Chicago’s love affair with pizza goes far beyond its legendary deep dish—though that alone would be reason enough for pizza pilgrims to descend upon the Windy City.
The city’s diverse neighborhoods offer a stunning range of pizza styles, from tavern-cut thin crusts with crispy edges to wood-fired Neapolitan pies and cutting-edge chef-driven creations.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, these five pizza destinations represent the best of Chicago’s renowned pizza culture.
1. Pequod’s Pizza
No list of Chicago’s best pizza is complete without a mention of Pequod’s, arguably the city’s most famous deep-dish joint.
What sets Pequod’s apart is its caramelized crust: the dough is ringed with a crisp, cheesy edge formed as mozzarella melts and darkens against the pan.
Each pan pizza arrives loaded with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and layers of savory toppings.
While the sausage pizza is a classic, customizable options allow you to load up on your favorites.
The casual, boisterous Lincoln Park and Morton Grove locations guarantee lines—because Chicagoans know good pizza is worth the wait.
Pequod’s is perfect for deep-dish lovers who want something a little different from the more familiar giants like Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s.
2. Vito & Nick’s
Vito & Nick’s is a South Side legend and the city’s benchmark for tavern-style, thin-crust pizza.
Open since 1946 and still family run, this no-frills spot is a pilgrimage site for pizza enthusiasts who appreciate a super-crispy, lacy-edged crust cut into party squares.
Their sausage pizza, loaded with old-school fennel-and-spice Italian sausage, is a must-try and highlights the spot’s commitment to tradition.
Vito & Nick’s is an authentic immersion in Chicago’s “pizza before deep dish” heritage and a required stop for anyone serious about the city’s food history.
3. Piece Brewery and Pizzeria
Located in the heart of Wicker Park, Piece blends New Haven–style “apizza” (charred, oblong, chewy thin crust) with the creative energy of a local craft brewery.
Choose from red (tomato sauce), white (olive oil and garlic), or plain, then build your own with high-quality, house-made toppings or order from the list of creative specialty combos.
The bustling, industrial-style space often hosts live music, and the award-winning beers brewed on-site are the perfect complement to a coal-oven pie, whether you’re after a classic or something spicy with clams and bacon.
Piece is the place for those who love their pizza with a little attitude and original flair.
4. Bonci Pizzeria
Bonci brought Roman-style pizza al taglio (“by the cut”) straight from the streets of Rome to Chicago’s West Loop.
Famous for its airy, focaccia-like square slices, Bonci offers a dizzying array of flavor combos, from classic mozzarella and tomato to potato-rosemary, spicy mortadella, and inventive seasonal options.
Each slice is snipped to order with scissors, so you can sample several varieties in one meal.
With a focus on both Italian imports and locally sourced ingredients, Bonci’s constantly rotating menu makes return visits a must, and the light-yet-crispy crust is a revelation for those used to heavier Midwestern pies.
5. Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company
Tucked away in Streeterville with stunning river views, Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company has quietly become a darling of Chicago food critics.
It’s all about the dough here—the product of a three-day fermentation process that yields a crust both crisp and chewy.
Pizzas emerge from the stone hearth oven speckled with char and topped with ultra-fresh cheeses, imported pepperoni, mushrooms, and piquant sauces.
Robert’s signature honey-drizzled soppressata pizza is both savory and sweet, and the rotating seasonal menu keeps regulars coming back. With its airy dining room and prime riverside patio, Robert’s excels as both a destination pizzeria and a hidden gem.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
