Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Pizza

If there’s one thing that most people in the family can agree upon, it just might be pizza

Any day that ends in Y is a great day for pizza, and if there’s one thing that team Chambanamoms loves more than ice cream, it just might be pizza. We can say definitively that we’ve eaten at a great many of the most notorious pizza places in the C-U area and beyond. Also, we will travel for pizza (see bottom of article).

As with all of our “favorite food” lists, we focus on locally owned restaurants around Champaign-Urbana and beyond. (This list is in alphabetical order.)

Champaign-Urbana’s favorite places to order a pizza

Baldarotta’s Porketta & Sicilian Sausage, Urbana: Baldarotta’s offers Sicilian style flatbreads. The sausage is the stand-out on the menu.

Biaggi’s, Champaign: Don’t skip over the pizza options on the Biaggi’s menu! They even have gluten-free pizza.

Esquire Lounge, Champaign: Favorites are the Bleu Pear and the Greek pizza (both unique ones), but you can design your own for the kids, or those in your party who like a more classic pizza.

Filippo’s, Mahomet and Monticello: Filippo’s is known for its sweet sauce and family friendly atmosphere. The Filippo’s logo is the outline of Italy, and with good reason. The recipes came from Italy with the family when it arrived in 1970. Special nods given to Filippo’s gluten free crust.

Jupiter’s Pizza, Champaign: Located downtown and at the Crossing as well, we love the fun variety of pizzas that Jupiter’s offers. There is something for everyone! The fajita, margherita and pesto pizzas are all favorites.

Mama T’s, Bement: Try the thin crust Kimbo. It is the just right combo of toppings and a crispy crust.

Manolo’s, Urbana: A great stop before or after a visit to Krannert, Manolo’s also offers pizza by the slice (we love those campus locations and their pizza by the slice options). Whether you want a slice of pizza or an empanada, Manolo’s has you covered.

Monical’s Pizza, various locations. The original Monical’s pizza started in Tolono, and it certainly is a central Illinois favorite. Try the Monical’s Italian Special. It comes loaded with sausage, onion, mushroom, green olives, and Italian hot peppers. Monical’s frozen pizzas heat up nearly perfectly, if you follow the directions. Note: heart-shaped pizzas only available for a limited time around Valentine’s Day.

Old Orchard, Savoy: There’s a reason this place is always busy. It is a townie favorite for its ultra-thin crust pizza. Yes, it’s in a bowling center. But good news: It has a drive-thru, which is convenient for dropping by on the way home.

Padanos Pizza, Joseph: You are missing out if you don’t go to Padanos in St. Joe. Pizza by the slice!

Papa Del’s, Champaign: When University of Illinois alums return to campus, there’s a good chance that one of the first places they’ll head is Papa Del’s. Known for its pan pizza, Papa Del’s reputation precedes it. Its location caters to large groups. One caveat: on weekend nights and holidays, it can take as long as 90 minutes for a pan pizza. On Homecoming weekend, forget it.

Patricio’s Pizza, Urbana: Formerly located in Mahomet, they are now located in Lincoln Square Mall. The prices can’t be beat and the pizza is deliciously fresh. The owners are so very friendly and will get to know your pizza order if you are a repeat customer.

Pizzeria Antica, Champaign: The great thing about Pizzeria Antica is the cheese: you can get fresh mozzarella — the real stuff. The crust, cheeses and toppings are high-end. It bills itself as authentic Neapolitan pizza, and that’s no lie. Head to downtown Champaign for this favorite. They have outdoor seating in Downtown Champaign, and after dinner the kids (ok, all of us) love their gelato.

Po’Boys Restaurant, Urbana: They have a great spinach veggie pizza. We realize you may have never thought of Po’Boys for pizza!

Rosati’s Pizza, Urbana: Don’t let the campus locations scare you off. Pulling up and parking here is very easy, making this a great carry-out or dine-in option. We love the lunch special (pizza by the slice!) and find this to be a very authentic Chicago-style pizza of the non-deep-dish variety.

Timpone’s, Urbana: A true townie favorite. Many things you can order aside from pizza, but we love their pizza, so it deserves a mention here.

And a couple bonus mentions beyond Champaign-Urbana…

Backdoor Pizza, 1000 N. Bowman Ave., Danville: Appropriately named, you won’t find it in a bustling part of town, and it is carryout/delivery only. But the thin crust pizza is heavenly, and you get the sense each pie is given a little extra TLC.

Bobe’s Pizza, Lawrenceville, Olney or Mt. Carmel: If you are in the mood to travel even further for your pizza or you find yourself in south central Illinois for a sporting event, you need to try Bobe’s. Their Farouk pizza with green peppers, onion, sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms is a must-try.

Joe’s Pizza, Effingham: Joe’s actually has 14 locations, but the closest — and the one we’re partial to — is in downtown Effingham. We love their “Chicago Style” pizza, which is a thinner, less-doughy crust than what you would typically associate with deep dish or pan pizza. Still has the sauce on top. Is it really worth driving an hour for pizza? (Note: the Joe’s Pizza in Tuscola is not part of this chain, but is still delicious.)

What should we add? Email us and tell us about your family’s favorite pizza.

Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Pizza

If there’s one thing that most people in the family can agree upon, it just might be pizza

Champaign-Urbana’s favorite places to order a pizza

And a couple bonus mentions beyond Champaign-Urbana…

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