20+ best chicago style deep dish pizza in chicago il

This article is about best Chicago style deep dish pizza in Chicago Illinois. We tell you why these are the best spots for deep dish pizza experience. Let’s jump into it.

what is a deep dish pizza?

Deep-dish pizza is a distinct style originating from Chicago known for its thick, buttery crust, layered structure, and substantial fillings. It’s baked in a deep pan, resulting in a spoonable, pie-like quality. Toppings can vary widely, catering to diverse preferences. This style is one of the most famous in Chicago, alongside other pizza styles like thin-crust, stuffed, Neapolitan, and artisanal.

top deep dish pizza in chicago

1. Lou Malnati’s

Why It’s the Best:

• Buttery Crust Perfection: Lou Malnati’s is celebrated for its famous “Buttercrust” pizza, known for its delectably buttery, flaky crust that’s a sheer delight to the taste buds.
• High-Quality Ingredients: The pizzeria uses only the finest ingredients, from fresh mozzarella to tangy tomato sauce, resulting in a pizza that’s rich in flavor and quality.
• Chicago-Style Tradition: Located in the heart of Chicago, Lou Malnati’s embodies the city’s classic deep-dish pizza tradition, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Windy City pizza experience.

2. Giordano’s

Why It’s the Best:

• Stuffed Pizza Marvel: Giordano’s is renowned for its “Stuffed” pizza, a marvel that features layers of cheese and vibrant tomato sauce within a lusciously buttery crust, creating a savory voyage into the heart of Chicago’s pizza heritage.
• Iconic Chicago Brand: Giordano’s is an iconic Chicago brand, deeply ingrained in the city’s pizza culture, making it a symbol of deep-dish excellence.
• Consistency: Giordano’s is known for its consistent quality and taste, ensuring that every visit is a guaranteed deep-dish delight.

3. Pequod’s Pizza

Why It’s the Best:

• Caramelized Crust Innovation: Pequod’s Pizza redefines the deep-dish experience with its unique “caramelized crust.” This delightful and crispy edge elevates the deep-dish to an extraordinary level.
• Savory Toppings: The pizzeria’s use of top-notch ingredients and savory toppings creates a symphony of flavors that’s perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying.
• Community Favorite: Pequod’s Pizza has a strong local following and is often considered a community favorite for its consistently outstanding deep-dish pies.

4. My Pi Pizza

Why It’s the Best:

• Quad Cities Inspiration: My Pi Pizza takes inspiration from the Quad Cities, offering a deep-dish pizza that stands out with its cornmeal-crusted, multigrain dough. It’s a refreshing departure from the traditional Chicago style.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The cornmeal crust and distinct combination of toppings create a unique flavor profile that sets My Pi Pizza apart from other deep-dish options in the city.
• Diverse Menu: While celebrated for its deep-dish, My Pi Pizza also offers a variety of thin-crust and stuffed pizza options, making it a versatile choice for pizza enthusiasts.

5. Bartoli’s Pizzeria

Why It’s the Best:

• Local Gem: Bartoli’s Pizzeria is a cherished local gem known for its excellent thin-crust pizza. It’s a place where the community gathers to enjoy a classic Chicago pizza experience.
• Authentic Thin-Crust Tradition: The pizzeria upholds the thin-crust tradition with a wide array of toppings, offering an authentic taste of Chicago’s thin-crust heritage.
• Consistent Excellence: Bartoli’s commitment to quality and tradition ensures that every pizza consistently meets the high standards expected by its patrons.

6. My Pi Pizza – The Art of Pizza

Why It’s the Best:

• Artistic Touch: The Art of Pizza branch within My Pi Pizza combines culinary artistry with the Quad Cities influence. Their deep-dish pies are truly works of art, featuring creative and appetizing combinations of toppings.
• Wide Selection: My Pi Pizza – The Art of Pizza provides a wide selection of deep-dish and other pizza styles, ensuring that every visitor can find their ideal slice of pizza artistry.
• Quad Cities Fusion: The fusion of Chicago’s pizza tradition with Quad Cities influence results in a deep-dish pizza that’s both familiar and refreshingly different, a treat for pizza enthusiasts looking for a unique twist.

7. Bartoli’s Pizzeria – Loop Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Downtown Convenience: Bartoli’s Pizzeria’s Loop location allows visitors to savor their outstanding deep-dish pizza in the heart of downtown Chicago. It’s a convenient and delicious stop for those exploring the city.
• Traditional Thin-Crust Excellence: While known for their thin-crust pizzas, this branch retains the commitment to quality and excellence that defines Bartoli’s tradition.
• Variety of Toppings: The Loop location offers a wide array of toppings and combinations, ensuring that you can customize your deep-dish pizza to perfection.

8. The Art of Pizza – Ontario Street Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Inclusive Menu: The Ontario Street location of The Art of Pizza offers an inclusive menu with various pizza styles, including deep-dish, stuffed, and thin-crust, catering to diverse preferences.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: Just like its other locations, this branch excels in offering vegan and gluten-free pizza options, ensuring that everyone can partake in the pizza feast.
• Downtown Accessibility: Situated in downtown Chicago, The Art of Pizza’s Ontario Street location is conveniently placed for those exploring the city, making it an accessible and inclusive choice for a deep-dish pizza experience.

9. Giordano’s – The Loop Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Urban Accessibility: Giordano’s Loop location provides easy access for those navigating the bustling downtown area. It’s a strategic choice for those seeking the iconic stuffed deep-dish pizza.
• Consistent Quality: Just like other Giordano’s locations, this branch upholds the pizzeria’s reputation for consistent quality and taste, ensuring a satisfying and memorable deep-dish experience.
• Chicago Symbol: Giordano’s, as an iconic Chicago brand, is deeply ingrained in the city’s culinary heritage, making the Loop location an emblem of deep-dish excellence.

10. My Pi Pizza – The Revival Food Hall Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Revival Food Hall Ambiance: Located within the Revival Food Hall, My Pi Pizza offers a unique deep-dish experience within the vibrant food hall ambiance, making it a convenient and delightful dining destination in the heart of downtown.
• Quad Cities Fusion: My Pi Pizza at the Revival Food Hall maintains its Quad Cities influence, combining it with the dynamic and diverse food hall environment, creating a fusion of flavors and experiences.
• Culinary Artistry: The artistic approach to deep-dish pizza at this location results in pizzas that are not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding an artistic dimension to your dining experience.

11. Labriola Chicago – Wabash Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Upscale Elegance: The Wabash location of Labriola Chicago offers an upscale deep-dish pizza experience with an emphasis on gourmet creations. It’s a destination for those seeking a slice of luxury in the heart of downtown Chicago.
• Meticulous Culinary Artistry: Each deep-dish pizza is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, ensuring a premium culinary experience. The combinations and quality of ingredients are truly exceptional.
• Convenient Access: Situated on Wabash Avenue, this Labriola location is easily accessible for those exploring downtown Chicago, making it a prime choice for an elegant and delicious deep-dish pizza experience.

12. The Gage

Why It’s the Best:

• Historic Charm: The Gage provides an upscale dining experience that combines historic charm with deep-dish pizza artistry. Located in a 19th-century building, it offers a unique atmosphere for enjoying their exceptional deep-dish pizzas while being part of Chicago’s rich history.
• Artisanal Pizza Elegance: The Gage blends artisanal deep-dish pizza craftsmanship with an elegant dining experience. Their wood-fired deep-dish pizzas boast a thin, crispy crust and exquisite ingredient combinations.
• Culinary Creativity: The pizzeria embraces culinary innovation, offering unique and creative deep-dish pizza toppings and combinations that cater to those seeking a twist on traditional pizza.

13. Bartoli’s Pizzeria – South Loop Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Community Gathering Spot: The South Loop location of Bartoli’s Pizzeria has become a beloved gathering spot for both residents and visitors in the area. It’s a place where you can relish their classic deep-dish pizzas while immersing yourself in the local culture.
• Efficient Downtown Stop: For those navigating the bustling downtown district, this Bartoli’s location provides an efficient and flavorful stop for a quintessential Chicago deep-dish pizza.
• Diverse Toppings: The pizzeria offers a wide selection of toppings and combinations, allowing you to customize your deep-dish pizza to your heart’s desire.

14. Lou Malnati’s – Gold Coast Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Elegant Dining: The Gold Coast location of Lou Malnati’s combines elegant dining with the beloved deep-dish pizza tradition. It’s a place where you can savor the richness of their famous “Buttercrust” pizzas in an upscale setting.
• Historical Significance: Located in the iconic Esquire Theater building, this branch of Lou Malnati’s adds a touch of historical charm to your deep-dish experience, making it a memorable and significant visit.
• Quality Ingredients: Just like other Lou Malnati’s locations, the Gold Coast branch is committed to using only the finest ingredients, ensuring a consistently high level of taste and quality.

15. My Pi Pizza – The Palmer House Hilton Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Historic Setting: My Pi Pizza at The Palmer House Hilton offers a unique blend of deep-dish pizza artistry within the historic and elegant atmosphere of the Palmer House Hilton. It’s a place where you can enjoy an iconic Chicago experience with a touch of opulence.
• Quad Cities Fusion: My Pi Pizza at this location continues to infuse its deep-dish creations with Quad Cities influence, adding a twist to your deep-dish adventure.
• Culinary Craftsmanship: The culinary craftsmanship that goes into every deep-dish pizza is a testament to the dedication to flavor and quality, ensuring a remarkable dining experience.

16. Labriola Chicago – State Street Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Urban Chic Ambiance: The State Street location of Labriola Chicago offers an urban chic ambiance that complements its gourmet deep-dish pizza offerings. It’s a stylish and inviting setting for savoring your favorite deep-dish slices.
• Meticulous Culinary Excellence: Each deep-dish pizza is crafted with precision and care, ensuring an extraordinary culinary experience. The combinations of ingredients are thoughtfully curated for maximum flavor.
• Convenient Accessibility: Situated on State Street, this Labriola location is easily accessible for those exploring the downtown district, making it a prime choice for a luxurious deep-dish pizza experience.

17. The Florentine

Why It’s the Best:

• Tuscan Elegance: The Florentine combines the elegance of Tuscan cuisine with the artistry of deep-dish pizza. Their wood-fired deep-dish pizzas boast a thin, crispy crust and exquisite ingredient combinations.
• Culinary Creativity: The pizzeria embraces culinary innovation, offering unique and creative toppings and combinations that cater to those seeking a twist on traditional deep-dish pizza.
• Sophisticated Setting: The Florentine’s sophisticated setting, complete with an open kitchen and stylish décor, provides a refined backdrop for savoring their exceptional deep-dish pizzas.

18. Sono Wood Fired – River North Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Wood-Fired Excellence: Sono Wood Fired specializes in wood-fired deep-dish pizzas that capture the essence of Italian tradition. The intense heat of the wood-fired oven imparts a unique smoky flavor to each deep-dish pizza.
• Fresh and Seasonal Ingredients: Sono Wood Fired is committed to using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that each deep-dish pizza reflects the flavors of the season.
• Cozy and Contemporary Ambiance: The pizzeria’s cozy yet contemporary ambiance creates a delightful setting for indulging in their wood-fired deep-dish masterpieces, making it an excellent choice for those exploring downtown Chicago.

19. The Art of Pizza – West Loop Location

Why It’s the Best:

• West Loop Vibe: The West Loop location of The Art of Pizza offers a vibrant and trendy ambiance that perfectly complements its diverse menu of deep-dish and other pizza styles.
• Savory Culinary Inclusivity: The pizzeria is celebrated for its inclusive menu, encompassing a wide range of pizza styles and toppings, making it an ideal choice for those with diverse preferences.
• Creative Flavor Combinations: The Art of Pizza consistently surprises and delights patrons with innovative and mouthwatering deep-dish pizza flavor combinations.

20. Bartoli’s Pizzeria – Fulton Market Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Fulton Market Charm: The Fulton Market location of Bartoli’s Pizzeria immerses you in the charm of the area, enhancing your deep-dish pizza experience with a taste of the local culture.
• Variety of Thin-Crust and Deep-Dish: In addition to their renowned thin-crust pizzas, this location offers a selection of delectable deep-dish options, ensuring a delightful range of choices for every visit.
• Quality and Consistency: Bartoli’s commitment to quality and consistency shines through in every deep-dish pizza, guaranteeing a satisfying and memorable dining experience.

21. The Gage – Millennium Park Location

Why It’s the Best:

• Millennium Park Proximity: The Millennium Park location of The Gage offers a convenient and elegant option for indulging in gourmet deep-dish pizzas, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic park.
• Culinary Excellence: The pizzeria’s commitment to culinary excellence ensures that each deep-dish pizza is a masterpiece of flavor, with creative toppings that cater to even the most discerning palates.
• Historic and Scenic Ambiance: Nestled in a historic building with scenic views, The Gage provides a unique setting for savoring their exceptional deep-dish pizzas while enjoying Chicago’s rich history and stunning surroundings.

faqs about deep dish pizza in chicago il

1. What Is Deep-Dish Pizza, and How Does It Differ from Regular Pizza?

Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago-style pizza known for its thick, buttery crust, which lines a deep pan. It’s often loaded with cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and various toppings. The key difference from regular pizza lies in the thick, almost pie-like crust and the order of layering ingredients.

2. Where Did Deep-Dish Pizza Originate?

Deep-dish pizza’s origin is credited to Pizzeria Uno, which opened in Chicago in 1943. The original Uno’s deep-dish pizza was created by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. Today, Uno Pizzeria & Grill remains one of the city’s iconic deep-dish pizza destinations.

3. What Are the Key Components of a Traditional Deep-Dish Pizza?

A traditional deep-dish pizza includes the following components:

• Crust: A thick, buttery crust that lines the deep pan and often extends up the sides, forming a crispy, golden shell.
• Cheese: A generous layer of mozzarella cheese that covers the crust.
• Toppings: Various toppings, such as sausage, vegetables, or pepperoni, are added on top of the cheese.
• Tomato Sauce: A chunky tomato sauce is typically poured over the toppings.
• Additional Cheese: Another layer of cheese, often Parmesan or Romano, is sprinkled on top, creating a cheesy “cap.”

4. Where Can I Find the Best Deep-Dish Pizza in Chicago?

Chicago offers numerous pizzerias renowned for their deep-dish pizza, including Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, Pequod’s Pizza, and My Pi Pizza, among others. Each has its unique take on this classic style.

5. Is Deep-Dish Pizza the Only Style Available in Chicago?

While deep-dish pizza is a Chicago classic, the city also offers other pizza styles, including stuffed pizza, thin-crust pizza, Neapolitan pizza, and artisanal pizza. You’ll find a diverse range of pizza options in Chicago.

6. What’s the Best Way to Eat Deep-Dish Pizza?

Eating deep-dish pizza can be a bit of a challenge due to its thickness. The best approach is to use a knife and fork, starting with the outer crust and working your way toward the center. This allows you to savor each layer of flavor.

7. Can I Get Gluten-Free or Vegan Deep-Dish Pizza in Chicago?

Yes, some pizzerias in Chicago, such as The Art of Pizza, offer gluten-free and vegan options, ensuring that individuals with dietary restrictions can still enjoy this iconic dish.

8. Do Deep-Dish Pizzas Require Longer Cooking Times?

Yes, deep-dish pizzas typically require longer baking times than thin-crust pizzas due to their thickness. This extended baking time allows the crust to become golden brown and crisp while ensuring the toppings are thoroughly cooked.

9. Can I Make Deep-Dish Pizza at Home?

Yes, you can make deep-dish pizza at home using specific deep-dish pizza pans and recipes. Many pizzerias also offer pizza kits, allowing you to recreate their signature deep-dish pizzas in the comfort of your own kitchen.

10. What’s the Ideal Beverage to Pair with Deep-Dish Pizza?

Deep-dish pizza pairs well with a variety of beverages. Popular choices include beer, especially lagers or a local craft brew, and soft drinks like cola. Some enjoy pairing it with a red wine, such as a Chianti or Sangiovese, which complements the rich flavors of the pizza.

Best Pizza in Chicago IL

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