First things first — I’m not from Chicago, and I don’t claim to be. I say this because Chicago pizza is an occasionally… violent affair; one where everyone knows best, and the guy over there is totally wrong. With that said, I am here to establish the best pizza in Chicago, and I’ll be damned if I don’t highlight a few fantastic (if well-known) spots for fellow out-of-towners.
It’s worth noting that Chicago has a wealth of fantastic pizza in just about every style one could imagine, perhaps expectedly so given the city’s massive size and history. While I’ll primarily be highlighting Chicago-style joints because, well, what else would I do, that’s not to say there aren’t dozens of other excellent spots.
Now — let’s take a peek at some Chicago highlights, shall we?
The Best Pizza in Chicago, IL: Top 3
Bartoli’s
As you’ll likely notice in short time, the names at the top of this list are incredibly well-known. There’s no avoiding that fact, and Bartoli’s is up there with a few other names as some of the best pizza in Chicago, if not America as a whole. They’ve been around for a decade and, in that time, have earned recognition as some of the best pies in the city — both deep-dish and otherwise.
Whether you’re a classic Chicagoan deep-dish aficionado or a fan of a thinner “party-style” pie, Bartoli’s has both. Beyond that, they offer sandwiches, pasta, and some truly fantastic salads — but we both know why you’re here. Perhaps what makes Bartoli’s so incredible is their dedication to seasonal, local ingredients. While that’s not a massive revelation, it does go a long way to earning my love.
Locals to Chicago likely know the name Bartoli — Fred Bartoli, more specifically — and this joint is the work of his grandson, Brian Tondryk. In Brian’s words, he makes pizza that tastes “the way I remembered it,” and it shows. Simple ingredients, timeless technique, and no-frills presentation goes a long way — so give them a shot if you haven’t already.
Pequod’s Pizza
You knew this was coming, I knew this was coming, so let’s talk about Pequod’s. They’ve been highlighted by USA Today (and countless other publications) as the best pizza in the city, and for good reason. They’ve been slinging pies since 1971 in the classic Chicago deep-dish style, and it’s earned them a shockingly polarizing reputation.
As I mentioned at the top of this article, Chicago’s pizza scene is as competitive as (if not more competitive than) New York’s. This has led to a kerfuffle any time the name Pequod is brought up; some locals will live and die by this spot, while others insist that Bartoli’s or Lou Malnati’s is the “real” best spot in town. I won’t step into this argument, but I will say that The Infatuation’s Adrian Kane said this was a meal that you “need to eat before you die.”
What sets Pequod’s apart from many other spots is a combination of their sauce and crust. The sauce is somewhat spicy (at least in comparison to the “standard” pizza sauce), and their crust is crispy and caramelized to the point that many out-of-towners will call it burnt. Pro tip: it’s not burnt, and do not say that to a local.
Lou Malnati’s
Lou Malnati’s is a name that’s been around in Chicago long enough that most people associate it directly with fantastic pizza. Whether it’s because their original pizzaiolo, Lou Malnati (obviously), worked in the city’s first true Chicago-style joint that’s created something of this incredible quality, I can’t say. But I can say that they’ve been slinging pies since 1971, and it shows.
It’s worth noting that Lou Malnati’s is a bit more… corporate than other joints that I tend to highlight. While the quality has remained, they have opened over sixty locations throughout the States. The good news of this, though, is that their pies are so well-known that you can have them shipped nationally. Yes, you read that right.
While I must recommend that you stop into one of their many Chicago locations, the simple reality is that they’re another joint that many may insist you try before you die. The good news is that I can confirm it does travel well; the bad news is that you’ll have to wait for it to ship.
Top 2 Honorable Mentions: The Best Pizza in Chicago
Clik here to view.
With the big names out of the way, it’s time to highlight a few smaller joints that aren’t internationally recognized. While this list is always a great spot to check for more hidden gems, Chicago has so much to offer that keeping it to two feels wrong. Nonetheless, the rules are the rules — so check out either of the two spots below for some fantastic pies.
Zaza’s Pizzeria
Zaza’s is a relatively recent joint that’s taken the mantle of classic New York-style pies up in the windy city. Founded in 2021, they serve incredibly fresh pies made with the best ingredients available, and their pizza is genuinely fantastic. As if that weren’t enough, the owners recently (2023) opened another restaurant, Nemec Brothers Pizzeria that’s also fantastic.
Dante’s Pizza
Dante’s Pizza is another joint that specializes in New York-style pies in the heart of Chicago — a bold move, but one that’s paid off in spades. They’ve quickly become known for their delicious pies, massive slices, and fantastic stromboli, and I can’t think of a place that deserves an honorable mention more than Dante’s. In short; try it, eat it, love it — you can thank me later.