We have been in the Chicago area several times but have never had Chicago style deep dish pizza. This pizza is quite a bit different than the New York style pizza we are used to. We decided to try the Chicago style pizza on this trip so asked the valet for a recommendation. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Naperville, Illinois came highly recommended as being one of the best there is. So were were off to Naperville on a side trip.
Lou Malnati's PizzeriaNaperville is a small, river port community located about 30 miles southwest from downtown Chicago. It was about a half hour drive from Joliet, Illinois where we stayed the first night. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is located in the old Naperville fire hall. During the warmer weather the two original garage doors open onto outdoor patios with the main restaurant located on the main floor of the old fire hall. The atmosphere is quite pleasant with the staff being some of the friendliest you will ever meet. Our waiter Gino went over and above to ensure our visit was enjoyable!
Gino Serves the PizzaWe ordered the The Lou medium deep dish pan pizza with spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms for $17.25. With drinks and taxes our total bill came to $24.75 which wasn't bad without gratituity.
The pizza came in a 12 - inch deep sided pan from which our very friendly waiter, Gino served a slice each as we were ready for more. Now that is service! He really did make our dining experience very pleasant. I will say kudos to Gino for being an extemely good waiter who cares about those he is waiting on. Lou Malnati's is indeed lucky to have a waiter like this! He even took a picture of us with our camera so I have a nice memento of our visit that will surely make a wonderful scrapbooking layout.
A SliceThe crust definitely was different from New York style pizza. It was crispy on the bottom as well as the sides with the top of the pizza crust curling over just slightly. The pizza was loaded with some of the best tasting mozzarella cheese I've ever tasted! A knife and fork was a must as there was no way the pizza slices could have been without them.
Now the following is not meant to be refective of Lou Malnati's or Gino's great service because trust me this place is worth going to if you like Chicago style pizza. We had heard a lot about this style of pizza so were expecting something a bit more but can't put our finger on it although my husband came closest in the problem was the crust. It gets a full two thumbs up as far as flavour goes! While the flavour was top notch it was the texture of the crust that can be best describes as somewhat thin, cake like but extra crusty, curling over the top a bit. It definitely is a different type of crust than thin or regular crust New York style pizza. Good but differents!
6 food lovers commented:
killer pizza... hard to find this good outside of Chicago
Hi Raj, it is a different style of pizza but still quite tasty :)
Hi Dave, to my understanding this style of pizza can only be found in the Chicago area. I'm surprised the style hasn't spread to other areas as well.
Oooh! Now you're making me hungry for Lou Malnati's. I haven't had it since I lived in Chicago. I just checked and they have a location in Tinley Park, closer than Naperville. We get the Gino's frozen deep dish from the grocery store and it's no where near as good as Lou Malnati's. Gino's has lots of cornmeal in the crust, in fact a bit too much for my liking.
that looks so good! i've never made it to chicago, but hope to someday! also, what service! better than what i had last night - a menu to the head and coffee down my jacket;)
Oooooooh that pizza looks delicious! *sigh* Now I'm hungry for pizza :o)
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