Best Pizza in
Illinois

The deep-dish pizza crust, described as a crunchy, biscuit-like texture, holds a well-seasoned sauce. One diner noted a preference for crust flavoring elsewhere, and found topping generosity lacking for the price. Attention to detail was evident in the attentiveness of Miguel, who managed wait times and ensured guest comfort, even with vegan cheese options.

Service proved consistently attentive, with Gabby recommending a split pizza for a solo diner, and Jose offering knowledgeable insights, including the option for frozen pizzas with advance notice. The restaurant's atmosphere was praised as a gem, complementing the food and the service. The iron margarita, featuring amaretto, offered a unique taste.

A personal-size deep dish lunch special arrived within 20 minutes, comparable to other highly-rated options. While the base could become slightly soggy, the overall flavor profile of the bite was considered pleasant. Half of this portion provided a substantial meal.

Giordano's at 730 N Rush Street presents a singular take on Chicago deep-dish. The pizzas arrive notably generous, their stacked layers of cheese and sauce contained within a substantial, crispy crust. A recent visit included a classic personal deep-dish, its composition featuring bacon.

The wait for seating on a Sunday evening in December extended to approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This delay proved to be a precursor to the pizza's preparation time, which can span up to an hour. Drinks were replenished during the wait.

Service, while attentive, demonstrated a certain brusqueness. Staff offered honest assessments of wait times. The environment included an opportunistic photo-taking station for patrons.

Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna presents an artisanal thin-crust pizza, notable for its crispy base and a distinctive cheese blend. Portions are generous, frequently resulting in leftovers suitable for sharing. The appetizer of meatballs arrives with toasted bread, ideal for sopping up excess sauce. Dessert features soft-serve ice cream paired with apples and browned butter.

The Radiatore Alla Vodka pasta, with its uniquely shaped noodles that cling effectively to the sauce, stands out as a favored dish. Some orders, like the Soppressata and Mortadella pizza, arrive heavily laden with arugula, which may prove excessive for some diners. Cocktail selections include the Chicago Gold and Day in Bologna, an Italian take on an Old Fashioned.

Service is attentive, with staff like Ashley and Kadyn noted for their efficiency and helpful recommendations. The dining space, described as elegant yet cozy, utilizes warm lighting and dark wood accents. Reservations are advisable due to the restaurant's modest size.

Gino's East occupies a space on East Superior Street marked by walls covered in celebrity graffiti. The establishment offers a distinct deep-dish pizza, a pie requiring a considerable wait time. Diners report a robust meatball sub, though the bread struggled to contain the rich filling, necessitating a fork for completion.

The thin crust offerings are described as rudimentary, lacking distinguishing character. Accompaniments such as the spinach artichoke dip were noted as needing a more pronounced flavor profile and a hotter temperature.

Service personnel, including Paul, Chia, and Yana, were singled out for their attentive and pleasant demeanor, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Ranalli's presents itself as a lively sports bar, particularly active during game days with a scattering of televisions throughout. The atmosphere can become boisterous when events are on. The complimentary shuttle to the United Center offers convenience for those attending Bulls and Blackhawks games. Appetizers like fried cheese curds are prepared with expected crispness and a gooey interior.

The establishment is known for its pizza, with the Hot Honey Soppressata variation offering a combination of spice and sweetness. Whipped ricotta punctuates the pie. However, the leftovers of this particular pizza did not hold up well to reheating, becoming notably dry. Beyond the specialized offerings, some found the general pizza flavor lacking.

Customer interactions, particularly around pricing discrepancies, have drawn negative attention. There are reports of staff refusing to adjust an order to a less expensive configuration, even when the pizzas were functionally identical, prioritizing procedure over customer satisfaction.