When I think of Chicago, one of the first things that comes to mind is its legendary pizza. The city’s deep-dish pizza is famous worldwide, but Chicago’s pizza scene is far more diverse and complex than just one style. On my recent trip to the Windy City, I made it my mission to delve into the local pizza culture and find the most authentic pizza spots. The journey took me through a variety of neighborhoods, each offering its unique take on this beloved dish. By the end of my stay, I’d developed a newfound appreciation for Chicago’s pizza heritage, and I’m excited to share my discoveries.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: A Deep-Dish Legacy
My first stop was Lou Malnati’s, a name that’s practically synonymous with Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. With multiple locations across the city, it’s one of the most well-known pizza chains in Chicago. I chose to visit their Lincoln Park location, which has a warm, welcoming vibe and a rich history. The restaurant’s walls are adorned with vintage photos and memorabilia, adding to the sense of tradition that permeates the place.
Lou Malnati’s is known for its buttery, flaky crust, which forms the foundation of its famous deep-dish pizza. I opted for the classic “Malnati Chicago Classic,” featuring a rich, flavorful blend of sausage, mozzarella, and their signature tomato sauce. When the pizza arrived at my table, its impressive height immediately caught my eye—this was a true deep-dish, with layers of ingredients packed into the crust.
As I took my first bite, I was struck by the balance of flavors. The sausage, sourced from a local vendor, had just the right amount of spice, and the tomato sauce was tangy and fresh. The crust, which can often be heavy in deep-dish pizzas, was surprisingly light and crispy, offering a perfect contrast to the hearty toppings. Each bite was a delightful experience, confirming why Lou Malnati’s has been a Chicago favorite for decades.
Booking Tip: Lou Malnati’s is popular, especially on weekends. I recommend booking a table in advance through their official website or using platforms like OpenTable to avoid long wait times.
Giordano’s: The Stuffed Pizza Experience
Next on my list was Giordano’s, another iconic name in Chicago’s pizza scene. While often lumped in with deep-dish pizza, Giordano’s is actually famous for its stuffed pizza—a style that takes indulgence to the next level. I visited their South Loop location, which offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for diving into a hearty meal.
Giordano’s stuffed pizza is a spectacle in itself. Unlike traditional deep-dish, the stuffed pizza has an extra layer of dough on top, sealing in a mountain of cheese and toppings beneath a second crust. I went for the “Chicago Classic,” filled with layers of cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions, all encased in their signature golden-brown crust.
When the pizza arrived, it was a sight to behold. The sheer weight of it hinted at the indulgence to come. Cutting into the pizza, I was greeted with a satisfying ooze of cheese, followed by the aroma of the rich, savory fillings. The first bite was nothing short of heavenly—each layer of flavor built upon the next, creating a pizza experience that was both decadent and deeply satisfying. The crust, despite its thickness, had a delightful crunch, providing a necessary textural contrast to the gooey center.
Booking Tip: Giordano’s is another must-book spot, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours. Reservations can be made directly through their website or via OpenTable. If you’re short on time, consider ordering ahead for takeout, as the stuffed pizzas can take longer to bake.
Pequod’s Pizza: The Caramelized Crust King
Pequod’s Pizza is often recommended by locals, and it’s known for its distinctive take on deep-dish pizza. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, this unassuming spot has earned a cult following thanks to its unique caramelized crust. Curious to see what all the fuss was about, I made my way there for dinner one evening.
Pequod’s approach to deep-dish pizza is different from the others I’d tried. The dough is cooked in a cast-iron pan, which results in a thick, crispy crust that’s caramelized to perfection around the edges. This technique creates a rich, almost candy-like crust that adds a whole new dimension of flavor to the pizza. I ordered their signature sausage and pepperoni pizza, eager to see how it would compare.
When the pizza arrived, I immediately noticed the dark, crispy edges that are a hallmark of Pequod’s style. The caramelization gave the crust a rich, smoky flavor that perfectly complemented the robust tomato sauce and generous layer of cheese. The sausage and pepperoni were both flavorful and well-seasoned, but it was the crust that truly stole the show. The combination of textures and flavors made this one of the most unique pizzas I’ve ever tasted.
Pequod’s offers a laid-back, neighborhood vibe that made the experience even more enjoyable. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, savor your pizza, and soak in the local flavor.
Booking Tip: Pequod’s is popular, and the wait can be long, especially on weekends. I recommend making a reservation through their website or calling ahead. They also offer takeout if you prefer to enjoy their pizza at home.
Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria: A Thin-Crust Tradition
While deep-dish pizza may be Chicago’s claim to fame, the city is also home to some fantastic thin-crust pizzas. Vito & Nick’s, located on the city’s southwest side, is a testament to Chicago’s thin-crust tradition. This family-owned pizzeria has been serving up their signature pies since 1946, and stepping inside feels like taking a step back in time.
Vito & Nick’s is all about simplicity and quality. Their pizza is thin, crispy, and cut into squares—a style known as “tavern-cut” that’s popular in Chicago. I opted for a classic sausage pizza, eager to see how it would compare to the deep-dish giants.
When the pizza arrived, it was clear that this was a different kind of experience. The crust was paper-thin and perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of char from the oven. The toppings were simple but flavorful, with the sausage providing a savory punch that was balanced by the tangy tomato sauce. Each bite was a reminder that sometimes, less is more—Vito & Nick’s focuses on doing the basics exceptionally well, and it shows.
The atmosphere at Vito & Nick’s is unpretentious and welcoming, with a strong sense of community. It’s the kind of place where locals gather for a good meal and great company, and I felt right at home.
Booking Tip: Vito & Nick’s is a more casual spot, and reservations aren’t typically necessary. However, it can get busy on weekends, so it’s worth calling ahead if you’re planning to dine in. For those on the go, they also offer takeout.
Spacca Napoli: An Authentic Taste of Naples in Chicago
For a completely different pizza experience, I ventured to Spacca Napoli, located in the Ravenswood neighborhood. This pizzeria is renowned for its Neapolitan-style pizza, which is a far cry from the deep-dish and thin-crust varieties that dominate Chicago’s pizza landscape. Spacca Napoli brings a taste of Naples to the Midwest, with pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven at blistering temperatures.
The moment I walked in, I could feel the authenticity of the place. The décor, the staff, and even the aroma of the wood-fired oven transported me straight to Italy. I ordered the Margherita D.O.C., a simple yet classic pizza topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
When the pizza arrived, it was a thing of beauty. The crust was soft, slightly charred, and perfectly chewy, with a delicate balance of toppings that allowed each ingredient to shine. The freshness of the mozzarella and the sweetness of the tomatoes were a testament to the quality of the ingredients. Unlike the hefty Chicago-style pizzas, Spacca Napoli’s pies are light and airy, meant to be enjoyed in one sitting without leaving you feeling overly full.
Dining at Spacca Napoli was a refreshing change of pace, offering a slice of Naples in the heart of Chicago. The commitment to authenticity and quality was evident in every aspect of the experience.
Booking Tip: Spacca Napoli is popular, especially for dinner. Reservations are highly recommended, and you can book a table through their website or using OpenTable. If you’re in the mood for a quick bite, they also offer takeout.
My weekend of pizza exploration in Chicago was nothing short of extraordinary. Each pizzeria offered a unique take on this beloved dish, reflecting the diversity and richness of Chicago’s culinary scene. From the indulgent deep-dish pizzas at Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s to the crispy, caramelized crust at Pequod’s, and the traditional tavern-cut thin-crust at Vito & Nick’s, I experienced the full spectrum of what Chicago has to offer. And the journey wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to Spacca Napoli, where I savored an authentic taste of Naples.
Chicago’s pizza culture is a testament to the city’s ability to embrace tradition while also fostering innovation. Whether you’re a fan of deep-dish, thin-crust, or Neapolitan-style pizza, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. As I reflect on my pizza journey, I’m already planning my next trip to Chicago—there are still so many more pizzerias to explore and flavors to discover.
