When it comes to pizza, we all know Chicago is a top contender. Although the Windy City is notoriously known for its delicious deep-dish pizza, some locals have a different opinion about the best slice. So we're taking you to some of the best pizza shops near Oak Park so you can decide which reigns supreme as the true Chicago pizza.
The Basics: Chicago Deep Dish Versus Thin Crust
Chicago-style pizza comes in several varieties, but deep dish, stuffed pizza and tavern-style thin crust are among the best known.
Deep-dish pizza is baked in a high-sided pan with a thick crust that holds layers of cheese, toppings and tomato sauce. The mozzarella typically goes beneath the sauce, helping protect the cheese during the longer baking process.
Stuffed pizza, popularized by restaurants like Giordano's, takes a similar approach but adds a second layer of dough over the cheese and fillings, with tomato sauce on top.
Chicago tavern-style pizza has a thin, crispy crust and is traditionally cut into small squares rather than triangular slices. A longtime neighborhood favorite, it's a popular choice for sharing and offers a lighter alternative to deep dish.
Beyond these Chicago classics, Oak Park and the surrounding suburbs also have pizzerias serving Neapolitan-inspired, New Haven-style and Sicilian-style pizzas.
Where to Find Different Pizza Styles Near Oak Park
- Chicago deep dish and stuffed pizza: Try Lou Malnati's in Oak Park, Giordano's in Westchester or Paisans in Brookfield.
- Chicago-style thin crust: Visit Aurelio's in La Grange, Rosati's in Oak Park or La Grange Park or Armand's in Elmwood Park.
- Wood-fired pizza: Billy Bricks and Trattoria 225 in Oak Park offer distinctive wood-fired pizzas.
- Sicilian-style pizza: Paisans in Brookfield and Lucca's in La Grange serve Sicilian-style pan pizzas.
- Oversized pizza slices: Nonna's Good Life Pizza in La Grange specializes in extra-large individual slices.
Big Name Pizzerias in the Near West Suburbs
Although there are countless pizza shops in Chicago, there are a few whose names are known well outside the city, and some, even throughout the country. Take a look:
The Great Debate
Giordano's | Westchester
Arguably one of the two most popular places for deep dish in Chicago, Giordano's is a staple for everything ooey, gooey, and cheesy. This pizza shop originated in Chicago by brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio in 1974 and has since expanded to locations throughout the country. Giordano's classic 'stuffed' pizza has consistently been voted the best time after time. And with a location in Westchester, you'll have to try it for yourself.
Lou Malnati's | Oak Park
The second of the big two for Chicagoans is Lou Malnati's. If you think opinions about the Sox vs. Cubs are strong, then you may not have heard people argue about pizza. In Chicago, there are die-hard Giordano's fans and die-hard Lou Mal fans. Unlike Giordano's stuffed, double-crust pie, Lou Malnati's deep dish has its own signature buttery crust, with mozzarella beneath a layer of tomato sauce. At the end of the day, both places make an incredible pie, but it's the crust and toppings ratio that you'll have to taste for yourself.
Big Name Favorites
Aurelio's | La Grange
When it comes to a Chicago thin-crust pizza, you go to Aurelio's, where they specialize in the art of making a delicious, flaky thin-crust pizza. Along with the other main contenders, they are one of the oldest pizza chains in Chicago, dating back to 1959. With a location in La Grange, you can easily add them to your list of pizza shops to try.
Scudiero's Italian Bakery & Deli | Melrose Park
A Melrose Park favorite since 1954, Scudiero's Italian Bakery & Deli is a longtime family-run spot known for fresh-baked bread, Italian sandwiches and bakery-style pizza. Their pizza offerings include thick-crust tomato pizza along with classic cheese, sausage and pepperoni slices, all made fresh with the same old-school Italian bakery approach that has kept locals coming back for generations.
If you're exploring Melrose Park, Scudiero's is a great stop for a casual slice — and it's worth saving room for one of their fresh-baked Italian sweets, too.
Rosati's | Oak Park + La Grange Park
A family-owned business since 1964, Rosati's pizza is a beloved Chicago staple. And when it comes to their pizza, they do it all. You can choose from a classic Chicago deep dish, stuffed pizza, thin crust, or double-dough. If you're looking for a one-stop shop to decide your favorite type of slice, Rosati's has you covered.
Salerno's | Oak Park
Established in 1966, Salerno's is another big family name in pizza in Chicago and is often considered one of the best places for pizza in town. Salerno's offers a traditional American pizza or a classic Chicago-style thin crust. They also have an extensive menu of authentic Italian cuisine, which means there are plenty of options for delicious food. Although there are many locations, you can check out one right in Oak Park.
Local Favorites
Now that we've looked at some of the long-standing names in pizza, it's time to talk about some of the small businesses that serve up a mean slice according to locals.
Oak Park
Billy Bricks
Offering delicious wood-fired pizza with a variety of options, Billy Bricks in Oak Park is an excellent stop for delicious Neapolitan- and New Haven-inspired pizza. While drastically different from the traditional Chicago slice, Billy Bricks offers a host of selections, from artichoke and pesto to Margherita drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to unique combinations like the SunnySide Up, which comes with applewood-smoked bacon, two sunny-side-up eggs, roasted garlic, and cheese.
If you're not up for pizza, Billy Bricks also serves up some of the best subs and sandwiches in the area, with a host of dessert options, including a s'mores calzone and a giant ice cream sandwich.
Trattoria 225
If you're looking for great Oak Park pizza, consider Trattoria 225. Located at 225 Harrison St, Trattoria 225 is the perfect place to gather with family and friends for some delicious pizza. Offering authentic Italian, thin-crust pizzas (and gelato for dessert), Trattoria 225 provides a warm ambiance with unique art pieces throughout the entire restaurant.
This traditional Italian location focuses heavily on quality, incorporating organic, local, and sustainable ingredients into its recipes to ensure customers receive the best pizza with the finest offerings. If you have any food allergies, Trattoria 225 has you covered by creating a selection of pizzas, all with the ability to be made gluten-free.
From delectable variations like goat cheese, fennel sausage, and roasted red pepper to cremini mushrooms and smoked mozzarella, there is no shortage of options at this Oak Park hot spot.
Brookfield
Danny's Pizza and Beef
If you're looking for a quick slice, Danny's Pizza in Brookfield is the place to go. Offering a thin crust, pan, deep dish, and even stuffed pizza to really go the extra mile, this small neighborhood spot has plenty of options. They even have specialty pizzas like taco and Hawaiian.
Does pineapple belong on pizza? You be the judge! With unique pizza choices in a variety of styles, plus Italian beef sandwiches and hot dogs, stop into Danny's Pizza and Beef to support a small local business in Brookfield, IL.
Paisans | Brookfield
Paisans Pizzeria advertises itself as not your average pizzeria, and it offers just that: way above-average pizza with plenty of options for visitors. Providing a fun, industrial vibe, Paisans has a regular or extra thin crust, deep dish or stuffed, and gluten-free and Sicilian-style pizzas. With multiple locations across the Chicagoland area, Paisans is a true success story deriving from a small corner store in Cicero, Illinois.
From handcrafted pizzas and world-class chicken wings to their passion for giving back, this Brookfield pizzeria is one to support.
Franklin Park
The Grand Stand
For a longtime Franklin Park favorite, head to The Grand Stand Pizza on Grand Avenue. Serving the community since 1982, The Grand Stand specializes in Chicago-style thin-crust pizza made with fresh ingredients and recipes prepared from scratch.
Its crispy thin crust is the main attraction, but the menu also includes pizza by the slice, panzerotti, homemade Italian beef, pasta and other classic Italian-American favorites. Whether you're grabbing a quick slice or ordering a full pie to share, The Grand Stand is a worthy addition to the near west suburbs' pizza lineup.
Elmwood Park
Spizzico Pizza & Pasta | Elmwood Park
For a classic neighborhood pizza stop in Elmwood Park, Spizzico Pizza & Pasta serves up a range of Chicago favorites, including traditional thin crust, deep dish and stuffed pizza. Its thin crust is light, crisp and golden brown, making it a solid pick for anyone looking for the tavern-style pizza locals know well.
Beyond the classics, Spizzico also offers specialty combinations like the Spizzico Special with sausage, mushrooms, onions and green peppers, along with Italian beef, pasta and other Italian-American staples. Located on North Avenue, it’s a longtime local option worth adding to any near west suburbs pizza tour.
Jim and Pete's
Situated at 7806 W North Ave, Jim and Pete's is a local favorite in Elmwood Park. Voted 'Best Restaurant in Town' by the Chicago Times, Jim and Pete's has been a Chicago icon for over 80 years. This established location features a modern and cozy atmosphere, serving high-quality cuisine with, you guessed it, some of the best pizzas in Chicago.
With specialty pizzas like veggie and their signature pizza, which includes spinach, artichoke, red pepper, fresh garlic, and fontinella cheese, the selections are unique and delicious, made from recipes dating back to 1941.
The Original Old World Pizza
The Original Old World Pizza has been serving Elmwood Park for approximately 60 years, offering traditional Chicago-style thin crust, deep dish, stuffed pizza and its distinctive Double Deck Pie. The Double Deck Pie features two thin-crust pizzas stacked together with cheese and toppings, finished with a braided outer crust.
Under new ownership since 2024, the longstanding neighborhood pizzeria continues to serve its classic recipes while introducing new menu offerings. Located at 7230 W. North Ave., Old World Pizza also serves Italian sandwiches, pasta and chicken wings.
Forest Park
Francesca's Fiore
For a more modern take on pizza in Forest Park, Francesca's Fiore on Madison Street focuses on wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta made daily and Italian desserts prepared in-house. The menu leans into simple, well-made Italian cooking with plenty of options for sharing.
Fiore is a good fit for anyone looking to turn pizza night into more of a sit-down dinner, with pizza, pasta and other Italian favorites all under one roof. Located at 7407 Madison Street, it's another strong stop along Forest Park's busy dining corridor.
Jimmy's Place
Jimmy's Place is a local Italian restaurant in Forest Park that also serves up a mean slice of pizza. And there's no frills here. Just pizza done right. You can build your own pizza by adding any of the fresh ingredients from their list — including anchovies — to make a pizza that is just for you. Or maybe to share, but that's your call.
Hillside
Q's Restaurant and Pizzeria
A local favorite in Hillside, Q's Restaurant and Pizzeria has fresh offerings and classic pizzas. Start with a great selection of appetizers and pair your pizza with some hot, salty fries — a recommendation by this founding favorite to bulk up your meal if you're extra hungry! From Q's special, a delightful combination of sausage, beef, mushroom, green pepper, and onion, to the sweet and tangy BBQ chicken pizza, there's no shortage of options here!
La Grange
Nonna's Good Life Pizza
If you're looking for the world's largest slice of pizza, look no further than Nonna's in La Grange. Nonna's offers New York-style slices, with different specialty slices each day. Pair your slice with a delicious side of parmesan garlic bites or Nonna's famous meatballs!
Lucca's
Lucca's is all about family and great pizza, right in the heart of La Grange. As a family-run restaurant, Lucca's has been amazing visitors with its exceptional Italian cuisine, which focuses on blending Italian flavors with Chicago traditions. Whether you crave thin crust, Sicilian pan, or stuffed pizza , Lucca's Pizzeria and Ristorante has it all. With 50+ toppings and specialty pizzas like BBQ Chicken and Hawaiian, they cater to every pizza enthusiast and offer cauliflower and gluten-free crusts.
North Riverside
Al's
If you're looking for a quick slice or a delicious pizza pie to go, order from Al's in North Riverside. Available for takeout or delivery, Al's Pizzeria offers quick service and delicious food with catering and dessert options, too! While you wait for your order, pick up a creamy cup of gelato, Italian ice, or a tasty cannoli. For their pizza, Al's uses 100% real Wisconsin mozzarella cheese.
So, whether you're looking for a classic cheese, pepperoni, or a specialty option like buffalo chicken, Al's has quality pizza with the freshest ingredients.
Riverside
La Barra
Whether you're looking for a lovely dining experience or weekend brunch, La Barra offers everything from the signature Chicago thin crust to artisan-style selections. Their take on the Chicago deep dish is also worth trying, with double-proofed focaccia-style pan dough lined with delicious mozzarella cheese to create a mouthwatering caramelized cheese crust.
If you're looking for something on the lighter end, they offer a skinny deep-dish option featuring a smaller portion of dough while still keeping the delicious cheesy taste.
Westchester
Rocky's Pizza and Restaurant
Sometimes, you don't need to be wined and dined — you just want a good slice. Rocky's Pizza and Restaurant in Westchester has you covered. This laid-back pizza joint serves up a classic pizza pie with your choice of toppings, which means you get pizza your way. Loved by locals, Rocky's is too good not to try.
Meet us for A Slice (of Pizza, That Is!)
Now that we've explored the best pizza places in Oak Park and Near West Suburbs, it's up to you to try for yourself. Be sure to let us know what you think of our top favorites for the best pizza!