After tasting pizza all over the world, I’ve decided to take on a bit of a more local quest: finding the best pizza in Champaign. So, I put together a list of twelve pizza places and set out on my mission. From the basics like pepperoni and cheese to more adventurous toppings, I’m here to give you an impartial opinion on which is the best.
It was a hard choice with so many delicious recipes, but I’m ready to share my verdict of the best pizza in Champaign with you. Let’s get started!
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of Illinois
#1 D.P. Dough
- Offers dessert
I’m not one to mince words, so let me tell you this right now – this is some of the best pizza I’ve ever had! The crust was crispy and flavorful, while still maintaining its signature soft texture. And the toppings were fresh and delicious.
The atmosphere inside the restaurant is great, too. It’s warm and inviting, making it a great spot for friends and family to get together. Plus, the staff are very friendly and accommodating.
But what really makes D.P. Dough stand out from other pizza restaurants in Champaign IL is their unique selection of pizza toppings! From roasted garlic to figs to truffle oil, they have it all! I could barely decide on what to order because everything sounded so good!
Overall, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Champaign IL then look no further than D.P. Dough! Trust me when I say that your taste buds will thank you for taking a trip here!
If you’re willing to go an extra 46 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in Bloomington!
#2 Manzella’s Italian Patio
- Has insanely good dessert
- Has a kid’s menu
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has some vegetarian options
I had the pleasure of trying their Margherita which was EVERYTHING I’d expect from a classic Italian pizza. Thick and delicious tomato sauce, topped with plenty of cheese and basil – it was definitely one of the best Margheritas I’ve ever tasted.
I also tried their deep dish pizza, and it was truly something special! You can really tell that they put a lot of care into their craft – the thick crust was cooked to perfection, and the topping combinations were creative yet simple at the same time. Absolutely delicious!
The atmosphere at Manzella’s Italian Patio is top-notch too – cozy and inviting, it makes you feel right at home while you enjoy your meal. And, to top it all off, their staff are some of the friendliest people I’ve encountered while on my travels!
All in all, Manzella’s Italian Patio gets two thumbs up from this wandering food critic – they definitely have some of the best pizza in Champaign IL. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping by for a slice (or two)!
#3 Pizzeria Antica
- Has some vegetarian options
- Has insanely good dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Nice tourist spot
The pizza here is second to none. It’s cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. Every bite melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more! I love the variety of toppings they offer, the quality and freshness of their ingredients, and that they make everything from scratch.
One of my favorite things about Pizzeria Antica is their unique atmosphere. It’s cozy, inviting, and the staff are friendly and enthusiastic. They always make sure to go above and beyond to make sure every customer has a great experience.
The best part about Pizzeria Antica is definitely the pizza though! I’ve tried several varieties while here, including their signature cheese pie with prosciutto, arugula, truffle oil, garlic butter sauce, and mozzarella cheese. It was out-of-this-world delicious! The crust was thin but still thick enough to pick up each slice without it flopping around everywhere. Every bite was packed with flavor – a perfect blend of savory and sweet elements that made for an unforgettable experience.
All in all, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Champaign IL then look no further than Pizzeria Antica!
#4 Monical’s Pizza
- Serves alcohol
- Has a kid’s menu
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
My experience at this fine establishment began before I even stepped through the door. From the street, I could smell the scent of delicious cooked dough and melted cheese wafting out from the restaurant. When I walked in, I was amazed by how hospitable and welcoming the staff were.
The pizza here is truly phenomenal! They have a huge selection of classic pies that all looked incredible. But what really knocked my socks off was the unique toppings they had available; everything from maple bacon to reindeer sausage! The crust is perfectly thin and crispy on the outside, but still soft enough to get an amazing bite.
For dessert, I decided to try one of their famous brownie sundaes. It was like eating a slice of heaven – rich, gooey brownies topped with melty vanilla ice cream and drizzled with hot fudge sauce — it was divine!
Monical’s Pizza has set a high bar for pizza restaurants everywhere. Their combination of delicious food and excellent service makes them worth checking out next time you’re in Champaign IL looking for some of the best pizza you’ll ever eat.
#5 Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
- Has some vegetarian options
The secret to their success lies in their fresh ingredients, coupled with a unique process that ensures the pizza is of the highest quality. Instead of making your pizza from pre-made dough and pre-cooked sauces, Papa Murphy’s uses scratch-made dough that’s freshly made each day and slow-cooked sauces. This results in delicious pizzas with unsurpassed flavor and texture.
I was especially impressed by the selection at Papa Murphy’s. With options like classic cheese and pepperoni pizzas, specialty pizzas such as Chicago Fire and Mediterranean Veggie, and Create Your Own toppings, there really is something for everyone.
The take-and-bake process is convenient too – you simply order your pizza online or over the phone, pick it up at your local store when it’s ready, pop it into your oven at home and enjoy!
All in all, I’d recommend Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza to anyone looking for the best pizza in Champaign IL. It’s worth trying out if you haven’t already!
#6 Mia Za’s
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
- Nice tourist spot
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the pizza is divine! I was especially impressed with the variety of creative toppings they offer from local favorites like Bacon Jalapeño to unique international flavors such as Porcini Mushrooms.
What really sets Mia Za’s apart from the competition is their delicious crust. The thin crust has just a hint of crunch when you bite into it. The secret? They use fresh ingredients and an age-old baking technique!
Mia Za’s also offers a wide selection of vegetarian options which I appreciate. My favorite so far has been their Margherita Pizza topped with Mozzarella Cheese and juicy Roma Tomatoes. It’s simply mouth-watering!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Champaign IL, then look no further than Mia Za’s. You won’t be disappointed!
#7 Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
The crust was perfectly cooked with a nice crunch and chew, and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. The cheese was melted to perfection!
I had an empanada as well, and it didn’t disappoint. The dough was light yet flaky and the fillings were delicious.
But I came here for pizza, and I wasn’t disappointed. The sauce had a nice flavorful kick that made me come back for more – definitely some of the best pizza in Champaign IL!
The atmosphere at Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas was cozy, yet modern enough to make it feel like you’re in a restaurant rather than someone’s living room. The staff was helpful and friendly, too – another plus!
Overall, I recommend Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas to anyone looking for a delicious pizza experience! From their crispy crusts to their flavorful sauces, they have everything you need in one place – perfect for when you don’t have time to visit more than one restaurant.
#8 Jupiter’s Pizzeria & Billiards
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Great place to watch sports
- Nice tourist spot
- No delivery
The atmosphere was great – it really felt like I was in Italy. There were lots of people enjoying the pool tables and getting their games on, as well as sports playing on the TVs for everyone to watch. To top it off, there’s a full bar, plus dessert options!
I ordered a classic Margherita pizza and it definitely lived up to my expectations. The crust was perfectly golden brown and the sauce was flavorful enough to tantalize my taste buds. The cheese was nicely melted and creamy – everything you would expect from an Italian pizza!
The only downside is that they don’t offer delivery, but with pizza this good, it’s definitely worth making the trip. All in all, I’d give this spot 5 stars! If you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Champaign IL, Jupiter’s Pizzeria & Billiards is definitely worth checking out!
If you’re willing to go an extra 65 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in Terre Haute!
#9 Timpone’s
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has insanely good dessert
- No delivery
My journey to Timpone’s started off on an exciting note – they had a wide selection of alcohol! Not only that, but they served hard liquor – something I haven’t seen in Champaign IL before.
I was please to find that Timpone’s also offers some vegetarian options. This is always welcome news when I’m travelling and looking for great pizza.
But what really won me over with Timpone’s was their desserts – absolutely unbelievable! Their selection pretty much took my breath away.
One downside I found at Timpone’s was that they don’t offer delivery service. This certainly would have been appreciated, but it didn’t detract from my overall experience.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Champaign IL then look no further than Timpone’s!
#10 Vinny’s by the slice and More
- Has some vegetarian options
I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. I mean, how could a little local pizzeria compete with the big-name places? Boy, was I wrong!
The pizza crust is just the right thickness and it’s cooked to perfection. Plus, all of the toppings are so fresh and flavorful, you can really tell they’re using quality ingredients here. Whether you prefer a classic pepperoni or something more exotic like pineapple and bacon, Vinny’s has something for everyone.
Maybe the most impressive thing about Vinny’s is their staff. Everyone from the counter guys to the chefs are super friendly and more than willing to chat about why their pizza is so good. The customer service makes you feel as if you’re part of the family!
Overall, Vinny’s by the slice and More is easily one of the best pizza spots in Champaign IL. If you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a shot! You won’t be disappointed!
#11 Papa Del’s Pizza Factory
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
- Great place to watch sports
- Has a kid’s menu
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
I had the incredible pleasure of dining at Papa Del’s Pizza Factory recently and I can confidently say it was one of the highlights of my travels. The atmosphere alone is enough to make you feel as if you’ve been transported to your favorite pizza parlor in Italy! Everywhere you look, you can see the love and care that have gone into perfecting each pizza.
The house specialty, the Sicilian Pie, was beyond delicious – a delectable combination of fresh mozzarella cheese and flavorful tomato sauce on an excellent crispy crust. Toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushroom and olives added plenty of flavor without overwhelming the dish. It’s without doubt the best pizza in Champaign IL I’ve come across during my travels!
The service here was also top-notch – friendly staff members who treated us like family made us feel right at home. They even gave us extra samples for free – which may be why I still find myself dreaming about their pizza months later!
All in all, Papa Del’s Pizza Factory is not only a must-visit place for locals but also a destination for anyone looking for some delicious Italian-style pies. If you’re ever looking for the best pizza in Champaign IL then this is where you need to go – trust me on this one!
#12 Jet’s Pizza
First, the staff is friendly and helpful. They made ordering my pizza a breeze, and were happy to answer all of my questions. I was even surprised when they gave me a free snack with my order!
The pizza itself was delicious – it had just the right amount of crust, the sauce was flavorful, and it was topped with a variety of fresh ingredients. The cheese melted in my mouth like butter and each delicious bite left me wanting more.
To top it off, the atmosphere at Jet’s Pizza is warm and inviting. It’s a great place to hang out with friends while enjoying some awesome pizza. And let’s not forget about those famous Detroit-style square pizzas – definitely worth trying!
Overall, I have to say that Jet’s Pizza has been one of my favorite pizza experiences ever. If you’re looking for the best pizza in Champaign IL, then look no further than Jet’s Pizza!
Best Deep Dish Pizza – Papa Del’s Pizza Factory
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
- Nice tourist spot
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Great place to watch sports
From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I knew I was in for a cheesy treat. The smell of freshly-baked crust and melting mozzarella greeted me like a warm hug from a long-lost friend. I couldn’t contain my excitement as I glanced around and saw the pizzas being served to other diners. Each slice was a work of art, its toppings perfectly balanced and the crust a masterpiece of doughy goodness.
But let’s talk about the size of these pizzas. Seriously, they were colossal! I felt like I needed a map just to navigate my way around one slice. And the best part? They didn’t skimp on the toppings either. The pepperoni was piled high, the sausage was juicy, and the vegetables were so fresh they practically had their own garden plot right in the kitchen.
And let’s not forget about the cheese pull. Oh, sweet merciful cheese pull! When I took my first bite, I swear the cheese stretched all the way from the plate to my mouth, like a delicious cheesy bridge connecting me to pizza heaven.
The staff at Papa Del’s were as friendly as can be, and they didn’t take themselves too seriously. The servers were quick with a joke and even quicker with a big slice of pizza. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I watched them navigate the maze of tables, balancing those massive pies like seasoned acrobats.
So, if you find yourself in Champaign, IL craving a pizza experience that will make your taste buds do a happy dance, Papa Del’s Pizza Factory is your destination. Trust me, your belly will thank you and your taste buds will never be the same again.