Birthplace of the world-famous deep dish pie, Chicago knows it’s way around a pizza oven (and then some). Here’s a guide to Chi-town’s best well-bread treats, whether you’re after a quick piece or a full-blown dough-fest.
Hailing from Rome, the world-famous Bonci has decided to launch its first ever branch outside of Italy in lucky Chicago, so now you can save yourself the air miles by heading to this fabulous new North Sangamon Street outpost. The perfect pizza here is served a taglio: shaped into rectangles, topped with myriad treats, cut into slices and priced according to weight. Anthony Bourdain is a big fan, natch.
Go deep – deep, deep down – at Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder, a perma-packed crowd-pleaser that specialises in deliciously gooey pizza pot pies. Order the diet-be-damned Mediterranean bread or an Oven Grinder sarnie to accompany your carby slice of choice – you’re in Chicago, after all.
Cult fave Pequod’s is famed for its caramelised crusts and seven-inch pan pizzas. This one comes with your doctor’s disapproval (and it’s all the more tasty for it). Try the garlic bread, the chicken tenders, that fat-pan pizza – and don’t forget to add melted cheese to everything.
Go back to basics, Neapolitan-style, at Forno Rosso, whose owner studied pizza – yes, really – in Naples, with the help of one of the city’s best pizzaiolos (crust kings). Order the Sole di Napoli, which stars buffalo mozzarella, yellow pomodoro tomatoes and basil, or get your meat-freak on with the Tre Carne: San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, locally sourced sausage, imported speck, hot soppressata, pecorino and basil. They even do clever, crisp-tastic gluten-free crusts for celiacs. Grazie mille, Napoli!
This article was originally written by LUXE for PenCities.
For more insider tips on where to eat in the Windy City, nab a copy of the LUXE Chicago guide…
