Chicago's pizza prowess is once again at the forefront thanks to prominent rankings from two major culinary lists this week. According to NBC Chicago, Robert's Pizza & Dough Co., stationed in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood, snagged the No. 10 spot on the 50 Top Pizza guide, up from last year's 27th. Other Chicago favorites Spacca Napoli Pizzeria and Coda di Volpe also made the list, ranking at No. 23 and No. 47 respectively.
In the recent 50 Top Pizza Guide, New York City was dubbed the "pizza capital of America," but Robert's Pizza's moment in the top ten echoes Chicago's rising profile in the national pizza scene, boasting seven spots in the expanded top 100 list. On top of these accolades, Chicago's Bungalow by Middle Brow and one southern Illinois eatery, earlier this week, were lauded among the 22 best pizzas in the U.S. by The New York Times, reinforcing the city's standing in the American pizza pantheon.
Over in Logan Square, Bungalow's dedication to local sourcing is a key highlight, with their website stating, "we make our own beer. and wine. and pizza dough. and bread" focusing on ingredients from neighboring states. Taking a five-hour drive south of Chicago leads to Scratch Brewing in Ava, where the New York Times proclaims, as detailed by WGN-TV, "To say this place is worth its own road trip is another understatement." They received praise for their pizza crusts made with the same sourdough culture used to make their bread and beers.
Adding to the list of celebrated pizzerias, Bungalow in Chicago was posited by the New York Times as a milestone in the "craft pizza renaissance." The publication highlights their Neapolitan pizzas as "fragrant and flavorful," advising them to try at least one with "tomato sauce and yuzu oil." As noted by WGN-TV, along with other Midwest establishments recognized, these Illinois spots showcase the region's commitment to culinary craftsmanship, utilizing ingredients grown or foraged by the Scratch Brewing co-owners on the surrounding land.
New York led the upper crust of the 50 Top Pizza Guide with Una Pizza Napoletana taking first place, followed by Tony's Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco and Pizzeria Beddia in Philadelphia rounding out the top three. However, Chicago's steadfast inclusion in these culinary lists highlights the city's indisputable and ever-growing reputation for crafting top-notch pizza, one savory slice at a time.
