Here’s where to find the best pizza in Illinois, according to The Infatuation, as well as favorite local joints.
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Two Illinois pizzerias are among the best in the nation, according to one recent report, and they serve different styles of pies.
The Sept. 22 report from restaurant review publication The Infatuation, “The Best Pizza Places in America,” named Pizz’Amici and Milly’s Pizza In The Pan among the nation’s best. Both establishments are located in Chicago.
The analysis, which did not numerically rank the restaurants, lauded Pizz’Amici for its well-crafted tavern-style pizza.
“The crust at Pizz’Amici is impressively thin and crackery, with a structural integrity that should get shout-outs in PBS specials about local architecture, while the bottom of each pie is a Dalmatian-spotted, charred beauty,” The Infatuation’s analysis read.
Appetizer options at Pizz’Amici include focaccia, burrata, salads and more. A 14-inch Chicago thin-crust pizza starts at $21, with toppings such as house-made Italian beef, mushrooms, green peppers and onion available for an additional charge.
Pizz’Amici is located at 1215 W. Grand Ave. in Chicago and is open 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations can be made online.
Dining at Milly’s Pizza In The Pan
Milly’s Pizza In The Pan stood out for its pan-style Chicago deep-dish pizza, with “zesty” tomato sauce and caramelized cheese on the crust.
“While you can build your own pizza, they also have incredible curated combinations, like the Tom’s Killing with vodka sauce, pepperoni, everything bagel spice, and chili crunch,” The Infatuation’s analysis read.
A cheese pizza starts at $20 for a 10-inch and $24 for a 14-inch pie, before adding any toppings. Specialty pizzas include the “Updog,” with tomatoes, spinach, red onions and more, and the “Untitled #1,” featuring pepperoni, jalapeño and mozzarella.
Milly’s Pizza In The Pan has two Chicago locations: 925 N. Ashland Ave. and 3409 N. Broadway. Both locations are closed Monday and Tuesday and open 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
The restaurant does not accept reservations. Staff recommend placing an order online ahead of time as a limited number of pizzas are made each day.
The News-Democrat has contacted staff with Pizz’Amici and Milly’s Pizza In The Pan for comment about the recognition from The Infatuation.
What’s the best pizza near Belleville?
While The Infatuation’s picks for best pizzerias were in Chicago, the metro-east is home to several local establishments known for their fresh ingredients and tasty pies.
In a 2025 poll, News-Democrat readers named Papa Vito’s Pizza the No. 1 best pizza place in the metro-east, standing out for its family atmosphere, quality ingredients and signature dishes. Smitty’s Pizzeria came in second place.
If you’re looking for a lower-cost chain option, a previous News-Democrat analysis found Casey’s and Godfather’s Pizza Express (in Hucks) served the cheapest pizza.
St. Louis favorite Union Loafers was also praised in The Infatuation’s analysis, with popular specialty pizzas and a highly recommended side-order of buttermilk dressing.
Do you have a question about restaurants in Illinois for the News-Democrat? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Metro-east Matters form below.
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Meredith Howard is a service journalist with the Belleville News-Democrat. She is a Baylor University graduate and has previously freelanced with the Illinois Times and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
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