From traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in wood-fired ovens to classic deep-dish pies, you can find a mix of both traditional and innovative approaches to this beloved dish at the best Chicago pizza restaurants
Enjoy award-winning artisanal pizza at a waterfront favorite in Streeterville. Try a gluten-free cauliflower crust topped with truffles at an Italian Riviera-inspired hotspot in River North. Whatever you decide, there’s a pizza style to suit every taste in Chicago.
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Keep reading to discover the 10 best pizza restaurants in Chicago.
For hand-stretched pizzas in a pizzeria on the Chicago riverfront — book a table at Pizzeria Portofino (River North)
Head to Italian Riviera-inspired Pizzeria Portofino for an enclosed patio that overlooks the Chicago River. Crowds love the bright, breezy atmosphere and the hand-stretched pies. Pizzas are topped with high-quality cheeses from a third-generation family-run dairy in Caiozzo, Italy. All-star favorites include the charred pepperoni and the black truffle three cheese, Many pies are available with gluten-free cauliflower crust.
For award-winning artisanal pizzas and a fan-favorite brunch — check out Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company (Gold Coast/Streeterville)
Pizza aficionados head to Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company to try the restaurant’s renowned thin- crust pies. Baked in brick ovens visible from the community-style dining room, the artisanal pizzas are topped with luxe ingredients like Spanish chorizo and housemade fennel sausage. The outdoor dock and patio are the most sought-after spots for weekend brunch starring huevos rancheros and smoked salmon pizzas.
For Italian house-made pasta and Neapolitan-style pies at one of the best Chicago pizza restaurants — make a reservation at Quartino (River North)
Head to Quartino for a lively atmosphere and thin-crust Neapolitan pizza served alongside timeless Italian dishes. Housed in a charming building, the two-story space boasts classic hardwood floors and wooden tables, exuding a warm, rustic vibe. The daily-made dough is hand stretched, topped with homemade San Marzano tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, and fired in a stone hearth oven. Try the crispy kale with chilis and fonduta, or stick with a classic margherita.
For standout pies at one of the best Chicago deep dish pizza restaurants — Lou Malnati’s (Michigan Ave., River North, South Loop, Gold Coast, West Loop, Lincoln Park, and Lincoln Square)
Lou Malnati’s pizzeria chain is beloved for its Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza. Expect classic pizzeria decor like brick walls, wooden accents, and roomy booths at each location. Deep dish pies stand out for their buttery crust and mozzarella cheese-infused dough. Build-your-own pie with toppings like sausage, pepperoni, basil, and black olives. The menu also includes appetizers like bruschetta, salads, and pastas.
For casual Italian dining at one of the best pizza restaurants in Chicago — check out Labriola Chicago (Gold Coast/Streeterville)
Labriola is a relaxed, tavern-style Italian restaurant. Look for the arching iron “ristorante sign” and outdoor patio with red umbrellas. Settle in and choose from four types of crust: signature ciabatta-style, crispy thin, focaccia-style Chicago deep dish, or skinny deep dish. Go for one of the pre-crafted pies like burrata and basil, or get creative and mix up your favorite toppings.
For an original pizza pot pie at a pizzeria in a historical brownstone — ensure your table awaits at Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. (Lincoln Park)
Located in Lincoln Park, Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. is one of the best Chicago pizza restaurants. Open since 1972, the cozy, three-story brownstone with pine paneling and hanging lanterns is the perfect setting for digging into the restaurant’s signature dish—a pizza pot pie stuffed with homemade plum tomato sauce, sausage, mushrooms, and cheese. Other standout dishes include oven grinders like baked meatball packed with savory cheeses and Italian spices.
For a hip, Instagramable spot with some of the best pizza in Chicago — snag a table at Happy Camper Pizzeria (Wrigleyville)
Happy Camper Pizzeria is a destination for premium pizzas and good vibes. The ever-changing holiday decorations keep things fresh, while ever-present disco balls and neon lights add a fun touch to the lively space. Choose from two crusts—classic and the extra thin, square-cut tavern-style–for playful pies like street corn and chicken ranch. Bonus points for a year-round outdoor patio and rooftop bar.
For Italian pizzas inspired by the Campania region — head to La Pizza & La Pasta – Eataly Chicago (River North)
La Pizza & La Pasta – Eataly Chicago is one of the best pizza restaurants in Chicago with a casual vibe, complete with charming Italian cheese graters and rolling pins hanging from the ceiling. The pizzas are powered by experts from Naples-based Rossopomodoro and boast San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella di Napoli, and a charred yet elastic crust. Try the mushroom and black truffle pie.
For build-your-own pies at one of the best Chicago pizza restaurants — snag a table at Professor Pizza (Old Town)
At Professor Pizza, founder Anthony Scardino fuses his Italian American roots with pizza-making competition expertise to craft top-notch pies. Settle into a cozy booth in the brick-lined space and explore five crust options, including the signature Grandma style. Choose from original pizzas like a classic pepperoni or build-you-own pie with toppings like grilled pineapple, whipped ricotta, and pesto at the best Chicago pizza restaurants.
For pizza, good vibes, and an easy-going atmosphere — head to Paradise Park | Pizza (Bucktown/Wicker Park)
Stellar pizzas, giant Jenga blocks, and a dog-friendly patio await at laid-back Paradise Park | Pizza + Patio. The playful interiors with disco balls, neon lights, and seasonal over-the-top holiday decor make this Instagrammable spot a neighborhood favorite. Dig into fun pizzas like the Gettin’ Figgy with it with goat cheese and fig jam. The 18-inch party-sized pies are perfect for groups.
These 10 best Chicago pizza restaurants cement the city’s status as a destination for top-notch pies. Throughout the city, you’ll find classic Neapolitan-style pizzas, legendary deep-dish pies, and playful takes on the classics.
