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Best Pizza in Evanston (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of travelling all over the world, sampling some of the best pizza ever made. And now I’m bringing that experience to Evanston in order to determine which pizzeria will take home the title of “Best Pizza in Evanston.”

After eating my way through 12 different restaurants and tons of delicious slices, I can confidently say that I know which spots are worth your attention (and your mouthwatering appetite). Get ready for a humorous and lighthearted dive into why these restaurants serve up some seriously tasty pizza!

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

#1 Cantuccio’s

As soon as I walked in, the warm, cozy atmosphere made me feel right at home. The staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly. Plus, the decor was really charming and unique – you can tell they put a lot of thought and care into it.

The pizza here is truly out of this world! From the freshly-made dough to the perfectly balanced array of ingredients, every bite is a symphony of flavors. My favorite has to be their classic margherita pizza – it’s simple but so good! They also offer plenty of specialty pies for those who want something different, like their barbecue chicken pizza. Yum!

The ambiance at Cantuccio’s is unbeatable, except maybe when they occasionally have live music on weekends. That always adds something extra special to the experience.

In my expert opinion, Cantuccio’s has some of the best pizza in Evanston. If you haven’t already tried it, you are missing out!

If you’re willing to go an extra 6 miles, you can get to 21 more pizza places in Glenview!

#2 Union Pizzeria – Evanston SPACE

From the moment I first stepped into the restaurant, I could tell that the atmosphere was special. The bar is stocked with a wide selection of local craft beers, and there’s something about the exposed brick walls that just screams “cozy night out”.

The pizza is where Union Pizzeria really shines. They use traditional hardwood-fired ovens to cook their pies with an unmistakable char and smokiness that you won’t find anywhere else in Evanston. The dough is perfectly thin and chewy with just the right amount of charred bubbles around the edge. Toppings are generous but not overwhelming, using only fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.

I highly recommend Union Pizzeria – Evanston SPACE for anyone looking for an unforgettable pizza experience! It’s simply some of the best pizza in town – if not all of Evanston!

#3 DeSalvo’s Pizza

I’m not the only one who thinks so. DeSalvo’s Pizza has an amazing reputation, and it’s well deserved. The pizza is made to perfection with a perfect ratio of dough to sauce to cheese. The crust is crispy yet still soft, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful. The best part? They use high-quality ingredients like Montana-sourced mozzarella for their cheese!

The atmosphere at DeSalvo’s is just as good as the pizza. You can’t help but feel at home here, from the cozy furniture to the warm colors to the friendly staff. I must give them credit for creating such a welcoming environment.

I was most impressed with how quickly my pizza was prepared– it seemed like it took only minutes! As soon as I took my first bite, I knew why this place is dubbed ‘the best pizza in Evanston.’ Every bite was perfect: flavorful, cheesy, delicious!

If you’re looking for some of the best pizza around, DeSalvo’s should be your go-to spot!

#4 Anto Pizza & Pasta

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a variety of seating options. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful in helping me choose the perfect pizza for my tastes.

When I tasted their signature “Anto Pie”, I was immediately impressed by the blend of sweet tomato sauce combined with flavorful, freshly-sliced vegetables and surprisingly delicious sausage. The crunchy crust was cooked to perfection – not too hard, not too soft.

All in all, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Evanston then look no further than Anto Pizza & Pasta. It comes highly recommended from this world traveler!

#5 Bake HomeMade Pizza Evanston

The atmosphere was cozy, with a warm hearth in the corner of the restaurant and a stone oven that you can see in action. The fresh, inviting smells drew me in immediately.

I ordered their classic Margherita pizza and it did not disappoint. The dough was perfect—crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. The sauce had a deep flavor that I have never tasted before, and the cheese was melted to perfection. And of course, no pizza is complete without all of those delicious herbs scattered on top.

The staff at Bake HomeMade Pizza Evanston were so friendly too! They made me feel right at home as they answered my questions about the ingredients they use while happily recommending their favorite dishes.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Evanston you should definitely check out Bake HomeMade Pizza Evanston! You won’t be disappointed!

#6 Union Squared Pizza – Detroit Style

I’m not surprised that the lines wrap around the building at this popular restaurant, as there’s something incredibly special about their pizza. It has a unique “Detroit-style” crust which is thick and crunchy like a good New York style crust, but with the added bonus of being airy and creamy in the center. Mmmm!

The toppings are just as delicious as the crust. From classic pepperoni to creative creations like barbecued pulled pork, they’ve got all sorts of tasty options. I also enjoyed their homemade sauces and unique seasonings that give every bite its own special flavor.

Overall, Union Squared Pizza – Detroit Style has to be some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted in Evanston. The unique flavor combinations paired with the perfectly cooked Detroit-style crust make it an absolute must-try for anyone who loves delicious pizza!

#7 Evanston – Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

The crust was perfectly thin and crispy, with a hint of sweetness that made it especially enjoyable. The sauce was well-balanced and not overly sweet, and the cheese was melted to perfection. You could tell that a lot of care went into making this pizza!

The toppings were varied and fresh, adding another layer of flavor to each slice. I loved that there were so many specialty pizzas to choose from, as well as build your own options.

I expected great things from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria before I arrived—and I wasn’t disappointed! From the atmosphere to the quality of ingredients used, everything about this place suggested they know what they’re doing when it comes to making excellent pizza.

I highly recommend Evanston – Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria if you’re in the mood for some of the best pizza in Evanston!

If you’re willing to go an extra 6 miles, you can get to 30 more pizza places in Chicago!

#8 Panino’s Pizzeria – Evanston

I was initially skeptical if a small pizzeria could measure up to some of the best pizza I’ve encountered from Italy or New York, but after my first bite, I knew this pizza was different. The perfectly cooked crust had just the right crunch and chewy texture. The topping choices were unique and full of flavor. The cheese melted beautifully in every single slice. Best of all, it had that special something that only a family-run restaurant can offer – a welcoming atmosphere and true love for their craft.

I’d highly recommend Panino’s Pizzeria – Evanston to anyone looking for the best pizza in Evanston. It truly is something special!

#9 Gigio’s Pizzeria

The first thing I noticed upon entering was the delightful smell of fresh-baked pizza crust. It brought me straight to the counter where I could see their selection of pizzas, full of fresh and vibrant ingredients. My favorite was the Margherita – a classic pizza made with thick slices of San Marzano tomatoes and ricotta cheese, topped with oregano, basil and olive oil.

My friend had the Pepperoni Pizza and it was loaded with long slices of pepperoni that were still crunchy after baking. It also had a heavenly combination of sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, mushrooms and onions that all complemented each other perfectly.

And we can’t forget about the crust! It was light and airy in texture yet crispy on the outside.

All in all my experience at Gigio’s Pizzeria was one for the books! The atmosphere is friendly and warm, perfect for sharing a few pies with good company. They definitely have the best pizza in Evanston so don’t miss out on this delicious treat!

#10 Trattoria D.O.C.

I stopped in for dinner one night, and from the moment I walked in the door I could tell this place was special. Aromas of oregano, garlic, and tomato sauce filled the air.

The interior was inviting and relaxing with its dimly-lit atmosphere, soft Italian music playing in the background, and the rustic decor. The service was friendly and attentive.

Once I settled in to my table, I decided to tackle a large Trattoria D.O.C pizza – pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms and green peppers! The smell emanating from the kitchen of crispy crusts baking was amazing!

When my pizza arrived at my table it even looked amazing! Each slice was perfectly golden brown on top with a hint of char around the edges. The toppings were fresh and plentiful. But when it came time for me to take a bite…that’s when I knew why Trattoria D.O.C is one of the best pizzerias in Evanston!

The crust was crunchy yet chewy and had just enough heat coming from the oven that it had all these flavor notes that really stood out – almost like each slice could have been its own little party in your mouth! Topping flavors were bright and made you feel like you were truly enjoying something special instead of just another pizza dinner.

If you’re looking for great pizza in Evanston then look no further than Trattoria D.O.C.. It may be off the beaten path but trust me – this is some of the best pizza around!

#11 JP’s Pizza & Grill

I was initially hesitant when I saw it was a sit-down restaurant in a strip mall, but the welcoming atmosphere put me at ease. When I took my first bite of their signature deep dish pizza, I knew my journey had been worth it. The crust was thin yet light and fluffy on the inside, and the sauce had just the perfect amount of sweetness and spice. To top it off, you can’t go wrong with their selection of high-quality meats and fresh vegetables.

The staff were also super helpful. They took time to explain all the different ingredients before recommending a few pizzas that would suit my tastes. It’s clear they really know their stuff!

Overall, JP’s Pizza & Grill is definitely one of the best places in Evanston to get pizza! It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re ever in the area looking for a delicious treat.

#12 Blaze Pizza

From the moment I walked in, the ambience was inviting and fun – the music playing and the staff’s cheerful greeting was a great start to my experience.

The choices were mouth-watering: with so many flavorful combinations, it was difficult to choose just one! I made my own – red sauce, sausage, pepperoni, banana peppers, onions and feta cheese – and watched as they created it before my eyes. The dough stretched perfectly thin and the oven (which is an impressive 800 degrees) cooked it perfectly in just 180 seconds!

The pizza was delicious! The crust had a nice crunchy exterior yet remained soft on the inside and contained a slight sweetness. The toppings were fresh and abundant but not overwhelming – just enough for every bite to have an amazing flavor balance. It felt like I was eating pizza straight from Naples!

To top it off, Blaze Pizza offers gluten-free dough which is great for people with dietary restrictions or looking for something slightly healthier than regular crust. Plus you can even customize your drink order by adding flavors such as strawberry or mango if you’re feeling adventurous.

Overall, Blaze Pizza is a fantastic place where you can find some of the best pizza in Evanston! Not only will you have a great meal but you’ll also have some laughs along the way.

Best Deep Dish Pizza – Evanston – Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Let me tell you, the moment I walked into Lou Malnati’s, I could smell the scent of dough and cheese oozing out of every nook and cranny. It was like a cheesy dream come true! The waiters were friendly and eager to please, probably because they knew they were serving up a slice of heaven.

I ordered their classic deep dish pizza, and let me tell you, this thing was massive! It was thicker than a dictionary and heavier than my conscience after eating the entire pizza. But boy, was it worth it. The crust was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, like a fluffy cloud made of pizza dreams. And the cheese? Oh, the cheese. It was so gooey and stretchy that I felt like I was in a cheese commercial. Each bite was like a glorious symphony of flavors exploding in my mouth.

To make things even better, Lou Malnati’s didn’t skimp on the toppings. I piled on sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and even pineapple (don’t judge me!). The combination was a flavor explosion that made my taste buds do a happy dance. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I discovered their secret weapon – the sauce. Tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced, it tied everything together in a saucey symphony of deliciousness.

In conclusion, if you’re in Evanston and craving some deep dish goodness, don’t even think about going anywhere else. Lou Malnati’s is the holy grail of pizza perfection. Trust me, I’m a professional pizza eater.

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Panino’s Pizzeria – Evanston

The moment I stepped foot into Panino’s, I felt like I was in pizza heaven. The aroma of fresh dough, melted cheese, and sizzling toppings overwhelmed my senses, causing me to do a little happy dance right there in the entryway. The staff must have thought I had inhaled too much pizza fumes, but hey, a true pizza connoisseur knows when they’ve found a true gem.

Now, let’s talk about the crust. Oh, that thin crust! It’s thin, yet sturdy enough to hold all the lavish toppings without getting soggy. It’s like a delicate balancing act between crispness and chewiness, and Panino’s has nailed it! I couldn’t resist taking a moment to appreciate the sheer artistry that goes into creating the perfect crust. It’s like a work of edible modern art.

As for the toppings, they were a symphony of flavors dancing on my tongue. From the classic combination of pepperoni and cheese to the bold and adventurous choices like goat cheese and caramelized onions, Panino’s offers a variety that caters to all pizza lovers. And the cheese? Oh, the cheese! It’s melted to perfection, creating a gooey, cheesy paradise that stretches with each bite.

In conclusion, Panino’s Pizzeria – Evanston is a pizza lover’s dream come true. From the impeccable thin crust to the mouthwatering toppings, this place has it all. If you’re ever in Evanston, IL, and find yourself craving a slice of perfection, look no further than Panino’s. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.