8 Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Worth Traveling Across Illinois For

Deep dish pizza might have started in Chicago, but its reach goes well beyond city limits. Across Illinois, pizzerias carry the tradition with buttery crusts, thick layers of cheese, and rich tomato sauce. For travelers, these restaurants show why Illinois remains the place to experience deep dish at its best.

1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (Chicago and Statewide)

If there’s a name that comes up every time someone talks about deep dish, it’s Lou Malnati’s. The scent of butter in the crust hits you as soon as you walk in, a hallmark that sets the stage for what’s inside. Each pie feels like a small celebration of what makes deep dish unique in Illinois.

Cheese stretches in long, satisfying pulls, and the crushed tomato sauce brings out a tangy sweetness that stays with you. While many spots stick to the basics, Lou Malnati’s offers everything from classic sausage to inventive veggie options. The sausage patty, spread edge to edge, never feels overwhelming.

I’ve found that every location across the state delivers the same experience, which speaks volumes about their commitment. Whether you’re in Chicago proper or a smaller Illinois town, there’s comfort in knowing you’re getting the real thing. Lou Malnati’s doesn’t just rest on its reputation, it earns it every day.

2. Giordano’s (Chicago and Multiple Cities)

When I first tried Giordano’s, I was struck by how different it felt from the traditional deep dish. Here, the cheese sits beneath the crust, making for a gooey, rich centerpiece. Every bite feels like a cross between pizza and cheesy casserole.

Giordano’s doesn’t skimp on fillings, so you’ll need a fork and knife for the first few pieces. There’s a comfort in knowing their stuffed pizza method has roots tracing back decades in Illinois. Locals often swear by the spinach or pepperoni, but you’ll find something for every taste.

I’ve seen families come together here after little league games, and tourists snapping photos of their first slice. The atmosphere always feels welcoming, whether you visit a downtown Chicago location or one of the outposts across the state. Giordano’s proves that Illinois offers deep dish experiences for every kind of traveler.

3. Pequod’s Pizza (Chicago, Morton Grove)

It’s rare for a pizza place to inspire as much debate as Pequod’s. People argue passionately about whether their caramelized cheese crust is the best in Illinois, and after my first visit, I understood why. The cheese melts into the pan, creating an edge that’s crispy without being burnt.

Pequod’s doesn’t drown its deep dish in sauce, instead balancing flavors with a hearty tomato layer and plenty of meat or veggies. The Morton Grove location feels like a neighborhood secret, while the Chicago restaurant buzzes with energy. I’ve shared late-night slices with friends who swear by the sausage and pepperoni.

If you haven’t tasted the caramelized crust, it’s worth the drive from anywhere in the state. Pequod’s has an attitude all its own and manages to make every visit feel special. There’s nothing quite like that first bite at a Pequod’s table.

4. Gino’s East (Chicago and Suburbs)

Graffiti on the walls, a big yellow crust, and the unmistakable aroma of baking cornmeal, Gino’s East is instantly recognizable. I love bringing friends here, especially those visiting Illinois for the first time. There’s always a moment of wonder when the pizza arrives at the table.

The buttery, golden crust is what makes Gino’s stand out, offering a subtle crunch that contrasts nicely with the robust tomato sauce. It’s not just about nostalgia, this crust really delivers on flavor. Even suburban locations keep the tradition alive, spreading the Chicago deep dish spirit across the state.

Every slice feels like a piece of local history, with each bite reminding me how diverse Illinois’ pizza scene is. The graffiti isn’t just decoration; it’s a record of all who’ve made memories here. Gino’s East is a celebration of community as much as pizza.

5. The Art of Pizza (Chicago)

The Art of Pizza has built a reputation as one of Chicago’s most consistent and beloved deep-dish spots, quietly earning accolades from locals who rank it alongside the city’s biggest names. Located in Lakeview, the pizzeria keeps things unpretentious, wood-paneled walls, a steady hum of conversation, and a menu that puts the focus squarely on the pies.

Their stuffed and pan pizzas come with the signature hallmarks: a buttery, sturdy crust, generous layers of mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce that balances sweetness with acidity. What sets The Art of Pizza apart is the balance, it never feels like one element overwhelms the others.

Slices are available from the counter, making it one of the easiest ways to sample authentic Chicago deep dish without committing to a whole pie. Regulars praise the sausage and spinach combinations, while newcomers often start with the classic cheese. Whether you dine in or grab a slice to go, The Art of Pizza delivers a deep-dish experience rooted in tradition and perfected over decades.

6. Bartoli’s Pizzeria (Chicago)

Some of my favorite pizza memories come from small, neighborhood joints, and Bartoli’s is a perfect example. Tucked away in Roscoe Village, it’s the sort of place where regulars chat with the staff and the atmosphere feels genuinely welcoming. The deep dish here has a crisp base that never gets soggy, even as it sits on your plate.

I’m always impressed by the balance in every Bartoli’s pie, there’s a harmony between cheese, sauce, and crust that’s hard to find elsewhere in Illinois. Their toppings aren’t piled on without thought; each choice feels intentional. Bartoli’s has a way of making you feel like you’re part of something special, even on a first visit.

This spot doesn’t chase trends but sticks with what works. If you enjoy a classic approach with a neighborhood twist, Bartoli’s deserves a stop on any Illinois pizza road trip.

7. Nancy’s Pizza (Chicago and Statewide)

If you ask locals about the origin of stuffed deep dish, Nancy’s almost always comes up. I learned that in the 1970s, they helped invent the style, and every bite feels like a piece of Illinois food history. Nancy’s pies are dense, but the layers are so well constructed that each slice holds together beautifully.

The crust is sturdy yet tender, with a rich tomato sauce on top and loads of cheese beneath. I especially enjoy the spinach and sausage combinations, which keep the flavors lively without feeling too heavy. Nancy’s offers its legendary pizza beyond Chicago, so you’re never far from a slice if you’re traveling through Illinois.

Every visit feels like a trip into the past, but the flavors stay timeless. Nancy’s delivers a sense of comfort and innovation all at once. For anyone exploring deep dish across the state, this spot belongs high on the list.

8. Connie’s Pizza (Chicago, South Side)

Connie’s feels like a family reunion every time I visit. On the South Side, generations have gathered here for deep dish since the 1960s. It’s a little less flashy than some downtown spots, but the focus is squarely on quality.

Every slice is hearty, with a perfectly browned crust and the right balance between cheese, sauce, and toppings. I’ve seen longtime regulars greet each other by name, and there’s a sense of tradition that’s hard to replicate. Connie’s doesn’t chase trends but sticks to a recipe that’s worked for years.

For me, Connie’s represents what’s best about Illinois pizza culture, generosity, comfort, and a sense of home. It’s a reminder that some of the best deep dish can be found away from the tourist crowds. If you want a taste of true Chicago hospitality, Connie’s is the place.