Illinois’ Highest-Rated Pizzerias To Add To Your Summer Plans
Here’s one thing Illinois does really well in summer: it turns pizza into a reason to make plans. Maybe that means grabbing a patio table in Chicago, stopping somewhere casual after a day on the road, or finding a small-town spot that locals have loved for years.
Around the state, you’ll find deep-dish classics, crispy tavern-style slices, wood-fired pies, and pan pizzas with edges worth fighting over. The best part is that none of it has to feel fancy.
It is just good food, good company, and a warm evening that lasts a little longer than expected. Call a few friends, and use this guide as an excuse to chase some of the best pizza Illinois has waiting this summer.
1. Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company (Chicago)
Right on the Chicago River with views that could honestly make you forget your food is even there, Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company has somehow figured out how to make the scenery compete with the pizza. Spoiler: the pizza wins every time.
Located at 465 N. McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611, this spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The crust here is the real star of the show. Robert’s spent years perfecting a dough recipe that is chewy, flavorful, and just the right amount of crispy on the bottom.
Each pie is thoughtfully topped with fresh, high-quality ingredients that feel intentional rather than just thrown on there. The menu rotates seasonally, so summer visits come with exciting, fresh combinations you won’t find anywhere else.
Outdoor seating makes this a top-tier summer destination, especially on a breezy Chicago evening. The atmosphere is upscale without being stuffy, meaning you can show up in shorts and still feel totally welcome.
For anyone serious about pizza craftsmanship, Robert’s is an absolute must-visit that rewards every single bite with something worth savoring.
2. Coda di Volpe (Chicago)
Coda di Volpe brings a taste of southern Italy straight to Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, and the pizza here is so authentic you might briefly forget you’re in the Midwest. Located at 3335 N.
Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, this charming spot has earned a loyal following for good reason.
The name means “fox tail” in Italian, and this place is just as clever and spirited as that sounds. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas are made with imported Italian flour and cooked in a blazing hot oven that creates that signature charred, blistered crust that pizza enthusiasts genuinely dream about.
The sauce is bright and tangy, the cheese is creamy and fresh, and every topping combination feels like it was designed by someone who truly loves food.
Beyond the pizza, the warm and welcoming atmosphere makes Coda di Volpe a place you’ll want to linger long after your last slice is gone.
The staff is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, happy to walk you through the menu like proud ambassadors of Italian cuisine. Summer patios and a vibrant neighborhood vibe make this one of Chicago’s most enjoyable dining experiences from start to finish.
3. Pequod’s Pizza (Morton Grove)
Few things in the pizza universe inspire the kind of devotion that Pequod’s Pizza does, and their Morton Grove location is proof that greatness travels well beyond city limits. Find them at 8520 Fernald Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053, where the legend of caramelized crust lives on in full, glorious, cheesy fashion.
What makes Pequod’s truly unforgettable is that signature caramelized cheese crust. The cheese is pressed up against the sides of the pan and baked until it turns into a crispy, slightly smoky ring of pure joy.
It sounds almost too simple to be that good, but one bite will completely rearrange your pizza priorities. The tomato sauce is chunky and robust, layered generously on top in true Chicago deep-dish style.
Pequod’s has been doing this since 1971, which means they’ve had decades to perfect a formula that clearly works.
The Morton Grove location has a neighborhood-tavern feel that is unpretentious, comfortable, and exactly the kind of place you want to spend a summer evening. Expect a wait during peak hours, because word has gotten around, and people are not shy about making the trip for this legendary pie.
4. Milly’s Pizza in the Pan (Chicago)
Milly’s Pizza in the Pan has quietly become one of Chicago’s most exciting pizza destinations, championing the Detroit-style square pie in a city already famous for its own deep-dish traditions.
With locations at 925 N. Ashland Ave and 3409 N. Broadway in Chicago, Milly’s is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever settled for anything less spectacular.
Detroit-style pizza is all about the edges, and Milly’s absolutely nails them. The crust puffs up into an airy, focaccia-like base with crispy, lacey cheese edges that crunch with every bite.
Sauce goes on top of the cheese, toppings are generous, and the whole thing arrives in a square pan looking like the most beautiful thing you’ve ever been asked to eat. It is genuinely hard not to order seconds.
The menu features creative topping combinations that go beyond the classics without feeling gimmicky. Milly’s strikes a great balance between playful and refined, making it equally appealing to pizza purists and adventurous eaters.
The cozy, laid-back space is perfect for a casual summer meal, and the staff brings real enthusiasm to every recommendation. This is a spot that earns return visits, guaranteed.
5. The Pizza Place on Main (Decatur)
Decatur may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think about incredible pizza, but The Pizza Place on Main is working hard to change that narrative one slice at a time.
Located at 4350 W. Main St, Decatur, IL 62522, this community favorite brings big-city pizza energy to central Illinois with zero pretension.
Everything about this place feels warm and genuinely welcoming, from the friendly staff to the nostalgic decor that makes you feel like you’ve just walked into a pizza memory from your childhood.
The hand-tossed crust is made fresh daily, with a satisfying chew that holds up beautifully under all those toppings. Their sauce recipe has a subtle sweetness that sets it apart from the standard tomato-forward options you find elsewhere.
Summer is a fantastic time to visit because the energy in downtown Decatur picks up considerably, and The Pizza Place on Main becomes a natural gathering spot for families, friends, and anyone who just worked up an appetite exploring the area.
The menu has plenty of options for picky eaters and adventurous ones alike. Reliable, delicious, and proudly local, this is central Illinois pizza at its most satisfying and community-spirited best.
6. Gabatoni’s Italian Restaurant (Springfield)
Gabatoni’s Italian Restaurant in Springfield is the kind of place that has been feeding generations of families for so long it has practically become a local institution.
Located at 300 E. Laurel St, Springfield, IL 62703, this beloved spot combines old-school Italian-American charm with pizza that is genuinely worth crossing town for.
The thin-crust pizza here is a Springfield staple, loaded with house-made Italian sausage that has a seasoning blend you simply cannot replicate at home no matter how hard you try.
Every pizza comes out of the oven with that perfect balance of crispy bottom and gooey, stretchy cheese on top. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is the kind of comfortable that makes you want to stay for a very long time.
Springfield is a great summer destination for history buffs visiting Lincoln-related sites, and Gabatoni’s makes the perfect end to a day of sightseeing. The staff treats regulars and newcomers alike with the same genuine hospitality that keeps people coming back year after year.
If you only have one pizza stop in central Illinois on your summer itinerary, make absolutely sure this is the one you choose.
7. Village Pizza and Grill (Galatia)
Sometimes the best pizza discoveries happen in the places you least expect them, and Village Pizza and Grill in Galatia is one of those wonderful surprises that makes road trips through southern Illinois completely worthwhile.
Located at 201 E. Main St, Galatia, IL 62935, this small-town gem punches well above its weight class.
Walking into Village Pizza and Grill feels like being welcomed into someone’s home, which is honestly the highest compliment you can give a restaurant.
The pizza is made with care and consistency, featuring a sturdy, hand-tossed crust that stands up to heaping amounts of cheese and classic toppings. Pepperoni lovers will be particularly happy here, as the slices fan out beautifully with just the right amount of crispy curl on every piece.
Galatia is a tiny town, but Village Pizza draws customers from surrounding communities who know a good thing when they taste it.
The prices are incredibly friendly, making it easy to order more than you originally planned, which is basically inevitable.
For anyone exploring the Shawnee National Forest area during summer, this is the perfect fuel stop that doubles as a genuinely memorable meal worth bragging about to your friends back home.
8. Joe’s Pizza And Pasta (Edwardsville)
Joe’s Pizza and Pasta in Edwardsville has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and satisfying pizza spots in the greater St. Louis metro area, which is saying quite a lot given the competition across the river.
Located at 4 Club Centre Ct, Edwardsville, IL 62025, Joe’s delivers the kind of consistent excellence that keeps regulars coming back weekly.
The pizza menu at Joe’s is extensive without being overwhelming, striking a perfect balance between familiar classics and specialty pies that give you a reason to try something new every visit.
The sauce is rich and deeply seasoned, and the cheese is applied with the kind of generosity that should honestly be standard practice everywhere. Crust options range from thin and crispy to thick and satisfying, so every pizza preference is covered without compromise.
Edwardsville is a charming college town with a great summer energy, and Joe’s fits right into the community fabric as a place where everyone feels at home.
Families with kids will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and menu variety, while pizza enthusiasts will appreciate the clear attention to quality in every detail. Joe’s is the kind of neighborhood pizza joint that every town deserves but not every town is lucky enough to have.
9. Peel Wood Fired Pizza (O’Fallon)
Peel Wood Fired Pizza in O’Fallon is the kind of place that makes you feel fancy without charging you a fortune for the privilege, which is a rare and wonderful combination that deserves genuine appreciation.
Located at 104 S. Cherry St, O’Fallon, IL 62269, Peel has become a go-to destination for pizza lovers across the Metro East region.
The wood-fired oven is the heart of everything here, producing pizzas with that distinctive smoky flavor and beautifully blistered crust that simply cannot be replicated in a conventional oven.
Watching the kitchen team work is almost as entertaining as eating the food, as they slide pies in and out of the blazing oven with practiced precision. The menu features both classic and creative options, with seasonal specials that take full advantage of fresh summer ingredients.
O’Fallon is a growing, vibrant community, and Peel fits perfectly into its increasingly impressive dining scene. The restaurant itself is modern and inviting, with a design that feels intentional and comfortable at the same time.
Service is consistently praised by regulars and first-timers alike, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to an already excellent meal. Peel is the kind of spot that earns enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendations without even trying very hard.
10. Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza (Carbondale)
Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza in Carbondale has been a cornerstone of the local food scene for decades, beloved by Southern Illinois University students and longtime residents with equal enthusiasm and loyalty.
Located at 218 W. Freeman St, Carbondale, IL 62901, Quatro’s proves that deep-pan pizza done right never goes out of style.
The deep pan pizza here is a proper architectural achievement, with layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce stacked in a way that makes every single bite a complete and satisfying experience.
The crust has a buttery richness that gives it an almost pastry-like quality at the edges, which sounds unusual but is absolutely irresistible once you experience it firsthand. Toppings are piled on with genuine enthusiasm, and the cheese pull when you lift a slice is the stuff of pizza legend.
Carbondale has a lively summer scene thanks to the university community and proximity to beautiful natural attractions like Giant City State Park. Quatro’s serves as a beloved anchor in that scene, a place where you can always count on a satisfying meal and a friendly welcome.
The casual, no-fuss atmosphere makes it ideal for post-hike refueling or a laid-back summer evening with friends who appreciate serious pizza craftsmanship.