Having circled around the world for mouth-watering pizza, I’ve had the opportunity to sample a variety of pies on every continent. But now I’m going back to my home state of Illinois and visiting Elgin for one particular reason: to find the best pizza!
My mission was to sample 12 different pizza places in Elgin IL and rate them on a scale of 0-10. In my journey, I encountered some unique recipes as well as classic favorites. Some inspired stories and plenty of laughs were shared throughout the process as I shared my experience with locals.
Of course, I can’t tell you yet which pie sits at the top of my list – you’ll have to read on! Let’s get started on finding out which pizzeria will take home the crown for best pizza in Elgin IL.
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of Illinois
#1 Cafe Roma
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has some vegetarian options
It all started with the delicious, freshly-made dough. The crust was perfectly thin and crunchy, just how I like it. The tomato-basil sauce was flavorful and not too acidic, making it ideal for a variety of toppings.
The topping selection was top-rate, with everything from pepperoni to veggie medleys. No matter which combination you choose, it’s sure to be delicious. My personal favorite is the Supreme specialty pizza – it’s packed with cheese and loaded with fresh veggies!
Finally, the delivery service is outstanding; they got my pizza to me within 30 minutes – hot and fresh!
Overall, Cafe Roma is easily one of the best places in Elgin IL to get a mouthwatering pizza! Whether you’re looking for something basic or gourmet, you’ll be sure to find something that satisfies your craving here. I give them five stars!
If you’re willing to go an extra 8 miles, you can get to 12 more pizza places in Huntley!
#2 MOD Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
- Has a kid’s menu
- Offers dessert
I was impressed right off the bat with their variety of fresh, handcrafted pizzas and salads. The toppings are always fresh and flavorful, and they have something for everyone. I especially loved the creative-topping combinations like the MOD Margherita—Italian sausage, tomatoes, and arugula on a classic bianca-style pizza crust.
But what really made my experience at MOD Pizza stand out from the crowd is their commitment to great service—it’s truly second to none! The staff is friendly and accommodating, always willing to make sure I’m fully satisfied with my meal.
All in all, MOD Pizza is a must-try for any pizza enthusiast in Elgin IL. It has quickly become one of my go-to spots when I’m visiting town, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the best pizza in Elgin IL.
#3 Chicago Pizza Authority
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has insanely good dessert
- Serves alcohol
The atmosphere of this place is cozy and laid-back, and it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. The service is always top-notch, making for a great dining experience.
Speaking of food, the pizzas are amazing! The toppings are fresh and flavorful, and the crust has just the right amount of crunch. I’m particularly fond of their original crust which is lightly dusted with cornmeal for an extra bit of flavor. My personal favorite pizza is their Chicago Fire Pizza which has pepperoni, sausage, onions, red peppers, jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes on top. It’s definitely one of the spiciest pizzas I’ve ever had!
I can confidently say that Chicago Pizza Authority serves up some of the best pizza in Elgin IL. If you’re looking for delicious food with excellent service, then make sure to check them out!
#4 Riverside Pizza & Pub
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has a kid’s menu
- Offers dessert
- Great place to watch sports
I’m not exaggerating, either. From the moment I walked in and smelled the amazing aroma of freshly made pizza, I knew this place was going to be special.
The menu was huge, with options for everyone. Looking for a vegan option? Check! Gluten-free? Even better! And the traditional toppings were all there too – pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers… you name it!
Of course, when I ordered my meal I had to go for the signature Riverside Special: pepperoni, sausage, green peppers and mushrooms. Oh boy was it delicious! The sauce perfectly balanced out the spice of the toppings while the crust stayed crispy after an extended time in the oven – no sogginess here!
To top it off, their service was incredible; I’d heard good things about Riverside Pizza & Pub before but didn’t expect their friendly staff and fast delivery times. Whether you’re ordering take-out or dining in with friends, this is definitely one of the best places to get pizza in Elgin IL.
#5 Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria
- Has insanely good dessert
- Has a kid’s menu
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has some vegetarian options
The first thing I noticed about Maciano’s was the inviting atmosphere. The music and decorations just make you want to hang out! Plus, their staff is friendly and always willing to help.
Now, let’s talk pizza. From the first bite, I knew this was something special. The combination of fresh ingredients and their unique homemade pizza sauce really hit all the right notes. I especially loved their thin crusts- they were crispy yet still had an amazing flavor. And the toppings were flavorful without being overpowering!
Overall the experience at Maciano’s was excellent- it’s no wonder everyone talks about them being the best pizza in Elgin IL! Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, this is definitely one place you should try.
#6 Nick’s Pizza & Pub
- Offers dessert
- Has a kid’s menu
- Nice tourist spot
- Great place to watch sports
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
From the moment I walked in, I was amazed by the atmosphere. The walls were lined with colorful works of art, and the TVs were playing classic movies — it was like being in a movie theater! But what really impressed me was their pizza!
The dough was cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Toppings were diverse and generous – everything from juicy pepperoni to colorful veggies. And of course, the sauce! It had that perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that can only come from hours of slow-cooking.
Overall, Nick’s Pizza & Pub is definitely one of my favorite pizza places. If you’re ever in Elgin IL looking for some great pizza, this is definitely your spot!
#7 Mel’s Pizza
- Has a kid’s menu
I’ve sampled the wares of many pizza restaurants – from the classic Italian pies of Rome, to the unique flavors of Tokyo – and I can confidently say that Mel’s Pizza stands out among them.
First, let’s start with the taste. My particular favorite is their classic cheese pizza with sausage and onions. The crust is thin and crisp, while the sauce is delicious and tangy. The sausage and onions are cooked to perfection – not overly greasy or charred. Put it all together and you have a truly authentic pizza experience.
The service at Mel’s Pizza is also top-notch. The staff were friendly and attentive, always striving to make sure my experience was pleasant. Plus, they had an extensive selection of beverages that complimented my meal perfectly.
All in all, Mel’s Pizza provides one of the best pizza experiences in Elgin IL! If you’re ever in the area, don’t miss out on this great spot for a slice (or three)!
#8 Giordano’s
The first time I went to Giordano’s, I was blown away by the selection of toppings and styles of pizza. From Chicago-style deep dish to thin crust, there was something for everyone. They also offer a variety of specialty pizzas if you’re feeling adventurous. With so many options, it can be hard to decide on just one pizza.
The pizza itself is out of this world! The combination of their special recipe cheese blend with freshly made dough gives each pie an incredible taste and texture. Every bite is flavorful and has a perfect crunch every time. No matter what topping you get, each slice tastes like it’s been made just for you.
The atmosphere at Giordano’s is also great; the staff is friendly and always happy to help you make your decision. Not only that but they have plenty of seating, so you can easily hang out with friends or family while waiting for your order to arrive.
If there’s ever a craving that calls for amazing pizza, I highly recommend giving Giordano’s a try! You won’t be disappointed – Giordano’s really has some of the best pizza in Elgin IL!
If you’re willing to go an extra 11 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in Schaumburg!
#9 Papa Saverio’s Pizzeria
- Offers dessert
I’ve been to some pretty fancy pizza places in my travels, but nothing comes close to the deliciousness of Papa Saverio’s. From the moment I stepped through the door, I could tell that this was going to be a great experience. The delicious aroma of freshly baked pizza immediately filled the air, and I knew that I was in for something special.
The service was friendly and attentive, making sure every detail of my order was perfect. They even allowed me to customize my own creation with a variety of toppings. Once finished, my pizza was cooked to perfection – crisp crust, gooey cheese and all the delicious toppings you could ask for. The flavors exploded in my mouth!
Papa Saverio’s Pizzeria has definitely earned its reputation as the best pizza in Elgin IL. Whether you’re looking for an amazing meal or just a quick snack, this is definitely worth checking out!
#10 Moretti’s Elgin
The atmosphere inside was perfect for a pizza night—it was cozy, inviting, and the smell of perfectly-cooked pizza permeated the air. Their menu featured a wide variety of pizzas, so I decided to try the signature specialty pizza. It’s topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms and onions—a nice change from my usual go-to pizza.
The crust was delicious—nice and thin with just enough crunch that it held together but still melted in my mouth. The toppings were cooked to perfection and the sauce had the perfect amount of flavor. The cheese blended everything together perfectly.
In conclusion, Moretti’s Elgin is a must-visit restaurant if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Elgin IL!
#11 Village Pizza and Pub Elgin
- Nice tourist spot
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has some vegetarian options
- Great place to watch sports
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
Let me tell you, this place is no ordinary pizza joint. The decor is upscale, rustic-chic and instantly put me in the mood for a good slice. Plus, the pub has an old school vibe that I totally dig!
The menu offered a ton of options – all creative takes on classic Italian dishes and delicious pies. But it was their signature pizza that really caught my attention. Freshly made dough topped with a savory blend of Italian herbs, two cheeses and pepperoni that just melted in your mouth. The magical combination of flavors made each bite pure bliss!
Once I finished scarfing down my delicious pizza, it was time for dessert. And let me tell you, nothing beats their famous cannoli. Creamy ricotta cheese nestled in a crispy shell – the perfect ending to a great meal.
In conclusion: for all you aspiring food critics looking for world-class pie in Elgin IL, Village Pizza and Pub Elgin should definitely be at the top of your list!
#12 Geno Nottolini’s Pizza & Catering Company
- Offers dessert
The atmosphere is surprisingly comfortable considering it’s a pizza joint. The walls have a rustic, Italian feel and the music in the background was just right to set the mood. The waitstaff was attentive and friendly, which is always appreciated!
When it comes to the actual food, Geno Nottolini’s Pizza & Catering Company doesn’t disappoint. I had their signature ‘Kenogy Pie’ (my personal favorite), and it was amazing! It had an extra cheesy crust with lots of pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, olives and peppers – basically all of my favorite toppings! The flavors were perfectly balanced, the pizza was cooked perfectly (crispy but not burned) and it definitely satisfied my pizza craving.
To top off my experience at Geno Nottolini’s Pizza & Catering Company, I had one of their famous ‘Cookie Pizzas’. It was a sweet treat that didn’t overpower my meal – oozing with melted chocolate chips and covered with mini marshmallows. What a perfect end to a delicious evening!
If you’re looking for the best pizza in Elgin IL then look no further than Geno Nottolini’s Pizza & Catering Company. You won’t regret it – after all, even a world-renowned pizza critic can attest to its quality!
Best Deep Dish Pizza – Chicago Pizza Authority
- Has insanely good dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
- Serves alcohol
- Does not accept reservations
This place not only serves the most mouthwatering pizza but also allows me to drown my sorrows in a pint of beer. The fact that they offer alcohol is a lifesaver. Now, while these guys know how to satisfy a carnivorous craving, they haven’t forgotten about us herbivores. They have a decent selection of vegetarian options that even satisfied my meat-loving friends. It’s like a peace treaty between the veggie lovers and meat enthusiasts, all united by the power of pizza.
But wait, the true pièce de résistance is their dessert. Oh my sweet tooth, brace yourselves! I have consumed some insanely good desserts in my life, but the ones at Chicago Pizza Authority could easily make you question the meaning of life. From the heavenly tiramisu to the sinful chocolate lava cake, I would crawl on my knees for another taste.
Now, here’s a slight downer – they don’t accept reservations. This can be quite a hassle, especially during peak hours when it’s packed with hungry tourists. But hey, if you’re willing to fight for that golden slice of pizza heaven, consider it your initiation into the true pizza lover’s club.
All in all, Chicago Pizza Authority is not just a place to stuff your face, but also a nice spot to bring friends visiting from out of town. So, if you find yourself in Elgin, Illinois, be sure to make a pilgrimage to the land of the best deep dish pizza in town. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, even if your waistline won’t.