Chicago is known for art, architecture, gangsters, Wrigley Field, da Bears, da Bulls and the Blues Brothers, but perhaps the greatest cultural contribution of the city is the Chicago-style pizza. Lou Malnati, using the family recipe dating from the '40s, opened his flagship restaurant in Lincolnwood in 1971. Now with over 25 restaurants statewide, Lou Malnati's Pizzerias serve their signature buttery, deep-dish crust (deep because the dough is stretched high to fit the pan, but not technically thick as is often assumed) filled with a California plum tomato sauce and copious amounts of vegetables. The thin-crust pizza draws rave reviews as well, as do the stuffed spinach bread and the chicken sandwiches. Beer and wine available. Hours and delivery vary by location.
Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Pizza
Top 100 Restaurant, Chicago
"Lou Malnati's Pizzerias have stayed true to the original Chicago style deep dish pizza recipe that Grandpa Rudy Malnati helped create in 1943 at Chicago's first deep dish pizzeria. The Malnati's family uses only the freshest and finest ingredients available. The secret recipe for the flaky, buttery crust and exclusive sausage blend is unmatched in flavor and taste. The tomato sauce is so crucial to the making of a great Lou Malnati's pizza that each year the Malnati brothers go to California and meet personally with the tomato growers. The finest vine ripened plum tomatoes are then blended and canned exclusively for Malnati's use."
– Lou Malnati's website
"Try the butter-crust pizza, unique to Malnati's, or the chicken Parmigiana sandwich."
– Gayot
"Signature stuffed spinach bread and cheese cubes are must-try appetizers, and both the gorgonzola chicken sandwich and antipasto salad serve as yummy pizza alternatives."
– Chicago Tribune
"I don't know who started the whole beer and pizza thing, but wine perfectly complements pizza, and here the most expensive bottle is just over $20, which ain't bad."
– Chicago Reader
How others rate Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Zagat 2008
24 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)
Chicago Reader
Best Pizza, 2008 readers poll