This lively college town boasts some delicious pies, made with all kinds of toppings, and I’ve ventured to 11 pizza places in my quest for the best! I’m not just talking about cheese pizzas either. Vegetable options, thick crusts, thin crusts, and tons of other creative combos can be found here.
I’m ready to take you on a humorous yet lighthearted journey as I uncover which is the best pizza in town!
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of Illinois
#1 Cantuccio’s
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
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
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
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
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
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
- Offers dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
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
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
- Has a kid’s menu
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
- Offers dessert
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
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
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- Has a kid’s menu
- Has insanely good dessert
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.
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has insanely good dessert
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
- Offers dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
- Great place to watch sports
- Has a kid’s menu
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.
