The Absolute Best Pizza in Evanston

I’ve eaten a lot of pizza in Evanston, and the only thing more consistent than the cheese pull is the debate over who does it best. You can’t throw a rock down Davis Street without hitting a decent slice, but the good stuff ranges from tavern-style squares at The Spot to the sourdough perfection hiding at a place that mostly sells bread.

DeSalvo’s has ruined me for other lunch slices, though. One bite of that chewy crust and you’re ruined.

So here’s the whole messy, delicious spread, ranked.

DeSalvo's Pizza

Highlights
Best slices in Evanston
Thoughtful local ingredient sourcing
Gluten-free options done right
Family-friendly with clean setup
Sandwiches rival the pizza

I’ve eaten a lot of pizza in Evanston, and DeSalvo’s slices are the ones I keep coming back to. The crust has that perfect chew, and the sauce tastes like it actually came from tomatoes, not a can of sugar. I appreciate that they source local ingredients—you can taste the difference in the fresh basil and the mozzarella. Their gluten-free option surprised me; it’s not a sad afterthought, it’s actually good. The place is clean and quiet enough to bring kids, and the staff doesn’t rush you. I’ll admit, the sandwiches are almost better than the pizza, but don’t tell them I said that.

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The Spot

Highlights
Attentive staff, fun vibe
Full bar, great for games
Fast service, tasty food
Try meatball egg rolls
Tavern style pizza shines

The Spot is exactly what it sounds like—the place you go when you want a slice and a beer without any fuss. The staff remembers your order by the second visit, which is nice. The vibe is fun but not chaotic, and there are enough TVs to catch whatever game is on. I tried the meatball egg rolls on a whim, and honestly, they’re a reason to come back on their own. The tavern-style pizza is thin, crispy, and cut into squares, which feels right for sharing. Service is fast even when it’s packed, so you’re never stuck waiting too long.

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Union Pizzeria

Highlights
Scallion pizza stands out
Chopped Wedge is huge
Kale salad steals show
Calamari always delivers
Cocktails, especially matcha

Union Pizzeria does a few things unusually well, and the scallion pizza is one of them. I didn’t think green onions on a pie would work, but the subtle sharpness cuts through the cheese perfectly. The chopped wedge salad is massive—I’ve shared it twice and still had leftovers. I’m not usually a kale person, but their kale salad has a lemony dressing that makes it addicting. The calamari is consistently tender, not rubbery, which is rare. And the matcha cocktail? I ordered it out of curiosity, and now it’s my go-to when I want something different. It’s a solid spot for a date or a casual dinner with friends.

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Trattoria Demi

Highlights
Attentive, warm service throughout
Cozy, Italy-inspired atmosphere
Generous portions at fair prices
Rich, flavorful house sauces
Student and birthday discounts offered

Trattoria Demi feels like a little piece of Italy tucked into a corner, with checkered tablecloths and warm lighting. The service is attentive without being fussy—our waiter checked in just the right amount. The portions are generous, so I always leave with a box, but the price feels fair for what you get. Their house sauces are rich and clearly simmered for a while; the marinara has that slight sweetness that makes you want to mop it up with bread. They also offer a student discount, which is a nice touch. I’ve been here on a birthday, and they made it feel special without a big scene.

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Dave's Italian Kitchen

Highlights
Local treasure, great family
Excellent quality, real value
Lasagna stretches two meals
Free of private equity

Dave’s Italian Kitchen is the kind of place you almost don’t want to tell people about, because it’s always busy. The family running it treats you like a guest in their home, and that warmth comes through in every plate. The quality is high—fresh pasta, real cheese, sauces that taste like they’ve been bubbling all day—and the prices are reasonable for what you get. I ordered the lasagna once and it was enough for two meals, which I appreciated. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest. And knowing it’s not some corporate chain makes every bite taste better.

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Pizza By Sal

Highlights
Thin crust NY style
Fabulous dine-in experience
Friendly, attentive staff
Tied to Buck Russell’s
Recurring pizza destination

Pizza By Sal is my go-to when I want a New York-style slice in Evanston. The crust is thin, with just the right amount of char, and it folds without breaking. I’ve had my fair share of NY pizza, and this holds up. The dining room is basic but comfortable, and the staff is friendly even when the line is out the door. I’ve seen the owner, Buck, working the counter more than once, and he’s genuinely nice. It’s a recurring stop for me—consistency is hard to find, but Sal’s never misses. If you’re a purist about your pie, this is worth the trip.

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Button Bakery

Highlights
Cinnamon roll with raisins
Bavarian pretzels and focaccia
Sourdough perfection
Almond caramel bread pudding

Button Bakery doesn’t call itself a pizza place, but their sourdough crust is so good I almost wish they’d open a second location just for pies. The bread itself is perfection—chewy on the inside, crackly on the outside. I’ve had their cinnamon roll with raisins, and it’s comforting in a way that makes you slow down. The Bavarian pretzels are soft and salty, ideal for sharing or hoarding. And the almond caramel bread pudding? I’m not a dessert person, but I’d fight for the last spoonful. It’s a bakery first, but if you’re nearby, don’t skip the savory stuff either.

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Anto Pizza & Pasta

Highlights
Fresh, flavorful Italian comfort food
Crispy calamari and creamy arancini
Generous portions, careful presentation
Quality holds up even with delivery

Anto Pizza & Pasta serves up Italian comfort food that feels like a warm hug. The pasta dishes are fresh and hearty, and the pizza has a nice balance of crispy and chewy. I’ve ordered from them for delivery a few times, and the food arrives hot and intact—no soggy crusts or spilled sauce. The calamari is crispy and the arancini are creamy inside, which is a combination I didn’t know I needed. Portions are generous, so you get your money’s worth. The presentation is careful, even in a to-go box. It’s a reliable choice whether you’re dining in or staying home.

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Double Clutch Brewing Company

Highlights
Royal Burger, banana French toast
Attentive service, great atmosphere
Family-friendly, memorable meals
Ideal for watching big matches

Double Clutch Brewing Company is where I go when I want pizza and a beer without having to decide between the two. The taproom is spacious, with a good buzz that doesn’t get overwhelming. The Royal Burger is a solid choice—juicy and topped with things that actually complement it. I also had the banana French toast on a weekend visit, and it was surprisingly good for a brewery. The service is attentive, and the staff knows the menu well. It’s family-friendly during the day but picks up at night for games. If you’re watching the big match, this is the spot. Just be ready for a crowd.

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Tapas Barcelona

Highlights
Consistently excellent every time
Tender, charred grilled octopus
Rich, tangy baked goat cheese
Balanced, comforting albóndigas sauce
Refreshing, easy-drinking red sangria

Tapas Barcelona is a different kind of pizza experience, but they do have some excellent oven-fired pies on the menu. The grilled octopus is tender and smoky, with a char that adds just the right flavor. The baked goat cheese is rich and tangy, perfect for spreading on the crust you’ve saved. Their albóndigas—meatballs in a slightly sweet tomato sauce—are comforting and balanced. And the red sangria is refreshing, not too sugary, with enough fruit to feel festive. I’ve been multiple times, and the food is consistently excellent. It’s a bit more upscale than your average slice joint, but worth the splurge now and then.

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The Fat Shallot Evanston

Highlights
Real burgers worth dying for
Chicken parm is to die for
Great for casual night out
Worth occasional special splurge

The Fat Shallot Evanston is a burger joint, but they happen to serve a chicken parm that I think about more than I should. It’s messy, it’s huge, and it’s exactly what you want on a casual night out. The burgers are real—hand-patted, juicy, and cooked the way you ask. I’ve brought friends here who didn’t think a food truck could do this well, and they were wrong. It’s a splurge, sure, but every once in a while you need a meal that feels like a treat. I’ve never left disappointed.

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JP's Pizza & Grill

Highlights
Perfectly crispy thin-crust slices
Warm, cozy Italian-inspired setting
North Shore pizza earns rare praise
Great for sharing with friends

JP’s Pizza & Grill has that thin-crust style I grew up on—crispy at the edges, foldable in the middle, and loaded with cheese. The setting feels warm and familiar, like a neighborhood spot that hasn’t changed in decades. I’ve come here after work and on weekends, and the consistency is impressive. The staff is friendly without hovering, and the place has a relaxed energy that makes it easy to stay longer than you planned. Their pizza earns the praise it gets, and it’s perfect for sharing with a group of friends who can’t agree on toppings.

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