Best Pizza in River North
Updated June 16, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best pizza in River North
Pizzeria Portofino offers a chic Italian dining experience with a stunning riverfront terrace, making it a perfect spot for special occasions or a lively night out. Guests consistently praise the phenomenal food, especially the light and flavorful pizzas like the amazing pepperoni with honey, alongside excellent drinks and incredibly attentive service. The beautiful decor and vibrant energy create a memorable atmosphere.
Gino's East stands as a beloved Chicago institution, renowned for its iconic deep-dish pizza that consistently delights first-timers and regulars alike. Beyond the famous pies, which are celebrated for their deliciousness, the restaurant offers a very cool and laid-back atmosphere, often adorned with celebrity notes on the walls. Patrons frequently highlight the fantastic service and the surprisingly affordable prices for such a popular spot.
Quartino Ristorante offers a lively and comfortable dining experience, perfect for groups seeking a vibrant Italian meal in a convenient downtown location. Guests rave about the fresh, well-made food, particularly the al dente vodka sauce pasta and the margherita pizza with its fresh taste and satisfyingly crunchy crust. The atmosphere is energetic, complemented by friendly and attentive service that enhances the overall experience.
Giordano's is a celebrated Chicago deep-dish destination, known for its hearty, flavorful pizzas that consistently impress, even when the restaurant is bustling. Diners often praise the amazing deep-dish creations, like the build-your-own with double pepperoni, sausage, and bacon, alongside perfectly crispy calamari appetizers. The wonderful atmosphere and reasonable wait times, despite being crowded, contribute to a great overall dining experience.
Happy Camper Pizza offers a uniquely cool and trendy experience in Old Town, featuring a playful vibe with tire swings and airstreams, making it an ideal spot for hanging out with friends. Their pizzas, including popular tavern-style options, are consistently praised for being delicious and loaded with a fun variety of toppings. Guests also enjoy the energetic atmosphere, great drinks, and attentive service, making it a memorable outing.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best pizza in River North
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about River North pizza
What is the highest-rated pizza in River North?
Pizzeria Portofino has the highest Google rating in our list of the best pizza in River North, with 4.8 stars across 16,562 reviews.
Which pizza in River North has the most reviews?
Giordano's has the most reviews of any pizza on this list — 25,641 ratings averaging 4.5 stars on Google.
How are the best pizza in River North ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best pizza in River North was last refreshed in June 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite pizza on the list of best pizza in River North?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the River North area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.