Chicago is world-famous for its culinary innovation and excellence. From Michelin-starred restaurants to Restaurant Week and the National Restaurant Association’s annual trade show, the city is known for its skills in the kitchen. But the big question is: who makes the best Chicago-style—or more specifically, the best deep-dish—pizza in town?
Chicago’s pizza scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods, full of flavor, history, and heated opinions. Many discussions have turned into brawls about Chicago’s best pizza and pizzerias. While our focus here is on deep-dish, Chicago is also famous for its tavern-style pies—thin, round, cracker-crust pizzas cut into small squares. Deep-dish itself was born here in 1943, forever changing the way the world thinks about pizza.
Below, you’ll find five of the best deep-dish pizzerias within a one-mile radius. Each pie takes about 40–45 minutes to bake, so if you’re up for the challenge, try them all and decide for yourself which is truly the best pizza place in Chicago. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, this guide is your ticket to exploring Chicago’s legendary pizza scene—one slice at a time.
Who has the best Chicago-style pizza? Top 5 Deep-Dish Delights
Pizzeria Uno
📍 Location: River North Neighborhood: 29 E Ohio Street
- Most Popular Za: the Numero Uno or the Chicagoan
- Historic Landmark Building with a ground-level, intimate restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating. The average tenure of the staff is 15 years. Unique, one-of-a-kind experience and service.
- The original Deep-dish pizza recipe was created at this location. Franchise Chicago Uno Grills use a different recipe and oven than Pizzeria Uno & Pizzeria Due. This recipe has never been put in writing. The unique oven was custom-built and has been maintained since 1943. It may be old, but it has modern accommodations too. Try the gluten-friendly, vegetarian pizza for a special treat.
Lou Malnati’s
📍 Gold Coast Neighborhood: 1120 N State Street
- Most Popular Za: The Chicago Classic or The Lou (vegetarian)
- Garage doors, a lively atmosphere, superb people watching, and excellent service. The staff and management are top-tier. They really care about the pizza and the neighborhood.
- Rudy Malnati Sr. (Lou’s Father) was the original manager at Pizzeria Uno and helped to create the original recipe of Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza.
Giordano’s
📍 Gold Coast Neighborhood: 730 N Rush Street
- Most Popular Za: The Special or Fresh Spinach (vegetarian)
- A new and improved modern dining experience of a true Chicago staple, featuring a unique style of deep-dish pizza—otherwise known as stuffed. This location serves as the corporate headquarters and flagship restaurant of Giordano’s, offering a distinctive experience in a renovated, open, multi-level space.
- The consistency and quality of this deep-dish pizza will put you in a full-on food coma every time. Must love cheese. Come hungry and leave stuffed.
Pizano’s
📍 Gold Coast Neighborhood: 864 N State Street
- Most Popular Za: Rudy’s Special or Mark’s Special (vegetarian)
- This building marks the original home of Chicago’s legendary deep-dish pizza royalty. The vibe is unmistakably old-school—authentic, welcoming, and filled with lifelong Chicagoans.
- The dough is made fresh every day in the basement. This is Oprah’s favorite tavern style and Chicago’s legacy of Deep-Dish pizza continue from generation to generation.
Gino’s East
📍 Streeterville Neighborhood: 162 E Superior Street
- Most Popular Za: Meaty Legend or O.M.G. (vegetarian)
- Write on the walls to make your mark. The fun and lively atmosphere at this location offers comedy, as well as an ice cream and bagel shop attached to the restaurant.
- Known for its polenta-style crust and secret dough conditioner from Pizzeria Uno back in 1966. The atmosphere matches the origin story: two cab drivers and a Sicilian butcher started this deep-dish pizzeria. Alice Mae Redmond, a former chef at Pizzeria Uno, brought her secret dough conditioner to make the pizza at Gino’s East special. Redmond family members still hold various positions at the restaurant.
Honorable Mentions: More Spots Serving the Best Pizza in Chicago
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
📍 Lincoln Park Neighborhood: 2121 N Clark Street
- Best-known pizza: Pizza Pot Pie or Oven Grinders
- Old school Italian bistro vibes with outdoor seating in the warmer months and lots of wood paneling inside.
- This neighborhood classic has been serving unique fair since 1972. The historic building has stood for over 100 years and is located across the street from the St Valentine’s Day Massacre.
Pequod’s Pizza
📍 Lincoln Park Neighborhood: 2207 N Clybourn Avenue
- Best-known pizza: Pan Caramelized Crust cheese pizza or most popular Pepperoni and Sausage
- Family-friendly neighborhood spot during the day and bar vibes at night. Exposed brick, comfy leather booths, sports on the TVs and a drop ceiling.
- Caramelized crust is the reason this Chicago Pizzeria made the list. Build your own version of delicious flavors to make this pie as special as your trip to Chicago.
Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company
📍 Streeterville Neighborhood: 465 N McClurg Ct
- Best-known pizza: Cup & Char Pepperoni Pizza or The RITA Pizza
- Tucked into the basement of a loft building right in the heart of Streeterville, grab your pizza and sit outside by the boats parked at the Ogden Slip, inside with the crowds, or order takeout or delivery.
- The perfect balance of crunch and chew. This delicious pizza made the list even though it’s not deep-dish. For anyone who has dietary restrictions, this is the pizza for you. Celiac-friendly, vegan, and more to satisfy your sensitive or compromised palate.
The Best Deep-Dish Pizza in Chicago
The Chicago pizza scene has something for everyone. The best part of this list is that you can try them all or skip the ones you already know and try something new. Treat your taste buds to a self-guided pizza tour across the city or make it a full night out and join us for a Chicago Crime Tour or Night Crimes Tour before or after your pizza crawl. Many of our favorite spots are conveniently located near the tour route, making them perfect for a pre-tour meal or post-tour bite while the stories of Chicago’s dark past are still fresh in your mind. The best Chicago deep dish pizza is just a click away, as most of these restaurants have the option to ship a frozen pizza to try at home.
