20 best deep-dish pizza restaurants in Chicago

Chicago's deep dish pizza is more than just a thick-crusted pizza it's an emotion and a well-liked tradition. This famous dish, represents the city's culinary identity, with its thick and buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and layers of cheese. A well-loved dish whether you're from The Windy City itself or a tourist, it never fails to amaze you.

**Disclaimer: This article is entirely based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.**

20. Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due

Starting the list off strong with Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due, at Wabash and Ohio. The place where the famous Chicago 'Deep Dish Pizza' was born. If not them, then this list wouldn't even exist. With numerous options, like the classic Numero Uno or the delicious Chicago Meat Market, or even the cheesy Four Cheese & Pesto one could never go wrong. Not happy with the options? Make your own pizza then. Starting at just $11, a bang for your buck. A must-visit when you're in Chicago.

19. Lou Malnati's

Starting with Pizzeria Uno, Rudy Malnati, Sr. contributed to the development of Chicago's renowned pizza culture. His son Lou opened Lou Malnati's in Lincolnwood in 1971 and the rest is history. With options like Deep Dish Mike's Hot Honey, the classic Deep Dish The Lou, and the Deep Dish Veggie, you'll surely enjoy Lou's. It might be on the expensive side but it'll be worth it.

18. Pizano’s Pizza

Making banger pizzas runs in the family, I guess? Pizano's Pizza was founded by Rudy Malnati, Jr. in 1955. If the name sounds familiar, it's because his father, Rudy Malnati, Sr. contributed to the development of Chicago's renowned pizza culture. At decent prices, you can have one of Chicago's best pizzas. Their Mark's Special, "Hey Hey" Jack Brickhouse Special, and the Jeweler's Special are must try. It's not only the name that's special.

17. Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder

Deep Dish Pizza but with a twist, the Pot Pizza, is like a bowl of deep-dish pizza. It offers a satisfying, flavourful experience with each mouthful because of its buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and substantial toppings. Available in two portions, The Half-Pounder for $17.50 and The One-Pounder for $35.00. You could have the Pot Pizza, along with the Italian Combination and the Tortoni while learning some history at the same time- Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder is located close to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre scene in 1929. Restored in 1972 and converted into a restaurant, it was once associated with Al Capone's gang.

16. Gino’s East

While trapped in traffic in 1966, two taxi drivers and a friend made the decision to launch Gino's East. It has expanded to 16 sites and is now well-known for its deep dish. Starting almost at $28, the Chicago Fire Deep Dish Pizza and the Italian Special Deep Dish Pizza are must-tries when you're in the Windy City.

15. Giordano’s Restaurant and Pizzeria

Established in the year, 1974 by two Italian immigrants Efren and Joseph Boglio, Giordano’s was influenced by their mother's “Italian Easter pie.” Known for its loaded pizza, Giordano’s currently has stores throughout Minnesota, Indiana, Florida, and Chicago's suburbs. Starting at just $9 dollars with a variety of pizzas from the Chicago Classic to the Bacon BBQ Chicken, you won't regret visiting the place.

14. My Pi Pizzeria

Since 1971, My Pi Pizzeria has been serving one of the best deep-dish pizzas in Chicago. Located in Bucktown, the place serves vegan pizzas with various options to choose from. The pizzas come in various sizes depending on your needs. Their 'Cheese Deep Dish - Unique pizza in the pan' and the classic 'My Pi Special' are definitely the pizzas you must eat.

13. Kitchen 17

Kitchen 17 is a fully vegan restaurant in Lakeview. Initially, they served the vegan deep-dish pizza just once a week, but on popular demand, they added it to their menu. Options range from the classic 'Traditional' to the 'Margherita' to the 'Mac and Cheese'. From the taste to the options to the ambiance, its a must-visit spot when you're in town.

12. Pequod’s Pizza

Pequod's has been essential since the 1970s and is well-known for its caramelized crust. Its famous deep-dish pizzas have a thick, flavourful tomato sauce with crispy cheese-baked edges. It's a Chicago classic that never lets you down, whether you customize your pizza or go for traditional toppings.

11. The Art of Pizza

The Art of Pizza is known for its savory tomato sauce and buttery dough combination that makes the pizza everyone's comfort food. It received multiple awards for its deep-dish pizza recipes. With options like Art's Special, Art's Meaty Delight, and Art's Vegetarian, it caters to everyone's tastes and preferences starting at just $10.

10. Bartoli’s Pizzeria

Founded in 2013, by a descendent of Chicago pizza royalty, Bartoli's serves classic deep-dish pizzas. With options like 'Bartoli's Chicago Classic' which combines melting cheese with house-made sausages and 'The Union Stockyard' which contains melting cheese, Italian sausages, and beef you can never go wrong. Definitely a must-visit place.

9. Nancy’s Pizzeria

In 1971, the Windy City saw the birth of stuffed pizza which changed everything in the city. It was when Nancy's, made bulky pizzas with fresh toppings inspired from the classic Italian Easter pie. Other than pizzas, they also offer kinds of pasta, salads, sandwiches, and many more. Their 'Stuffed Pizza' is a must-try.

8. Labriola

Labriola's baking company started in 1993. Followed by the baking company, it started the pizzarie which combines pizza creativity with artisanal bread-making skills. Their deep-dish dishes have a golden crust and delicious, fresh toppings. It's ideal for a relaxed night out because of the modern ambiance. Their must-try are the Russo Sausage, Pepperoni, and the Danny’s Special.

7. Louisa’s Pizza & Pasta

Located in Crestwood, Louisa's Pizza and Pasta is the place to go to for a deep-dish pizza. However, there aren't that many options for pizzas except the 'Cheese Pizza' and 'The Create your own.' You won't believe how good they are. Since 1981, Chicagoans have been enjoying their freshly produced pies with a little lighter crust, which are created by hand.

6. Gulliver’s Pizza & Pub

A local favorite since 1965. Gulliver's has been serving one of the best deep-dish pizzas in all of Chicago. With flavors that burst inside your mouth, it comes in various sizes according to how hungry you are. For lovers of Chicago-style pizza, this place is a must-visit because of its decadent pies that are piled high with fresh toppings.

5. Edwardo’s Natural Pizza

Since 1978, Edwardo's has been offering stuffed pizzas with a priority on natural, fresh ingredients. Winner of multiple polls for the best pizza in the city. Options like Edwardo's Special Sausage or Pepperoni, Edwardo's All Meat Combo, and the classic Cheese deep dish pizza make it a place worth visiting and trying.

4. Dimo’s Pizza

Although Dimo's specializes in inventive pizza options, its deep-dish pizzas are a hidden gem. The 'BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheddar Ranch', 'Buff Chick' and the 'Speck Di Luna' are some of the specialty pies, that combine firm crusts with exciting flavours to create a distinct yet incredibly fulfilling experience. With something for everyone, these restaurants highlight the creativity and adaptability of Chicago's deep-dish pizza.

3. Bella Bacino’s

Bella Bacino’s elevates Chicago's deep-dish scene with a gourmet touch. Bella Bacino's pizzas, which use lighter crusts and fresh toppings, are ideal for anyone who wants a pie with flavor without being too hefty. 'Spinach Supreme', 'Broccoli Bacino's', and 'Bacino's Special' are the most popular stuffed pizzas available here. Available in different sizes starting only at $6 is a crazy deal.

2. Pat’s Pizza & Ristorante

Pat's is known for its thin crust, but they also have outstanding deep-dish pizza that combines classic flavors with contemporary flair. The 'Quatro Formagi Pizza', 'Pat's Pizza Special' and the 'BBQ Chicken Pizza' are a must-try. Their thin-crust pizzas are also amazing and loved by everyone.

1. Milano’s Pizza & Bar

Milano's, a hidden gem in the center of Chicago, is well-known for its gooey, cheesy deep-dish pizzas and welcoming ambiance. With an abundance of pizzas to choose from this place serves both gourmet pizza and the traditional one. Their 'House Special', 'Capriciosa' and 'Spaghetti' pizzas are a must try.