Whether it’s deep dish, thin crust, or stuffed, Chicago is home to the best pizza you can find, hands down. While there are countless amazing pizzerias in the area, this list is made up of just some of the best known or with multiple locations. So, if you’re a Windy City native, you’re probably not a stranger to at least some of the names on this list. And if you’re not from the Chicagoland area, I can guarantee that after reading this article, you’ll want to take a quick trip there to try out a few of these places for yourself.
Here are the top five pizza places in the Chicagoland area:
5. Aurelio’s: THE SAUCE. Sweet, a little on the tangy side, and absolutely delicious, the pizza sauce at Aurelio’s is truly incomparable. Many people consider it to be an acquired taste, and either love it, or hate it, though it’s hard to see what’s to hate. They even sell jars of it online to use for meals made at home. Plus, on select days they put out an incredible all-you-can-eat buffet, which includes classic Italian dessert staples such as biscotti, cannoli, and tiramisu. Those without a sweet tooth can choose between deep-dish or thin-crust pizzas with all the toppings, and pasta and chicken dishes, among many others. This is more of a chain, but each franchise is family-owned and operated, and it shows in the quality and taste of the food.
4. Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria: My family and I have recently moved to a new neighborhood that is now only a 20 minute drive from the city, and as a result the selection of incredible pizza places for us to try has increased twofold. We have recently discovered a gem located on the South Side on Pulaski, not far from Midway Airport, called Vito & Nick’s. This family-owned establishment has been around since the 1920s, and it’s no surprise considering how incredible their food is. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but I’ve tried the pizza, beef sandwiches, and spaghetti and meatballs so far, and I would recommend all three.
3. Pizzerias Uno & Due: Ike Sewell went down in history for being credited as the original creator of deep-dish pizza all the way back in 1943. His legacy has lived on through the pizzerias he opened almost 80 years ago, located downtown in two gorgeous Victorian mansions on opposite street corners from each other. With their well-known reputation in Chicago and brilliant food, it’s no surprise that Uno and Due have been around and serving pies for as long as they have. These are two of the most famous pizza places in the entire city, and they definitely deserve the hype. While they are ranked equally on this list, there is still one question left unanswered: Uno or Due?
2. The Italian Village Restaurants: This place is a must, especially if you’re from out-of-town and want the full Chicago experience. The Italian Village Restaurants (yes, I meant to make that plural) are three of the oldest Italian eateries in Chicago, all in one location on W Monroe in the loop downtown. Each restaurant has their own chef The food is amazing, but I think the coolest part about this place is the scenery. The walls are decorared and the lighting is set to create the ambiance of an evening dining in a Tuscan village. This place is so popular, that everyone from Hollywood stars to professional athletes have stopped by for a bite, dating all the way back to their opening day in 1927. The whole place screams the prohibition era and gives off “Al Capone” vibes; it really transports you back to circa the 1920s. I’ve only been there once, but it was certainly a memorable experience, and I can’t wait to go back sometime soon.
1. Lou Malnati’s: This was a risky one to rank first because it’s more of a mainstream, franchised establishment, but I’d argue that all great restaurants came from humble beginnings. When it comes to Lou’s, people tend to either love it, or hate it – there’s no in-between. I just happen to fall closer to the love end of the spectrum. I’d consider Malnati’s to be the holy grail of deep-dish pizza. They are famous all around the Chicagoland area, and well-known by people who aren’t even from there. From the butter crust to the crushed tomato sauce to the impeccably melted cheese, every part of a Malnati’s pie is perfectly proportioned and is a true recipe for success. Add a side of the Malnati’s salad which is covered in the absolute best Italian dressing to ever exist, and dinner is served. With over 50 restaurant locations to choose from, in addition to delivery and carry-out options, Lou Malnati’s is a must for anyone who loves a good pizza, whether they’re just visiting, or call Chicago home.
