Pequod's pizza with a caramelized crust
If you’re on a quest for the best Chicago deep-dish pizza, two restaurants are sure to top your list. Giordano’s Pizza offers a world-famous deep dish that’s impressed diners since 1974. Not to be outdone, Pequod’s Pizza established itself four years earlier, in 1970, with an award-winning pizza that’s Yelp’s number-one pick in the country. Pequod’s distinctive crust sets it apart, having that little something extra that elevates it from being a good pizza to a great one.

So, which one wins in the ultimate showdown between Giordano’s vs. Pequod’s? We’ve analyzed all the elements that go into making a great pizza to give you the final tally.

History and Legacy of Iconic Deep Dish Pizza Restaurants

Pequod's pizza with a caramelized crustPequod’s Pizza quickly gained a cult following when it introduced its iconic crust in 1970. (More on this exquisite edge later.) The original owner, Burt Katz, had a visionary approach to pizza that he showcased first at Gulliver’s Pizza & Pub and later at Pequod’s.

Over the years, the restaurant changed hands, but it never lost its one-of-a-kind pizza construction and fantastic flavors. In 1986, Pequod’s took on new ownership and introduced a thin crust to the menu, providing customers with more options. By 1992, the restaurant was so popular that one location could no longer cut it. Pequod’s opened a second set of doors in Lincoln Park to meet the rising demand for its delicious deep dish.

Giordano’s recipe comes straight from Italy, giving it more of a traditional feel than Pequod’s inspiring and innovative approach. The Giordano brothers Efren and Joseph brought their mother’s much-loved stuffed pizza pie to America and began serving it to the masses when they opened Giordano’s in 1974.

Over the decades, the restaurant has retained its signature dish, though it’s expanded far beyond its original location. While you have to make a pilgrimage to Chicago for Pequod’s, you can find Giordano’s across seven states. Though it has a wider reach, its franchise locations may have diminished some of the restaurant’s authenticity.

Crust: Caramelized Delight vs. Buttery Layers

If you’re wondering what to order at Pequod’s Pizza, go for the caramelized crust. It’s made by sprinkling a layer of mozzarella around the rim of the pan before pressing down the dough. This leaves you with a rich, flavorful crust that’s complemented by the sharp, tangy accent of charred cheese around the edge.

In comparison, Giordano’s has a thick, buttery crust that’s best known for its ability to stand up well to the weight of the pie. Rich and flaky, the crust might remind you of a biscuit or double-thick fruit pie crust. While it’s tasty, it’s not noticeably different from other Chicago options, such as Gino’s.

Sauce: Zesty vs. Flavorful

Pequod’s sauce is a standout feature on any pizza, whether you get the caramelized crust or a thin crust alternative. It has a rich, zesty flavor that’s notably savory with a special zing.

The sauce at Giordano’s is sweet and chunky. It’s lighter on the flavor and leans more toward a simple traditional tomato base.

Cheese and Toppings: Selection and Quality

All of the pizzas at Pequod’s are made to order with your own specified toppings. Pequod’s offers personal, small, medium, and large pizzas. When you order online, you’re presented with seemingly endless customization options, including light cheese, light dough, or light sauce. You can even enter your allergies to make sure your pizza is mindfully prepared for your dietary needs.

The vast topping selection includes all the classics as well as hearty meatballs, Italian beef, Canadian bacon, and more. You can add a dash of fresh basil or garlic, plus other flavorful options. Yes, there’s even pineapple.

Though menus vary by location, Giordano’s typically offers about seven specialty pizzas, a basic cheese deep dish, and a build-your-own option. You can choose from small, medium, or large pizza pies. The cheese is thick and gooey, which will appeal if that’s your thing. You can choose from a dozen protein options, ranging from controversial anchovies to classic sausage and pepperoni. Giordano’s also offers several veggie options, including unique picks such as garlic broccoli and the ever-polarizing pineapple.

Cooking Time and Preparation

Pequod’s is so popular that they recommend ordering ahead to get your pizza promptly. Thanks to the convenient online ordering system, you can do so from the comfort of your home and have your pizza ready and waiting upon arrival. Making Pequod’s pizza reservations is best if you’d like a dine-in experience.

If you prefer to cook your pizza at home, both Giordano’s and Pequod’s sell frozen pizzas you can prepare yourself. Both options take around 40 minutes to bake in the oven.

Cost Analysis: A Price Comparison

The signature pan pizza at Pequod’s with cheese is only $10.95 for a personal, $16.20 for a small, $21.45 for a medium, and $25.95 for a large. Additional toppings are extra. In comparison, Giordano’s prices are higher, with a small going for $19.15, a medium for $22.95, and a large priced at $26.95. The price difference is similar across other menu items as well. For example, cheesy garlic bread is $1.40 more at Giordano’s than at Pequod’s.

Book a Table at Pequod’s Today

While both restaurants offer a tasty pie, for true Chicago flavor with a rich and flavorful twist, Pequod’s is the way to go. Among famous Chicago pizza places, Pequod’s ranks highly, so make sure to enjoy a hot Pequod’s pizza when you’re next in the city. Make your Pequod’s pizza reservations now and settle the Pequod’s vs. Giordano’s debate with your own taste buds tonight.