Where to Find the Best Pizza in Chicago

Piece serves New Haven, Connecticut-style rectangular pies.

Bar Toma
Spiaggia chef/partner Tony Mantuano opened his own casual pizza spot in late 2011. The nearly 20 types of pizzas come out of the 750-degree Valoriani-designed Mugnaini brick oven after just two minutes with a crust that’s simultaneously light and crispy, topped with items such as lamb sausage, Manila clams, and more. 110 E. Pearson St., 312-266-3110

Coalfire
Coalfire has some of the best thin-crust pizza in town, served in a casual, understated setting. Made in a coal-heated brick oven (one of the last of its kind in the city), the result is a fire-charred yet still chewy crust topped with bold flavors. Believe it or not, the simple margherita pizza is one of the best. 1321 W. Grand Ave., 312-226-2625

Eduardo’s Enoteca
Noah Himmel, whose family owns Eduardo’s and Gino’s East pizzerias, updated this Gold Coast spot to feature fresh salads, handmade pasta, crispy crostini, and a seasonal pizza list that pairs perfectly with any of Eduardo’s more than 50 boutique wines. 1212 N. Dearborn St., 312-337-4490

Lou Malnati’s
With the opening of this super-sized location, the classic deep-dish pizzeria chain feels local once again. Its deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas are made even tastier with one of the location’s signature cocktails. 1120 N. State St., 312-725-7777

Pizzeria Via Stato
Housed inside Osteria Via Stato, this rustic pizza spot in the heart of River North offers crackly crusted, Roman-style pizzas made by chef David DiGregorio. Topped with artisanal ingredients like hand-pulled mozzarella and La Quercia prosciutto, the pizzas’ flavors are enhanced by a 300-bottle-deep Italian wine list. 620 N. State St., 312-337-6634

	The capriole and goat cheese pizza at Bar Toma.

Spacca Napoli
A true Neapolitan pizza spot, Jonathan Goldsmith’s Spacca Napoli features signature and oft-rotating specials. The pies come complete with a charred, doughy crust and a wet center—just like they make in Napoli. 1769 W. Sunnyside Ave., 773-878-2420

Great Lake
Things have relaxed a bit since GQ named his pizza the best in the country, but Nick Lessins still churns out some of the best pies in the city—even Jay-Z and Beyoncé waited next door at Vincent for their meal. Offering only four pizza options each night (no exceptions or changes), Lessins makes each pizza to order. 1477 W. Balmoral Ave., 773-334-9270

Piece
The recipient of numerous awards for its in-house-brewed beer, Piece serves New Haven, Connecticut-style pizza—large rectangular pies in three categories: red, white, and plain (no mozzarella), to which customers add numerous toppings like mashed potatoes, clams, jalapeños, or pepperoni. 1927 W. North Ave., 773-772-4422

Union Pizzeria
This upscale pizza spot is a great excuse to head to Evanston. The loftlike space features high ceilings with exposed wooden beams and a large wraparound bar, and offers farm-fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, and a wine list to keep its well-dressed crowd coming back. 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-475-2400

Pequod’s
Consistently named one of the best spots in Chicago, Pequod’s pizza is known for its caramelized, flaky, and buttery crust. Keep the toppings to a minimum: Gooey cheese and Italian sausage are all you need. 2207 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-327-1512