Yelp has released its first-ever list of the nation’s 25 most beloved pizza chains, naming Lou Malnati’s, the Chicago-based deep-dish brand, the top-ranked chain in America. The announcement coincides with the start of National Pizza Month.
The ranking was based on customer ratings and reviews from across the country. Eligible chains were required to operate at least 60 locations nationwide. According to Yelp, the top pick stood out for offering “a local pizza joint experience on a national scale,” with recipes rooted in family tradition alongside newer menu options and strong community ties.
Marc Malnati, chairman of Lou Malnati’s, said the recognition reflects a long-standing emphasis on consistency and quality: “For over 50 years, we’ve stayed true to the original Chicago-style deep dish recipe, handmade from scratch using the finest and freshest ingredients. We’re passionate about pizza and people, and the communities we serve. This recognition shows that commitment to quality and consistency matters.”
Related: Lou Malnati’s CEO: How Innovation and Tradition Go Hand-in-Hand to Spur Growth
Here is Yelp’s complete listing of the Top 25 pizza chains in the U.S.:
- Lou Malnati’s
- Pizza Guys
- Blaze Pizza
- California Pizza Kitchen
- MOD Pizza
- Mountain Mike’s Pizza
- Pizza Factory
- Jet’s Pizza
- Rosati’s Pizza
- Round Table Pizza
- Topper’s Pizza
- Pizza Patron
- Pizza Ranch
- Pizza King
- Papa Murphy’s
- Pizza Boli’s
- Imo’s Pizza
- Hungry Howie’s
- Donatos Pizza
- Domino’s Pizza
- Papa Johns
- Fox’s Pizza Den
- Happy’s Pizza
- Little Caesars
- Pizza Inn
Pizza continues to rank among the most searched food categories on Yelp, underscoring its role as one of America’s most enduring comfort foods.
Lou Malnati’s began in the early 1970s with a single restaurant in the suburb of Lincolnwood. Today, it operates 70 locations across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Arizona, maintaining the same style of deep-dish pizza that first brought it regional acclaim.
