50 Best Pizza Places in Chicago, Ranked

No explanation, no debate – these are the best pizza restaurants in Chicago, Illinois. Period.

best pizza chicago
Photo Credit: Pat’s Pizza South Loop

50. Pat’s Pizza

Multiple Locations

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Originating in South Loop, Pat’s Pizza quickly took over Chicago with its flavorful Chicago-style pizza.

Photo Credit: Dante’s Pizzeria

49. Dante’s Pizzeria

2825 N Milwaukee Ave

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New York-style, but we’ve forgiven them.

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Photo Credit: Barraco’s

48. Barocco’s Pizza

Multiple Locations

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If you’re looking for the best pizza restaurants near the south in Chicago, we recommend traveling to Barocco’s Pizza. This establishment is almost in the suburbs of the city. But, luckily for Southsiders, Chicago can still claim this delicious pizza place.

Photo Credit: Michael’s Pizzeria

47. Michael’s Original Pizzeria & Tavern

4091 N Broadway

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Nothing pairs better with a tall glass of beer than a Chicago tavern-style pizza from one of the best pizza restaurants in the city.

Best Pizza Places in Chicago
Photo Credit: Uno’s Instagram

46. Pizzeria Uno & Pizzeria Due

29 E Ohio St | 619 N Wabash Ave

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No, your eyes are not deceiving you — this Chicago pizza restaurant offers a specialty pizza that features Italian beef.

Best Pizza Places in Chicago
Photo Credit: Home Run Inn

45. Home Run Inn

Multiple Locations

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A Chicago original.

Best Pizza Places in Chicago
Photo Credit: Roots Instagram

Chicago-Style Pizza Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What makes a Chicago-style pizza special? Learn more about the ingredients of this popular dish and the history of your favorite pizza restaurants in the city.

What is a Chicago-Style Pizza?

Chicago is a popular travel destination because of its delicious food, countless shops, and beautiful architecture. The Windy City is known for its Italian beef, hot dogs, steak, barbecue, and deep dish pizza. If you’re looking to become familiar with new food on your vacation to Chicago, we recommend visiting a popular pizzeria to try Chicago-style pizza.

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Unlike New York City, Chicago is historically known for its deep-dish pizzas. A Chicago-style pizza includes thick crust, cheese, sausage or pepperoni, vegetables, and tomato sauce that is crafted with fresh tomatoes. If you’re traveling to Chicago from New York, you may be astonished to discover pizza crust that is a couple of inches thick. It is not uncommon for tourists to refer to the classic Chicago-style pizza as a pie or casserole dish.

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The dough of a deep-dish pizza is inserted into a large circular pan. We recommend adding oil to the bottom of the pan prior to baking it to prevent the crust from sticking to the base of the pan. To ensure there is enough space in the crust for cheese, sausage, and peppers, the dough is pushed to the sides of the pan before it is inserted into the oven. Once the crust is assembled and inserted into the pan, it’s time to add the ingredients to the deep-dish pizza.

Since it takes more time to bake a deep-dish pizza when compared to a thin-crust pie, the mozzarella cheese on a deep dish pizza is usually buried beneath the tomatoes, vegetables, and meat to prevent it from burning in the oven. On the other hand, the cheese on a thin-crust pizza is usually located on the top layer of the pie. The proper order of ingredients and condiments on a Chicago-style deep dish pizza is cheese, vegetables, pepperoni or sausage, and diced tomatoes.

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What is The Difference Between Deep-Dish & Stuffed Pizza?

Although a stuffed pizza looks the same as a deep-dish pizza on the exterior, there are a variety of differences that affect the taste, texture, and consistency of the dish. Stuffed pizzas are assembled with a large layer of bread or crust with layers of cheese, meat, and vegetables. Like a traditional pie, a stuffed pizza includes an extra layer of dough that is inserted above the meat and cheese. The only difference between a pie and a stuffed crust pizza is the layer of diced tomatoes that are embedded on the second layer of dough. In addition, a stuffed pizza is baked with canola oil rather than corn oil.

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When Was the Deep-Dish Pizza Introduced to Chicago?

The first form of deep-dish pizza was introduced to Chicago in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno by Ric Riccardo and Ike Sewell. This new recipe included thicker crust and unique layers of cheese, meat, vegetables, and tomatoes. Once this new style of pizza was introduced, it immediately became popular with Chicagoaens. Today, there are over 200 Uno Chicago Grills in various locations across the world. However, the original Pizzeria Uno in Downtown Chicago holds a special place in Chicagoens hearts and remains popular. In fact, it is not uncommon to observe endless lines of families and tourists that are waiting for the opportunity to try the original Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

Pizzeria Uno was the first place to serve deep-dish pizza in the city of Chicago. The pizzeria has been serving delicious food to residents for over 70 years. On the other hand, there are many signs that indicate Ric Riccardo and Ike Sewell were not the original creators of this recipe. In fact, the Malnat’s family may be responsible for this popular Chicago dish. A member of the Malnati’s family, Adolpho Rudy Malnati, Sr., worked at Pizzeria Uno when it opened. According to the Malnati’s, Rudy Malnati collaborated with Ric Riccardo to create the classic recipe.

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The family claims the pizza became popular because Rudy Malnati and Ric Riccardo would give away slices of deep-dish pizza in the neighborhoods of Chicago. In addition, there is evidence that suggests Rudy Malnati and Ric Riccardo operated Pizzeria Uno together. Once Ric Riccardo passed away, Rudy Malnati created a partnership with his son, Lou Malnati, to maintain and operate Pizzeria Uno. The partnership was successful until Rudy Malnati, Sr. passed away. Once Lou Malnti’s father died, a conflict occurred between staff and management at Pizzeria Uno. 

Unfortunately, the staff at Pizzeria Uno did not see Lou Malnati as a leader. Lou Malnati left Pizzeria Uno and opened his own pizza restaurant in 1971 called Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. The history of the Chicago style deep-dish pizza will vary depending on the family members or people you talk with. It may not be totally clear if the deep-dish pizza was created by Rudy Malnati, Ike Sewell, or Ric Riccardo. On the other hand, this Italian dish has become an icon for the city of Chicago and its unique history.

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What Are the Differences Between Lou Malnati’s and Pizzeria Uno’s Deep-Dish Pizza?

The deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is baked with lighter dough and sweeter tomatoes. In addition, a classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s features less cheese when compared to Pizzeria Uno’s. Unlike a standard pizza, a deep-dish pie at Lou Malnati’s is cooked with a delectable buttercrust. This type of crust is cooked with butter instead of oil to give it a sweat taste. The popular Malnati Chicago Classic includes tomatoes, sausage, cheese, and buttercrust. 

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How Many People Does a Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Feed?

According to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, a standard large deep-dish pizza can feed between 4 – 6 people. A medium Chicago-style pizza is enough for 3 – 4 people while a small pizza is able to accommodate 2 – 3 people. If you’re ordering a thin-crust pizza, we recommend ordering additional food to ensure everyone is satisfied. A large thin-crust pizza will feed around 3 – 4 people while a medium pizza will satisfy around 2 – 3 people.

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44. Roots

Multiple Locations

Damn good pizza, indeed.

Photo Credit: Beggar’s

43. Beggar’s 

Multiple Locations

Finally, a Chicago-style pizza place that perfectly balances the sauce and cheese proportions.

Read More: 8 Restaurants With the Best Gluten-Free Pizza to Visit in Chicago

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Nancy’s Instagram

42. Nancy’s Pizza

Multiple Locations

The stuffed pizza of your dreams.

Photo Credit: Pie-Eyed Instagram

41. Pie-Eyed

1111 W Chicago Ave

The neighborhood spot you never knew you needed.

Photo Credit: Angelo’s Stuffed Pizza

40. Angelo’s Stuffed Pizza

4850 S Pulaski Rd

This Chicago pizza restaurant offers stuffed pizza, not deep dish — it’s an important distinction.


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best pizza chicago
Photo Credit: Rosati’s

39. Rosati’s 

Multiple Locations

We couldn’t leave it off, for obvious reasons.

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Warehouse Instagram

38. Warehouse

1419 W Fullerton Ave

We’ll take a slice of that action.

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Labriola Instagram

37. Labriola

535 N Michigan Ave

The menu at this Chicago pizza place features deep dish and classic pizzas.

Best Pizza Places in Chicago
Photo Credit: Reno Instagram

36. Reno

2607 N Milwaukee Ave

Give us that thin crust.

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Salerno’s Facebook

35. Salerno’s

1201 W Grand Ave

A little slice of Chicago history.

Best Pizza Places in Chicago
Photo Credit: Legno Instagram

34. Legno

4250 N Central Ave

Woodfired. ‘Nuff said.

*Disclaimer: pizzas do not actually float.

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Ranalli’s Instagram

33. Ranalli’s

1925 N Lincoln Ave | 1512 W Berwyn Ave

Serving up pies for over 45 years.

Photo Credit: Phil’s

32. Phil’s

1102 W 35th St

Cash-only heaven.

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: My Pi Instagram

31. My Pi

2010 N Damen Ave

Prime “cheese pull” real estate.

Photo Credit: Paulie Gee’s of Logan Square

30. Paulie Gee’s

2451 N Milwaukee Ave

If you’re looking for the best Brooklyn style pizza in Chicago, we recommend visiting Paulie Gee’s in Logan Square.


View the Best Pizza Places in America

If you’re traveling to a new city or suburb to visit friends or family, we have compiled a list of 50 popular pizza restaurants to visit in America.

Popular Pizza Restaurants in the United States


Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Gino’s Instagram

29. Gino’s East

Multiple Locations

The pizza offered at this pizza restaurant in Chicago is a total classic.

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Dimo’s Instagram

28. Dimo’s

3463 N Clark St | 1615 N Damen Ave

Your late-night pizza craving, cured.

Photo Credit: Marie’s Pizza

27. Marie’s Pizza

4129 W Lawrence Ave

There’s a liquor store next door, but people still come here for the pizza. If that doesn’t tell you anything…

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: La Crosta Instagram

26. La Crosta Woodfired Pizzeria

2360 N Lincoln Ave

*inserts Italian chef hand motion here*

Photo Credit: Aurelio’s Pizza Instagram

25. Aurelio’s

1212 S Michigan Ave

Family-owned, family loved.

Photo Credit: Palermo’s of 63rd

24. Palermo’s of 63rd

3751 W 63rd St

If you’re searching for the best beef pizzas in Chicago, we recommend visiting Palermo’s of 63rd.

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Bacci Instagram

23. Bacci

Multiple Locations

By. The. Slice.

Photo Credit: Jimmy’s Facebook

22. Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe

5159 N Lincoln Ave

If you’re trying to find the best New York-style pizza in the Chicago area, you should travel to Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe.

Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Instagram

21. Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company

2121 N Clark St

Pizza pot pie, anybody?

Photo Credit: Bartoli’s Instagram

20. Bartoli’s

1955 W Addison St

A fork and knife kinda slice.

Photo Credit: Pizza Castle

19. Pizza Castle

3256 W 55th St

A Southside mainstay.

Photo Credit: Pequod’s Instagram

18. Pequod’s

2207 N Clybourn Ave

The caramelized crust you crave.

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Homeslice Instagram

17. Homeslice

938 W Webster Ave

One pretty pie.

Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Lou Malnati’s Facebook

16. Lou Malnati’s

Multiple Locations

An essential.

Photo Credit: Craft Pizza

15. Craft Pizza

1252 N Damen Ave

This pizza restaurant serves the best Artison pizzas in Chicago. You will have to taste a dish to believe it.

Photo Credit: Bungalow by Middle Brow

14. Bungalow by Middle Brow

2840 W Armitage Ave

A neighborhood brewpub that just opened this year, Bungalow is already known more for its pizza than its beer, which is also delicious, by the way.

Photo Credit: Bob’s Pizza

13. Bob’s Pizza

1659 W 21st St

Pilsen-style pizza ain’t so bad.

Photo Credit: Sono Wood Fired

12. Sono Wood Fired

1659 W 21st St

Under the influence… of Tuscany.

Photo Credit: The Art of Pizza

11. Art of Pizza

3033 N Ashland Ave | 727 S State St

A true masterpiece.

Pizza Places in Chicago
Photo Credit: Coalfire Instagram

10. Coalfire Pizza

1321 W Grand Ave | 3707 N Southport Ave

Burnt in the best kind of way.

Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Piece Pizzeria

9. Piece Brewery & Pizzeria

1927 W North Ave

Pizza and beer — need we say more?

Photo Credit: Forno Rosso Instagram

8. Forno Rosso

1048 W Randolph St | 3719 N Harlem Ave

This pizza restaurant in Chicago offers crust just like your Italian Grandma used to make.

chicago pizza
Photo Credit: Pizano’s Instagram

7. Pizano’s

Multiple Locations

Pizano’s is supposedly Oprah’s favorite Chicago pizza place. Maybe it should be yours, too.

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Spacca Napoli Instagram

6. Spacca Napoli

1769 W Sunnyside Ave

Brb, drooling too much to think of something witty.

Photo Credit: Giordano’s Instagram

5. Giordano’s

Multiple Locations

Did you really think we’d skip over this OG?

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Vito and Nick’s Facebook

4. Vito and Nick’s

8433 S Pulaski Rd

An institution.

Photo Credit: Bonci Instagram

3. Bonci

161 N Sangamon St | 1566 N Damen Ave

This pizza restaurant in Chicago serves Roman-style pizza as you’ve never seen before.

Best Pizza Places Chicago
Photo Credit: Pizzeria Bebu Instagram

2. Pizzeria Bebu

1521 N Fremont St

If you’re looking for authentic Italian Chicago pizza places, Pizzeria Bebu is the clear winner.

Photo Credit: Connie’s Pizza Instagram

1. Connie’s

2373 S Archer Ave

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for! The award for the number one pizza restaurant in Chicago goes to Connie’s. This restaurant has been serving delicious Italian food in the city since 1963.

 

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Connie’s

 

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