I’ve sampled a dozen places in this town, and now I’m ready to offer my opinion on what’s the best! Don’t worry, it won’t be too serious – we’ll just have some fun digging into all of Joliet’s unique pizza offerings. You know me, I love nothing more than diving headfirst into a box full of cheesy goodness!
So let’s get started exploring the best pizza in Joliet.
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of Illinois
#1 The Slice Pizzaria & Pasta
It was practically love at first bite! The restaurant’s classic cheese pizza with a perfect balance of flavor and consistency, coupled with top-notch service from the staff, made for an experience that I won’t soon forget.
The Slice Pizzaria & Pasta also offers some unique and creative pizzas. The deep-dish special was an excellent choice – it had just the right amount of topping without being overwhelming. My favorite was the sausage and mushroom pie – who knew toppings like these could go together so well? The flavors were amazing!
The atmosphere is family-friendly, but it can still get a little rowdy on busy nights. All in all, I had a great time eating here. And despite all the delicious food available, I’m still thinking about the pizza! It’s definitely some of the best I’ve ever had!
If you’re willing to go an extra 14 miles, you can get to 26 more pizza places in Orland Park!
#2 Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria
- Serves alcohol
- Has a kid’s menu
- Offers dessert
As soon as I walked in, I could tell this place was different. The aroma of freshly cooked pizza filled the air and I could smell a hint of garlic in the mix. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the decor gave a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The pizza itself did not disappoint! The crust was perfectly crisp, with a great balance of flavor from both the cheese and sauce. To top it all off, they had an impressive selection of toppings to choose from so you can customize your own pizza.
I also tried their pasta dishes and couldn’t find much fault with them either. There is something for everyone here, from light salads to hearty entrees – you will definitely be full after your meal!
Overall, Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria lives up to its claim of serving some of the best pizza in Joliet. They provide a great atmosphere, delicious food, and unbeatable value for money – I would thoroughly recommend this place to anyone looking for quality pizza!
#3 Maurie’s Table
- Nice tourist spot
- Offers dessert
- Has a kid’s menu
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Great place to watch sports
It’s not just their flavorful dough, freshly made sauce, and care for ingredients that stands out. Maurie’s has a great atmosphere to accompany a delicious slice of pizza. The restaurant is brightly lit, with an industrial feel and contemporary styling.
The waiters and staff are friendly and helpful. I was asked what type of pizza I wanted and was even offered suggestions! The pizzas they serve range from the classic marinara, to the Unique ‘Maurie’s Special’ (which combines 4 kinds of cheese – yum!).
Most importantly though – the pizza here is simply delicious! The crust is cooked perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – leaving you wanting more. The sauces are full of flavor, with just enough spice to make it interesting without being overpowering. And the toppings? Well they speak for themselves; they add an extra kick that really brings life to your pizza experience.
Overall, I highly recommend Maurie’s Table if you are looking for some of the best pizza in Joliet! Go check them out now!
#4 FORNO Wood Fired Pizza
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
The first thing that struck me was the inviting atmosphere of this restaurant. With its large wooden oven always blazing, it looks like a perfect spot to settle in for a pizza feast.
The menu at FORNO Wood Fired Pizza is impressive. They have all the traditional toppings, plus some unique twists and combinations. I decided to try their signature dish – The Forno Special. It had a smoked bacon and sausage topping with mixed peppers, mushrooms and oregano. With the right amount of spice and lots of flavor, it was definitely one of the best pizzas I’ve ever tasted!
I was also impressed by their selection of craft beers, wines, and other drinks. So my meal ended up being not only delicious but fun too.
If you’re ever in Joliet looking for an exceptional pizza experience, then I recommend you visit FORNO Wood Fired Pizza. You won’t be disappointed!
#5 Franco’s Pizza
- Offers dessert
The smell of dough and cheese mixed with the friendly atmosphere as soon as I walked through the door prove that my visit to Franco’s Pizza would be an unforgettable experience.
I ordered a classic Margherita pizza, one of Franco’s specialty pies. What arrived was more than I expected! The hand-tossed, thin crust was light and flavorful, and the red sauce was bursting with flavor. The cheese was gooey and oh-so-delicious, complementing every other ingredient on this masterpiece of pizza perfection.
And let’s not forget about the toppings! The thinly sliced pepperoni, bell peppers, and onions were cooked to perfection – all adding another layer of flavor to the already spectacular pie.
In short (or long), Franco’s Pizza is definitely the best pizza in Joliet! From their amazing service to their delicious food, they don’t disappoint. If you haven’t tried it yet, rush out to Franco’s now – your taste buds will thank you for it!
#6 Cemeno’s Pizza
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Great place to watch sports
- Nice tourist spot
- Offers dessert
- Has a kid’s menu
On my first visit, I couldn’t help but notice the inviting and cozy dining room, complete with Italian music playing in the background. The menu was full of enticing options and the waitstaff was friendly and knowledgeable.
I decided to go with a classic Margherita pizza. When it arrived at my table, it looked divine. The freshly made dough had a slightly sweet flavor, while the perfectly melted mozzarella mixed with flavorful tomatoes made for an unforgettable combination.
The thing that impressed me most was Cemeno’s commitment to fresh ingredients. Even after traveling all over the world tasting pizza, I found that Cemeno’s Pizza still tasted better than many other places I visited!
With its delicious food, great atmosphere, and friendly service, Cemeno’s Pizza is certainly the place to go if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Joliet!
#7 Giordano’s
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has some vegetarian options
- Has insanely good dessert
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Nice tourist spot
I was instantly impressed upon entering the restaurant. The rustic decor and inviting atmosphere had me in a good mood right away. I took a seat at the bar and found myself surrounded by locals enjoying conversation. I couldn’t help but feel like part of the family!
The menu was full of delicious-looking options, but I decided to go with my usual: deep dish pepperoni pizza. Now, let me tell you – this pizza is something else! The combination of the perfectly crispy crust with ooey-gooey cheese and layers of flavor-packed pepperoni made it one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had.
Not only did Giordano’s offer an amazing pizza experience, their customer service was top-notch as well. Our server was friendly, attentive and informative – he even gave us some insider tips about their secret recipes! That’s something you don’t often get from a chain pizza place.
In conclusion, I can confidently say that if you’re looking for great pizza in Joliet, then Giordano’s should definitely be your destination. They offer quality pizza and excellent customer service at an unbeatable value. You won’t regret it!
If you’re willing to go an extra 15 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in Aurora!
#8 Niko’s Pizzeria
- Offers dessert
- Nice tourist spot
The first thing that grabs you upon entering the restaurant is the wonderful smell of freshly baked pizza. This place is small and unassuming, but the pizza is anything but!
The crust on Niko’s pizza has a nice crunchy yet chewy texture that holds up well to all the toppings they offer. The sauce is sweet and flavorful and their specialty cheeses are incredibly fresh and creamy. They use locally sourced ingredients which gives every pizza an unmistakably delicious flavor.
To top it off, their service was top-notch! Our waitress was friendly and attentive, making sure we got exactly what we wanted when ordering our pizzas.
I highly recommend Niko’s Pizzeria for anyone looking for the best pizza in Joliet. I’m confident that no matter what you order, you won’t be disappointed!
#9 Michael’s Pizza
- Has a kid’s menu
- Offers dessert
The first thing I noticed upon entering was the warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff was friendly and courteous, and the décor was tasteful and modern.
The pizza itself was simply divine! I had their signature pizzas – the cheese and pepperoni – and they were both fantastic. The crust was perfectly crispy, the toppings melted in my mouth, and the cheese was unbelievably creamy.
I also had the chance to sample some of their specialty pizzas – all equally delicious. From Chicago-style deep dish to cracker-thin crusts covered in toppings, there was something for everyone.
I must say that I’m thoroughly impressed with Michael’s Pizza! They’ve created a truly exceptional experience that keeps you coming back for more. I can confidently say that this place is easily one of the best pizza places in Joliet!
#10 Linda’s Pizza
I was very impressed with their toppings selection. They had every type of topping you could think of, from traditional Italian options to more creative choices like pineapple and barbecue sauce.
The pizza itself was thick and crunchy – a perfect combination for a pizza aficionado like me. I also thought the crust was just the right amount of greasy – not so much that it felt unhealthy, but enough to give it the classic pizzeria flavor.
To make things even better, they serve beer on tap! It’s such a great addition to the atmosphere and makes it feel more like a party than just grabbing a slice.
Overall, Linda’s Pizza is easily one of my favorite pizza places in Joliet and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for some truly delicious pizza!
#11 Joliet – Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
- Nice tourist spot
- Offers dessert
The crust was crunchy and delicious, yet so soft and chewy. The sauce had just the right amount of sweetness and seasoning. And the toppings? Oh, the toppings! Perfectly cooked bacon, fresh veggies, mouth-watering salami…it’s enough to make your mouth water!
The service was also top notch. Our server was friendly and efficient. He went above and beyond to make sure our experience was perfect.
Last but not least, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere that made us feel right at home. We felt like we had transported to a secret pizza haven within Joliet.
If you’re looking for the best pizza in Joliet, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is definitely worth checking out!
#12 Lucano’s Pizza
- Great place to watch sports
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
The first thing I noticed when I walked in was how friendly the staff were. They welcomed me with open arms and assured me that I would be getting the best pizza in Joliet.
The menu itself offered a range of different options, from classic pepperoni to more unique offerings like pineapple and jalapeno pizzas. Despite having so many options, my taste buds always craved one of their signature pies – the ‘Hallelujah’ – Italian sausage, mushrooms, red onions, fresh spinach and mozzarella cheese on a thin crust. It has become my official go-to whenever I’m in town!
When it comes to the toppings, they didn’t skimp out or cut corners. You can definitely taste the quality of each ingredient as you enjoy every bite and savor every flavor. Plus, they also have some really delicious side dishes (like garlic breadsticks with marinara sauce!) that pair perfectly with their pizza.
Overall, Lucano’s Pizza provides an unforgettable pizza experience that will make you come back for more! It’s obvious why it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular places for pizza in Joliet!
Best Deep Dish Pizza – Cemeno’s Pizza
- Great place to watch sports
- Nice tourist spot
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Offers dessert
Now, let me start by saying that as a food critic, I take my pizza very seriously. I’ve risked indigestion in Italy, battled heartburn in New York, and even survived a cheese coma in Chicago. But nothing prepared me for the cheesy, saucy delight that awaited me at Cemeno’s.
Walking into the restaurant, I was hit with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked dough and simmering tomato sauce. I could tell I was in for a treat – or possibly a cardiac arrest. But hey, all in the name of research, right?
I ordered their signature deep dish pizza, and when it arrived at my table, I was momentarily blinded by its sheer size. I half-expected it to be delivered by forklift. But once I regained my sight, I took my first bite, and it was as if the heavens opened and angels serenaded my taste buds.
The crust was thick and perfectly crispy, like biting into a cloud, if clouds were made of dough. The gooey cheese stretched out like a cheesy slinky, threatening to engulf me in a wave of dairy deliciousness. The sauce, tangy and flavorful, was the perfect complement to the mountains of cheese and toppings.
My friends, if you’re looking for a pizza that will make you question your life choices, Cemeno’s is the place to go. Just make sure to bring your appetite, an empty stomach, and possibly a defibrillator. It’s worth every bite.