The Absolute Best Deep Dish Pizza in Evanston [Updated 2024]

Having sampled a total of 12 different pizzerias, I've developed a keen palate for what makes a truly exceptional deep dish.

From the buttery crust to the rich, tangy sauce and gooey cheese, each element plays a vital role in the perfect slice.

In Evanston, the pizza scene is vibrant and diverse, showcasing local favorites that put their own twist on this iconic dish.

Join me as I take you through my top picks, highlighting what makes each one uniquely delicious and worth a visit!

Union Squared Pizza - Detroit Style

Highlights
Excellent Detroit style pizza
Friendly and attentive staff
Welcoming hidden patio
Nice craft beer selection
Crisp edges and corners

Union Squared Pizza - Detroit Style is a delightful gem tucked away in Evanston, and let me tell you, this place delivers an unforgettable pizza experience! As I stepped through the door, I was greeted by the friendly and attentive staff, who made me feel right at home. The welcoming hidden patio is an ideal spot to enjoy your meal, especially on a beautiful day.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the pizza! I indulged in their renowned Detroit-style deep dish, and I couldn’t have been more pleased. The pizza’s crispy edges and corners were absolutely divine, offering that signature crunch that is often hard to come by. Every bite revealed a perfect blend of gooey cheese and fresh toppings, all encased in a buttery crust that was simply irresistible.

To complement the meal, I enjoyed a selection from their nice craft beer selection, which paired beautifully with the savory flavors of the pizza. In short, Union Squared Pizza is a must-visit for anyone seeking a deep dish adventure in Evanston. Highly recommended for pizza lovers everywhere! 🍕

You might also want to check out the best deep dish pizza in Naperville.

Union Pizzeria - Evanston SPACE

Highlights
Unique scallion pizza topping
Tender and juicy chicken
Consistently delicious food
Great cocktails, especially matcha
Best kale salad in town

Union Pizzeria - Evanston SPACE certainly knows how to make an impression with their sumptuous deep dish pizza. As I settled into the cozy ambiance, I couldn't help but be intrigued by their unique approach—who could resist a pizza with scallion toppings? The moment I took a bite, the tender and juicy chicken mingled beautifully with the gooey cheese and perfectly baked crust, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate.

What truly sets Union apart is not just the pizza—although it is exceptional—but their entire food experience. Each dish is crafted with care, evident in the consistently delicious offerings that promise satisfaction at every turn.

Let’s take a quick detour, though: their kale salad? Quite possibly the best in town! It’s a refreshing balance to the heartiness of deep dish.

And, if you’re in the mood to sip something unique, don't miss out on their delightful cocktails, particularly the matcha concoction, which adds a whimsical touch to the evening.

In the realm of Evanston's deep dish, Union Pizzeria surely earns its stripes—this is a place where flavor and creativity collide, making every visit a joy!

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Cantuccio's

Highlights
Great thin crust
Tasty toppings
Recommended

While Cantuccio's is known for their thin crust pizzas, I was pleasantly surprised by their deep dish option. The crust was perfectly crispy and flaky, with just the right amount of buttery flavor that melted in my mouth.

Their toppings were also a standout feature - I opted for the classic pepperoni and mushroom combo, which was bursting with flavor. The cheese was gooey and melted to perfection, while the sauce had a tangy tomato taste that complemented the toppings nicely.

Overall, I would highly recommend Cantuccio's for their deep dish pizza. While it may not be their specialty, they certainly know how to make a delicious pie. Plus, if you're in the mood for something lighter, their thin crust options are also worth trying.

In conclusion, Cantuccio's is definitely a strong contender when it comes to finding the best deep dish pizza in Evanston. Don't let their focus on thin crust fool you - they can hold their own when it comes to making a tasty and satisfying deep dish pizza.

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Trattoria D.O.C.

Highlights
Grilled pumpkin pizza
Authentic pasta dishes
Delicious calamari

First off, let me just say that their grilled pumpkin pizza is a game-changer. The crust was perfectly crispy on the outside while still soft and doughy on the inside. The pumpkin added a unique sweetness to the pizza that paired well with the savory tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It's definitely not your typical pizza topping, but trust me, it's worth trying.

Aside from their pizzas, Trattoria D.O.C. also serves up some authentic Italian pasta dishes that are to die for. I highly recommend their linguine alle vongole which features perfectly cooked clams in a garlic white wine sauce. And if you're feeling adventurous, give their squid ink pasta a try - it's as delicious as it is visually striking.

To start off your meal, don't skip out on their calamari appetizer. It was cooked to perfection with a light breading that didn't overpower the tenderness of the squid.

Overall, Trattoria D.O.C. is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine and creative deep dish pizzas in Evanston. They've definitely earned my stamp of approval!

You might also want to check out the best deep dish pizza in Schaumburg.

DeSalvo's Pizza

Highlights
Local ingredients, craft beer
Gluten-free options
Delicious sandwiches and salads
Clean and welcoming atmosphere

Upon arriving, I was greeted by a clean and welcoming atmosphere. As I perused the menu, I noticed that DeSalvo's uses local ingredients and offers a variety of craft beers to pair with their deep dish pizza. Bonus points for supporting the community and providing options for beer lovers!

Now let's talk about the star of the show - their gluten-free deep dish pizza. As someone who is gluten intolerant, this option was a game changer! The crust was crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside, just like a traditional deep dish pizza should be. The toppings were plentiful and each bite was bursting with flavor.

But wait, there's more! DeSalvo's also offers delicious sandwiches and salads for those looking for something lighter or different than pizza. I tried their Italian sandwich which was stuffed with fresh meats, cheeses, and veggies - it was love at first bite.

Overall, my experience at DeSalvo's Pizza was top-notch. Their commitment to local ingredients and offering gluten-free options sets them apart from other pizzerias in Evanston. If you're looking for a delicious deep dish pizza or even just a great sandwich or salad, give DeSalvo's a try!

You might also want to check out the best deep dish pizza in Aurora.

Bake HomeMade Pizza Evanston

Highlights
Incredible flavor profiles
Great for cooking at home
Best pizza in Evanston

First, I have to say that this place is a hidden gem! The aroma of freshly baked pizzas filled the air as soon as I walked in. They offer a unique experience where you get to choose your own flavor profiles and toppings, making it great for cooking at home.

I tried their classic deep dish pizza with pepperoni, mushroom, and green peppers. And let me tell you, the flavors were incredible! The crust was perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The sauce had just the right amount of tanginess and sweetness. And the cheese was gooey and melted to perfection.

But what really sets Bake HomeMade Pizza Evanston apart from other pizzerias is their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. You can taste the difference in every bite.

Overall, I highly recommend Bake HomeMade Pizza Evanston for anyone looking for the best deep dish pizza in Evanston. It's not just about the taste but also about supporting a local business that cares about its customers' satisfaction. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

You might also want to check out the best deep dish pizza in Elgin.

Candlelite

Highlights
Legit thin crust
High quality toppings
Cool staff
Crunchy cracker crust
Great customer service

First of all, let me tell you that Candlelite's thin crust is legit. It was crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, just like a perfect pizza should be. The high quality toppings were another highlight of my visit. I ordered the "Meat Lovers" and was pleasantly surprised by how generous they were with the toppings. Every bite was like a meaty explosion in my mouth.

But what really set Candlelite apart from other pizza places in Evanston was their staff. They were so cool and friendly, making me feel right at home. It's always nice to go to a place where they don't treat you like just another customer.

Now, let's talk about the crust. The crunchy cracker crust was something else! It wasn't too thick or too thin, and it held up perfectly under all those toppings. You know how some pizzas get soggy in the middle? Not this one!

Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to their great customer service. They really went above and beyond to make sure I enjoyed my meal.

Overall, if you're looking for some delicious deep dish pizza in Evanston, Candlelite is definitely worth checking out. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Firehouse Grill

Highlights
Friendly staff
Clean interior
Delicious food
Reasonable price
Varied menu

First off, let me start by saying that the staff at Firehouse Grill were incredibly friendly and accommodating. As soon as I entered, I was warmly welcomed and seated in a cozy booth with a view of the kitchen.

As I looked around, I couldn't help but notice how clean and well-maintained the interior was. I appreciated the attention to detail and it set a positive tone for my dining experience.

Now onto the main event: the deep dish pizza. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The crust was perfectly crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside, and the toppings were generously piled high with flavorful sauce and gooey cheese. It was truly delicious.

And what impressed me even more was that this tasty pizza came at a reasonable price. As someone who values quality for my money, this made me smile.

I also have to give a shoutout to Firehouse Grill's varied menu. They offer more than just pizza - from burgers to salads to pasta dishes - there's something for everyone here.

Overall, Firehouse Grill is definitely worth checking out if you're on the hunt for some of Evanston's best deep dish pizza. With friendly service, clean atmosphere, delicious food, reasonable prices, and varied menu options - what more could you ask for?

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Big Tomato Pizzeria

Highlights
Delicious pizza
Exceptional service
Fresh ingredients
Fair Price

First of all, let me tell you that the pizza I had at this place was nothing short of delicious. From the first bite to the last, it was a flavor explosion in my mouth. The crust was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside - just how I like it.

Apart from the amazing taste, what really impressed me was their exceptional service. The staff was friendly and attentive to our needs throughout our visit. They were happy to answer any questions we had about their menu and even gave us recommendations based on our preferences.

It's also worth mentioning that Big Tomato Pizzeria uses fresh ingredients in their pizzas which greatly enhances the overall taste experience. You can tell that they take pride in what they serve.

Finally, let's talk about price. With such great quality pizza and service, you'd expect a steep price tag but to my surprise, their prices were very fair for what we got.

Overall I would definitely recommend Big Tomato Pizzeria to anyone looking for a delicious deep dish pizza in Evanston with exceptional service and fresh ingredients all at a fair price. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Evanston - Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Highlights
Personal favorite
Top of the crust
Gluten free available
Great service

First off, let me just say that this place is definitely a personal favorite. From the moment I walked in, the aroma of freshly baked pizzas wafted through my nostrils and I knew I was in for a treat.

Now onto the pizza itself. The crust was something else entirely. It was so thick and buttery, with just the right amount of crunch. And let's not forget about the top of the crust – it was perfect! Not too tough or soggy, just deliciously crispy.

But what really impressed me was that they had gluten-free options available. As someone who has friends with dietary restrictions, it's always nice to know that everyone can enjoy a good slice of deep dish pizza together.

Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to the staff – they provided great service from start to finish. They were friendly and attentive without being overbearing, which added to the overall enjoyable experience.

Overall, if you're looking for some quality deep dish pizza in Evanston, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is definitely worth checking out. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Giordano's

Highlights
Delicious
Quantity
Service
Comfortable seating
Great value

Firstly, the delicious taste of Giordano's deep dish pizza is truly unforgettable. The crust was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a generous amount of cheese and toppings. It was so filling that I couldn't finish a whole pie by myself, which brings me to my next point: quantity.

The size of their pizzas is perfect for sharing with friends or family. Plus, the staff were friendly and provided excellent service, making our experience even more enjoyable. We were seated in a cozy corner with comfortable seating that added to the overall ambiance.

Another highlight was the great value we received for such high-quality pizza. Even though we had leftovers to take home, we didn't feel like we broke the bank.

Overall, if you're looking for an authentic deep dish pizza experience in Evanston, Giordano's should be at the top of your list. Their combination of delicious taste, quantity, service, comfortable seating and great value make them one of my top picks for best deep dish pizza in Evanston – and that's saying something!

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Panino's Pizzeria - Evanston

Highlights
Hot delivery
Vegetarian options explained well
Delicious Chicago Style Pizza
Homemade gelato
Real Italian food

Firstly, their delivery was hot, and that's already a great start. The staff was very friendly, and they explained the vegetarian options in detail, which is always appreciated. Now onto the pizza itself - it was a delicious Chicago Style Pizza. The crust was thick and buttery, and the sauce had a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. The cheese was gooey and plentiful, with just the right amount of toppings. It's safe to say that every bite was an explosion of flavors in my mouth. But wait, there's more! They also have homemade gelato that is worth trying. I indulged in some after my pizza feast, and it did not disappoint. Overall, Panino's Pizzeria - Evanston exceeded my expectations with their real Italian food. Whether you're in the mood for deep dish pizza or something else from their menu, you'll leave satisfied. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for some authentic Italian cuisine in Evanston.

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