From Chicago’s Deep-Dish Delights to NYC’s Heavenly Slices – Prepare for a Pizza-Palooza
Delve into a gastronomic journey across the United States as we uncover some of the most celebrated pizza places that have garnered fame for their delectable pies.
Drawing from a rich tapestry of culinary expertise and mouthwatering flavors, these pizzerias have carved a niche in the hearts of locals and travelers alike. From the famed deep-dish masterpieces of Chicago to the authentic Neapolitan-style gems of New York and the West Coast’s innovative twists on the classic, these establishments embody the essence of pizza-making artistry.
Whether you’re a traditionalist seeking the perfect crust or an adventurous foodie craving bold toppings, these renowned pizzeria destinations promise an unforgettable experience, each slice a testament to the devotion and passion that make them the best in the USA.
Here are a few popular places:
- Pequod’s (Chicago, Illinois): Known for its deep-dish style with caramelized crust edges and generous cheese toppings.
- Di Fara’s (Brooklyn, New York): A legendary pizzeria known for its meticulously crafted Neapolitan-style pizzas with high-quality ingredients.
- Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (New Haven, Connecticut): Famous for its coal-fired, thin-crust pies with fresh toppings and a history dating back to 1925.
- Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix, Arizona): Renowned for its artisanal combinations, using top-notch ingredients and traditional wood-fired ovens.
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (Chicago, Illinois): Another popular Chicago-style deep-dish pizza place cherished for its buttery crust and hearty fillings.
- Pizzeria Mozza (Los Angeles, California): Co-owned by Nancy Silverton, this pizzeria offers creative and delicious pizzas with fresh and seasonal toppings.
- Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitano (Brooklyn, New York): A Coney Island institution serving classic coal-fired, thin-crust pies since 1924.
- Modern Apizza (New Haven, Connecticut): An iconic spot in the city, serving up classic style with various toppings.
- Una Pizza Napoletana (New York City, New York): A minimalist pizzeria focusing on Neapolitan-style pies known for their simplicity and quality ingredients.
- Pizzeria Beddia (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): This small and renowned pizzeria offers limited daily pizzas with creative toppings.
- Pizzeria Delfina (San Francisco, California): A popular spot in San Francisco offering thin-crust Neapolitan-inspired pizzas with locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients.
- Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (San Francisco, California): Known for its diverse options, including Neapolitan, New York, and Roman styles, crafted by a world-champion pizzaiolo.
- Apizza Scholls (Portland, Oregon): This Portland pizzeria serves up delectable thin-crust style with various fresh toppings and a focus on quality ingredients.
- Pizzana (Los Angeles, California): An LA hotspot known for its gourmet Neapolitan and Roman-style pies created by a renowned chef.
- Ken’s Artisan Pizzeria (Portland, Oregon): A beloved pizzeria in Portland offering wood-fired, blistered crust and made with seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients.
TIP: These are just a few examples, and there are countless other fantastic pizzerias throughout the United States. When you have the opportunity to travel, exploring local pizzerias in different cities can lead you to some hidden gems!
Did you know?
While Chicago is renowned for its deep-dish style, another style that has gained popularity in the city is the “Chicago Thin Crust.” A thin, crispy crust characterizes this style and is cut into squares, often called “tavern-style” or “party-cut”.
While deep-dish remains the iconic Chicago style, the Chicago Thin Crust has its devoted fan base and can be found in many local pizzerias throughout the city. So, if you ever find yourself in the Windy City and want to try something different from the classic deep dish, don’t miss the chance to savor the unique Chicago Thin Crust!
A little history:
Pizza’s origins trace back to ancient times, and its evolution is a fascinating journey through history, starting with its ancient beginnings with concept of flatbreads with toppings dates back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans had some form of flatbread topped with herbs, oils, and other ingredients.
The modern pizza, as we know it today, can be traced back to Naples, Italy. In the 18th century, Naples was a thriving port city with a large working-class population. To cater to the poor, flatbreads with various toppings, including tomatoes, cheese, garlic, and oil, were sold as street food. 
In 1889, the famous Margherita style pie was created in Naples to honor the visit of Queen Margherita of Savoy and King Umberto I of Italy. Pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito crafted one with tomatoes (representing the Italian flag’s red color), mozzarella (white), and basil (green) to symbolize the colors of the flag. This simple but delicious pizza became the queen’s favorite and contributed to the popularization beyond Naples.
The United States is closely tied to Italian immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lombardi’s, established in New York City in 1905, is considered the first pizzeria in the United States. As more Italian immigrants settled in the country, its popularity grew, becoming a popular food choice among Americans.
The humble pie’s journey from humble beginnings as a Neapolitan street food to becoming a global icon of deliciousness from restaurants to home chefs. It’s a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability. It continues to be a favorite comfort food, bringing people together to savor its simple yet magical combination of flavors.
