dough was prepared by its restaurant staff, you won’t find it anywhere else.
Their deep dish dough recipe originally comes from Belarus and has since become a favorite of every pizza lover.
The best part about My Pi Pizza is the variety of cheeses used in the pizza. He picked up mozzarella cheese from Wisconsin, where the best cheese is found.
Don’t miss tasting their fresh salads which use only fresh ingredients from the garden, and orange vinaigrette, which is their homemade vinegar.
Order your pizza online from here.
Address:
2010 N Damen Avenue Unit E, Chicago, IL 60647
9) Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta
Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta is where you will find both deep dish and thin crust pizza with pasta. They have all kinds of pizzas available here, from Fresh Sausage Pizza to Vegetarian Special Pizza. This is the best pizza in the town which provides all Italian flavors under one roof.
Those who love meat must try their Meat Lovers Pizza which is served with sausage, pepperoni, and Canadian bacon.
If you like to eat gluten-free, you don’t have to compromise with our diet here. Because their menu also has gluten-free pizza.
Don’t forget to try its delicious desserts, including Holly’s Coffee, served with chocolate chip and ice cream, cheesecake, and spumoni served with chocolate, pistachio, and raspberry ice cream.
Order your Pizano’s pizza online from here.
Address:
61 E Madison St, Chicago, IL 60603
In the End
Here our best pizza guide in Chicago ends. Hope you have found the best deep-dish pizza in town.
Whether you are a fan of deep-dish pizza or thin crust, you will surely love all these best restaurants that are amazing pizza places in Chicago.
Pizza is an art made with much love, and one cannot easily escape from it. Whenever you come to Chicago, don’t miss trying these great pizza places.
I hope you find your best taste in any of these pizza places. Do let us know which place got their hooks into you. As it is always said, “A pizza triangle is better than a love triangle.” therefore, go fall prey to this triangle and get mesmerized by its luscious taste.
Share your delicious pizza experiences with us!
We will wait to hear from you.
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