Top 10 Best Pizza Restaurants in Chicago

This Loop location of Giordano's serves the same legendary stuffed pizza as their Randolph Street flagship but caters more to the business lunch and post-work crowd near the financial district. The formula remains unchanged—that signature flaky crust embracing absurd amounts of cheese and chunky tomato sauce—but the slightly less frenzied atmosphere makes it easier to actually have a conversation. It's become a go-to for informal business meals where sealing the deal over deep-dish feels appropriately Chicago. The lunch specials here are genuinely good value if you're flying solo and don't need a full 14-inch pie.

While technically an Italian small-plates restaurant, Quartino's pizza program deserves serious recognition for their authentic Neapolitan pies that emerge blistered and beautiful from their wood-fired ovens. The sharing-plate concept means you can sample multiple pizzas alongside house-made pastas and Italian wines, making it ideal for groups who can't commit to just one thing. The River North space buzzes with energy—high ceilings, industrial-chic design, and a bar scene that transitions from post-work drinks to late-night revelry. Go for the pizza, stay for the comprehensive Italian wine list and the burrata that practically melts on contact.

Lou Malnati's represents Chicago deep-dish royalty, with a butter crust recipe that's been a closely guarded family secret since 1971. This River North outpost delivers the classic experience—that signature flaky, buttery base loaded with fresh mozzarella, chunky tomato sauce, and your choice of toppings arranged in reverse order. The atmosphere splits the difference between casual and celebratory, making it equally appropriate for family dinners and small group celebrations. Their "Malnati Chicago Classic" with sausage is what locals order when introducing out-of-towners to real deep-dish.

In a city obsessed with deep-dish, Spacca Napoli stands defiantly Neapolitan, importing a wood-burning oven directly from Naples and adhering to strict DOC certification standards. The result is pizza that would make a nonna weep—leopard-spotted crusts with a perfect char, San Marzano tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella that arrives creamy and cloud-like. The Ravenswood location feels transported from Southern Italy, with rustic charm that attracts couples seeking something more refined than the typical Chicago pizza brawl. This is where you go when you want to remember that pizza is, at its heart, a simple and elegant thing.

Pequod's has cultivated an almost cult-like following for their pan pizza with caramelized cheese crust—a technique that creates a lacy, burnt-cheese edge that's borderline addictive. This Lincoln Park location requires patience (waits can stretch past an hour on weekends) but delivers a deep-dish experience that's richer and more complex than the tourist traps downtown. The dive-bar vibe with sports on every screen makes it ideal for groups who want substance over style. Pro tip: order your pizza "well-done" for maximum caramelization, and don't fill up on the free popcorn they bring to every table.

Robert's flies under the radar compared to the deep-dish giants, but that's precisely why Streeterville locals treasure it—authentic New York-style pies with foldable slices and a chewy-yet-crisp crust that holds its structure. The dough company aspect isn't just marketing; you can literally watch them stretching and tossing in the open kitchen, and they supply several other restaurants around the city. It's casual enough for a solo lunch at the counter but polished enough for a low-key business meal. Their vodka sauce slice is the kind of thing that inspires mid-meeting cravings.

Gino's East has been carving their signature cornmeal crust and caramelized cheese edges into Chicago lore since 1966, and this Streeterville location maintains that rebellious, graffiti-covered spirit. The bar scene here is surprisingly lively, making it perfect for groups who want to split a pitcher while waiting for their deep-dish masterpiece to emerge from the oven. What sets them apart is that slightly sweet, golden crust that develops an almost cookie-like crunch at the edges—purists may scoff, but your taste buds won't care. Bring a Sharpie and add your mark to the wall-to-wall customer graffiti that's become as famous as the pizza itself.

This Loop location of the legendary Giordano's serves as ground zero for tourists hunting their first taste of true Chicago stuffed pizza, and those 25,000+ reviews prove they're doing something magnificently right. Yes, it's a bit touristy, but the buttery, flaky double-crust encasing rivers of cheese and chunky tomato sauce remains a legitimate Chicago experience—just plan for the 45-minute bake time. Families appreciate the massive booths and patient servers who've explained the deep-dish phenomenon thousands of times. Go early or late to avoid the pre-theater crowds that descend around 6 PM.

With a near-perfect 4.9 rating, Zarella represents the new wave of Chicago pizza—respectful of tradition but unafraid to innovate. Their tavern-style thin crust gets cracker-crisp in a seriously hot oven, while seasonal toppings showcase relationships with local farms. The space feels like your cool friend's industrial loft, complete with Edison bulbs and reclaimed wood, making it ideal for casual dates or friend groups who take their pizza seriously. Insider tip: their weekend brunch pizza menu is a hidden treasure that locals guard jealously.

This River North gem has amassed over 16,000 reviews for good reason—their perfectly charred crusts and generous toppings strike that sweet spot between authentic Italian technique and Chicago heartiness. The buzz here is constant but worth it, especially for their signature pies that manage to feel both indulgent and refined. Families love the spacious layout and quick service, while date-nighters appreciate the dim lighting that makes every table feel semi-private. Don't sleep on their lunch specials if you're looking to beat the dinner rush.