Chicago’s gastronomic identity remains inseparable from its renowned deep-dish pizza, where thick, buttery crusts and layers of molten cheese have long captured hearts. Yet for those who can’t eat wheat or prefer to avoid it, sinking their teeth into a traditional slice used to be an uphill battle. Fortunately, the city’s pizzerias have responded by crafting new dough recipes, testing unique flours, and honing techniques to meet modern dietary demands. Nowadays, individuals seeking a hearty slice that won’t upset their system have plenty of reasons to celebrate.
With more restaurants now understanding gluten sensitivities, a growing number of them offer wheat-free alternatives. Cornmeal blends, innovative ingredient swaps, and separate cooking zones are all on the table, making it possible to recreate the quintessential “Chicago-style” pie with a fraction of the worry. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with coeliac disease or simply want to cut back on gluten, these moves ensure you no longer have to skip out on the city’s signature dish. Even better, the variety means each location adds its own spin—some keep it classic with robust tomato sauce, while others pile on vegetables, pepperoni, or even artisanal cheeses.
Of course, not all establishments are equally equipped. Some might only serve thin-crust wheat-free pizzas, which, while tasty, don’t quite fill that deep-dish craving. That’s why this guide highlights the top places that have specifically risen to the challenge of delivering that iconic Chicago indulgence in a gluten-free format. Some are old stalwarts that have modified their menu after decades of tradition; others are relative newcomers, experimenting with vegan or allergen-friendly options as a core philosophy. Whatever their background, each has proven that taste and texture needn’t be casualties in the quest for a wheat-free crust.
Below, you’ll discover eight outstanding spots for the best gluten-free deep-dish pizza in Chicago, each venue showcasing creativity, care, and genuine respect for diner preferences. Prepare to dive in and treat yourself to a slice of the city’s best, minus the gluten.
1. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria has long stood as a giant in the Windy City’s pizza heritage, where countless locals and tourists have enjoyed its iconic deep-dish. In more recent years, Lou Malnati’s has adapted to meet modern dietary needs, thereby earning a place among the best gluten-free deep-dish pizza in Chicago. Rather than simply omitting wheat-based flour, they’ve devised alternative approaches that keep the signature flavours intact.
What sets Lou Malnati’s apart is its dedication to a rich sauce and high-quality cheese. Typically, this means a thick, buttery crust. In the gluten-free realm, the pizzeria has introduced a “crustless” variation, cleverly using sausage as a base in place of traditional dough. It’s a neat workaround for diners aiming to avoid wheat, yet still desiring a hearty, layered slice that echoes the layered style Chicago is famous for. Rather than tasting like a pale imitation, the final product captures Lou Malnati’s hallmark essence: robust tomato sauce, substantial cheese, and savoury depth from the sausage foundation.
Staff at Lou Malnati’s are fairly knowledgeable about cross-contamination, so they’ll explain how your meal is prepped if you inquire. Given the popularity of their brand, there are multiple locations across Chicago, making it easy to find a branch near your itinerary. Whether you opt for the “crustless” deep-dish or a specialty creation, the kitchen team strives to ensure you can indulge without anxiety over hidden wheat. Those with additional dietary considerations—like a preference for low-carb options—also appreciate the sausage-based approach.
While it might feel odd to be missing a doughy edge, the “crustless” style does an impressive job of satisfying any longing for rich sauce and cheese-laden bites. That said, if you’re partial to a classic pastry crust, be prepared: Lou Malnati’s invests in the sausage alternative rather than a direct wheat-free dough. Still, for many diners, that trade-off is a small price to pay for the powerful, comforting taste of a genuine Chicago deep-dish mainstay.
2. Gino’s East
Gino’s East stands as another storied name in Chicago’s pizza lore. Known for graffiti-covered walls and a commitment to hearty pies, it remains a magnet for anyone seeking that authentic deep-dish experience. Though the timeless vibe persists, Gino’s East has embraced a more inclusive approach by providing gluten-free alternatives. This offering elevates it into the ranks of those delivering the best gluten-free deep-dish pizza in Chicago.
The menu typically boasts a signature crust that’s thick, golden, and famously buttery. For gluten-averse patrons, Gino’s East uses specially formulated blends that emulate the weight and texture of a traditional base without relying on standard wheat flour. To achieve this, they utilise a mixture of alternative grains—think rice flour, tapioca, or cornstarch—to replicate that trademark chew. The chefs then layer on robust tomato sauce, a medley of fresh cheese, and whichever toppings you prefer, from pepperoni to spinach. In short, the mouthfeel remains satisfyingly close to the deep-dish tradition, with minimal compromise on taste.
Diners often praise the staff’s readiness to discuss allergen concerns, explaining how the restaurant avoids cross-contamination in the kitchen. Rather than pushing aside questions, Gino’s East welcomes them, aiming to keep its wheat-free clientele confident about what’s arriving at their table. For a full meal, you could start with a simple salad or a portion of mozzarella sticks if you can handle dairy, though verifying ingredients is recommended.
Part of the charm lies in the boisterous interior. Patrons can typically leave their mark on the walls, scrawling messages or drawings for the next wave of visitors to see. This sense of fun merges seamlessly with the practicalities of catering to gluten-free diets, bridging old-school nostalgia with modern inclusivity. Whether you’re new to Chicago’s pizza scene or a longtime devotee, Gino’s East ensures you don’t miss out on the city’s iconic dish solely because you skip wheat.
3. Chicago’s Pizza
Chicago’s Pizza has garnered acclaim for blending classic deep-dish craft with a forward-looking attitude on dietary preferences. Though its name might sound generic, it’s no run-of-the-mill operation. From the crisp edges on their pies to the bold seasoning in the sauce, everything suggests a focus on strong flavours. More significantly for coeliacs or anyone who can’t tolerate wheat, Chicago’s Pizza is among the top picks for best gluten-free deep-dish pizza in Chicago.
Unlike some places that offer a crustless or shallow approach, Chicago’s Pizza has curated a genuine wheat-free dough that still rises and bakes into a thick, hearty shell. They carefully combine alternative flours—often a proprietary blend including rice flour or potato starch—with a few binding ingredients to replicate the airy inside and golden surface. Fillings, then, operate just like a traditional Chicago pie: a generous tomato sauce, ample cheese, and your choice of toppings, from mild peppers to robust sausage. The result is something that looks, smells, and tastes remarkably like the real deal.
Staff pride themselves on guiding newcomers through the various steps of building a gluten-free option. They’ll clarify how specific sauces are made and check that any relevant toppings (like sausages) remain free from wheat derivatives. Cross-contamination procedures might include distinct pans or coverings to keep flour-laden dust away from the gluten-free crust. Overall, the attention to detail fosters a sense of assurance.
Beyond deep-dish, the restaurant sometimes offers a gluten-free thin crust, giving you a second route if you prefer a less towering slice. Either way, the hearty sauce remains a highlight, simmered with herbs that conjure a homestyle comfort. Chicago’s Pizza often stands out for its welcoming feel, whether you’re dining solo or turning up with a group of friends. With multiple locations scattered around the city, it’s a handy go-to whenever the craving for a thick, cheesy, gluten-free treat strikes.
4. Pizzeria Due
Pizzeria Due might ring a bell for fans of Chicago deep-dish, as it’s a sister outlet to the legendary Pizzeria Uno. Open since the 1950s, it has carried forward that signature approach to thick-crust pizza layered with sauce, cheese, and carefully chosen toppings. Over time, the establishment recognised an increasing demand for wheat-free solutions—so they adapted. Now, Pizzeria Due can proudly hold its own among places touting the best gluten-free deep-dish pizza in Chicago.
This location’s legacy means the walls often echo with stories from loyal patrons, reflecting decades of family gatherings, date nights, and tourist pit stops. Yet the menu doesn’t cling blindly to tradition. By incorporating gluten-free dough formulations, Pizzeria Due ensures coeliacs and gluten-intolerant diners aren’t left on the sidelines. Typically, they use a blend of rice flour and other alternative grains for a result that’s both dense enough to hold sauce and light enough to feel “bready.” The sauce, made with vine-ripened tomatoes and a secret herb blend, seeps into the crust’s edges, delivering that signature savoury punch.
The staff remain open to answering allergen queries, checking in with the kitchen if you need reassurance about any specific ingredient. Meanwhile, the balance of cheese and toppings remains entirely your call—you can go for spinach and mushrooms or load up on pepperoni if that’s your style. Bear in mind that busy periods can mean a queue for a table, so planning ahead is wise.
Many long-term fans still wax lyrical about the original deep-dish concept at Pizzeria Due, and the new wheat-free versions cleverly replicate that timeless character. If you have the time, soak up the atmosphere: old photos, cosy booths, and staff who revel in the pizzeria’s storied past. The synergy between heritage and modern dietary accommodation culminates in a slice that showcases hearty flavours, ample sauce, and cheese-laden satisfaction—minus the wheat.
5. Pizzeria Ora
Tucked away in a corner of downtown Chicago, Pizzeria Ora blends a friendly, laid-back mood with the big flavours the city’s known for. Initially overshadowed by older pizzerias, it has gradually carved out a dedicated following, thanks to consistent quality and enthusiastic staff. People who need or prefer to skip gluten rate this spot highly, ranking it among the best gluten-free deep-dish pizza in Chicago. The focus: delivering that towering structure full of tomato sauce and cheese, while substituting traditional flour for something else entirely.
Step inside, and you’ll note the snug interior—a few tables with checkered cloths, warm lighting, and staff who greet patrons like old friends. The menu covers various Chicago-style pies, but the wheat-free selection stands out for using a carefully tested crust that holds together in a deep dish. Instead of the usual high-gluten flour, Pizzeria Ora favours a combination of rice flour, tapioca, and a bit of cornmeal. This mixture ensures a sturdy, yet fluffy foundation that soaks up sauce without becoming soggy.
Choice is king here: you can pick from the standard cheese-laden deep-dish or incorporate toppings ranging from fresh spinach to crumbled sausage. The tangy tomato sauce feels delightfully homemade, hinting at a slow simmer that fuses herbs and natural sweetness. Servers verify the cooking routines if you’re worried about cross-contamination, including whether separate pans or utensils come into play. For added reassurance, the kitchen staff appear well-versed in gluten issues.
In addition to the famed pizza, Pizzeria Ora’s line-up includes a variety of appetisers, salads, and occasionally sandwiches. Of course, you’ll want to confirm how they handle bread if it’s essential to remain gluten-free. The overarching vibe leans friendly and informal—ideal for a family meal or casual dinner with friends. And while the place doesn’t always steal headlines, it’s precisely that down-to-earth reliability that cements Pizzeria Ora as a trusted pick for a wheat-free feast bursting with Chicago’s classic flavours.
6. Giordano’s
Giordano’s looms large in Chicago’s pizza narrative, famed for its “stuffed” style that takes deep-dish to the next level. Traditionally, that means layers of cheese hidden under sauce, culminating in a hefty slice loaded with oozy goodness. Fortunately for diners scoping out the best gluten-free deep-dish pizza in Chicago, Giordano’s has adapted a portion of its menu to cater to wheat-averse patrons. Although not every location offers the same range, many branches now feature a gluten-free option that preserves the brand’s signature feel.
Rather than approach it half-heartedly, Giordano’s invests in testing flour blends to keep the crust robust enough to stand up to dense fillings. The result is reminiscent of a savoury pie, with sauce on top and the cheese in the middle. Fillings like pepperoni, spinach, or onions can be layered according to your preference. If you’re uneasy about potential cross-contamination, the staff are typically open to explaining how the dough is handled in the kitchen. They might mention separate utensils or cooking times for gluten-free orders, ensuring it remains distinct from standard wheat-based dough.
The lively interior often brims with families, groups of friends, and curious visitors ready to experience an emblem of Chicago dining. Round tables with red-checkered cloths complete the classic pizzeria atmosphere. For many, it’s a treat simply to watch the server deliver that towering creation to your table, slicing through the thick crust with sauce and cheese stretching in strands. For coeliacs and others who can’t handle wheat, being able to partake in this spectacle is a real win.
While Giordano’s still famously churns out “normal” deep-dish pizza to throngs of city dwellers, the wheat-free approach stands as evidence that these longstanding franchises can evolve. Provided you request the gluten-free variant at a participating outlet, you can join the crowds delighting in that indulgent, fork-and-knife Chicago classic—just minus the gluten that might otherwise get in the way.
7. Kitchen 17
Kitchen 17 boldly merges vegan principles with Chicago’s storied deep-dish tradition, forging a distinctive niche in the city’s pizza landscape. Nestled in a modest shopfront, it greets you with homely decor, bright signage, and staff who exude passion for plant-based cooking. However, it also addresses the needs of gluten-sensitive diners, earning a spot among the best gluten-free deep-dish pizza in Chicago. By championing fresh ingredients and creative methods, Kitchen 17 proves that you can simultaneously ditch dairy, meat, and wheat without sacrificing a hearty taste.
What’s especially compelling is the crust, which is typically made from a combination of gluten-free flours and sometimes binding agents like psyllium husk. The aim is to create a stable base sturdy enough to hold layers of tomato sauce and vegan cheese (often made from nut milks or coconut oil). The sauce itself is tangy and vibrant, while toppings span vegetables, plant-based pepperoni, or marinated tofu. As everything is vegan by design, you avoid the potential for unexpected allergens hidden in standard cheeses or meats.
Kitchen 17’s staff take cross-contamination seriously: they partition certain prep areas and maintain rigorous cleaning between sessions. If you bring up your wheat intolerance, they’re more than ready to outline how each item is assembled. Additionally, side offerings—like garlicky breadsticks or rotating specials—can frequently be adapted for a gluten-free request.
Though seating can be limited, the vibe inside is undeniably welcoming and community-focused. You might see local artists chatting with tourists, or a group of friends sharing a few big pies. Because Kitchen 17 also highlights sustainability and small-batch cooking, the entire experience feels personal. Tucking into their deep-dish, you get to relish the fusion of a classic Chicago approach with modern dietary ethics, blending big flavours with conscientious choices. If you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply adventurous, this pizzeria invites you to savour a slice that breaks the mould.
8. Nancy’s Pizza
Nancy’s Pizza, a name often linked to the origins of “stuffed” crust in Chicago, has served up hearty slices to city dwellers for decades. Since opening its first location in the 1970s, Nancy’s has prioritised flavourful sauce, generous mozzarella, and a crust that’s both buttery and thick. In line with the evolving times, it now offers wheat-free adaptations, placing it on the map of those dishing out the best gluten-free deep-dish pizza in Chicago.
The environment at Nancy’s typically balances casual comfort with a nod to old-school pizzeria flair, featuring booth seating, checkered patterns, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh dough. When it comes to gluten-free requests, staff are ready to guide you. They might mention an alternative crust built from a careful blend of rice or tapioca flour, designed to mirror the hearty chew that draws people to Chicago deep-dish in the first place. Toppings remain customisable, so whether you’re partial to classic cheese, mushrooms, or even pineapple, you can pile them on if you desire.
One detail that sets Nancy’s apart is the stuffed style, involving a secondary layer of dough (or dough substitute) beneath the sauce. This yields a truly decadent bite, with sauce perched on top of everything else. The technique demands precision for gluten-free dough to hold up, so the team invests in thorough baking practices to ensure your slice doesn’t collapse. Additionally, the kitchen’s protocol includes separate utensils and pans for wheat-free offerings, diminishing the risk of mixing flours.
Although each location might have subtle differences in décor or service style, the overarching approach remains consistent: bold flavours, a well-structured deep dish, and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan recalling old memories or a newcomer hoping to sample the city’s signature dish, Nancy’s Pizza delivers a combination of tradition and allergy-friendly innovation that stands out in a pizza-loving metropolis.
Celebrating the Finest Gluten-Free Deep-Dish Pizza in Chicago
Chicago’s deep-dish phenomenon has always been about indulgence—mounds of cheese, thick tomato sauce, and crust that verges on pastry territory. Yet the notion of savoury layers and golden edges once felt off-limits to those avoiding wheat. Fortunately, times have changed. As the demand for inclusive menus has grown, more and more pizzerias have answered the call, innovating with alternative flours, sausage-based crusts, or meticulous cooking routines to minimise cross-contact. As a result, the best gluten-free deep-dish pizza in Chicago now matches the richness and intensity of its standard counterpart, proving that no one should have to forgo the city’s hallmark dish.
Each of the eight spots featured here approaches the challenge in a unique way. Some rely on time-tested sausage crusts or experiment with rice flour dough to achieve that highly sought-after base. Others double down on robust tomato sauce and fresh toppings, ensuring every bite is loaded with authentic flavour. Crucially, these establishments don’t view wheat-free dining as an afterthought. Instead, they devote space in their kitchens to separate utensils, pans, and workstations—giving coeliacs peace of mind.
Far from diminishing the Chicago tradition, these inclusive menus revitalise it, opening up the city’s prized cuisine to anyone who loves hearty slices oozing with cheese. Whether you’re chasing the nostalgia of a well-loved brand like Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s, or you prefer smaller, community-driven pizzerias, the range is bigger than ever before. Add to that a wave of cross-cultural influences—like vegan cheese or new spice blends—and you’re met with a modern deep-dish scene that thrives on variety.
No matter which place you choose first, it’s reassuring to know the city’s appetite for pizza innovation remains unstoppable. So go ahead: dig into a crustless design or a carefully crafted gluten-free dough, swirl it in tangy sauce, and taste how Chicago keeps rewriting the rules of deep-dish for everyone’s delight.
