Gino's East

“Surprising Meatballs, but the Bread Couldn’t Handle the Heat I originally came to Gino’s East on a...”

Surprising Meatballs, but the Bread Couldn’t Handle the Heat I originally came to Gino’s East on a recommendation to try their famous deep-dish pizza; I certainly didn't want to leave Chicago without tasting one of the city's most iconic dishes. However, once I arrived, I realized their signature pies are designed for 2–3 people and require at least 45 minutes to cook. Since I was in my final hour in the city and traveling solo—with no way to take leftovers on a plane—I pivoted and settled on the meatball sub instead. I almost never order meatballs or a meatball sub at a restaurant. I make a pretty mean meatball at home, and I usually don't have much confidence that a restaurant's version will measure up. However, Gino’s meatballs were rich, flavorful, and moist, with a distinct Italian seasoning that was perfectly executed. I was very happy to find such high-quality meatballs, which came served with a side of French fries. The "Structural" Issue My only real complaint is that the bread was quite lumpy and wet. While the tomato sauce was excellent, the bread simply couldn't stand up to it. I found myself wondering why the bread isn't made more resilient—perhaps toasted longer or even slightly charred—so it can hold its shape before dissolving into a wet dough by the time it reaches the table. I tried "998 different ways" to hold the sandwich together, but it was impossible; the bread crumbled and the meatballs fell out with every attempt at a bite. I eventually had to ask for a fork to finish my meal. While the taste was great, a sub you can't actually pick up is a bit of a disappointment.

Ilhan Tanir

Feb 2026

“Pizza was over the top legit but what sealed the deal for me that Gino’s East is the number one...”

Pizza was over the top legit but what sealed the deal for me that Gino’s East is the number one pizza place in Chicago was my man Blake hooking me up with not only the pizza but excellent customer service! I will definitely be back and recommend Gino’s East and Blake to my family and friends! Thanks Blahe!

Joseph Perry

Feb 2026

“First meal in Chicago was amazing.”

First meal in Chicago was amazing! Line at door went quick! Deep dish pizza worth its weight in gold! Wings and salad were also loved! Amazing service form Ruben R. Thank you

Nabor Moreno

Jan 2026

“Ruben R. Is the man. Fantastic service and amazing food, we were only in the city for one night...”

Ruben R. Is the man. Fantastic service and amazing food, we were only in the city for one night (from Detroit) and the food and service and Gino’s (especially from Ruben R). Make a reservation, otherwise you will be waiting! Pictured is the supreme

Drew Kenyon

Jan 2026

“The crust has a rep on it's own for a reason.”

The crust has a rep on it's own for a reason. wow. Went on the recommendation of a friend, and were so glad we did. Staff was really fast, nice folks and the pizza is really terrific! Can't wait to visit again! The portion was larger than I had thought, and no doubt the ingredients were in-house-fresh-as-can-be! Man, what a pizza! Wings also were really flavor packed, very fresh and a great add on. Good service, nice place, excellent grub.

Michael Jenn

Jan 2026

“Our experience this evening at Gino’s was 10/10!”

Our experience this evening at Gino’s was 10/10!! We’re visiting Chicago from out of town and had been recommended Gino’s by an acquaintance. It certainly didn’t disappoint! The deep dish and garlic bread were incredible and the atmosphere was very laid back and enjoyable. Blake was our server and he was extremely personable and such a joy to talk to! If we’re ever back in the city, we’ll definitely be back here!

Holly Yoo

Jan 2026

“I went on a weekday around 6pm and it wasn’t really busy.”

I went on a weekday around 6pm and it wasn’t really busy. The server was super courteous, he guided us on what is good to order and sizes. I normally hate Deep Dish. Very un-chicagoan of me. But this place revived my interest. The pizza was baked to perfection! I loved it! I loved it so much that I took pictures and did a review on a pizza place! Parking sucks use spot hero and come down to Gino’s east! They are actually the best! I don’t have any pictures of the pizza we ordered because my girlfriend devoured a slice before I came back from washing my hands! It’s delicious!

Usman Khan

Jan 2026

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gino East Pizza was awesome.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gino East Pizza was awesome! The pizza was delicious, and our server, Andrew F, really made the experience stand out, with it being our 1st time there.... He was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome from start to finish. Great food and great service—highly recommend!

Kimberly

Jan 2026

“When it comes to Chicago style pizza, you really only need to know one name: Geno's.”

When it comes to Chicago style pizza, you really only need to know one name: Geno's. Been to several other shops and they're good, but something about Geno's that just takes it over the top. Keep up the great work!

David Gillespie II

Jan 2026

“Gino’s East, particularly this location near the Magnificent Mile is absolutely amazing.”

Gino’s East, particularly this location near the Magnificent Mile is absolutely amazing! From the atmosphere, to the delicious pizza, and the customer service given; you are sure to have a fantastic experience! I ordered a deep dish cheese pizza and it was definitely worth the wait! I am beyond pleased and impressed with the pizza and the overall experience that was delivered at Gino’s East! A special shoutout to my server, Abigail, who made my guests and I’s first visit to the restaurant a memorable one! She took great care of us all and made sure to regularly check in with us while our pizzas were being made! Gino’s East is truly fortunate to have her, no doubt about it! I cannot wait to return to this location the next time I visit Chicago! Keep up the phenomenal work, Gino’s East!

Ricardo

Jan 2026

“Great Chicago style pizza, both thin and deep dish.”

Great Chicago style pizza, both thin and deep dish. Ordered the thin with the Italian beef to come earlier like an appetizer as we waited for the longer lead time on the Diavola deep dish. Waitstaff Yana was so friendly, directed us well on the ordering an ‘appetizer’ pizza, and she smiles very genuinely. You know how sometimes waitstaff smiles and laughs, but it just seems awkward? Not so with the service and interaction with Yana. Just good vibes, smiles, and laughs. She’s the best! We stopped here after the game because I was nostalgic about my late-90s visits to the no-longer-there Rush street basement location Gino’s…the one with all the graffiti. Sad it’s no longer there. But the Gino’s East made a good effort at preserving my memories with the pre-planned, graffiti-filled decor on the walls and seating. We’ll be back. Thanks Gino’s East for great pizza, and thank you Yana for making our Gino’s visit memorable in a new way!

Conrad Pawlowski

Jan 2026

“Blake was a super fun and respectful server.”

Blake was a super fun and respectful server. Extremely fast and checked on us a lot! I really enjoy when I can tell a server LIKES to do what they do and don’t just do it for the check/tip. Amazing food as well, definitely coming back with family!

Taysha Lowrey

Jan 2026