10 Chicago Pizza Restaurants That Truly Deliver

Chicago’s pizza scene is legendary, with options ranging from deep-dish giants to artisanal thin-crust creations. Whether you’re craving the classic inch-thick cheese pull or something more contemporary, the Windy City has a pizza style for every taste. These ten pizza joints represent the best of Chicago’s pizza culture, each bringing something special to your table.

1. Giordano’s

Family recipes from northern Italy transformed Chicago’s pizza landscape when Giordano’s opened in 1974. Their stuffed deep-dish pizza features a signature flaky crust that cradles layers of gooey mozzarella and zesty tomato sauce.

The cheese pull from a Giordano’s slice has become Instagram-famous, stretching impressively as you lift each piece from the pan. Locals recommend the Special, loaded with pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions.

With multiple locations throughout the city, you’re never far from their legendary pies. First-timers should know these masterpieces take 45 minutes to prepare – but the wait is absolutely worth it.

2. Pizzeria Portofino

Riverfront views complement the spectacular hand-stretched pies at this bright, airy establishment along the Chicago River. Pizzeria Portofino brings coastal Italian vibes to the Midwest with their cracker-thin crusts and premium seafood toppings.

Unlike traditional Chicago spots, their specialty lies in light, crispy pizzas inspired by the Italian Riviera. The Spicy King Crab pizza, topped with Calabrian chili and fresh herbs, has quickly become their signature dish.

Summer visitors flock to the sprawling patio where spritz cocktails and pizza make for perfect riverside dining. Reservations are essential, especially during warm weather when tables become some of the most coveted in the city.

3. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Pizza royalty since 1971, Lou Malnati’s guards its butter crust recipe like gold. Their deep-dish creations feature a uniquely flavorful crust that’s simultaneously flaky and firm – the result of a secret family recipe passed down through generations.

What separates Lou’s from competitors is their exclusive sausage blend, made from lean cuts of meat and spread across the entire pizza rather than formed into meatballs. The “Malnati Chicago Classic” combines this signature sausage with extra cheese and vine-ripened tomato sauce.

Smart visitors order their pizza when they arrive as the made-from-scratch masterpieces require about 30 minutes to bake. Their frozen pizzas ship nationwide for homesick Chicagoans.

4. Gino’s East

Graffiti-covered walls tell five decades of pizza stories at this Chicago institution. Since 1966, Gino’s East has been serving deep-dish pizzas with their signature golden-yellow cornmeal crust that provides a delightful crunch alongside buttery richness.

Every pizza emerges from the oven with a caramelized cheese edge that pizza enthusiasts consider the crown jewel of each slice. The Meaty Legend lives up to its name with pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, and bacon bits.

First-time visitors should join the tradition of leaving their mark on the restaurant’s walls – almost every vertical surface is covered with signatures and messages from satisfied diners from around the world.

5. Milly’s Pizza In The Pan

Born during the pandemic, this takeout-only sensation represents Chicago’s new wave of pizza artisans. Owner Robert Maleski named the shop after his grandmother, bringing her pan pizza recipe to life with caramelized cheese edges that extend all the way up the sides of each square pan.

The Updog – featuring cup-and-char pepperoni, ricotta dollops, and hot honey – regularly sells out through their pre-order system. Each pizza is a labor of love, with dough fermented for 48 hours before being loaded with Wisconsin brick cheese.

Located in a tiny North Side storefront, Milly’s exemplifies how great pizza needs no frills. The limited production schedule means ordering ahead through their website is essential.

6. Bonci Pizzeria

Roman-style pizza al taglio (by the cut) revolutionized Chicago’s pizza scene when legendary Italian pizzaiolo Gabriele Bonci brought his concept to the West Loop. Scissors snip rectangular slices from long, display-case pizzas, sold by weight and reheated to crispy perfection.

The constantly rotating selection might include potato with rosemary one day and ‘nduja with honey the next. Bonci’s crust – airy yet substantial – results from a unique dough-making process involving high-hydration and long fermentation.

Unlike deep-dish experiences, Bonci offers immediate gratification with no waiting. The minimalist counter-service setup encourages trying multiple varieties in one visit, making it perfect for indecisive pizza lovers seeking culinary adventure.

7. Quartino Ristorante

Bustling energy matches the quick-fired Neapolitan pizzas at this River North Italian hotspot. Quartino’s wood-burning ovens turn out thin, blistered crusts with perfectly charred edges in mere minutes, bringing authentic Naples street food to downtown Chicago.

Shareable small plates define the experience here, with pizzas designed for splitting alongside house-cured salumi and rustic pasta dishes. The Prosciutto e Rucola pizza balances salty prosciutto with peppery arugula and sweet fig preserves.

Carafe wine service enhances the communal vibe, with affordable Italian selections poured in quantities of your choosing. Weekend visitors should prepare for crowds – the two-story restaurant fills quickly with locals and tourists alike seeking reasonably priced Italian fare.

8. Labriola Ristorante

Master baker Rich Labriola brought his obsession with perfect dough to Michigan Avenue, creating a pizza destination that satisfies both tourists and discerning locals. Their signature “Stan’s Pizza” offers a hybrid style – deeper than thin crust but lighter than traditional deep dish – with a distinctively crispy bottom and airy edge.

Caramelized cheese encircles the entire crust, creating the coveted “cheese crown” effect that adds textural contrast to each bite. Beyond pizza, house-made breads and pastries showcase the bakery heritage behind this upscale casual spot.

Prime Magnificent Mile location makes Labriola ideal for refueling during shopping excursions. Despite the tourist-heavy address, quality never suffers, maintaining consistent excellence that keeps Chicagoans coming back.

9. Ranalli’s Pizza Bar

Lincoln Park’s pizza tradition since 1970, Ranalli’s combines Chicago thin crust pizza with sports bar energy. Their cracker-thin crust – a distinct Chicago style often overshadowed by deep dish – breaks with a satisfying snap before giving way to toppings and perfectly melted cheese.

College students and young professionals pack the expansive patio during summer months, making this a neighborhood social hub. The pizza sauce, slightly sweeter than most, complements their signature fennel-forward sausage.

Beyond pizza, Ranalli’s serves as a gathering place for game days with numerous TVs and local beer selections. Their party packages make them a go-to for group celebrations, with pizza by the sheet feeding hungry crowds watching Cubs and Bears games.