There is something undeniably special about Chicago-style pizza. Whether you grew up watching steam rise from a deep-dish pan or you are planning your first trip to the Windy City, the quest for the perfect slice is a serious culinary adventure.
Unlike the thin, foldable slices found in New York, Chicago pizza is a structural marvel. It features a high-edged crust that acts as a bowl for layers of gooey cheese, robust toppings, and bright, chunky tomato sauce.
However, the Chicago pizza scene is far more diverse than just deep dish. The city is also famous for its "tavern-style" thin crust, which is cracker-thin, crispy, and cut into a grid of small squares.
Because there are hundreds of pizzerias claiming to be the best, choosing where to spend your calories can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the city’s most iconic food group, we have compiled a guide to the most legendary and beloved spots.
From historic institutions that have defined the genre for decades to modern artisans pushing the boundaries of fermentation and flavor, this list covers the full spectrum of what makes Chicago pizza great.
Whether you are a local looking to rediscover your city or a tourist seeking an authentic taste of the Midwest, these establishments offer the definitive Chicago experience.
Without further ado, here are the spots that should be on your pizza bucket list.
Giordano's
| Address | 130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 616-1200 |
Giordano’s is definitely worth trying if you’re visiting Chicago and want an authentic deep-dish pizza experience. It’s a large, busy restaurant, so be prepared for a wait. We waited about 50 minutes for our deep-dish pizza, but that’s pretty standard since they’re made fresh to order.
The classic Chicago deep-dish pizza was excellent—rich, cheesy, and exactly what you’d expect from one of the city’s iconic pizza spots. It was the highlight of the meal.
The drinks and cocktails, however, were fairly average and nothing particularly memorable. On the positive side, the service was friendly, attentive, and efficient despite how busy the restaurant was.
Overall, if you’re craving authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza, Giordano’s is a great choice. Just plan for the wait and enjoy the experience.
You need a reservation. Luckily we had no where to go, as the Pizza took an hour to bake, they were able to bring kids meal first so that helped us avoid a meltdown. Waiter was too busy to keep up with drinks or if we needed anything. We were seated by the door so half the time people waiting for their tables were 2 ft away staring at you eat which was a little uncomfortable. Pizza was fine and filling. $5 a slice was about what it came out to be. The salad was good. I would not order the breadsticks again.
In terms of atmosphere I was hoping for more a homemade vibe but was met with a Applebees look and feel.
Food was spectacular. We had the French dip chicken Alfredo, chicken parm, with a aparizer we for calamari.
The French dip was perfect. The prim rib they used was flavor full and tender with a crispy bun.
The chicken Alfredo was very cream and the sauce was made in house and the chicken was suppwr tender.
The chicken parm was perfectly crispy as well as perfectly cooked.
Ceaser salad was delicious as well
Over all worth the wait and price.
If you’re visiting Chicago, you definitely have to try Giordano’s deep-dish pizza. We went to the location near The Bean, and it was a great experience. The pizza is delicious, but be prepared to wait at least 45 minutes because deep-dish takes time to bake. It’s also very filling — for six people, we ordered two small pizzas and could barely finish them! Near the entrance, there’s a window where you can watch the pizzas being prepared, which was really fun to see. The pizza tastes especially amazing when it’s fresh and hot. We also took some to go, but after reheating it later, it just wasn’t the same. The kids loved it too. Highly recommended if you want to try a real Chicago-style deep-dish pizza!
Deep dish the way it is supposed to be. Thick, cheesey, and so very filling. We really liked the sausage topping. Order ahead and skip the 45min pizza cook time. A regular size pizza is enough food for 4 people.
Service was cordial. The atmosphere was cozy.
Gino's East
| Address | 162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 266-3337 |
We waited in the rain for 40 minutes to get into the door. Which we 100% expected. Can’t fix Mother Nature. We finally got seated and ordered our food before ordering our drinks because we were told that a deep dish pizza can take up to an hour to come out. We got cheese stix and a sausage deep dish pizza. The cheese stix came out really fast and were delicious. The pizza came out quite a bit later and was a supreme pizza with everything instead of a sausage only pizza that we ordered. I am 52 years old and have been dreaming of a Chicago deep dish pizza for years. Unfortunately with the amount of time it takes to remake a pizza if it’s wrong you’re stuck with it. We politely paid for our dinner (aprox $100) and didn’t eat any of it accept the cheese stix. I will say if we got the pizza we ordered I’m sure it would have been delicious. I hate to say I would probably not return if I ever come back to Chicago again.
Marco made our visit to Gino's East an unforgettable experience! From the moment we sat down, he was friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. He had great recommendations and checked in just the right amount to make sure everything was perfect.
The food was absolutely incredible. Every dish we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and exceeded our expectations. The pizza was everything you'd hope for from a classic Chicago deep-dish spot—crispy crust, perfectly melted cheese, and amazing sauce. Honestly, everything we tried was fantastic.
If you're visiting Gino's East, ask for Marco if you can. Great service combined with outstanding food made this one of the best dining experiences we've had in Chicago. We'll definitely be back!
Gino's East on Superior completely delivered on an incredible meal! We started with the sticks and dips appetizer, which was the perfect way to kick off the night—the dips were flavorful and pair perfectly with the crispy mozz sticks and spinach rolls.
For the main event, we tried both styles of pizza and both were absolutely stellar. The Cheesy Legend deep dish pizza is a masterpiece of gooey, rich cheese and perfect crust. But don't sleep on their thin crust either; the thin crust Meaty Legend was amazing, packed with high-quality meats and a fantastic crunch. Whether you are a deep dish devotee or a thin crust fan, this place is a must-visit. Excellent food all around!
When in Chicago, how can you miss out on deep-dish pizza? We found this old restaurant that opened in 1966, and everyone was very satisfied. I personally would give it an 8/10, but everyone else gave it a 10.
Chicago Fire: The ultimate pizza with lots of cheese and tomato toppings, the first bite was incredibly satisfying. The entire pizza 🍕 had only one Jalapeño pepper, the slight spiciness adding layers of flavor that was very pleasant. The only thing I wasn't used to was the thick crust; the layers were delicately flaky, but not crispy, instead powdery like a soft cookie. Besides the butter, it had no other flavor, and it felt cloying even at first bite.
Legendary Hand-rolled Spinach Mozzarella Sticks: The crust was crispy, the filling was stringy, and the salsa was refreshing and helped cut through the richness. However, the spinach flavor was barely noticeable.
The ambiance was interesting; everyone could scribble on the walls, sofas, tables… anywhere you looked. A sixty-year-old historical memory and public space.
Got to my hotel late, wanted to try Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza and so off I went!
I got the small Chicago Fire deep dish for takeout and it was everything I hoped it would be. I don’t know if I can return home to just regular pizza now…
There is a 45-60min bake time for deep dish pizzas which I was clearly unaware of, so went back to my hotel to workout and work off the pending calorie intake 😂 I got a text message, picked up my pizza and promptly devoured it.
Would come again next time I’m in town.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
| Address | 805 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 786-1000 |
My daughter and I were visiting Chicago for the first time and wanted to try some deep dish pizza! We stopped by for lunch and had a great meal. We started with the Ceasar Salad. The individual salad was large enough for us to share! We then had the deep dish cheese pizza and a thin crust Marguerite pizza. Both pizzas tasted great. The crust is a bit hard but we really enjoyed our meal and would return again if we were in the area.
Really good food. Was crowded with good reason. Had the Chicken Louie which was okay I just didnt like the seasoning on the chicken but the pasta and sauce was good. My kids ordered 2 personal chicago deep dishes to try. They loved them. Softy delicious crust, melty cheese and the gravy/sauce is flavorful. We also had the mozzarella bites. Those were my favorite. And their ranch is very delicious. Along with their Tiramisu! Definitely that! Great service by Katie. Even though it was super busy, she was all over it! Also we recommend a res because again, very busy! Highly recommend!
It was super crowded (35 minute wait for a table) but I was able to get a seat at the bar with no wait. I ordered a personal-sized deep dish. Definitely worth the wait. I would skip the chocolate cake next time because it was mostly mousse, which isn't my favorite. I liked the white sangria more than the red sangria.
The bartenders were friendly, despite being incredibly busy. One bartender noticed a table hadn't been served and went out of his way to make sure the table was covered.
A must-visit for anyone wanting to try authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza.
Be prepared to wait—the restaurant was absolutely packed, so reservations are highly recommended.
The deep-dish pizza was fantastic. It's loaded with cheese and looks incredibly heavy, but the tomato sauce is fresh and the flavors are surprisingly light and natural, making it much easier to eat than expected. We also enjoyed the salad and garlic bread, which paired perfectly with the pizza.
Definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Chicago.
Unreal Deep Dish—Completely Worth the Wait!
If you want the most delicious deep dish in Chicago, this is definitely the spot. The food was absolutely excellent, and the service was great from start to finish.
Just be prepared for a wait! It took about 45 minutes for our pizza to hit the table (which is pretty standard for authentic deep dish, but feels like an eternity when you're hungry), plus another long stretch just to get seated.
That being said, every single bite was so worth it. Highly recommend if you have the time to spare!
Pequod's Pizza
| Address | 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (773) 327-1512 |
If you want to lose your Chicago deep dish or thick crust virginity, this is the place to do it! I've tried thick crust pizza in other countries and was never really impressed, but this completely changed my mind. The pizza was incredible, the portions were satisfying, and the prices were still reasonable. The service was also friendly and much better than expected. Easily one of the best pizza experiences I've had!
After reading a bunch of reviews using AI, the pizza to try came down to Lou Malnati's or Pequod. Had the deep dish half pepperoni and half meatballs. Came out caramelized / burnt around the top edge. The crust / pizza was crispy from top to the middle of the pizza. It was not oily at all. The crust inside the pizza was fluffy with the tomato sauce and slightly crusted cheese and toppings were really tasty. Every bite very enjoyable.
Made reservations through google reservations. Came at reservations and immediately sat our group of 4. Heard people without reservations had to wait 1 hr. We ate at 1pm on a Tuesday.
Bar / pizza atmosphere with big screens for watching sports. We were able to catch Portugal vs Uzbekistan soccer / football while we ate. Overall a great experience with good food.
If you’re looking for an authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza, this place is an absolute must-visit! It’s a bit outside the main tourist areas, but that’s exactly what makes it feel like a hidden gem. Several locals told us it’s the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago, and after trying it, I can definitely understand why.
The restaurant has a cozy, authentic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a true neighborhood favorite. The deep-dish pizza was simply outstanding—rich, flavorful, perfectly baked, and easily one of the best I’ve ever had. The prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. I would happily come back and highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Chicago!
Pequod’s Pizza was my first true Chicago pizza experience, and it honestly lived up to everything I had hoped for. From the first bite, it was clear why this place has such a legendary reputation—the caramelized, crispy cheese around the edge of the deep-dish crust is unbelievable, with a perfect balance of crunch, richness, and flavor.
The pizza was hearty without feeling overdone: buttery crust, great sauce, plenty of cheese, and toppings that made every slice feel like the full Chicago experience. It was exactly the kind of meal you want when you come to the city looking for something iconic—comforting, indulgent, and completely memorable.
If you are trying Chicago-style pizza for the first time, Pequod’s is everything you would wish for and then some. It set the bar incredibly high for every pizza I’ll try here after this.
I want to take this opportunity to leave a review for Pequod’s Pizza.
My server, Zach (John Connor), was welcoming from the moment I walked in until the time I left. His friendly attitude and excellent service made the experience even better.
I originally planned on ordering the thin-crust pizza, but Zach recommended that I try the famous deep-dish instead. He also highly recommended the wings, which were perfectly crispy and delicious.
During my visit, I also had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Samantha. The entire team created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made me feel right at home.
I visited around midnight, and it was a great time to stop by without a long wait. From what I understand, though, if you visit during the daytime or peak hours, you should expect to wait for a table, either inside the restaurant or upstairs. It’s easy to see why this place is so popular.
Thank you to Zach, Samantha, and the entire team at Pequod’s Pizza on North Clybourn Avenue in Chicago for providing such outstanding hospitality and a memorable dining experience. I’ll definitely be back!
George's Deep Dish LLC
| Address | 6221 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM Friday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | (773) 801-1551 |
George’s was recommended to me so I made sure to order as soon as I was in the neighborhood! Their menu is intuitive and easy to order from and I was curious my their sourdough style flatbread pizza. While not traditional deep dish, it is a fun and tasty way to get bread, cheese, and tomato sauce together. The 14” deep dish with just cheese (no toppings) came out to a little over $30 with tip and tax and was plenty of pizza for just me! I had it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for days!! It was tasty!!
This is some great sourdough crust tavern-style pizza!! The crust is incredibly crunchy and the ingredients are fresh and flavorful. Ordered pepperoni with half mushroom and half spicy cherry peppers. The heat and earthiness of the veggies with salty cupped pepproni blended well with the tasty red sauce. I luv that its a “homey” feeling in this resto. A small family run business.
The place is clean, inviting and the people are very friendly.
And order the salted caramel cheesecake which is sourced locally. Delicious!!!
I just ate at George's for the first time, and I'll definitely be back. I've eaten pizza all over the city, and George's has quickly established itself as one of my top picks in the Chicago pizza scene. I tried both the deep dish for which the restaurant is named and the tavern/cracker thin crust, and both were mind-blowingly good. When friends and family come from out of town and want to eat local pizza, I'm taking them to George's (this is perhaps the highest praise I can give a pizza restaurant).
Fantastic pizza, both the deep dish and the thin crust. The thin crust is wafer thin and very crispy. The deep dish with sourdough crust makes this pizza unlike any of the other local competitors. Great flavor across the board. Online ordering and pickup is easy. Good variety of "specialty" pizzas to pick from if you're looking for something extra unique. Haven't tried yet, but cool how you can order online and then dine-in and the pizza is ready for you.
Randomly walked past this place earlier today and decided to give it a try for dinner. We ordered online and got there a little early and were welcomed very nicely by the owner, we sat and waited and the timing of our order was very accurate to the pickup time we chose! I am a deep dish lover so I was a little skeptical about the toppings on top of the sauce instead of under… but i LOVED it! the green peppers were so fresh and the sausage was perfectly seasoned. Staff was super kind and pizza was amazing, will definitely be coming back again!
Giordano's
| Address | 223 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 583-9400 |
I had to work trip to (chicago) and a colleague has never been before. Definitely needed to try some Giordano’s pizza before we left.
The NBA finals was on TV in a room body was really into that so it made for a little bit louder atmosphere than normal, but it was a great time.
He’s definitely more of a pepperoni fan so he got the double pepperoni deep dish and I opted for the (chicago) classic which is always my go to.
We did start with the the calamari appetizer I love the fried lemons to go along with the fried calamari which was tender and soft and perfectly fried and it always great with the marinara dipping sauce.
As you can see in the pictures in the video, the cheese pool was outstanding. The pizza was delicious. The cheese was crispy. The ingredients were soft and tender 10 out of 10 would recommend.
Parking is as you would expect downtown Chicago parking garages and paid parking further down. You will have to walk to get to the location arrive early and pre-order any deep dish that you want to get they also have thin crust and the famous Chicago Tavern style, but deep dish is always my favorite. Just can’t get it from where I live in Oklahoma.
You have many options whenever it comes to (chicago) deep dish trial all figure out which ones for you I like Giordano’s but use your own best judgment give it a shot. Definitely would recommend trying any of the locations especially this one right here in Jackson the atmosphere was fantastic
They have three different styles of crust, all amazing and delicious. I had the Chicago style, wow, a delight! The place was clean, I was close to the bar, and my waiter was super friendly and attentive the whole time. It's no lie, it's a really delicious pizza 🫰🏼
We got a heads up beforehand that the deep dish pizza would take 40 minutes, but the wait was so worth it.
We got half margherita half meat & more meat. I loved how the tomato sauce of the margherita pizza balanced out its cheesiness. The meat & more meat flavor was a bit salty in my opinion.
We also got a house salad, which also tasted great. The server also often checked up on us and was very friendly.
If you come here, definitely stick to the deep dish and fries—both were great! However, the thin crust chicken pizza left a lot to be desired. Service and wait times were average—though it took close to 35 minutes for them to make the thin crust pizza, even though the restaurant wasn't very crowded. They gave us a heads-up that it would take time, but 35 minutes is a stretch. Still, it was a scorching hot day, so we didn't mind hanging out inside to cool off for a bit!
I had the caesar salad, personal deep dish with pepperoni and bacon, and a sangria.
Salad was okay, I'd prefer if they grated the cheese. The pizza was really good, a bit too much cheese for my liking personally but for others this would be perfect. The sangria was pretty standard and tasted nice.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
| Address | 439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 828-9800 |
Amazing first experience with deep dish pizza. The crust was truly worth the trip from Toronto all on its own! The ravioli were heavenly. So much so that we ordered seconds. Sam our server was delightful. She was helpful with our questions about the city and was warm and welcoming. Thanks Sam!!!!!!
Lou Malnati’s served one of the best pizzas I’ve had! We ordered the BBQ chicken pizza for takeout, and it was incredibly cheesy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. Every bite was delicious, and I still can’t get over how good it was.
The service at this location was fast, efficient, and right on time. I’ve visited other Lou Malnati’s locations where the service wasn’t as great, but this location got everything perfect.
Highly recommend this location if you’re looking for amazing pizza and reliable service. We’ll definitely be ordering from here again!
I guess we made the mistake of ordering individual-sized pizzas instead of one large pizza, but everyone wanted different toppings, and we were staying in a hotel, so we didn't want a bunch of leftovers.
Unfortunately, the pizza was incredibly disappointing. The sauce had no flavor, the cheese was bland, and even the crust tasted like plain bread. There was nothing that stood out or made it feel like authentic Chicago pizza.
Our waitress, Denise, didn't write any of our order down, so I initially thought she just had an amazing memory. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. We ordered a pizza to go, but she forgot to add it to the bill. In the end, it worked out because the pizza wasn't good anyway, and we didn't have time to wait another 30 minutes for another small, mediocre pizza.
I'm genuinely surprised this place has so many great reviews. Based on our experience, I wouldn't visit again.
I'm told there are several types of deep dish in Chicago. Maybe this just wasn't mine, as it was the only Chicago pizza I tried while in the area.
The service was relatively quick, but refills really didn't happen. We sat near the door, and the wind would gust over our food and drinks with every entering guest. This is why I knocked down the atmosphere, as it was fine otherwise.
I did get something hard in my pizza. It was like a black hard grain of rice, but too hard to chew. We never figured out what it was, but I knocked a star off for that.
Our wonderful server was Blake. He was attentive and did a great job. I got the margarita pizza, and it was fabulous! The Sangria is really good too! For dessert, we ordered their famous chocolate chip skillet cookie, and it lived up to its name. The atmosphere was a 10 out of 10, with famous signed jerseys on the walls and cute decor! I will definitely be coming back next time I’m in Chicago! Thank you for a wonderful meal!
Giordano's
| Address | 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 288-8783 |
Had lunch at Giordano’s today and, honestly, their famous Chicago Classic deep-dish pizza was just okay. I could taste the dough/crust more than the actual fillings, and the tomato sauce and meat filling weren’t particularly impressive. I’ve tried Chicago deep-dish pizzas at other places and really enjoyed them, so I was expecting much more from Giordano’s, especially given its reputation. Unfortunately, this didn’t feel like an authentic Chicago deep-dish experience to me. It felt more like an average pizza with a deep-dish style.
I was also surprised by the pricing. The stuffed pizza was listed at one price, but the individual stuffed ingredients were charged separately. I didn’t really understand that, since the fillings are essentially part of what makes it a stuffed pizza. It was also disappointing to discover the additional charges when I got the bill.
Overall, I wasn’t impressed with the pizza or the value. Maybe it’s a matter of personal preference, but compared to other deep-dish pizzas I’ve had in Chicago, this one didn’t meet my expectations.
Our first visit to Giordano’s at Navy Pier was such a memorable experience! Even though the restaurant was extremely busy, we were still accommodated, and we didn’t mind sitting outdoors at all. The weather was beautiful, with a cool breeze, and since it was still light outside, it made for the perfect setting to enjoy the evening.
A special thank you to Manager Jaime, who personally took care of us while the servers in our section were occupied. Since it was our first time dining at Giordano’s, he patiently answered all of our questions and gave excellent recommendations. He suggested ordering two different flavors on one of their famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas, which was a fantastic idea. We ordered a medium so we could enjoy some leftovers and share them with our cousins—and we’re glad we did!
We knew authentic deep-dish pizza takes time to prepare, and although the wait was longer than a typical pizza, it was absolutely worth it. Jaime checked on us several times, kept us updated on our order, and made sure we were well taken care of. My husband and I actually enjoyed the extra time together, talking and taking in the beautiful atmosphere at Navy Pier while we waited.
Once Megan, who is spending the summer in the U.S. from Ireland, became available, she promptly brought our drinks and checked on us whenever she could. When our pizza arrived, Jessica served it with a warm smile and made sure we had everything we needed. We were also impressed that another server, even though our table wasn’t in her section, stopped by to check on us. Every member of the team seemed genuinely happy to help despite the busy dinner rush, and their positive attitudes made our visit even more enjoyable.
And the pizza? Incredible! Giordano’s famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizza definitely lived up to its reputation. It was rich, flavorful, loaded with toppings, and well worth the wait.
If you’re visiting Chicago, we highly recommend stopping by Giordano’s at Navy Pier. While you’re there, be sure to spend time exploring Navy Pier itself. There’s so much to see and do, whether you’re enjoying the attractions or simply taking a relaxing walk along the waterfront. The views are beautiful, especially in the evening. The only downside is that parking can be a bit expensive, but for us, the overall experience made it worthwhile.
Great food, exceptional hospitality, and a wonderful atmosphere—we’ll definitely be back!
Friendly staff, amazing pizza, and a great atmosphere. Be prepared to wait, but the wait is absolutely worth it!
If we lived in Chicago, my family would eat here every week. It’s 100% worth the hype and an absolute must-visit.
Classic Chicago Deep Dish
Giordano’s is a great place to experience authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. The pizza was loaded with cheese and toppings and had that rich, hearty flavor that Chicago deep dish is famous for.
It’s definitely not a quick slice-and-go kind of meal—the pizza takes some time to bake, but it’s worth the wait. The portions are generous, and it’s the kind of meal that will definitely leave you full.
If you’re visiting Chicago and want to try one of the city’s famous deep-dish pizza spots, Giordano’s is definitely worth checking out. Come hungry!
Alex was our server at the bar and he did a great job, friendly, efficient, approachable. Our deep dish pizza came out great and full of pepperoni. And more pepperoni 😋 it was worth the 45-minute wait. My out-of-towner guest enjoyed his time here.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Delivery Only
| Address | 820 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 725-7777 |
Only had a 10-minute wait after being quoted 30. Way to set expectations. We scored a great seat outside, perfect for people watching and enjoying one another's company.
The pizza sauce and crust were phenomenal. How did they get it do crisp and buttery in a deep dish?! The slight flavor of vodka? in the sauce was perfect. The individual Malnati salad is the perfect portion for 4, yes four people. It is so so good. Just beware it is heavily dressed. Can't remember the name of my adult beverage of choicr but it was not only eye-catching but flavorful. I may be a new fan of Lou's, sorry Giordano's.
Lou’s is in my opinion the best pizza in town! Went here on my last trip to Chicago and came back twice this trip. Felt bad going twice since there is so much food all around the city, but when you will try it I’m sure you will know what I mean. The butter crust is unbeatable and the staff at this location were all super rad! Very chill atmosphere. I might order pizzas to be shipped to CA it was so good! Definitely a must go for anyone visiting Chicago!
Delicious deep dish pizza as promised. Our server Jasmine was excellent. I wish "The Lou"s special sauce had had a more pronounced basil/garlic flavor. The chocolate dessert was delicious, though I suggest letting it unfreeze a bit if you get a piece that's still pretty frozen. Definitely order your pizza ahead of time so you don't have to wait as long when you arrive. If it's a busy night, you could be waiting a while.
A total game-changer! 5 stars. I came here to try the original deep dish with low expectations, since some friends of mine hadn't liked it, but I completely changed my mind. The crust was absolutely perfect, the sauce was delicious, and the overall flavor was outstanding. The service was also great and very attentive. I tried other pizzerias, but for deep dish, Lou Malnati’s is hands down the best!
Good pizza but the service was less than stellar. The waiter could not explained the menu so we could understand. I am still not sure about toppings, or even if you can order them. The pizza seems thinner than I remember for deep dish. And I generally like the south Loop location better.
Giordano's
| Address | 730 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 951-0747 |
Great food for the most part, but a few confusing letdowns
This was a bit of a mixed bag for our visit, though there were definitely some standout highlights!
The Good:
Boneless Chicken Nuggets: Hands down the best part of the meal! They were big, juicy, and the sauce was absolutely delicious.
Italian Beef: It was our first time trying an Italian beef sandwich, and it was great. We’d definitely order it again. The parmesan fries were so good, never had them like that.
Deep Dish Pizza: Delicious, as expected from Giordano’s. Glad the server recommend we get the small instead of the medium. It was plenty for 2 people.
Drinks: My drink tasted good, even if it didn't look like the picture on the menu.
The Not-So-Good:
Calamari: As an appetizer, this was pretty disappointing—it was really bland and lacked flavor.
Pricing & Mystery Fees: Paying $4 for a soda felt a bit steep, and I noticed a mysterious "restaurant fee" added to the bill that wasn't clearly explained.
Overall, the main dishes and chicken were fantastic, but between the bland calamari and the surprise fee, it lands right in the middle at 3 stars.
Be prepared to pay for parking as well, scan code in restaurant for a discount.
It was my first time trying Giordano’s, and I really enjoyed the experience! The pizza was delicious and arrived nice and hot. I really liked the deep-dish style, and the cheese and crust were both good. The portion size was worth the price, and the service was excellent as well. Overall, I’d give it an 8/10.
Visited Giordano’s during our trip to Chicago and had a great experience. We tried their famous deep-dish pizza, which was incredibly cheesy and delicious. While I felt it could have used a little more seasoning or flavor, the overall taste was still wonderful and definitely worth trying.
We also ordered the chicken nuggets with spicy buffalo sauce, which were very enjoyable and made a great appetizer.
The atmosphere was fantastic, especially with the sports bar view that added to the experience. Overall, we had a great time, enjoyed the food, and would recommend stopping by if you’re looking to try Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
Experience/Environment: I wasn’t able to get a view of the entire space but it’s spacious to say the least. There are 2 big dinning areas with tons a seating for various size parties, one with the bar in it, the other without, TVs throughout the restaurant. Entire upstairs floor is held for private parties from what I can tell and that’s where the restrooms are as well. Other than that, there’s a small nook for retail merch and a ToGo country that you can order and wait too.
Food: We’re not huge deep dish pizza people (lol I know I know), they are very good to tell you it’ll take 45 mins to cook if you want it too so we ordered the classic thin crust — which still took 25. It was good — only thing I’m not a huge fan of is the hint of sweetness in the sauce. The wings were perfect, both in size and taste. The buffalo sauce was great. The cheese pull on the mozzarella sticks says it all. So so so good. The batter was thick but it was seasoned well too.
Service: Our waitress was super nice. We just couldn’t find her a lot of the time. The guys bussing the tables are record speed. As soon as someone would leave, they were right there to clean it all up. It was impressive.
NTT [[Next Time Try]]: Definitely getting the mozzarella sticks and wings again — Hands down the best.
We always have a great time here. Drink favorites are Spicy Mango Margarita. Michigan Ave Margarita. Modelo.
Giordano’s on Rush Street is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza in the heart of the city. Conveniently located near top attractions, luxury hotels, Loyola University, Northwestern Hospital, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the John Hancock Center, it’s the perfect place to relax after exploring Chicago. The welcoming atmosphere, full-service bar, and extensive menu offer something for everyone. Start your meal with favorites like the tomato bruschetta, mozzarella triangles, wings, or the Giordano’s sampler. Beyond their famous stuffed deep-dish pizza, the restaurant serves delicious Italian classics including lasagna, chicken parmesan, fettuccine alfredo, and spaghetti with meat sauce, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Sandwich lovers will enjoy selections like the Italian beef, meatball sub, and chicken parmesan sandwich. Since 1974, Giordano’s has maintained its reputation for handcrafted pizza made with quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Whether dining in, ordering takeout, or enjoying delivery at home, Giordano’s consistently delivers a memorable Chicago dining experience.
Pizano's Pizza & Pasta
| Address | 61 E Madison St, Chicago, IL 60603 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 236-1777 |
Every time my wife and I visit Chicago, we tell ourselves, “This is the trip we’re finally getting deep dish.” And every single time, we end up right back at Pizano’s for their incredible thin crust pizza. What can I say? It’s that good.
I know Chicago is famous for deep dish, but in my opinion, Pizano’s serves the best thin crust pizza I’ve ever had anywhere. The crust has that signature cornmeal texture you associate with deep dish, but it’s unbelievably thin, crispy, and packed with flavor. Every bite has the perfect balance of crunchy crust, rich sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s simple perfection.
We love this place so much that on each of our last two trips to Chicago, we ate here two days in a row. That’s saying something in a city with no shortage of amazing restaurants. We always plan to branch out, but Pizano’s keeps calling us back.
The service has always been friendly, the atmosphere is comfortable, and the pizza is consistently outstanding. If you’re visiting Chicago, don’t feel like you have to order deep dish just because it’s the famous choice. Do yourself a favor and try Pizano’s thin crust. It has become a tradition for us, and it’s a meal we look forward to every time we visit this great city. Highly recommended!
Upon a friend’s counsel did I venture forth to this establishment, hopeful of a worthy feast. Yet before the meal had even begun came the first sorrow: no halal options whatsoever. Alas, a most unfortunate beginning.
Thus, we settled upon a medium half-and-half vegetable and cheese pizza, which, in fairness, proved ample sustenance for a party of two.
But quantity, dear reader, is no substitute for flavour.
For when the pizza touched my tongue, disappointment followed swiftly. ’Twas among the blandest pizzas I have ever encountered—as though the very spirit of seasoning had forsaken the pie. I sought flavour, yet flavour answered me not.
After such an encounter, I begin to wonder whether Chicago, for all its mighty reputation, is truly the promised land of pizza it claims to be.
The atmosphere, however, was excellent—a fine setting for what sadly proved to be a most forgettable feast.
If you want to experience authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza, then Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta is a must visit. The Deep Dish Pizza was everything Chicago is famous for rich, cheesy, perfectly baked with a buttery crust, and loaded with flavor in every bite. The Garlic Bread was equally impressive, fresh, crisp, and the perfect companion to the pizza.
What truly makes this place special is the warm old school Chicago vibe, attentive service, and the feeling that you’re eating at a legendary local institution rather than just another pizza spot. No surprise this place is loved by both locals and tourists alike. Definitely one of the most memorable food experiences in Chicago! 🍕🔥
We had a great experience and felt like we had really tried Chicago style pizza! We booked a reservation with Open Table and glad we did. Atmosphere was old and authentic, down to original owners 78 year old childhood friend chatting with customers. Our server was friendly, helpful and attentive. We’d go back and try something new! Walkable from the JW Marriott.
Came to Chicago with some friends for a weekend visit and ultimately decided on this location for dinner on our first night in town which turned out to be one of the best decisions we could have made. We tried both deep dish (Rudy’s Special) and thin crust (Mark’s Special), and I highly recommend you do the same. Special shoutout to our server Haylee for providing some of the friendliest and best service I’ve had literally anywhere. We could not have asked for a better experience.
Giordano's
| Address | 1340 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 842-1100 |
The service was excellent! When they realized I couldn't finish the food, the server proactively asked if I wanted to take it to go in a box. I felt completely at ease throughout the entire experience. The pizza was still delicious even after being reheated at home! They have a personal lunch set for weekdays, where you can choose between pizza with salad or soup – excellent value for money!
I was really keen to try Chicago-style deep dish pizza, and after reading heaps of online reviews and hearing from friends, I decided to give it a shot. To be honest, the pizza didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It felt more like a cheesy, meaty mess than a traditional pizza. I’ll probably stick to New York-style pizza from now on.
But would I have regretted not trying it? I’d suggest you give it a go yourself!
Besides the pizza, we also had Parmesan garlic fries, which were absolutely amazing. And the hot wings were great too.
The margarita was delicious—perfectly balanced and full of flavor. Steven provided excellent service and was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. He made the whole experience even better. I would definitely come back!The margarita was delicious—perfectly balanced and full of flavor. Steven provided excellent service and was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. He made the whole experience even better. I would definitely come back!
I hate to do this as I have had Giordano's before and a wonderful experience but this location was a huge let down for my excitement of returning. First we had to wait which is no big deal at all but their alarm keypad was busted and the 20-30 minute wait was quite annoying. Again I could live with this but it just keeps going. The hostess was nice at least. We got seated and the server came over looked annoyed did not introduce himself put water down and said "You know what you want?" Again no greeting no drink requests just that. We knew what we were going to order as we were going to do a compare to a competitor type thing so we ordered a 10" deep dish and the cheese bread. He told us the deep dish takes 40 minutes and we said we understand. He then goes back to put the order in. Comes back to the table next to us and greets them tells them his name and does what you expect from your waiter. I hear him tell them it will be 40 minutes on deep dish so at least that was consistent. My fiance seen a Crack in her water glass and asked me to take it to the bar to swap out. Our waiter came up and asked what was wrong I said your glass has a Crack in it could we get it replaced. He took the glass set it behind the bar and grabbed a new glass. Filled it with a pitcher with very little ice and only filled it 3/4 set it down and walked away. Our cheese bread came out fairly quick by someone else who ran the food. They were nice when they brought it out and it was good. Best part of the meal which pulled it from a 1 star. The cheese bread would be a 4 star had that been the only thing we got. The hostess dropped a pitcher of water off at our table which was nice. Eventually our server came by and finally polite asked if he brought us our cheese bread. Mind you he did pick the plates up after we finished it a few minutes earlier but he was smiling and being nice we said yes we did receive it and he said our pizza would be up soon. The table who ordered after us and had 2 deep dish pizzas and appetizers while waiting got there pizzas and we were still waiting. After he dropped theirs off he went back and grabbed ours. First thing I noticed was we had 6 slices. I didn't put it together yet but the second thing I noticed was crust color. It was darker shade of brown. We dug in and sure enough it was over cooked. After the first slice the next 2 I grabbed had black burnt patches. Check comes and I realized why we had 6 slices instead of the 10" he entered 12". Now could we have sent the pizza back for the burnt sure but we didn't want to wait 40 minutes again and I don't like to complain very often. It wasn't the worst burn but it was close to getting beyond well done. The waiter asked if everything tasted good we said it was alright and he thanked us and asked for a 5 star review because that was important so here is a 2 star review. I have had Giordano's twice before and why I wanted to show my fiance how good it was but ended up a $50 disaster. I hope it doesn't ruin any future visits but we probably will try others for sure now.
THIS PLACE WAS AMAZING!!! my toasted Italian sandwich was soooo yummy!! I don’t like water but this place had amazing water too!! Our server Steven was amazing and super funny! Overall I’d rate this place (if I could) 100/5 stars!!
Tips for Choosing the Best Chicago Pizza Spot
Choosing where to eat can be difficult, especially when you are short on time and hungry. To ensure you have the best possible experience, keep these practical tips in mind when selecting a pizzeria from the list above.
First, understand the difference between deep dish and tavern style. Deep dish is a knife-and-fork meal that is heavy, saucy, and takes 30 to 45 minutes to bake. Tavern style is thin, crispy, and perfect for sharing with a group over drinks; ordering both gives you a complete view of the city’s range.
Second, always plan for the wait. The most famous deep-dish locations often have wait times exceeding an hour during peak dinner hours. You can usually call ahead or put your name on a list before you arrive, or simply order your pizza as soon as you sit down to minimize the time spent waiting at the table.
Third, do not over-order. Chicago pizzas are incredibly dense due to the cheese and crust. A small deep-dish pizza is often enough to feed two or three people, especially if you order an appetizer or salad.
Fourth, consider the "half-baked" option. Many iconic pizzerias will sell you a pizza that is partially baked. You can take this home, freeze it, or finish baking it in your own oven, which is the best way to enjoy the taste of Chicago long after your trip ends.
Finally, look beyond the tourist traps. While the most famous names are famous for a reason, don’t be afraid to ask a local for their neighborhood favorite. Often, the best tavern-style square cut pizza is found at a dive bar on a quiet corner, far away from the downtown crowds.
Exploring the pizza culture of Chicago is about more than just eating; it is about participating in a tradition that defines a city. Every restaurant on this list offers a distinct perspective on what the perfect pie should be, from the caramelized crust of a deep dish to the crunchy corners of a tavern-style square.
Wherever you choose to go, arrive hungry and be prepared to wait for quality. The best things in life, especially pizza that requires a fork and a knife, are always worth the wait.
