Top 5 Best Pizza Places To Eat In Chicago — 2024 Guide

Alecharper
4 min readJul 2, 2024

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Top 5 Best Pizza Places To Eat In Chicago

The Pizza Capital of the World: Chicago’s Culinary Delight

Chicago, renowned for its deep-dish pizza and vibrant food scene, offers pizza enthusiasts a gastronomic journey unlike any other. The city’s diverse neighborhoods boast a plethora of pizzerias that cater to every taste bud, from classic deep-dish to innovative thin-crust varieties.

For travelers seeking an authentic taste of Chicago’s iconic dish, navigating through the myriad options can be daunting. Fear not, as we guide you through the top 5 pizza places that define Chicago’s culinary landscape.

Gino’s East: Where Tradition Meets Taste

Founded in 1966, Gino’s East stands as a testament to Chicago’s deep-dish legacy. With its rich, buttery crust and hearty toppings, a visit to Gino’s East is a must for any pizza aficionado.

Explore the flavors of their signature sausage and mushroom pie while savoring the cozy ambiance that has made Gino’s East a beloved staple in the city’s culinary landscape. For an unforgettable experience, book a guided tour of Gino’s East to delve deeper into its history and flavors.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: A Deep-Dish Icon

Since 1971, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria has been synonymous with Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Famous for its flaky, buttery crust and generous cheese-to-sauce ratio, a trip to Lou Malnati’s promises a mouthwatering experience.

Indulge in their famous “Lou” pizza, featuring spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and discover why locals and tourists alike flock to this iconic pizzeria. Don’t miss the chance to explore Lou Malnati’s offerings on a guided tour for a deeper dive into its culinary mastery.

Pequod’s Pizza: Caramelized Crust Delight

Pequod’s Pizza has carved out its niche in Chicago’s pizza scene with its unique caramelized crust that forms a delectable ring of cheese around the pan. Founded in 1971, Pequod’s offers a tantalizing twist on the traditional deep-dish experience.

Delve into their renowned pepperoni and sausage pie, where each bite offers a perfect balance of crunch and gooey cheese. To enhance your visit, consider booking a guided tour of Pequod’s Pizza to learn about their innovative crust-making process.

Art of Pizza: Where Variety Meets Excellence

Art of Pizza elevates Chicago’s pizza scene with its expansive menu featuring both deep-dish and thin-crust options. Established in 1983, Art of Pizza caters to all preferences with its creative toppings and commitment to quality.

From classic sausage and pepperoni to gourmet combinations like barbecue chicken, Art of Pizza ensures a memorable dining experience. Dive into their menu and discover why booking a guided tour of Art of Pizza is the perfect way to appreciate their culinary craftsmanship.

Giordano’s: Pioneers of Stuffed Pizza

Giordano’s revolutionized Chicago’s pizza landscape in 1974 with its stuffed pizza, a decadent marvel of layers upon layers of cheese, meats, and vegetables encased in a buttery crust. A trip to Giordano’s is a journey into pizza perfection.

Indulge in their famous “Special” stuffed pizza, bursting with sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions, and experience why Giordano’s has become synonymous with Chicago-style indulgence. To fully appreciate their culinary prowess, consider booking a guided tour of Giordano’s for an insider’s look into their stuffed pizza mastery.

Conclusion

Exploring Chicago’s pizza scene is not just about food; it’s a journey through the city’s rich culinary history and innovation. Whether you crave the cheesy depths of deep-dish or the crispy allure of thin-crust, these top 5 pizza places offer an unforgettable taste of Chicago.

Key Takeaways

  • Chicago is renowned for its deep-dish pizza, but offers diverse pizza styles.
  • Gino’s East and Lou Malnati’s are icons of traditional deep-dish.
  • Pequod’s is famous for its caramelized crust.
  • Art of Pizza provides a wide range of both deep-dish and thin-crust options.
  • Giordano’s is celebrated for its indulgent stuffed pizza.

FAQ

  • What makes Chicago’s pizza unique? Chicago-style pizza is known for its deep-dish crust filled with generous layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce, offering a hearty and flavorful experience.
  • Which is the best time to visit these pizza places? Weekdays during lunch hours are often less crowded, offering a more relaxed dining experience.
  • Do these pizzerias offer options for vegetarians? Yes, all mentioned pizzerias offer vegetarian pizzas with a variety of toppings like mushrooms, spinach, and peppers.

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