7 Illinois Pizzerias Locals Say Closely Resemble Naples

When you think of authentic Neapolitan pizza, your mind probably wanders straight to the cobblestone streets of Naples, Italy, where wood-fired ovens and centuries-old traditions create pies that are nothing short of magical.

But what if you could experience that same culinary magic without crossing the Atlantic?

Illinois has quietly become home to a remarkable collection of pizzerias that honor the strict standards and passionate craftsmanship of traditional Neapolitan pizza-making, bringing a genuine taste of southern Italy to the American Midwest.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling neighborhoods of Chicago or venturing downstate to Champaign, these seven pizzerias offer travelers and locals alike an unforgettable journey through blistered crusts, creamy mozzarella, and the kind of simple perfection that defines true Neapolitan pizza.

1. Spacca Napoli

Walking into Spacca Napoli feels like stepping through a portal that transports you directly from a Chicago neighborhood to a cozy trattoria tucked away in the heart of Naples.

The aroma of burning oak wood mingles with the scent of bubbling tomato sauce and fresh basil, creating an atmosphere that immediately signals something special is happening here.

Founded by Jonathan Goldsmith, Ginny Sykes, and Edward Buckley, this pizzeria has earned a devoted following among Chicagoans who appreciate authenticity and refuse to compromise on quality.

Every pizza that emerges from the custom-built wood-fired oven showcases the hallmarks of true Neapolitan craftsmanship.

The crust is impossibly thin in the center, allowing the toppings to shine without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors.

Around the edges, the cornicione puffs up beautifully, developing those characteristic leopard spots that signal proper fermentation and perfect oven temperature.

Spacca Napoli takes its commitment seriously, importing San Marzano tomatoes and using only the finest Italian flour to create dough that undergoes a slow, careful fermentation process.

The neighborhood surrounding this pizzeria adds to its charm, with tree-lined streets and a distinctly residential feel that makes the discovery of such authentic cuisine even more delightful.

Locals know to arrive early or be prepared to wait, as word has spread about the exceptional quality found here.

The menu stays true to tradition, offering classic Margherita and Marinara pizzas alongside creative variations that never stray too far from Neapolitan principles.

Each bite delivers that perfect combination of chewy, airy crust with just enough char to add complexity without bitterness.

For travelers seeking an authentic taste of Naples without leaving Illinois, Spacca Napoli represents the gold standard.

The dedication to traditional methods, combined with the warm, welcoming atmosphere, creates an experience that resonates long after the last slice disappears.

Address: 1769 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

2. Nella Pizza e Pasta

There’s something profoundly authentic about a pizzeria founded by someone who actually grew up in Naples, and Nella Pizza e Pasta delivers that authenticity in every perfectly crafted pie.

Nella Grassano brought her family recipes and generations of pizza-making knowledge from southern Italy to Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, creating a destination that locals treasure for its genuine connection to Neapolitan tradition.

The restaurant occupies a bright, modern space that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, reflecting the contemporary side of Italian dining culture.

Unlike some pizzerias that focus exclusively on pizza, Nella has expanded the menu to include handmade pasta dishes that showcase the broader culinary traditions of the Campania region.

But make no mistake, the pizza remains the star attraction, with each pie demonstrating the careful attention to detail that defines true Neapolitan style.

The dough undergoes a lengthy fermentation that develops complex flavors while maintaining that characteristic soft, pillowy texture.

Nella sources premium ingredients, ensuring that every component meets the high standards she learned growing up in Naples.

The surrounding Hyde Park neighborhood provides a vibrant backdrop, with the nearby University of Chicago campus bringing energy and diversity to the area.

Students, professors, and neighborhood residents alike have embraced Nella as a gathering place where good food brings people together.

The pizza varieties range from strictly traditional offerings to creative combinations that honor Italian flavors while embracing local tastes.

What sets Nella apart is the personal touch that comes from a chef who isn’t just following recipes but sharing memories and traditions from her own childhood.

Each pizza carries the weight of authenticity that only comes from lived experience and deep cultural knowledge.

For travelers exploring Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, a stop at Nella provides not just a meal but a genuine connection to Italian culinary heritage.

Address: 1125 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615

3. Forno Rosso Pizzeria Napoletana (West Loop)

Certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana isn’t handed out casually, and Forno Rosso wears this prestigious designation with well-deserved pride.

Located in Chicago’s trendy West Loop neighborhood, this pizzeria adheres to the strict guidelines that govern every aspect of authentic Neapolitan pizza production.

From the specific type of flour used in the dough to the exact temperature at which the wood-fired oven must operate, Forno Rosso follows the rules that have been refined over centuries in Naples.

The restaurant imports key ingredients directly from Italy, ensuring that the flavors match what you would experience sitting in a pizzeria along the Bay of Naples.

San Marzano tomatoes provide the sweet, slightly tangy sauce base, while genuine buffalo mozzarella adds creamy richness that domestic alternatives simply cannot replicate.

The West Loop location places Forno Rosso at the heart of one of Chicago’s most dynamic dining districts, surrounded by innovative restaurants and bustling nightlife.

Despite the contemporary surroundings, stepping inside Forno Rosso feels like entering a space where tradition reigns supreme.

The focal point of the restaurant is the magnificent wood-fired oven, its flames visible as skilled pizzaiolos work with practiced precision.

Watching them stretch dough, apply toppings with careful restraint, and slide pizzas into the blazing heat provides dinner theater that never gets old.

Within ninety seconds, each pizza emerges transformed, with bubbling cheese and a crust that achieves that elusive balance between crispy and tender.

The menu respects tradition while offering enough variety to satisfy different preferences, though purists will gravitate toward the classic Margherita.

Travelers who appreciate culinary authenticity will recognize immediately that Forno Rosso represents the real deal, not an Americanized interpretation but a faithful recreation of Neapolitan pizza culture.

The neighborhood’s walkability makes it easy to explore before or after your meal, adding to the overall experience of discovering this gem.

Address: 1048 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

4. Coalfire Pizza

Coalfire takes a slightly different approach to achieving Neapolitan-style results, swapping the traditional wood-fired oven for a coal-burning alternative that produces distinctive and delicious results.

The coal fire burns significantly hotter than wood, creating intense heat that cooks pizzas quickly while imparting a subtle smokiness that adds another layer of flavor complexity.

This technique isn’t entirely foreign to Italian pizza tradition, as coal-fired ovens have their own history in certain regions, though they’re less common than wood-fired versions.

What matters most is the end result, and Coalfire consistently delivers pizzas that capture the essential characteristics that define great Neapolitan-style pies.

The crust develops beautiful charring and blistering, with a texture that balances chewiness and crispness in satisfying proportions.

Located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, Coalfire occupies a space that reflects the area’s industrial past with exposed brick and a no-frills aesthetic that lets the food take center stage.

The restaurant attracts a diverse crowd, from young professionals grabbing dinner after work to families seeking a casual meal that doesn’t sacrifice quality.

Coalfire’s approach to toppings emphasizes quality ingredients without overwhelming the pizza with excessive amounts.

The menu offers both traditional options and creative combinations that appeal to American tastes while maintaining the spirit of Italian pizza-making.

Fresh mozzarella, flavorful tomato sauce, and carefully selected meats and vegetables create harmonious flavor profiles on each pie.

The surrounding neighborhood provides plenty of reasons to explore, with art galleries, vintage shops, and live music venues contributing to the area’s creative energy.

For travelers interested in experiencing how traditional techniques can be adapted while still honoring core principles, Coalfire offers a fascinating case study.

The coal-fired method produces results that feel authentically Italian while showcasing a slightly different character than standard wood-fired versions.

Address: 1321 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

5. La Crosta Woodfire Pizzeria Italiana

La Crosta brings the warmth and hospitality of southern Italy to Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, creating a dining experience that feels both special and comfortable.

The name itself, which translates to the crust, signals where priorities lie in this establishment dedicated to perfecting every element of Neapolitan pizza.

Owner and pizzaiolo Piero Polidori trained in Italy before bringing his skills to Chicago, and that education shows in every aspect of how La Crosta operates.

The restaurant emphasizes traditional methods, from the slow fermentation of dough to the careful selection of toppings that honor Italian culinary principles.

San Marzano tomatoes provide the foundation for sauces that taste bright and fresh, while imported buffalo mozzarella delivers creamy, tangy notes that domestic cheese cannot match.

The wood-fired oven sits prominently in the dining room, allowing guests to watch as pizzas cook in the intense heat that reaches temperatures approaching nine hundred degrees.

Lincoln Park’s tree-lined streets and historic architecture create a charming backdrop for this pizzeria, which fits naturally into a neighborhood known for its dining scene.

The restaurant’s interior combines rustic Italian elements with contemporary touches, resulting in a space that feels both timeless and current.

La Crosta’s menu extends beyond pizza to include antipasti, salads, and other Italian specialties, but the pizzas remain the main attraction.

Each pie demonstrates careful attention to the details that separate merely good pizza from truly exceptional examples of the craft.

The crust achieves that perfect Neapolitan texture, soft enough to fold but sturdy enough to support toppings without becoming soggy.

Char marks and bubbling add visual appeal and textural interest, while the overall balance of flavors keeps you reaching for another slice.

Travelers exploring Chicago will appreciate how La Crosta combines accessibility with authenticity, offering a genuine taste of Naples in a welcoming neighborhood setting.

Address: 2360 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

6. Coda di Volpe

Named after an ancient Italian grape variety, Coda di Volpe brings certified Neapolitan pizza to Chicago’s Southport Corridor with a commitment to authenticity that rivals any pizzeria in Illinois.

The restaurant earned certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, joining the exclusive ranks of pizzerias worldwide that meet the organization’s exacting standards.

This certification isn’t merely a marketing tool but a promise to customers that every pizza adheres to specific guidelines covering ingredients, preparation methods, and cooking techniques.

Coda di Volpe takes particular pride in its dough-making process, which involves slow fermentation that can extend up to three days.

This lengthy fermentation develops complex flavors while creating a dough that’s easier to digest and produces that characteristic airy, tender texture.

The restaurant imports key ingredients from Italy, ensuring that the flavors match what you would experience in Naples itself.

Beyond pizza, Coda di Volpe offers an impressive selection of Italian wines, including varieties made from the Coda di Volpe grape that inspired the restaurant’s name.

The Southport Corridor location places this pizzeria in one of Chicago’s most walkable and charming neighborhoods, with boutique shops and entertainment options lining the streets.

The restaurant’s interior strikes a balance between casual and refined, making it suitable for everything from date nights to family dinners.

Watching the pizzaiolos work provides entertainment as they expertly stretch dough, apply toppings with restraint, and monitor pizzas in the wood-fired oven.

Each pizza emerges in roughly ninety seconds, with bubbling cheese and a crust that showcases the telltale leopard spotting of properly made Neapolitan pizza.

The menu offers classic options alongside seasonal specials that incorporate fresh ingredients while respecting traditional flavor profiles.

For travelers seeking an authentic Neapolitan experience in a neighborhood setting that encourages exploration, Coda di Volpe delivers on all fronts.

Address: 3335 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

7. Pizzeria Antica

Venture beyond Chicago’s borders and you’ll discover that authentic Neapolitan pizza has found a home in unexpected places, including downtown Champaign, where Pizzeria Antica has become a beloved destination.

This pizzeria brings the traditions of southern Italy to central Illinois, proving that you don’t need to be in a major metropolitan area to experience world-class pizza.

Pizzeria Antica focuses on traditional techniques and simple toppings, allowing the quality of individual ingredients to shine rather than hiding behind excessive amounts of cheese or elaborate combinations.

The wood-fired oven produces pizzas that capture the essential characteristics of Neapolitan style, with a soft, pliable crust that develops appealing char and those signature bubbles.

Downtown Champaign provides a small-city atmosphere that contrasts sharply with Chicago’s urban intensity, offering visitors a more relaxed pace and easier parking.

The presence of the University of Illinois adds youthful energy to the area, while the downtown district maintains historic charm through preserved architecture and locally-owned businesses.

Pizzeria Antica fits perfectly into this community-oriented environment, serving as a gathering place where students, faculty, and longtime residents come together over exceptional pizza.

The restaurant’s commitment to Neapolitan principles extends beyond just the pizza itself to encompass the entire dining philosophy.

Meals here emphasize quality over quantity, with pizzas sized appropriately for individual diners rather than the oversized American portions that have become standard.

This approach encourages diners to savor each bite and appreciate the craftsmanship involved in creating these deceptively simple pies.

The menu stays true to tradition while offering enough variety to appeal to different tastes, with classic Margherita pizzas anchoring the offerings.

For travelers exploring Illinois beyond the Chicago area, Pizzeria Antica represents a worthwhile destination that rewards the journey with authentic flavors and genuine hospitality.

The downtown location makes it easy to combine a meal with exploration of Champaign’s cultural attractions and local character.

Address: 10 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820