Step into the world of Nicolo’s Chicago Style Pizza, where culinary tradition meets innovative flavor. As you walk through the doors, the aroma of freshly baked dough, tangy tomato sauce, and bubbling cheese fills the air, sparking both nostalgia and anticipation.
The menu at Nicolo’s isn’t just a list of food items—it’s a celebration of Chicago’s rich pizza heritage, meticulously crafted for modern palates. With every bite, you taste a story that began in the Windy City and now thrives in the heart of every pizza lover.
Nicolo’s dedication to authenticity is evident in each slice, combining time-honored recipes with high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re a deep-dish devotee, a fan of classic thin crust, or eager to try inventive toppings, Nicolo’s menu offers something for everyone.
The chefs take pride in creating a menu that balances tradition and creativity, ensuring that every visit brings something new to discover. From the first crunch of a golden crust to the last savory morsel, Nicolo’s sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Heart of Chicago: Deep-Dish Pizza
The deep-dish pizza at Nicolo’s is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Characterized by its thick, buttery crust and generous layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce, this iconic dish pays homage to Chicago’s storied pizza tradition.
Each pie is crafted with care, allowing every ingredient to shine in perfect harmony.
Nicolo’s deep-dish pizzas begin with a foundation of hand-pressed dough, sculpted to cradle robust layers of mozzarella and toppings. The sauce, rich with vine-ripened tomatoes and secret spices, is ladled on top, ensuring a balance of flavors in every bite.
This inverted layering not only distinguishes Chicago-style pizza from its counterparts but also locks in moisture and enhances taste.
Thanks to its hearty structure, the deep-dish pizza is perfect for sharing among friends or family. It holds up well under the weight of sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and even unique offerings like spicy giardiniera.
The crust, with its golden edges and tender interior, supports the medley of flavors without becoming soggy.
The Chicago Tribune once declared, “A true deep-dish pizza is a marvel of engineering and flavor—Nicolo’s delivers both, bite after bite.”
- Signature Deep-Dish Pies: Loaded with classic toppings like sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers
- Custom Creations: Choose your own combination for a personalized experience
- Vegetarian Options: Packed with fresh veggies and premium cheeses
Thin Crust Mastery: Crispy, Crunchy, Classic
For those who prefer a lighter, crispier bite, Nicolo’s thin crust pizzas offer a delightful alternative. Baked to golden perfection, these pies strike a balance between texture and flavor, allowing the toppings to take center stage.
The thin crust variety is a testament to the versatility and creativity of Nicolo’s kitchen.
Unlike their deep-dish counterparts, thin crust pizzas are rolled out to a delicate thinness and baked on hot stones for a satisfying crunch. The dough is carefully seasoned, ensuring that each slice delivers a subtle, savory base for the vibrant toppings above.
Every bite is a contrast of textures: crisp edges, tender centers, and the freshness of high-quality ingredients.
Nicolo’s offers a range of thin crust pizzas, from tried-and-true classics like Margherita to bold, inventive creations featuring arugula, prosciutto, and balsamic glaze. Each pizza is sliced in the traditional “party-cut” style, perfect for sharing or sampling multiple flavors in one sitting.
This style makes thin crust pizzas ideal for gatherings, quick lunches, or lighter meals.
- Margherita: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and San Marzano tomato sauce
- Spicy Arrabbiata: Hot Italian sausage, red pepper flakes, onions
- Prosciutto & Arugula: Cured meat, peppery greens, and shaved Parmesan
Chef Mario says: “The secret to a great thin crust is attention to detail—from the dough to the bake. At Nicolo’s, we perfect every step.”
Specialty Pizzas: Signature Creations
Nicolo’s specialty pizzas showcase the restaurant’s flair for creativity and bold flavor combinations. These signature pies are thoughtfully designed to offer something beyond the ordinary, inviting diners to step outside their comfort zones and explore new tastes.
The specialty section highlights pizzas crafted with unique sauces, premium meats, and seasonal vegetables. From the smoky BBQ Chicken to the decadent Truffle Mushroom, each pizza is a harmonious blend of ingredients that complement and elevate one another.
The chefs experiment with house-made blends and imported delicacies, ensuring every bite is a revelation.
For those seeking adventure, specialty pizzas provide an opportunity to sample what sets Nicolo’s apart. These offerings are ideal for guests who enjoy trying new things or want to impress at their next pizza night.
Many are available in both deep-dish and thin crust styles, allowing for endless customization.
- BBQ Chicken: Grilled chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, red onions, cilantro
- Truffle Mushroom: Wild mushrooms, white truffle oil, fontina cheese
- The Mediterranean: Artichokes, kalamata olives, feta, sun-dried tomatoes
- Buffalo Ranch: Spicy buffalo chicken, cool ranch drizzle, scallions
| Pizza | Sauce | Key Toppings |
| BBQ Chicken | Barbecue | Chicken, red onion, cilantro |
| Truffle Mushroom | Garlic cream | Mushrooms, truffle oil, fontina |
| Mediterranean | Olive oil | Artichoke, olives, feta |
Build-Your-Own Pizza: Unleash Your Imagination
Nicolo’s invites diners to become pizza artists with the Build-Your-Own section. This customizable approach allows guests to craft their dream pie, selecting from a wide array of crusts, sauces, cheeses, and toppings.
The experience is both fun and satisfying, appealing to adventurous eaters and picky palates alike.
Guests begin by choosing their preferred crust: classic deep-dish, thin, or even gluten-free for those with dietary needs. Next comes the sauce, with options ranging from traditional red to creamy garlic or spicy arrabbiata.
The cheese selection includes mozzarella, provolone, and vegan alternatives to accommodate all preferences.
When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are nearly endless. Fresh vegetables, premium meats, and gourmet additions like roasted garlic and caramelized onions allow for truly personalized creations.
The staff is always happy to recommend combinations or help guests navigate the menu, ensuring every pizza is a masterpiece.
- Crust Choices: Deep-dish, thin, gluten-free
- Cheese Options: Mozzarella, provolone, vegan
- Premium Toppings: Italian sausage, pepperoni, roasted peppers, artichokes
- Finishing Touches: Fresh basil, balsamic drizzle, chili flakes
“Every pizza tells a story. At Nicolo’s, we give our guests the pen.”
Appetizers and Sides: The Perfect Companions
No pizza meal is complete without the perfect accompaniments. Nicolo’s appetizers and sides are crafted to complement the star attraction, providing flavorful contrasts and satisfying bites between slices.
From crispy starters to fresh salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The appetizer menu features a delightful mix of classic and contemporary options. Garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, and Italian meatballs are perennial favorites, offering familiar comfort with a gourmet twist.
For those seeking lighter fare, the salads are made with crisp greens and house-made dressings, striking a balance between indulgence and freshness.
Sides like roasted vegetables, truffle fries, and antipasto platters are ideal for sharing or creating a more varied meal. Each dish is prepared with the same commitment to quality as the pizzas themselves, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery rolls served with marinara
- Caprese Salad: Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic reduction
- Antipasto Platter: Assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables
- Italian Meatballs: Slow-cooked in house tomato sauce
Pairings for Every Occasion
Whether you’re starting a meal or rounding out your pizza night, these appetizers and sides offer plenty of delicious options. Try pairing a crisp Caesar salad with a rich deep-dish pie, or add garlic knots to your thin crust order for extra flavor.
Salads and Lighter Fare: Freshness Meets Flavor
For those seeking a lighter meal or a fresh complement to their pizza, Nicolo’s salads deliver vibrant flavors and crisp textures. Each salad is thoughtfully assembled, featuring high-quality produce and house-made dressings that stand out in every bite.
The salad menu reflects the same commitment to excellence found throughout Nicolo’s offerings.
Signature options like the Classic Caesar, Mediterranean, and Arugula & Pear Salads provide a variety of tastes and textures. These dishes are more than just sides; they’re satisfying meals in their own right, packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients.
Seasonal ingredients are highlighted whenever possible, ensuring that each salad is as fresh as it is flavorful.
For guests with dietary restrictions or specific preferences, the kitchen is happy to accommodate customizations. Whether you need extra protein, a dairy-free option, or a gluten-free base, Nicolo’s can tailor salads to your needs without compromising taste.
- Classic Caesar: Romaine, Parmesan, house-made croutons, creamy Caesar dressing
- Mediterranean Salad: Mixed greens, olives, feta, cucumber, tomato, oregano vinaigrette
- Arugula & Pear: Baby arugula, sliced pear, gorgonzola, candied walnuts
| Salad | Key Ingredients | Dressing |
| Caesar | Romaine, Parmesan, croutons | Caesar |
| Mediterranean | Greens, olives, feta | Oregano vinaigrette |
| Arugula & Pear | Arugula, pear, gorgonzola | Balsamic vinaigrette |
Desserts and Beverages: The Sweetest Finish
Every great meal deserves a memorable ending, and Nicolo’s dessert menu is designed to provide just that. From classic Italian sweets to refreshing beverages, these offerings round out the dining experience and leave a lasting impression.
Each treat is crafted with the same attention to detail as the pizzas, providing the perfect finale to your meal.
Popular desserts include tiramisu, cannoli, and rich chocolate lava cake. Each dessert is made in-house using authentic recipes and premium ingredients, ensuring that sweetness never feels overwhelming.
The presentation is as delightful as the flavors themselves, making dessert a highlight for guests of all ages.
The beverage menu features a selection of Italian sodas, craft beers, and wines chosen to complement the diverse flavors of the menu. From bold reds to crisp whites and hoppy lagers, there’s a perfect pairing for every pizza and palate.
Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water and house-made lemonade are also available, providing a refreshing choice for all diners.
- Tiramisu: Espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, cocoa
- Cannoli: Crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm cake with a gooey chocolate center
- Italian Sodas: Flavored syrups, sparkling water, fresh fruit
“A meal at Nicolo’s isn’t complete until you’ve savored a sweet bite and raised a glass.”
Dietary Accommodations and Family-Friendly Choices
Nicolo’s is committed to making every guest feel welcome, no matter their dietary preferences or needs. The menu includes a variety of options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten sensitivities.
This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can enjoy the classic flavors of Chicago-style pizza without compromise.
Gluten-free crusts are available for both deep-dish and thin pizzas, crafted to deliver the same signature taste and texture. Vegan cheese and plant-based toppings make it easy for diners to customize their pizzas, while salads and sides can be tailored to accommodate dairy or nut allergies.
The kitchen staff is well-trained in cross-contamination prevention and will gladly answer any questions or address concerns.
Nicolo’s also caters to families, offering kid-sized portions and simple, crowd-pleasing options. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu make it a favorite spot for celebrations, casual dinners, and everything in between.
Children’s meals include mini pizzas, pasta, and fresh fruit, ensuring even the youngest guests leave satisfied.
- Gluten-Free: Dedicated crusts and menu items
- Vegan: Cheese, toppings, and sides for plant-based diets
- Kid’s Menu: Smaller portions, simple flavors, fresh ingredients
- Allergy-Friendly: Staff trained for safety and substitutions
Commitment to Community
Nicolo’s takes pride in supporting local farmers and producers, sourcing ingredients with care. This commitment extends to the community, with regular events and partnerships that bring people together over great food.
Conclusion: Why Nicolo’s Chicago Style Pizza Stands Out
Nicolo’s Chicago Style Pizza Menu is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic recipes and the excitement of culinary innovation. Every section of the menu reflects a deep respect for tradition while embracing the spirit of creativity.
Whether you crave a hearty deep-dish, crave-worthy thin crust, or a unique specialty pie, Nicolo’s delivers excellence in every bite.
The thoughtful inclusion of appetizers, sides, salads, and desserts ensures that your dining experience is balanced and memorable from start to finish. Each dish, crafted with premium ingredients and a passion for hospitality, showcases the restaurant’s dedication to quality.
The flexibility of build-your-own options and dietary accommodations makes Nicolo’s a welcoming place for all, while the family-friendly atmosphere creates lasting memories for guests of every age.
From the first savory slice to the last sweet crumb of dessert, Nicolo’s invites you to savor the flavors of Chicago in a setting that feels like home. Every visit promises new discoveries, friendly faces, and the kind of pizza that lingers in your memory long after the meal is done.
Discover what makes Nicolo’s Chicago Style Pizza truly exceptional, and let every bite become part of your own story.
