Giordano's Pizza in Chicago (Photo by Matt Antonioli on Unsplash)
Chicago is known for many things, but perhaps nothing is more iconic than its legendary deep-dish pizza. Thick, cheesy, and loaded with toppings, this culinary masterpiece has become a must-try for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or a first-time visitor, the city’s deep-dish offerings are sure to leave you craving more. In this guide, we’ll take you on a mouth-watering journey through the best spots in Chicago to indulge in the ultimate deep-dish experience. Get ready to discover where to find the most irresistible pies in the Windy City!
Ready to get your hands on some cheesy pizza on your next trip to Chicago? StudyFinds did the research for you and consulted expert websites to find the pizzerias serving up the best Chicago deep-dish pizza. Our recommendations are based on the most recommended locations across these sites. If we missed one of your favorite spots, let us know in the comments below!
StudyFinds is a research-driven platform that analyzes and synthesizes expert recommendations from trusted sources. Rather than writing reviews ourselves, we meticulously compile consensus findings from leading industry experts and established publications to save consumers valuable research time. Each article represents hours of analysis across multiple authoritative sources to identify the most consistently recommended choices.
Here are the spots that experts rank as the best:
1. Giordano’s
Giordano’s is a must-visit spot for anyone seeking the quintessential Chicago deep-dish experience. Thrillist highlights the restaurant’s signature stuffed pizza, which features a unique twist on the traditional deep-dish with an extra layer of dough on top of the cheese, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. This indulgent creation, packed with literal pounds of cheese, is exactly what comes to mind when most people think of a classic deep-dish pizza.
While Giordano’s offers a variety of pizza options, it’s the stuffed deep-dish that draws in the crowds. Vice notes that this specialty dish, which the restaurant claims to have invented, is a culinary marvel with two layers of dough encasing a molten core of mozzarella. It’s a cheese-lover’s dream, and for those who can’t get enough, Giordano’s even sells a frozen version to take home.
Serious Eats emphasizes the sheer abundance of cheese that Giordano’s packs into their pies, making them some of the tallest deep-dish pizzas around. This Chicago-based chain doesn’t hold back when it comes to delivering a true deep-dish experience, with every slice offering a towering, gooey delight that’s impossible to resist.
2. Pequod’s Pizza
For a casual yet unforgettable slice of deep-dish pizza, Pequod’s is a must-visit in Chicago. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and generous portions, this local institution is a favorite spot for both lunch and laid-back date nights. As Philly Bite says, the pizzeria’s fresh ingredients and substantial servings ensure that just one slice is enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
Pequod’s has made a name for itself with its signature caramelized crusts, where mozzarella cheese is baked along the edges of a cast iron pan, creating a crispy, flavorful foundation that’s hard to beat. This method, perfected since the pizzeria first opened in Morton Grove in 1970, gives their pan-style pizzas a unique texture that pairs perfectly with classic toppings like Italian beef, sausage, and giardiniera, making it a standout deep-dish destination, as noted by Hotels Go Guide.
The charm of Pequod’s extends beyond its pizza. The old-school vibe and hearty menu, combined with a well-stocked bar next door, create a welcoming environment that invites you to linger. Thrillist points out the whimsical touch of their Pequod’s Salad, topped with a whale-shaped slice of provolone, adding a playful note to the overall experience. Whether you’re there for the pizza or the ambiance, Pequod’s offers a slice of Chicago that’s not to be missed.
3. Lou Malnati’s
You can’t argue with tradition. Lou Malnati’s is a legacy pizzeria that has been around since the 1940’s. They have over 57 locations around Chicago, so you should be able to grab a slice here easily. This local favorite has carved out a niche in the deep-dish pizza world with its distinctive Buttercrust™, a trademarked creation that mimics the rich, buttery texture of Italian breadsticks. According to GoCity, this crust is the hallmark of their pies, enveloping a generous layer of fresh sauce and a variety of cheeses, delivering a classic deep-dish experience that stands out.
The Malnati Chicago Classic is particularly recommended for those looking to savor the essence of Lou Malnati’s. According to Vice, this pie features a robust combination of sausage, extra cheese, and chunky marinara, all nestled in their signature butter crust. This crust is not just an added bonus but a crucial element of the pizza’s appeal, and Lou Malnati’s even offers nationwide shipping for those who want to enjoy this iconic dish at home.
Delishably praises Lou Malnati’s for what they describe as “heaven in a dish,” thanks to its crispy, buttery crust and hearty tomato sauce. Lou Malnati’s legacy began in the 1940s with Chicago’s first deep-dish pizzeria, and he solidified his place in pizza history with the opening of his own pizzeria in 1971. Today, his creation remains a quintessential part of Chicago’s deep-dish tradition.
4. Burt’s Place
Burt’s is the ideal spot for pizza enthusiasts who appreciate customization. Time Out Chicago says this pizzeria allows you to pile on a diverse selection of toppings, from sausage and onions to mushrooms, banana peppers, and fresh spinach. A quick Metra ride from downtown makes Burt’s a convenient and essential stop for any deep-dish aficionado.
After a brief closure in 2015, Burt’s made a triumphant comeback in 2017, earning acclaim from the late Anthony Bourdain. Chicago Eater notes that under new ownership, Burt’s Place has revived its famous pan pizza with the same caramelized crust that Katz introduced at Pequod’s. Katz’s dedication to high-quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail remains at the heart of Burt’s offerings.
Despite the change in ownership, Thrillist assures us that Burt’s continues to deliver its iconic deep-dish pizza. This new chapter for Burt’s maintains the beloved qualities of its predecessor, ensuring that the tradition of delicious, hearty pies endures.
5. Gino’s East
Gino’s East, a beloved institution in Chicago, was founded in 1966 by two taxi drivers with a mission to serve exceptional pizza. Despite the influx of new dining options and hotels in the area, Gino’s East has preserved the classic recipes that first brought them fame. The crust, a standout feature of their pies, is credited to the expertise of Alice Mae Redmond, who played a crucial role in perfecting it, according to Time Out Chicago.
Known for its deep-dish pizza, Gino’s East operates several locations throughout the city and has become a local favorite. Their pies are celebrated for their golden crust, rich tomato sauce made from vine-ripened tomatoes, and the highest quality ingredients. As CityPass says, this pizza joint has earned a reputation as a premier destination for Chicago-style deep dish.
For those who prefer thin-crust options, Gino’s East also delivers with the same renowned dough developed by Redmond. Their thin-crust pizza is a hit for gatherings, offering a crunchy texture and deliciously melted cheese. With multiple locations, including one on the iconic Magnificent Mile, there’s no shortage of opportunities to enjoy their famous pizza, as noted by Delishably.
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
Deep dish is a lot of things but pizza isn’t one of them.
Pffft! Who the freak would go to Chiraq for pizza? It’s more helpful to rate the city’s ER rooms and private security services.
This list is a joke. Giordano’s sauce tastes like tomato paste out of a can. Don’t write these articles if aren’t even going to eat at these places.
Giordano’s is stuffed pizza, not deep dish. LOL
“grab a quick slice” at Pequods. Whoever wrote this (assuming it wasn’t a bit) has clearly never been there, they don’t sell slices, there will probably be a wait to be seated, and a deep dish takes 40ish minutes to come out, there is no such thing as a “quick bite” at Pequods, or any of the places listed here really, pretty sure none of them still by the slice
At least this article points out that Giordano’s is a stuffed pizza but I wish they wouldn’t compare it to traditional deep dish pizzas. It’s not apples to apples. Stuffed is its own animal. Should be its own category.
Giordano’s is good if you like spaghetti sauce on your pizza. The “expert” who reviewed these pizzas should have their credentials checked. Lou’s is the best but only at certain locations.
Giordano’s is trash
Lou Malnati’s should not be on this list! It is NOT good!