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Best Pizza in Rockford IL (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’m no stranger to the world of pizza. From New York to Chicago and beyond, I’ve sampled more than my fair share of pies – some cheesy, some saucy and all delicious. Now, I’m in Illinois’ second-largest city and I’m ready to review the best of the best.

I’ve done a deep dive into Rockford’s pizza scene by tasting 12 different establishments. I rated them on crust quality, flavor profiles, portion sizes and overall experience.

What do the results show? Read on to find out which pizza place is my favorite and why!

If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of Illinois

#1 Frankie’s Pizzeria

I stopped by Frankie’s Pizzeria on my latest culinary excursion, and I was absolutely blown away. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with a warm and friendly staff ready to serve any customer that walked in the door.

The menu at Frankie’s Pizzeria is simply amazing – their specialty pies are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. From their classic pepperoni to the more adventurous Four-Cheeseroni Pizza, each slice was delicious.

My favorite part about Frankie’s Pizzeria is the atmosphere. As I bit into my first slice of pizza, I had an 80s rock ballad playing in my head thanks to the selection of classic hits playing throughout the restaurant. It really took me back in time!

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a romantic dinner for two, Frankie’s Pizzeria has something delicious for everyone. And don’t forget – they offer delivery! All in all, this is one pizzeria you won’t want to miss if you’re ever in Rockford IL – it may just be the best pizza in town!

If you’re willing to go an extra 27 miles, you can get to 19 more pizza places in DeKalb!

#2 Woodfire Rockford

The atmosphere at Woodfire Rockford is excellent: friendly, casual, and downright cozy. The decor has a rustic feel that would make any tourist feel right at home. Plus, they serve not only beer, but hard liquor too – so you know the drinks are good!

The food at Woodfire Rockford is even better than the atmosphere. There are plenty of options on the menu – including some vegetarian selections – so everyone can find something they like. The pizzas are especially delicious; I appreciate how much attention to detail goes into every single one. But if pizza isn’t your thing, then try desserts. They’ve got insanely good options with an interesting twist—definitely try it out!

The only downside I could find for Woodfire Rockford is that there is no delivery option. That said, considering the quality of the food served there and great atmosphere, it’s definitely worth making a trip over to this pizza joint! In my opinion, it’s hands down the best pizza in Rockford IL.

#3 John’s Restaurant & Pizzeria

When I entered John’s for the first time, I was instantly greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of fresh-baked pizza crust emanating from the kitchen. It filled my heart with joy knowing I’d finally arrived at a place that could satisfy my pizza cravings.

I decided to try the classic Margherita pie and was blown away by the explosion of flavor in every bite. The cheese was perfectly melted and the sauce had just enough acidity to blend in with the other ingredients. The crust was cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside yet slightly chewy on the inside.

What really sets this restaurant apart though is their commitment to using only locally sourced ingredients. You can taste the freshness of each ingredient which makes for an even more enjoyable experience.

John’s Restaurant & Pizzeria is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Rockford IL looking for some great pizza. It certainly has earned its title as having some of the best pizza in town!

#4 Gulotta’s Pizza

From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere is cozy yet inviting, the staff is friendly, and it smells like fresh pizza dough!

The menu options were plentiful with classic favorites as well as specialty selections. After much deliberation (which wasn’t easy), I settled on a white veggie pizza with mushrooms, onions, peppers, and spinach. In one word: delicious! The crust was crisp but still doughy and flavorful while the toppings were cooked to perfection.

Aside from the main course, Gulotta’s also offers some great appetizers like their garlic knots and cheesy garlic bread. Both are heavenly and really help round out any meal. Lastly, what pizza experience would be complete without dessert? They offer some of the best cannolis that I have ever had!

All in all, my experience at Gulotta’s Pizza was incredible and can definitely say it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for great pizza in Rockford IL!

#5 Lino’s

As a foodie, I always seek out places with unique menu items and great service. Lino’s definitely brings all of this to the table. Not only is it a fun tourist spot, but they also have alcohol–including hard liquor! Plus, they have a kid’s menu and some vegetarian options for those who don’t eat meat.

But the best part about Lino’s is their insane dessert selection! They make some of the best tiramisu around town which is always a treat for me when I visit.

Now, I did have one downside about Lino’s–they don’t deliver. That being said, getting takeout from them is still an option and well worth it even if you just order a few slices at home.

Overall, my experience at Lino’s was fantastic and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for the best pizza in Rockford IL!

#6 Primo’s Pizza

The pizza itself is absolutely fantastic. The crust is perfectly thin and crispy, and the sauce has the ideal level of tanginess and sweetness to it. On top of that, their wide variety of toppings—from classic pepperoni to more exotic choices like eggplant—allow you to create your own masterpiece.

But there’s more to Primo’s than just great pizza: their atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable, with a lively staff that loves what they do. Service is always friendly and efficient, making sure that each guest feels taken care of as soon as they arrive. The décor also does a great job at setting the mood for an enjoyable evening out for family or friends.

In short, Primo’s Pizza offers everything a person could ask for in a pizzeria: amazing pizzas with unlimited topping possibilities, a cheerful atmosphere, friendly staff, and efficient service. All in all, Primo’s Pizza may very well be the best pizza in Rockford IL!

#7 Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria

I arrived at Maciano’s and was immediately impressed by their decor. Everything had an old-fashioned Italian feel to it; it definitely put me in the right mood for some excellent pizza.

When I finally got my order, I knew I had made the right choice. The pizza was absolutely delicious and had just the right amount of toppings! The crust was perfectly crisp, while still being satisfyingly soft, and the sauce and cheese were flavorful without being overwhelming.

The staff at Maciano’s were also wonderful. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating, which always makes my dining experience that much more enjoyable.

All in all, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Rockford IL, Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria is absolutely worth checking out! Not only will you get a top-notch meal, but also a great atmosphere as well.

#8 MOD Pizza

I have had the pleasure of trying pizzas from many great places in my travels, but none have compared to the pizzas at MOD Pizza. The atmosphere was casual, yet inviting and I felt right at home.

The service was outstanding- the staff was friendly and eager to help me create my own custom pizza. I decided to keep it simple and got the classic Margherita with some freshly shaved parmesan added – delicious! The crust was lightly charred but crispy on the outside, while still being soft and chewy on the inside. The cheese was bountiful and full of flavor, while their signature red sauce gave it just the right amount of tanginess.

Overall, this experience ranks among one of the best pizza restaurants that I’ve ever tried! So if you’re looking for a truly unique pizza eating experience in Rockford IL, definitely give MOD Pizza a try!

If you’re willing to go an extra 33 miles, you can get to 26 more pizza places in Janesville!

#9 Anna’s Pizza

The moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was immediately overwhelmed by the delicious aromas of fresh dough, melted cheese, and spices. I knew right then that I was in for a treat.

The pizza is made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. The crust is thin and crunchy and the toppings are flavorful and generous. Every bite was a heavenly experience.

It doesn’t stop at just pizza though, they also offer other amazing dishes like pasta, salads and sandwiches that are equally as delicious!

To top it off, Anna’s Pizza is run by an incredibly friendly staff who make sure you feel welcome from the moment you step through the door. Their commitment to making you feel like family really sets them apart from other establishments.

If you’re looking for the best pizza in Rockford IL, look no further than Anna’s Pizza! You won’t regret it!

#10 GreenFire

As soon as I came through the doors, I could smell the aroma of freshly-baked pizza – my mouth started to water. I had heard all of the great things about GreenFire, and was excited to find out what they are all about.

The decor was simple, but inviting – there were photos on the walls of happy customers enjoying their delicious pizzas. When it came time to order, the staff were friendly and helpful in recommending toppings and sauces.

My slice of pizza came quickly and looked amazing – a thin crust with fresh ingredients piled onto it. The first bite was like heaven! The cheese melted in my mouth and each topping was perfectly cooked. It definitely lived up to its reputation as some of the best pizza in Rockford IL!

All in all, I would highly recommend GreenFire for anyone looking for a great slice of pizza! Deliciously crafted with high-quality ingredients – you won’t be disappointed!

#11 Giordano’s

The crust was deliciously crispy and the sauce was flavorful – perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet. The toppings were generously applied and tasted fresh and flavorful, making for a pizza that I just couldn’t get enough of.

It can be difficult to find an outstanding pizza in a lesser-known city, but Giordano’s has certainly met my expectations! Another plus is that the place offers an array of other Italian fare as well as great desserts. In fact, I might even go so far as to say they make the best cannolis I’ve ever had!

To sum it up, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Rockford IL then Giordano’s is the place to go. It’s definitely worth checking out!

#12 Giuseppi’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant

I’ve sampled a lot of pizzas from around the world, but Giuseppi’s really stands out with its fluffy crusts and creative topping combinations. I had the Margherita pizza with a garlic olive oil base, and it was heavenly! The mozzarella was perfectly melted and the sauce had just the right amount of tang. It was clear that this isn’t your average slice!

The atmosphere at Giuseppi’s is so inviting – there are checkered tablecloths, Italian music playing in the background, and charming waiters who serve you with a smile. All these touches make for a perfect dining experience.

One thing that sets Giuseppi’s apart from other pizza places is their commitment to fresh ingredients – everything here is made-to-order using only the freshest ingredients available. From their freshly grated cheese to their hand-crafted dough, you can taste the quality in every bite!

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian pizza experience in Rockford IL, look no further than Giuseppi’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant – they have some of the best pizza around!

Best Deep Dish Pizza – Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom

I may have explored distant lands, but when it comes to pizza, it’s the hidden gems that matter. And let me tell you, Old Chicago is a diamond in the pizza rough!

Walking into the restaurant, I was immediately greeted by the warm, dough-filled aroma. It was like being enveloped in a hug from a carb-loving grandma! The atmosphere was cozy, with dim lighting and vintage pizza memorabilia hanging on the walls. I half-expected Sinatra to saunter up to my table and serenade me with Fly Me to the Pizz-a Moon.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the deep dish pizza. It was a beautiful sight to behold, like a cheesy mountain begging to be conquered. The crust was fluffy and buttery, with just the right amount of crunch. The cheese, oh the cheese! It was gooey, stretchy, and so deliciously melty that I wanted to dive into it headfirst. And the toppings? Let’s just say they made my taste buds dance the cha-cha.

On top of the amazing pizza, Old Chicago also has an impressive beer selection. As a food critic with a sophisticated palate, I consider myself a beer aficionado as well. The taproom did not disappoint, offering a wide variety of craft brews that complemented the pizza perfectly.

So, if you find yourself in Rockford, IL, do yourself a favor and head straight to Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom. It’s where dreams of cheesy, saucy bliss come true. And hey, if you happen to see me there, don’t hesitate to say hi. I’ll be the guy with tomato sauce on his face and a blissful grin plastered across it.