Chicago isn’t just a city—it’s a deep dish pizza state of mind. More than a meal, this iconic, cheese-laden, sauce-on-top culinary invention is a symbol of Chicago’s bold, unapologetic character. For visitors and locals alike, the quest for the perfect slice is a rite of passage.

But with countless pizzerias claiming to have the “best” deep dish, where should you go? We’ve done the deep dive (and the delicious research) to bring you the definitive list of the top 10 deep dish spots in the Windy City. From the historic originators to innovative newcomers, here are the temples of buttery crust, gooey cheese, and tangy tomato sauce you need to try.

1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

The Gold Standard of Chicago Deep Dish

A name synonymous with Chicago deep dish, Lou Malnati’s legacy began in 1971. Their signature is the “Buttercrust”—a flaky, golden crust that’s a family secret. They use a unique method of layering chunky tomato sauce on top of cheese, locking in moisture and flavor. The “Lou” (spinach, mushrooms, and sliced tomato atop a blend of cheeses) is a vegetarian masterpiece.

- Website: https://www.loumalnatis.com/
- Address: Multiple locations. Flagship: 439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
- Phone: (312) 828-9800
- Email: Contact form on website.

2. Giordano’s

Famous for Stuffed Deep Dish

Giordano’s is famous for its “stuffed” pizza, a double-crusted deep dish variant. Imagine a pie filled with an enormous amount of cheese and your chosen toppings, sealed with a second layer of dough, and topped with a generous ladle of sauce. It’s a hearty, decadent experience that requires extra baking time (and an empty stomach).

- Website: https://giordanos.com/
- Address: Multiple locations. Flagship: 730 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
- Phone: (312) 951-0747
- Email: guestrelations@giordanos.com

3. Pequod’s Pizza

The Caramelized Crust Champion

Pequod’s offers a distinct take that borders on a pan pizza. Their claim to fame is the caramelized cheese crust. As the pizza bakes in a well-seasoned pan, cheese melts over the edge and fries against the iron, creating a crisp, almost burnt-cheese border that is utterly addictive. It’s a favorite among many Chicagoans.

- Website: https://pequodspizza.com/
- Address: 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
- Phone: (773) 327-1512
- Email: Contact form on website.

4. Gino’s East

A Pioneer Since 1966

Step into Gino’s East and you’re stepping into history. One of the original deep dish institutions, their walls are covered in decades of customer graffiti. Their crust is made from a secret recipe involving cornmeal, giving it a distinctive flavor and texture. Their sausage patty—a giant, seasoned layer that covers the entire pizza—is legendary.

- Website: https://ginoseast.com/
- Address: Multiple locations. Original: 162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
- Phone: (312) 266-3337
- Email: info@ginoseast.com

5. Pizzeria Uno & Pizzeria Due

Where It All Began

Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo are credited with inventing Chicago deep dish here in 1943. Pizzeria Uno is the birthplace. Its sibling, Pizzeria Due, sits a block away. Expect a classic, no-frills, authentic deep dish experience in a historic, no-reservations (and often busy) setting. This is a pilgrimage site for pizza purists.

- Website: https://www.unos.com/
- Address: Uno: 29 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611. Due: 619 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Phone: Uno: (312) 321-1000
- Email: Contact form on website.

6. Art of Pizza

The Unsung Slice Hero

While many spots are dine-in focused, Art of Pizza is a haven for by-the-slice deep dish. This unassuming spot offers some of the most critically acclaimed slices in the city, allowing you to try multiple varieties without committing to a whole pie. It’s a perfect, quick, and incredibly satisfying option.

- Website: https://artofpizzachicago.com/
- Address: 3033 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
- Phone: (773) 327-5600
- Email: info@artofpizzachicago.com

7. My Pi Pizza

A Cozy Neighborhood Gem

Tucked away in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, My Pi has been serving its award-winning deep dish since 1971. It’s a smaller, family-run operation with a fiercely loyal local following. Their pizza is known for its perfect balance—a crispy crust, high-quality cheese, and a bright, flavorful sauce.

- Website: https://mypipizza.com/
- Address: 2010 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Phone: (773) 394-6900
- Email: Contact form on website.

8. Labriola Chicago

The Upscale Artisan

Brought to you by famed chef Tony Priolo and bakery mogul Larry Labriola, this is deep dish for the foodie crowd. They use high-end ingredients, house-made sausage, and a focus on artisan craftsmanship. The atmosphere is more upscale-casual restaurant than classic pizzeria, offering a refined take on the Chicago classic.

- Website: https://www.labriolachicago.com/
- Address: 535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Phone: (312) 629-5050
- Email: info@labriolachicago.com

9. Bartoli’s Pizzeria

A Modern Favorite with Roots

With roots from the famed Rosangela’s Pizza, Bartoli’s has quickly become a top contender. They offer both a fantastic deep dish and an incredible “Angela’s pan” style (similar to Pequod’s). The quality is consistently high, the sauce is notably fresh, and it’s a must-try in the Avondale area.

- Website: https://www.bartolispizzeria.com/
- Address: 1951 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
- Phone: (773) 248-4000
- Email: Contact form on website.

10. Chicago’s Pizza

A Local Chain with Quality & Variety

With several locations across the city and suburbs, Chicago’s Pizza is a reliable and delicious option. They excel in variety, offering deep dish, stuffed, thin crust, and even gluten-free options. It’s a great choice for groups with differing preferences, and their deep dish holds its own against the heavyweights.

- Website: https://www.chicagospizza.com/
- Address: Multiple locations. Lincoln Park: 2142 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
- Phone: (773) 327-7800
- Email: info@chicagospizza.com

FAQs About Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

1. What’s the difference between deep dish and stuffed pizza?

Deep dish has a single, buttery crust with cheese and toppings followed by sauce on top, while stuffed pizza adds a second, thin layer of dough on top of the fillings before the sauce is applied.

2. How long does it take to bake a deep dish pizza?

Due to its thickness, a true deep dish pizza typically requires 30-45 minutes to bake, so plan accordingly and consider calling ahead.

3. Can I get deep dish pizza shipped to me?

Yes, several iconic spots like Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s offer nationwide shipping of frozen, ready-to-bake pizzas.

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Top 10 Deep Dish Pizzerias in Chicago, IL

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