Chicago’s pizza identity runs deep, but there is a quiet revolution happening in ovens across the city. While tourists flock downtown for the iconic deep dish, locals know that the true mark of a master pizzaiolo often lies in the edge of the crust. The specific chemical reaction known as the Maillard reaction transforms simple dough into a complex, bittersweet, and deeply savory frame for the toppings.
The pursuit of the perfect caramelized crust is not just about char; it is about balance. A truly great crust should offer a shattering crunch on the exterior while maintaining a soft, airy, and slightly chewy interior. This texture is achieved through high heat, long fermentation times, and often a touch of sugar or malt in the dough that facilitates that beautiful golden-brown coloring.
For the uninitiated, "caramelized" should not be confused with "burnt." Caramelization brings out notes of toasted nuts, butter, and a subtle sweetness that contrasts perfectly with acidic tomato sauce and salty cheese. It is the hallmark of wood-fired and coal-fired ovens, which can reach the blistering temperatures necessary to achieve this effect without drying out the pie.
In this guide, we are focusing on the artisans who have mastered this delicate balance. We have scoured the neighborhoods—from the bustling streets of Wicker Park to the quiet corners of Lincoln Square—to find the ovens that produce the most visually stunning and texturally perfect rims in the Windy City.
Whether you are a lifelong Chicagoan looking to break out of your deep-dish routine or a visitor seeking the city’s best artisan slices, this list is for you. We have evaluated these spots based on dough fermentation, oven technique, and the consistency of that perfect golden-brown finish.
Below, you will find the definitive list of the best spots to grab a pie with that signature caramelized crust.
Pequod's Pizza
| Address | 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| 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!
Crushed Pizzeria
| Address | 1607 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 327-9200 |
This is my first time ever writing a review, and this place totally deserves it! The pizza and salad were super delicious, and the service was amazing from the moment I walked in. The staff were so warm and friendly they really made me feel welcome. And the best part? They surprised me with a chocolate lava cake… and of course I couldn’t say no! It was unforgettable. I’m honestly so impressed and would 100% recommend this place to everyone!
The service was excellent at Crushed! We had just moved to the area and the staff was very welcoming, took good care of us, even offering additional items off of the menu we hadn’t ordered for us to try. We ordered the Louie pizza which had lots of flavor and a crispy New York style crust. Definitely would recommended giving this place a try.
Excellent thin crust pizza!!! And the Victor Salad with toasted pistachios was delicious. The service was quick and as an added treat they gifted us with pizza slice shaped rice crispy treats.
I recently heard about them on the Chicago food subreddit and decided to place a pickup order tonight and I had the most pleasant experience. The staff were so kind and they even gave me a brownie on the house (it was delicious)! I ordered the Theo pie and Charlie salad and they were both incredible. I will absolutely become a regular here!
Ordered before and thought it was great, meant to leave a review. This time we ordered take out of a 12" Louie pizza and a half Echo salad. It was ready right on time. Everything looked and tasted so fresh, it was delicious. They threw in a chocolate lava cake. It happened to be our first wedding anniversary so that was a really nice and yummy surprise. Definately my favorite local pizza spot!
Milly’s Pizza In The Pan- Lakeview
| Address | 3409 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (224) 656-4732 |
Delicious! The pizza is so good. Don't forget to order early. Showing up and expecting pizza without planning, you will likely be disappointed. The atmosphere is so fun and the staff is nice. There are only a few tables so most people carry out but they do have utensils and plates if you want to eat on site. Can't wait to come back!
Amazing and absolutely worth the hype. I woke up early to refresh my phone and make sure I could order at 8am. We got one traditional round with pepperoni, red onion and ricotta and their new Detroit style. Both were amazing. I would say the styles are very similar in texture/taste the biggest difference being the shape but delicious. Truly as good if not better thang any Detroit styles I have had. And I’m a Michigan native. Pizzas are filling and hefty. I would definitely wake up to order early again.
ORDER AHEAD IS A MUST. Preorder opens on their website, sometimes the night before. Easy enough to do late on a Friday night for Sat night dinner. We saw so many people walk in and get turned away!
Pizza is delicious, not overrated. Best fresh, definitely a treat!
Outstanding pie! It was my first time having the pan style pizza, and it was quite tasty. Perfect balance of flavors, I highly recommend trying the clickbait. Just make sure you put your order in well in advance in the morning, they sell out quickly!
I think this is my new favorite pizza! The pizza was so fresh and I could taste the quality of it in every bite. I ordered the 10” Updog and it’s the perfect size for two. I can’t wait to try every pie Milly has to offer. Milly’s also offers a lovely dine in area to enjoy your pizza with a cooler of beverages to purchase.
PIZZ'AMICI
| Address | 1215 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 285-2382 |
This place is a lot of fun. We sat at the bar and ordered 2 Menabreas and a sausage, black olives, and banana pepper pizza. Then we sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere. It genuinely seemed like the people working here loved being here. We met the beverage manager and he was chatting it up with everyone, making cocktails like the pizza negroni with ease, connecting with the patrons.
The pizza came and it delivered as a great tavern style pizza. The sauce was the best I've had in a while, most places it seems have steered towards a sweeter sauce, not this place. The crust held up to the crispiness, not drooping while holding the 3 toppings. And the sausage, can't get much better imo.
The only complaint I had was the crust could have had a better taste. It wasn't bad by all means, and definitely did crunch at the bite. I'd recommend this place and bring people back with ease. A great addition to Grand Ave
After only having this for takeout, I am so glad I finally booked a dine-in reservation. The pizza itself is my favorite take on a cracker crust — the topping options are all a great variety and fun take. I also ordered the caesar salad which was hearty and delicious (but not too filling right before the star of the show).
The drinks were an absolute hit — Super creative and I loved all of the options (especially the Dirty Martini and Pepperoni Negroni!). Overall, it was a fun, cute and casual dinner spot that I can wait to visit again!
Started a 4 day pizza crawl here at Pizz’Amici and was delighted for this incredible spot to be the “starter gun”. Negronis are dialed in and not to be missed. Service is friendly and ready to assist with your journey, which should include the pepperoni and the pepperoncini/sausage. Dessert - don’t skip
This pizza was well worth the work to get the reservation, cracker thin and still so crispy despite the toppings. An amazing crust flavor and the toppings taste high quality. Also very obvious why the focaccia is recommended, its a show stopper up front.
if you want an excuse to not talk to your date but still enjoy some good pizza, come here. it can get loud when it’s full in here lol but it’s also not too hard to talk to the person in front / next to you.
for drinks, we tried the dirty martini (a very solid and good one!), espresso martini (also good, imagine a dark chocolate mocha), and the menabrea beer for the pizza (excellent).
we had the meatballs (unfortunately didn’t live up to the hype for us) and a pizza half pepperoni (really gooood) and half mushroom and sausage (also good). the pizza wasn’t transformative, but can def understand the hype. for the price point tho—which def has to do with the ambience—prolly wouldn’t get again personally? but i would bring people here, because it is a cute vibe!
thank you all, restaurant team, for a nice experience!
Milly's Pizza In The Pan- West Town
| Address | 925 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (224) 809-7192 |
Staying in Wicker Park for the 4th of July week, so I thought I'd try Milly's - and oh my goodness, it was good. Their pan pizza is thicker than tavern style but thinner than deep dish, and you need to go online to order after 8 a.m.
Very good pan style pizza, the star is the sauce which has a slight spice to it (red pepper flakes?) and the crust, which has the amazing crunchy butteriness. Reminded me of a grown up version of 80’s Pizza Hut pan pizzas but with a solid base and just enough cheese. You have to pre order the pizza as they only make a certain amount per day, there’s one booth for eating in and a 4 stool window bar. No ac so if you wanna eat in come prepared for a very basic eating experience out of the box. It’s all about the pizza!
What is there to say about Milly’s at this point that hasn’t been said? We have been regulars since the west town location opened and it is easily the highest quality, most consistent, and most reliable pizza available. And likely the goat of this type of pizza overall.
New customers: order in advance, it is ready the minute you schedule it for, it travels well and reheats beautifully if there is any left.
Advanced customers: Get the Leandoer while it’s available. S tier, our new favorite. The shiitake and cremini mushrooms are amazing in flavor and texture, and pair so great with the pistachio, garlic and cream fraiche.
Well worth the hype. Best pizza im chicago hands down!! Not as thick and rich as deep dish but similar to it. Dough is high quality, crust is great, sauce is super fresh, and high quality ingredients. I ordered at 8a sharp on Sunday and when I checked back an hr later it was sold out. They also do not cut the pizza and are really good about pickup times lol. Got there like 15 mins early and had to wait but def well worth it!! Highly recommend. Will be back soon!
Finally, I got a pizza from Milly's Pizza in the pan. First, the ingredients are top tier, fresh sauce and unique combo pizzas. Now my personal thoughts, it is a very thick breaded crust. I ordered it with sausage and mushrooms. The sausage was quite spicy but the mushrooms were fresh, not canned. Ingredients were sparse, so I mostly tasted the bready crust. Not my favorite but you should try it if you are a fan of thick crusts. Thanks for reading. Gotta go, I'm hungry!
Tortorice's Pizza & Catering
| Address | 1746 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 243-4444 |
Im told that these mozzarella sticks are made in-house and not from frozen. You will notice that the sticks are larger than those that are made from frozen. These were excellent and had great pull on the stretch. Their marinara sauce was really delicious too.
But their pizza here was really good. Although their tavern crust was more doughy and chewy rather than having a deep crunch. But the ingredients were really flavorful and served hot!! Burned the roof off my mouth it was so good!!
A solid 4.5⭐️s
Fun pizza night at Tortorice’s Pizza on Grand in West Town. The team was so sweet and Billy was super friendly which made the experience great. We got the veggie thin crust pizza and the deep dish with hot honey. The caramelized crust on the deep dish was really good and the hot honey added the perfect touch. The homemade mozzarella sticks were my fave of the night and the cheesy garlic bread and jalapeño poppers were delish. Love that they are BYOB and there is a parking lot which is amazing for the city. Also a great spot for groups with their party room.
Enjoyed coming here pizza was delicious. Mozzarella sticks were $12 for 5 sticks a little steep for average sticks. Wings were really good. Had the buffalo lemon pepper. Good crunchy breading. $2.00 a wing. They have 5 wings for $10 or if you get 8 wings you get $1 off so $15. Had ordered a 14”carmalized sausage and mushroom pizza. Excited because the server said mushrooms were fresh and not from a can. Only to be disappointed once we started eating our pizza we realized there were no mushrooms. The server gave our pizza to someone else and we had their pizza. We could’ve ordered another pizza but that meant we would have to wait another 45 min.. So the server said she would give us a 20% discount which was really only 10% because we received a 12 “ 1 topping pizza and ordered and paid for 14” carmalized 2 topping pizza. That was the only reason we gave 4 stars instead of 5. Would definitely go back to try the thin crust pizza and more wings.
This place was a nice surprise! Thin crust was thinner than expected - in a good way! Not quite cracker crust but real close. I'd call it above average for sure. Wings were decent, def not crispy but it was take out, I'm sure they're better if u eat em fresh and not boxed for a few mins. Cheese sticks, like most say, are certainly a special here; dunno if I've ever had any quite like these. Very good! Will be back for sure!
***update 1 month later:
Great suggestion- got the deep dish w caramelized crust & it's great! Adding a star for that, for the convenience of not having to pay online, the ease of getting in & out, friendliness of staff & I've never seen such clean bathrooms in the city before! Thanks all, def earned the new go-to title when I'm in the area!
A guy on Tiktok ranked this place #2 as Chicago's best pizza above Pequod's and below Lou Malnati's. I drive past all the time so I had to check it out. It was busy and tight in there, but they quickly cleaned off a table for us. Their system was a little different. You order and pay for your food at the front counter then they bring it to you based on the number on your table. My table didn't have a number when I ordered, so they assigned me one. My lady was talking to a family that frequents their Arlington Heights location and said they were trying this one out because of menu items not available at their regular spot. The wings and mozzarella sticks came out first. The mozzarella sticks were amazing! We each started to eat the wings. Then I realized I was eating lemon pepper and not the mango habanero that I ordered. Meanwhile, the family my lady was talking to ended up getting the mango habanero wings. Our server asked if we still wanted our original order and we did. So she took away the lemon pepper wings as she did with the mango habanero wings that the other family had. Afterwards my mango habanero wings arrived very quickly. I couldn't help but wonder if they just switched them up but my order was steaming hot so it seemed unlikely. They were delicious. The other family waited a long time but at last they got their wings and mozzarella sticks. By this time, a long line of people had formed behind the counter. It seemed like they were short-staffed and a little overwhelmed between people waiting to be seated served and the phone ringing. That said, three different people checked on us to make sure everything was okay. We ordered a Tortorice's Way specialty pizza with garlic. It was delicious and tasted even better after reheating it the next day. Overall, everything was good. Better than Pequod's? I wouldn't go that far. To be fair, I would have to try out a few more pies before making that determination. The place is small but cozy. The staff were a little disorganized and unapologetic when making mistakes. The food was very good and worth coming back for more.
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.
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
| Address | 1769 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 878-2420 |
Went in for dinner this evening and the food and experience were wonderful. We sat on that patio and it was quite busy. It was very relaxing to sit out there and enjoy a nice meal. We had the arancini and it was delicious with a very nice cheese pull. The pistachio pizza was really unique. Great recommendation from our server. Overall we enjoyed everything we ordered. A nice Sunday night out with great food.
Amazing Napoli style pizza, the best in the city. The Enzo pizza was very tasty and fresh, and the Conciato was amazing. The first time I’ve tried conciato romano and I’d highly recommend. The staff are all super friendly and are happy to answer all your questions. Definitely coming back.
Authentic Italian pizza and a cozy atmosphere that feels like Italy. I enjoyed the Margherita last time, but this visit wasn't quite as good for my taste. Friendly service. If you're unsure, the Margherita is a safe choice.
We shared a couple of pies and a fantastic dessert. The pizzas were built on a soft, tender and chewy crust. A great crust like this is an excellent canvas for highlighting bright, fresh ingredients! The kitchen did not disappoint. We had a fennel pizza with fennel salami and hot honey. This option truly impressed. The braised fennel chunks provided a great texture to each bite. This pizza is a must try. We also had a tomato, anchovy and caper pizza. This pizza also impressed! Balanced and bright! Truly something to behold considering such polarizing toppings. We finished with an egg free custard with apricot preserves, blackberries and sweet balsamic drizz. It was lite, balanced and fresh. What a great lunch! We know a thing about pizza. Put this place on your list!
The only thing holding back this restaurant is its popularity. All of the food is simple, in the best way possible. The ingredients are fresh and the preparation is straightforward. When it comes to authentic Italian food in Chicago, this is the place to go. The classic neopolitan pizza is a must. The dough is flavorful and the cheese tasted high quality. The bread and lasagna were also very tasty.
On the downside, getting a table at this place is a nightmare and there is a guaranteed wait, even if you have a reservation. The servers also seem to be overwhelmed so service was not the best.
Novel Pizza Cafe
| Address | 1759 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 528-5028 |
THIS IS THE ONE! I’ve heard the hype around Novel for a while and it’s WELL deserved! The famous Longanisa & Giardiniera is 10/10! 💥 Rumor has it, you HAVE to take it up a notch by adding Ricotta on top but we forgot. 🫣
GUESS I just gotta go back! Takes me 45 minutes to get down to Pilsen but it’s well worth it.
I also got half with the Hot Pep and it was phenomenal. The pizza is Tavern style so it has a great thin & crunchy crust with flavorful sauce & ingredients on top.
They also sell slices with the usual toppings AND some coffee courtesy of Drip Collective if you need to take some caffeine to go.
The place is a little small so during the weekend it’ll be a little hard to get a seat with a larger group.
I've been coming here for a while, and every single visit has been a great experience.
The customer service is always outstanding—everyone is friendly, welcoming, and truly makes you feel appreciated.
The pizza is absolutely delicious, always fresh, and consistently high quality. It's one of my favorite places, and I never leave disappointed.
Thank you Novel Pizza for always providing such amazing service and making every visit a great one.
It's rare to find a place that consistently delivers both incredible food and exceptional customer care.
10/10—highly recommended!
The perfect tavern style pizza. Unlike most spots that are shooting for cracker thin and crispy, Novel's tavern pies have a thicker base. This provided a fuller, more satisfying bite while still retaining the lightness and the crispy bottom. With high-quality ingredients that you can taste and the option to purchase by the slice, easy 5.
100/10 pizza im actually so upset that I tried this place because it’s so far from the burbs .
I’m also sooooooo happy they had beef pepperoni 🙂
I probably would have kms if I wasn’t able to order the hot honey pepperoni pizza w ricotta .
This pizza was genuinely amazing, I am not the biggest ultra thin crispy crust girl so I was afraid I wouldn’t like it- but theirs was sooo much softer than I thought it would be. It complimented the pizza so well since it’s heavy on toppings. I litterally don’t know how they made it so perfectly balanced, its a sick pizza dough recipe ill tell ya tht guys
Anyways it was GENEROUS in pepperoni, ricotta, basil and hot honey again 100/10 worth every dollar .
Y’all will see me again 🙂
This is me gently requesting a location in Oaklawn or something so me and my family can fund your business thanks !
My cousins were visiting, and we decided to go to Novel Pizza Cafe. We had the pizza, and my cousin was begging me to bring him back before he leaves. It’s that good. They serve really good square cut pizza, and I would highly recommend it. The service was great, and the decor feels very cozy and snug. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
| Address | 805 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| 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!
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
| Address | 531 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654 |
|---|---|
| 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 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 470-0250 |
Worth the trip. The food was served with portions intended to share. Lots of leftovers for sure. A limited menu allowed them to focus on doing the items they do have well.
Most people may not get excited about a salad but you will here. The drinks were too expensive for what we ordered. A drink with no fresh fruit and Titos should not cost $19.
The meatballs were a yummy appetizer. We did get the toasted bread to dip in the extra sauce. The pizza was crispy and pub style cut. Great cheese combo on it.
The soft serve ice cream with apples and browned butter was the perfect ending. Thank you to our server, Ashley. She was spot on keeping the table cleared and food flowing. She gave great recommendations.
The host wasn't the friendliest, but that was our only complaint. The waitress was so kind! The place is beautiful and has a super cool vibe. The menu is small but perfect. Highlights include the cheese appetizer, the best focaccia I’ve had in a long time, and a divine gnocchi! The artichoke pizza was also perfect. And for dessert, we loved the peanut butter ice cream—I’ve never tasted anything like it. Amazing! Everything was a 10/10.
So good!!! The fried zuchinni was sooo good and the pizzas were executed very well. The strawberry rhubarb dessert was a great way to end the meal! Super yummy soft serve made in house with crunchy pieces and real pieces of rhubarb! Will be back!
From the moment you walk in the door, Zarella feels like the proper Italian night out and well worth the 30 day wait to get a prime time reservation. The decor has beautiful art and dark wood all around, making it a cozy experience that's not too crowded or loud. Service is excellent and our server was attentive, making the birthday celebration of the evening extra special. The food....out of this world. One of the best tavern pizzas in the city.
Food reviews:
Truffle and mushroom tavern--light and well balanced. Delicate sweet notes from the red onion balance out the earthiness of the mushroom, truffle and charred crust. Cheese doesn't overwhelm the pie and compliments all ingredients with a salty bite
Spicy vodka and sausage--so different than the first pie but equally as delicious! Vodka sauce has a deep flavor with only subtle heat. Sausage packs a ton of flavor. Heavier of the two pies since it had more cheese on it but my husband enjoyed
Chocolate peanut butter sundae--birthday celebration treat brought by our server! Wow it's a must order. The puppy chow was an insanely smart ingredient to add for texture and bit of chocolate.
Can't wait to return to try another specialty pie!
What a great find. We stumbled upon this place by accident, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our day. The food was absolutely delicious, and everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and well prepared.
The staff were incredibly welcoming from the moment we walked in. They were knowledgeable about the menu, happy to answer questions, and made excellent recommendations. The atmosphere felt warm and homey, with music that added to the ambiance without being too loud or distracting. Between the outstanding food, friendly service, and comfortable setting, this is definitely a place I would come back to again.
Giordano's
| Address | 130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 |
|---|---|
| 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.
How to Spot a Perfectly Caramelized Crust
Before you head out to try these incredible restaurants, it helps to know exactly what you are looking for. Not all dark crusts are created equal, and understanding the difference between a well-executed bake and a rushed one will enhance your dining experience. Here are five expert tips to help you identify and appreciate a truly world-class pizza crust.
Look for Leopard Spotting
The hallmark of a high-heat, artisan pizza is "leopard spotting"—small, dark charred bubbles scattered across the rim. This indicates the dough was fermented properly and baked quickly at a very high temperature. If the crust is uniformly dark brown without these spots, it might have been baked too long at a lower temperature, resulting in a tougher, cracker-like texture.
Check the Underbelly
A great crust isn’t just about the edge; the bottom matters just as much. Flip a slice over. You want to see a similar caramelization on the bottom of the dough. If the bottom is pale white while the edges are dark, the oven floor wasn’t hot enough, which often leads to a floppy, undercooked center.
The Press Test
Gently press the edge of the crust with your finger. It should spring back immediately. This resilience indicates that the gluten structure is intact and the interior crumb is light and airy. If your fingerprint stays indented, the dough is likely dense or undercooked, despite the dark exterior.
Listen for the Crunch
When you take a bite, the sound should be a distinct crackle, followed by a soft chew. If the crust shatters like a glass cracker or, conversely, requires a lot of tugging to tear, the hydration levels or baking times were slightly off. The ideal is a crisp exterior giving way to a cloud-like interior.
Beware of the "Bitter" Burn
Caramelization is sweet and nutty; carbonization is bitter and ashy. If the crust leaves a lingering taste of charcoal or cigarettes, it has been burnt, not caramelized. A little black char is acceptable, but the dominant flavor should be toasted bread and butter, not smoke.
Chicago’s pizza scene is vast, but these establishments represent the pinnacle of crust craftsmanship. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a loaded specialty pie, the foundation of a great slice is always the dough. The next time you are out, skip the knife and fork—pick up that slice, admire the color, and enjoy the crunch.
