
Forget the original pizza you’re used to. Deep-dish pizza is a hearty, indulgent creation with a buttery, flaky crust that cradles layers of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and a mountain of mouth-watering toppings.
The origins of deep-dish pizza date back to the 1940s, when Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo opened Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. Their pie-like dish, which could easily be a meal in itself, starkly contrasted with the lighter, more delicate Italian pizzas.
Since then, different places have picked up on the dish and tweaked it to create a taste of their own. One of these is the Windy City’s iconic deep-dish pizza serving place—Giordano’s.
A Rich and Tasty History
Giordano’s story begins in a northern Italian town near Torino, where Mama Giordano’s culinary prowess earned her fame. She was particularly famous for her delicious Italian Easter Pie, a double-crusted, cheese-stuffed masterpiece that became a beloved tradition in the Giordano family and a legend in Torino.
Years later, Italian immigrants Efren and Joseph Boglio brought this cherished family recipe to Chicago, determined to introduce a new take on pizza. In 1974, they opened the first Giordano’s on Chicago’s historic South Side, showcasing their Mama’s recipe as a stuffed pizza. This unique creation, with its generous layers of cheese and hearty fillings, quickly captured the hearts of locals and became a cornerstone of Chicago’s deep-dish pizza scene.
Over the past 40 years, Giordano’s has garnered millions of loyal fans, consistently being hailed as the city’s best-stuffed pizza. The restaurant’s success has been widely recognized, with accolades from NBC, CBS Chicago, The New York Times, Chicago Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Eater, Home & Garden Magazine, Concierge Preferred, and more.
Today, Giordano’s continues to serve its legendary stuffed pizza and various great starters, fresh salads, outstanding pasta dishes, and unique sandwiches, carrying on a tradition you can still taste with every bite.
A Unique Experience
Stepping into Giordano’s is like entering a modern twist on an old-school Italian restaurant. The red-and-white-checkered tablecloths and nostalgic, vintage photos adorning the walls set a warm, inviting atmosphere. This Chicago-based chain proudly embraces its reputation for packing abundant cheese into every pie, crafting the tallest deep-dish variation you’ll find.
Their signature dish, the Chicago Classic Deep Dish, is a vertical architectural marvel. This stuffed crust pizza is a visual spectacle, with a cheese pull that can be measured in yards rather than inches when you lift a slice from the pan.
The crust is a delightful contrast of textures—crispy on the outside yet pillowy and fluffy on the inside. It is reminiscent of pressed and layered white bread but denser to support the hearty fillings. The smooth and slightly sweet sauce perfectly balances the cheese’s richness, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
With a vast selection of tasty fillings, you can enjoy veggies, meat, and chicken fillings topped with a tarty hearty sauce that will keep you full for hours. Giordano’s also offers frozen pizzas you can bake at home to enjoy your favorite meal after a long day.