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Pizza and meatballs in Chicago

Made for those who believe a pizza is incomplete without a side of hearty, slow-simmered meatballs.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Zazas Pizzeria - Lincoln Park image 1
Zazas Pizzeria - Lincoln Park image 2
Zazas Pizzeria - Lincoln Park image 3
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Cozy space with a family-owned warmth and Chicago neighborhood vibe creates an inviting atmosphere. Energy stays chill and lively, perfect for enjoying authentic thin crust pizza with rich, flavorful sauce. Unique pizza options and a refined ambiance set it apart from typical pizzerias.

Pizza features a crispy crust and fresh ingredients with flavors that invite another slice. Mike's Hot Pepperoni stands out as a favorite topping.

Meatballs stand out with veal variety and rich flavor. They appear in dishes like the Meatball pizza and come paired with garlic twists or salad.

People are saying

"The NY style pizza here has bold, unforgettable New York flavors."

"You have to try the ice cream, especially with the cookies."

"I found the meatballs and salad delicious."

Good to know

1

Order by the slice is limited.

2

The pizza is reasonably priced.

3

Zazaโ€™s offers a variety of pizza styles.

02
Stunod's Pizzeria & Buddy's Italian Ice image 1

Small, quaint pizza spot with a cozy and friendly atmosphere. Quiet setting mostly for takeout, featuring sentimental decor and modern cleanliness. Known for hand-rolled crusts and a unique blend of Chicago-style and lighter crust pizza.

Pizza here features a perfectly done crust and a unique deep dish style. The sauce stands out as one of the best in Chicago, and pizzas are cooked to perfection every time.

Meatballs come from grandma's recipe and show up in a meatball sandwich with mozzarella and on pizza. Both options deliver serious flavor.

People are saying

"I thought their pizza was phenomenal, some of the best I've had."

"The Chicken Parmigiana's brioche bun complemented the marinara and mozzarella."

"I found the meatballs seriously delicious on my sandwich."

Good to know

1

They charge extra for the sweet peppers.

2

The medium pizza offers good value for the price.

3

The variety of toppings is extensive and impressive.

03
Fontano's Subs & Pizzeria image 1

Classic deli and pizzeria with brick oven pizza, well-worn wood paneling, and black and white photos creating a local, authentic atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating fill up quickly, especially during busy, chaotic rush hours. Regulars gather at small tables, adding to the chill, welcoming vibe.

Chicago style deep dish pizza stands out with its 10-inch cheese option and is both delicious and affordable. The pizzeria also accommodates special requests for pizza preparation.

Subs feature very flavorful meatballs with bread that stands out as some of the best around. The meatball sandwich offers a taste reminiscent of classic Italian Sunday dinners.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly when making your sandwich."

"I found the pizza here to be amazing."

"The meatball sub is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They charge a 3% admin fee for credit card payments without informing customers beforehand.

2

Getting the pizza by the slice saves time and avoids long waits.

3

It can be busy during lunch or dinner rush, making seating challenging.

04
Villa Rosa Pizza Kitchen image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers classic Chicago thin crust and stuffed pizza with a friendly atmosphere and full bar. The space is wheelchair accessible and family-owned, creating a local, welcoming vibe. Options include dine-in, pick-up, and delivery, with a spotless kitchen visible.

Classic Chicago thin crust and stuffed pizza arrive hot and delicious with consistently great quality. The pizza pairs well with sides like buffalo wings and salads, making for a solid meal choice.

Meatballs come in a traditional Nona's recipe that melts in your mouth. They appear in sandwiches and alongside tortellini, making them a regular choice with pizzas and pastas.

People are saying

"Their salad was delicious and fresh, never disappointing."

"I found the pizza here to be delicious and fresh."

"The meatballs melted in your mouth with traditional Nona's flavors."

Good to know

1

The menu features jumbo wings as 12 pieces for $19.99.

2

Villa Rosa offers pick-up, delivery, and dine-in options.

3

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

05
PIZZ'AMICI image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, cozy space with dim lighting and tiled floor decor creates an intimate setting. Loud atmosphere with obnoxious music and shouting makes conversation difficult. The place fills quickly, attracting a lively crowd that values thin crust pizza and a casual vibe.

Thin crust pizza stands out with its perfectly crispy cracker crust and balanced sauce and toppings. The tavern-style pies feature cupped pepperoni, giardineria, and a drizzle of Mikeโ€™s Hot Honey, offering a unique flavor combination.

Tender, moist meatballs come with a delicious sauce that often outshines the meatballs themselves. Crispy, chewy focaccia pairs well to soak up the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.

People are saying

"The pizza crust is ultra-thin and crispy."

"The Caesar Salad here is massive, fresh, and full of flavor."

"I loved the meatballs; they were great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

Expect long wait times without a reservation, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is BYOB, but there's a $20 corkage fee.

06
Pizza Matta image 1
Pizza delivery

Small storefront with three booths and an open view of pizza-making creates a cozy atmosphere. Quiet and charming space features pizza peels on the wall and a classic feel. Staff engage with guests, offering a friendly and family-oriented vibe.

Tavern style pizza stands out with its super thin and crispy crust that remains chewy in a good way. Toppings like pepperoni and mushroom or sausage with fennel seed flavor come on large slices packed with great ingredients.

Meatballs have a herby, garlicky flavor that stands out without overpowering. The sandwich features an ideal bread to meatball ratio with incredibly tender meatballs and a perfect sauce on an incredible roll.

People are saying

"The pizza here has a satisfying, crispy crust."

"The salad here is fresh and delicious."

"I had the best meatball grinder I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only digital or plastic payments, but tips can still be given in cash.

2

A slice of pizza costs $4, which is a great deal.

3

Parking is easy, with lots of street parking and pay parking available in front.

07
George's Deep Dish LLC image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small space with 80โ€™s music videos and a goat mural creates a cozy, down-home diner vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and family-like, inviting relaxed dining. Limited seating and pre-order system reflect high demand and exclusivity.

Deep dish pizzas feature a perfect crust and are loaded with toppings like Italian sausage, cup-and-char pepperoni, beef meatballs, and crumbled bacon. Thin crust options also impress with amazing flavor and a well-balanced, thoughtful build.

Homemade meatballs bring a lot of flavor to the pizzas here. They appear on various pies, including those with Italian sausage, cup-and-char pepperoni, and mushrooms.

People are saying

"I thought this deep dish pizza was one of the best I ever had."

"The sourdough crust is crispy, airy, and has a wonderful tangy flavor."

"I thought their deep dish pizza was one of the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The place is pre-order only with only 50 pizzas made per night.

2

I recommend ordering ahead of time to secure your pizza.

3

You can only pay with credit card on the site.

08
Peanut Park Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Rooftop dining with a retractable roof offers a quaint and intimate setting complemented by large open windows that blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Atmosphere balances comfortable space and lively energy, though noise can rise during busy times. The setup supports group gatherings while maintaining a pleasant view and inviting vibe.

Pizzas come out super thin and crispy with just the right amount of cheese and toppings. Varieties like pepperoni and whipped ricotta and fungi stand out for their flavor.

Meatballs come with great flavor and taste, often enjoyed as a starter or alongside other dishes. They pair well with the pizza and calamari, making them a solid choice on the menu.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is so delicious."

"The pizzas here are out of this world, super thin and crispy."

"The staff's friendly and attentive service made the Meatballs experience great."

Good to know

1

Peanut Park Trattoria offers a happy hour between 4-6pm with $3 off pizzas.

2

Brunch is served on weekends with a special menu.

3

Expect long wait times on holidays like Valentine's Day.

09
Chef Ciccio, Beef-Balls-Beer image 1

Italian-style restaurant offers authentic Italian vibes with busy, lively atmosphere and entertaining chefs. Located in a quieter corner, it provides a family-like dining experience with views of Lake Michigan nearby.

Pizza features a pesto and mozzarella option and a classic pepperoni loved by kids. No thick crust Chicago-style pizza is available, but other types are offered.

Meatballs come in a meatball sub and a meatball marinara sandwich, both made with care and authenticity. These sandwiches deliver amazing flavor and stand out alongside the Italian beef options.

People are saying

"The Italian Beef sandwich here is absolutely delicious."

"The meatball sandwich here is outstanding and authentic."

"The owner's kindness made our pizza experience special."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is open on Christmas Day for those looking to dine.

3

Expect a quick service with orders completed in 5-7 minutes.

10
Arturo Express Restaurant and Catering image 1

Italian restaurant offers warm, inviting atmosphere with affordable, filling lunch specials. Menu features high-quality sandwiches and pasta, including standout Italian beef and breakfast bagel sandwiches. Service focuses on express lunch options with large portions and a rewards program.

Buffalo Chicken pizza stands out with its tasty flavor. Pizza lunch specials come affordable and filling, often paired with a Greek salad and a roll.

Meatballs come with rich meat sauce and appear in dishes like lasagna and sandwiches. The meatball sandwich offers a very good balance of flavors and texture.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"I loved the pizza here; it was really good."

"The meatballs were delicious and I loved the meat lasagna."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a $12 lunch special that includes spaghetti, salad, and a drink.

2

A rewards card is available where the 11th meal is free.

3

The restaurant is not open for dinner, so plan your visit accordingly.

11
BoJono's Express image 1
Pizza restaurant

Quaint shop with new decor and a small menu offers a cozy vibe suited for quick, affordable meals. The space has limited seating, making it better for takeout than dining in. The atmosphere feels reimagined and welcoming for lunch and early dinner.

Crispy thin crust pizza with plenty of toppings stands out here. The cheese pizza delivers a fantastic, cheesy flavor that matches classic Chicago style.

Meatball subs and sandwiches stand out with rich flavor and satisfying portions. The meatballs pair well with other dishes like chicken parmesan and soups, making them a solid choice here.

People are saying

"This American food's pot roast sandwich is tender and packed with flavor."

"I found the chopped chicken salad fresh and tasty."

"I thought the pizza here was delicious with a great thin crust."

Good to know

1

BoJono's Express reopened in November and serves lunch and early dinner.

2

The restaurant offers a great selection of sandwiches, salads, and daily specials.

3

Prices are very affordable, with meals typically around $15.

12
Nonna Soluri's Italian Deli image 1

Small, colorful deli with an old school feel and a cute garden patio offers a friendly, inviting atmosphere that feels like a slice of Italy. Regulars enjoy homemade sandwiches and a sense of community that recalls Chicago's past. The space is cozy and packed, balancing charm with a no-nonsense vibe.

Slices come with spicy sausage and a fresh, homemade feel. Pizza varies from good to stale, but often pairs well with other Italian deli items.

Meatballs come in a meatball sandwich with red sauce and sweet peppers and in a Mostaccioli dish. The sandwich features red sauce and sweet peppers, while the Mostaccioli has only two small meatballs with a small amount of sauce.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were the best in Chicago."

"I had to try da pizza with the spicy sausage."

"I loved the meatball sandwich with red sauce and sweet peppers."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of about 20 minutes during peak hours.

2

Parking is available right in front of the deli.

3

A 4% surcharge applies to credit card payments; cash is advisable.

13
D'Amato's Bakery image 1

Small bakery with old-school charm and narrow aisles creates a cozy but sometimes crowded atmosphere. Friendly staff and great tunes add to the inviting vibe, while a covered outdoor patio offers extra seating for a quick bite.

Unique pizza stands out with a dairy-free pan crust and a sausage topping that recalls classic family recipes. The pizza pairs well with authentic crusty bread and desserts like eclairs and cannoli.

Massive, juicy meatballs come covered in marinara sauce. The meatball sub features mozzarella and hot peppers, offering a simple but very tasty sandwich option.

People are saying

"This bread is the best sandwich bread I've ever had."

"I highly recommend the subs here; they're great."

"The meatballs are massive, juicy, and covered in marinara."

Good to know

1

D'Amato's Bakery only accepts cash payments.

2

The bakery has limited seating inside but offers outdoor seating with tables.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours due to a small kitchen.

14
Ricobene's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious pizza restaurant with old Chicago feel and walls adorned with historic photos. Atmosphere is warm and family-like, offering a cozy mom-and-pop shop vibe. Plenty of seating and simple, stylish decor create a welcoming environment.

Thin cheese pizza and deep dish options stand out here. The breaded steak pizza offers a unique, flavorful twist that many find exceptional.

Meatball sandwich stands out with its hot peppers adding a spicy kick. It consistently earns high praise for being hot and flavorful and ranks above other sandwiches like the breaded steak.

People are saying

"I thought the breaded steak sandwich was the best."

"I thought the breaded steak pizza was out of this world."

"The meatball sandwich with hot peppers is hot and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Handicap parking is available in the lot.

2

Ricobene's does not offer delivery to all nearby locations.

3

Prices for sandwiches are around $17.99, which may vary.

15
Nonna's Pizza & Sandwiches image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, bright space with covered outdoor seating surrounded by flowers offers a cozy, authentic vibe. Energy feels like a home-cooked Italian kitchen with a casual, bustling atmosphere. Regulars enjoy best sandwiches and exceptional chicken Parmesan in a setting that blends city hustle with intimate dining.

Slices come in New York size with a crispy yet puffy crust that holds toppings well. Giant pepperonis and options like truffle oil pepperoni add bold flavor to the thin dough base.

Meatball subs stand out with rich flavor and a satisfying texture. The menu also features a meatball salad that pairs well with other dishes like tomato soup.

People are saying

"I thought the chicken Parmesan sandwich was the best."

"I loved the huge pizza slice; it was a great deal."

"I think the meatball subs here are the best in town."

Good to know

1

They accept cash, credit, and debit cards for payment.

2

The restaurant only offers takeout options with no indoor seating.

3

Expect busy lunch hours, which may lead to longer wait times.

16
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar image 1

Big-screen TVs cover every wall, creating a sports-focused environment with rustic charm. Loud music from a live DJ energizes the space, encouraging singing and dancing. Seating is ample, designed for casual family dinners and lively game nights.

Deep dish pizza stands out with its fresh crust and flavorful sausage. Wings and chicken sausage pizza also complement the menu well.

Two massive, well-seasoned meatballs come with spaghetti cooked expertly al dente. The sauce has an inviting spice that complements the healthy portion size.

People are saying

"This deep dish pizza is amazing and straight out of the oven."

"The bar staff treated me like a regular with a smile."

"These meatballs are a revelation, perfectly seasoned and massive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Parking is difficult; consider using a ride share or park a block away.

3

A DJ performs on Friday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

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