Lou Malnati's - South Loop

First time trying Chicago pizza. Deep dish original was the choice. It came with Italian sausage inside. So delicious 😋

Excellent experience! The pizza is delicious, with a light crust and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Highly recommended.

Incredible good. First time eating pizza Chicago Style, and I would repeat as many times as possible. The pizza cookie was also delicious. 10/10

We were recommended to come by a local and so glad we did! Carlos was lovely and made sure we had everything for our Chicago pizza experience! 🍕👍🏼

🍕 The atmosphere at this Lou Malnati’s is warm and welcoming, with a cozy, classic Chicago vibe that makes you feel right at home. It’s the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy some truly iconic deep dish. Their classic pizza is absolutely amazing—crispy, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. A must-visit when in Chicago!

Delicious Malnati Salad, Deep Dish Malnati Chicago Classic, and Thin Crust "The Lou"! Regular-sized salad is massive, plenty for two.

As tourist we check what is one of their local must try food and it was on the list so we decided to try it out. Pizza is so good I hove their crust not the ordinary crispy thin crust pizza, the pizza was indeed “pizza pie” the crust is a crispy pie, crunch with every bite. both flavors were really good, If you are more on veggie the lou is the best choice. The sausage in the Malnati was so satisfying. A must try when in Chicago. Calamari is also good love their marinara sauce.

I had a difficult time writing a review for this place. I came here because my doctor from back home in Colorado recommended it, and I was eager to try it out. There were six of us in my party, and as you might expect, we all had different opinions about our experience. Personally, I enjoyed the flavors of the Lou Malnati’s special with added pepperoni. The cheese was perfectly balanced, just the way I like it. However, not everyone shared my enthusiasm. Some in our group felt that there wasn't enough cheese, while others thought the sausage lacked flavor. One person even remarked that the crust was too hard. Interestingly, I found the very elements they complained about to be enjoyable. On the downside, the service was unfortunately slow. We had to constantly ask for water refills, which was a bit frustrating. Overall, it seems like there's something for everyone here. While I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, opinions varied widely among my friends. It’s all subjective, and you might find that you enjoy it just as much as I did!

This is the best pizza I have ever had! They delivered to our hotel and called us when they got close so we could meet them to get it. They ensured we had plates, silverware, napkins, and toppings (cheese & crushed peppers). The pizza was cooked perfectly, and the cheese pull was unmatched! We got the pepperoni deep dish and highly recommend it. The pepperoni is fresh and seasoned well, and the sauce is gorgeous. If you are in Chicago, you HAVE to give it a try!

Raised on the West Coast, the only "deep dish" pizza we had access to was BJ's pizzeria. It cemented into my head the idea that this style of pizza is a nasty greasy sponge-like hot circle of garbage. I was recommended by a fellow West-coaster to eat here on a recent trip. It changed my life. Deep dish, albeit not authentic Italian pizza, is still a delicious delicacy in its own right. Can't wait to eat it again.

The perfect Chicago lunch! We got deep dish pizzas (and yes they even have a gluten free version) and wings! If you aren’t in a rush for lunch, this is the place to be! The deep dish (gluten version) was solid. I was told their sauce was a bit underwhelming, however we asked for a side of marinera/tomato sauce and it brought the slice to the next level. The gluten free version’s crust did taste like a gluten-free version, but hey sometimes we Celiac’s just take what we can get. I was just happy to be included. In both pizzas, I loved how their sauce was like a nice layer covering the entire pie. There was meat in every bite! The wings were great, we got the parmesan garlic and they were gluten friendly. But everyone at the table enjoyed them, crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked in the center!

The staff was friendly and the pizza was one of the best I've had in Chicago in my 2 weeks I have been here. Love the sauce. Nice chunks of tomatoes and great flavor! The crust is cooked perfectly! The cheese was laid on thick!!! Check online they have some great deals! I for a small deep dish (added a topping) and bone in wings for less than $30

Walked in on a Sunday night and found the place was very empty. We ordered other appetizers as well so staff recommended us to get a small deep dish pizza and she was correct. The pizza itself is very flavorful filles with cheese and tomato sauce. It was quite sweet despite of its name 'hot honey'. Overall it was a nice meal. The appetizers tasted good. The place was warm but could be a bit too loud since they were streaming a match on the TV.

We went to Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and ordered the classic medium with extra pepperoni for two of us. It was really good — the crust was buttery and flaky, the sauce had a nice tang to it, and they definitely didn’t skimp on the pepperoni,sausage and cheese. That being said… it was SO filling. We barely made a dent in it. If you’re just two people, I’d honestly recommend going for the smaller size unless you’re starving or want leftovers. Overall, really solid deep dish and definitely worth trying — just pace yourself 😅🍕

First time ever having this type of pie. Absolutely loved it! So much that we now order them and have them shipped to our house in Tennessee! Started with the Ravioli Crisps. Wonderfully fried! Great flavor! I had the Pepperoni. My wife had The Lou! The crust! The sauce! The cheese! Quality ingredients and amazing! We tried the other place and in our opinion it just didn’t stand up to Lou’s! Great service! Can’t wait to visit Chicago again.

Several locals told us Lou Malnati’s was the place for deep dish in Chicago, so of course we had to try it. We ordered two deep dish pizzas and they were rich and flavorful, but I realized deep dish just isn’t my personal favorite style. The salads were fresh but the standout dish — the one I’d absolutely come back for — was the Chicago-style meatballs with burrata and giardiniera. Absolutely incredible! The wait was about 45 minutes, but the lively atmosphere made it fun and part of the overall experience. Great food, friendly service, and a must-try spot for the full Chicago pizza adventure.

Well we heard and heard great this about this place, so we had to try it out since we were in town. So let me say this the place was clean, the people beyond friendly, the service was incredible, the food was good. We tried the garlic bread it was damn good. We also got a salad and pizza. All of the food was good!! But to be honest what stood out the most to us was the service we got. A gentleman waited on us, wish we would have gotten his name but he was kind of enough to walk us through the menu. I know there are several in the city and I can only speak for thus one. But I highly recommend it! Next time we are in town we will definitely stop in. Thanks for a good dining experience!!

On my second trip to Chicago, I finally tried Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, and I can honestly say it was worth the hype. Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza, and Lou Malnati’s really represents the city well. I ordered the personal Lou pizza and decided to add pepperoni on top. That extra touch made it even better—the crust was buttery and crisp, the cheese was gooey and plentiful, and the sauce had a perfect tangy flavor that tied everything together. It was hearty, filling, and every bite felt like the real Chicago experience. The staff was very friendly and made me feel welcome right away, and the restaurant had a comfortable, lively atmosphere that added to the experience. You can tell they take pride in what they serve, and it really shows in the quality of the food and service. Overall, I loved my visit and will definitely come back the next time I’m in the Windy City. If you’re visiting Chicago and want to experience authentic deep dish pizza, Lou Malnati’s should be at the top of your list!

This place is phenomenal! I ate at 5 different pizza places in Chicago this week and Lou's was easily the best! No slices, so you've got to get a whole pie, but it's worth it. It comes out perfect 👌 the meats, the bread, the sauce were all top notch. The restaurant itself is really nice inside, which stood out in a city of casual pizza joints. This a place any deep dish lover has to try.

I was originally upset about my experience with Lou Malnati's after getting all the way back to our hotel and realizing my food was not what I ordered. (My friend's food was awesome both times btw) I was actually quite upset and disappointed. I reached out to the restaurant (I am so glad i did) and told them exactly what happened and how disappointed I was. someone got back to me by the next day, and made it right. Because of the quick response, we were able to go back there and get the correct dish before our trip was over. :) & I must say, it was AMAZING! I dont think it could have been better! We also tried some other items on our 2nd visit and they were just as amazing! This place is a "must try location" when in Chicago! *I also highly recommend signing up online if you are making a carry-out order. Shout out and a big THANK YOU again to Chris for helping me out with my issue and making it right. I am very glad we went back and gave Lou Malnati's a second try! 😊🙏🏻

While visiting Chicago, it should be considered a sin to not have deep dish pizza. Lou Malnati's is a great place to indulge and get your fill. When we walked in their doors we were greeted with friendliness as we were guided through the restaurant to our table. The walls are adorned with faces and memories from days long passed and the ambiance let us know and feel that we were sitting in history. Our server was very attentive and our pizza was exactly as we'd hoped. It was the perfect ending to our 4 day visit before we headed to the airport to catch our flight home. Would absolutely recommend.

The deep-dish pizza was phenomenal. It was packed with flavor and so tasty and hearty. Our server was excellent. We truly enjoyed the experience and will visit again next time we are in town.

Our service and server was awesome true Chicago style pizza. Now, it does take awhile to bake to perfection if you’re pressed on time I’d consider ordering before your arrival and then dining in. I saw a couple to do just that, luckily we had a day to play and were on our own time. The pizza was fantastic, I loved the history that the walls adorned beautiful restaurant & I plan to visit again soon.

Our visit started with exceptional service. I am in a wheelchair and the restaurant was easily accessible. I did not use the restroom facilities, so I cannot speak to that area. Our waiter was kind, knowledgeable and efficient. The food…wow! We started with meatballs for everyone, and my Goodness, what a treat! We ordered steak sandwiches and of course a pizza! I recommend ordering the fruit in place of the fries. It was an impressive assortment and the watermelon was perfectly sweet and so yummy! I ordered extra sauce and dipped my sandwich in the sauce. Wow, that sauce was the greatest! I am a Louisiana girl, so I sure wish they would have sold that sauce by the gallon for me to take home with me! Just when we thought the meal couldn’t get any better, I ordered a small cookie just to allow everyone a bite since we were all stuffed! Man…I should have ordered the big one! Both the cookie and the ice cream were just delicious, melt in your mouth goodness! I have tried to duplicate the sauce and even the cookie at home, and I just cannot even come close, even with fresh tomatoes! I would recommend Lou’s South Loop to anyone! The prices were very fair as well! For four adults, including a 20% tip, it was under $100 including appetizers and a small cookie dessert! The portions were large and we all left full and very satisfied!

So I'm in town for a few days. I felt the need for some deep dish. Gino's East, across the street from my hotel, unexpectedly closed early, so I came here. Talk about a happy accident! The sauce was way better than I expected (which is important for this kinda thing). The crust, exquisite. Ingredients, first rate. The pricing was actually way more conducive to customization. In summary, if you want great deep dish, this is your best bet.

Chicago pizza does not disappoint! I do feel like Giordano’s has extra mozzarella and has more of a cheesy pull. Those are the Lou’s is still a classic and they have great deals!

A flakey and buttery crust, and a good to very good deep dish. I know it's a chain, but once you've tried few deep dish, you'll realize that they are up there. Very friendly service, but without reservation, you may expect a long wait (which can be considered a good sign) The tiramisu was also good, but could do without the chocolate syrup and the fake chocolate bits: use real shaved chocolate and cocoa powder instead (please!)

Cesar was sensational! Great food, atmosphere and service. Glad we had reservations and pre-ordered the pizza 🍕 Prices are a bit high Would like other meat options other than pork.

I got a small deep dish and small cookie pizza here. Even though I was told 30-40 mins I was forced to wait almost an hour without a word on my order. Took less than 10 mins to eat that. That pizza sure wasn’t satisfying. It was more filled with marinara sauce than cheese.

Beautiful atmosphere and very good service. We tried their famous deep dish pizza and we are honestly not a big fan. You can have a slice. Go for smaller one as the portion is big. Tiramisu was good and we also tried the fritter cheese platter, very good!

First time trying some Chicago deep dish and it was great. Got a medium custom pizza and it was a little expensive, but we had enough for leftovers the next day. The quality made the price worth it as the pizza was cheesy and all the toppings were fresh. Also was a nice experience having a beer and waiting for the pizza. Would recommend!

For my first deep dish pizza in a new city it was delicious. The ingredients are fresh and they warn you their pizza takes 30-40min to make which worked out great since we had time to mingle with friends. The dough was chewy which I am not used to and the meats were plenty but the flavor just barely missed the mark for what my palate is used to. The atmosphere is fun and the service is great overall with good food.

I think I expected more from the Deep Dish Pizza...service was great but the taste of the sauce was bland...This was just my experience..Hope yours is better.

This was my first time in Chicago so of course I wanted to try a deep dish pizza. When the pizza came out I was expecting a "deep dish" pizza but it looked more thinner than I expected. The taste/ flavor was average, nothing to be impressed about in my opinion. Next time I am in Chicago I will try a different restaurant to see if I'll get the deep dish style pizza I was expecting. We had a great waitress though.

I ordered the cheese personal sized pizza and it came out nice and fresh. I really wanted to like this pizza but the sauce was lacking flavor and the crust wasn’t that great. My server was very friendly and I’m glad I tried Lou Malnati’s but I likely won’t be back. I think it’s a bit overpriced and of poor value. I paid just over $17 (this is with a tip included) for a personal sized cheese pizza and I also noticed that one slice of tiramisu is almost $12.

Decent pizza with great crust. I would not necessarily call it deep dish as the crust was only about 1/4 of the way up the pan. I'd call this pizza average at best BUT the heartburn after was anything but average. If you want a greasy non-deep, deep dish pizza then have at it. Service was fantastic however and gained this place at least 1 extra star in my book. Would come again just for the service and get anything but the pizza.

Waited for about an hour, the deep dish pizza was fine but nothing special. We also got their salad, which was wonderful. Our waiter was the highlight of the meal. I will never forget how he strategically placed the salad bowl on one of our pizza plates and then seemed confused where it went.

This was our first time here. We went on a Friday night & there was a 35-45 min wait, which was to be expected. You can pre-order so it's not as long of a wait once you're seated. We ordered the cheese bread & mozzarella nuggets for appetizers. The cheese bread was really good. Nuggets were good too. We ordered a pepperoni deep dish pizza. It was fine. The crust wasn't very good. They offer a butter crust which might be worth trying instead. Out server was friendly but the service was not great. There were a lot of forgotten things. Prices were pretty reasonable.

This was my first time trying deep dish pizza and obviously I picked this top rated restaurant for it. I did not make a reservation because I didn’t know which part of the town I will be in around dinner time so I did walk in. It was a little over an hour wait till I got a table. Good thing is, they have some benches so that made the wait time tolerable. They ask you to order your pizza while you are waiting so you don’t have to wait for your pizza for too long after you are seated which is a good thing. I had the calamari as starters and it was really tasty. The seafood sauce was really good. For deep dish, I ordered the vegetarian one and the sausage one. Frankly speaking I didn’t like either. The vegetarian one specially had so much tomato that it because extremely soggy. It was way too tangy and not enough cheese. Service was alright. Servers were really busy so they did the best they could. The energy at the restaurant was really great though. Lots of people, enjoying food with their friend and family, conversations and laughter. It felt nice.

Man I wanted to like this pizza. The pizza is garbage, straight garbanzo beans. I got the Chicago special. Buttercrust is terrible, tastes like oatmeal and sand. Sausage cheese and sauce were okay but the buttercrust does not work.