IL Pizzeria Lands On Nationwide List Of Best Pizza Shops

ILLINOIS — A Chicago-area pizza restaurant known for its caramelized cheese crust has earned another national distinction.

Pequod's Pizza, which operates restaurants in Chicago and Morton Grove, was selected to represent Illinois on Food & Wine's list of award-winning pizza shops, published Oct. 27. The publication highlighted one pizzeria from each of the 50 states, along with Washington, D.C., drawing on recognition from international pizza competitions, restaurant rankings, local publications and readers' choice awards.

Pequod's earned its spot on the list thanks in part to its previous national accolades, including being named No. 1 on Yelp's Top 100 Pizza Spots in the United States in 2024 and winning the top spot in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Chicago pizza in 2022, according to Food & Wine.

The restaurant is particularly known for its Chicago-style pan pizza, which features a distinctive caramelized cheese crust. To achieve the signature crust, mozzarella is placed around the inside edge of the pizza pan, where it browns and crisps as the pizza bakes.

Pequod's has also attracted national attention through its appearance in the second season of the television series "The Bear," which Food & Wine noted in its selection. The restaurant's history dates back to 1970, when founder Burt Katz opened the original Pequod's in Morton Grove, according to the restaurant's website.

Katz developed a following for his pan-style pizza and its caramelized crust. He sold the restaurant in 1986, and the new owners later expanded into Chicago, opening a second location in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in 1992.

Both locations continue to operate today, with the original restaurant at 8520 Fernald Ave. in Morton Grove and the Chicago restaurant at 2207 N. Clybourn Ave.

Pequod's serves its signature pan-style pizza with a variety of toppings, along with thin-crust options and other menu offerings.

The restaurant was among 51 pizza destinations highlighted by Food & Wine, whose selections included well-known establishments such as Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in Connecticut, Tony's Pizza Napoletana in California and Buddy's Pizza in Michigan.

The full list of award-winning pizzerias across the country is available on Food & Wine's website.