Every region claims to have great pizza. But Northwest Indiana? We actually do. Sitting in the shadow of Chicago means we have inherited a pizza culture that takes the craft seriously — from the crackery tavern-style thin crust to the wood-fired Neapolitan pies that have been popping up in our historic downtowns.
I have eaten my way through Lake County's pizza scene over many years, and I have strong opinions. Whether you are a thin-crust purist, a deep-dish devotee, or just looking for a great Friday night pizza spot, here is my guide to the best pizza in the 219.
Pizza Styles You Will Find in the 219
Before we get to the specific spots, it helps to understand the pizza landscape. Northwest Indiana draws from both the Chicago tavern-style tradition and newer artisan approaches.
Tavern-Style / Thin Crust
Found at: Gelsosomo's, Aurelio's, State Line Pizza
Northwest Indiana sits firmly in the Chicago tavern-style pizza zone: thin, crackery crusts cut into squares, with toppings spread edge to edge. This is the default pizza style of the 219, and it is done exceptionally well here.
Hand-Tossed / Classic
Found at: Giuseppe's, Pizza Cellar, Langel's
For those who want a foldable slice with a substantial but not thick crust, the hand-tossed classics at Giuseppe's and Pizza Cellar deliver. These pies focus on quality dough, balanced sauce, and generous cheese.
Artisan / Wood-Fired
Found at: Battista's, Amici Grill
The newer wave of pizza in Lake County brings wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies with premium ingredients. Battista's on the Crown Point square and Amici Grill in Highland lead this category with outstanding results.
Deep Dish / Stuffed
Found at: Rosati's (Schererville)
When only a deep-dish craving will do, Rosati's in Schererville delivers the Chicago-style pie with all the cheese, sauce, and toppings stacked high. Not an everyday pizza, but when you need it, they deliver.
Crown Point: The Pizza Hub
Crown Point has more top-tier pizza options per square mile than anywhere else in Lake County. The historic downtown alone has multiple spots within walking distance of each other, making it the ideal destination for a pizza crawl.
Gelsosomo's Pizzeria
4.2★11319 Broadway, Crown Point
A Crown Point institution. Gelsosomo's serves up the thin-crust, tavern-style pizza that Northwest Indiana is famous for. Crackery-thin crust, slightly sweet sauce, and that perfect cheese-to-edge ratio. The Broadway location has a loyal following and is a go-to for Friday night takeout.
Visit websitePizza Cellar
4.6★210 N Court St, Crown Point
Hidden in plain sight on Court Street, Pizza Cellar has quietly built a 4.6-star reputation as one of Crown Point's best-kept pizza secrets. Their hand-tossed crust and generous toppings keep customers coming back. The atmosphere is casual, the service is friendly, and the pizza is outstanding.
Visit websiteCarriage Court Pizza
4.0★211 S East St, Crown Point
A Crown Point classic located just off the square. Carriage Court has been serving up generous slices and whole pies for years, and it remains a favorite for lunch on the go or a casual dinner. Their carryout volume tells you everything you need to know.
Visit websiteBattista's Artisan Pizzeria
220 S Main St, Crown Point
An artisan pizzeria on the courthouse square serving wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies with premium ingredients. Battista's is the newer kid on the block but has quickly earned a spot in the Crown Point pizza rotation with its creative topping combinations.
Visit websiteAurelio's Pizza of Crown Point
3.8★1900 N Main St, Crown Point
Part of the legendary Aurelio's chain that started in Homewood, Illinois. The Crown Point location delivers the same thin-crust, square-cut pies that have made Aurelio's a regional favorite for generations.
Visit websiteMunster & Highland: Ridge Road's Pizza Row
Ridge Road running through Munster and into Highland has become a pizza corridor of its own, with classic pizzerias and new-school options packed into a few short miles.
The Original John's Pizzeria
4.1★247 Ridge Rd, Munster
A Munster staple on Ridge Road. The Original John's has been serving classic pies for decades, with a loyal following that swears by their thin-crust pepperoni and sausage combinations. A true local favorite.
Visit websiteAurelio's Pizza of Munster
3.9★416 Ridge Rd, Munster
The Munster outpost of the famous Aurelio's chain. Located on Ridge Road, this location offers the same signature thin-crust pizza with the slightly sweet sauce and generous cheese that Aurelio's built its reputation on.
Visit websiteLangel's Pizza
4.0★2833 Highway Ave, Highland
A Highland and Schererville favorite with two locations. Langel's serves up thick, hearty pizzas with a crispy edge and a loyal customer base that has been coming back for years. Their Highway Avenue location in Highland is a neighborhood institution.
Visit websiteArrenello's Pizza Highland
2556 W 45th St, Highland
Arrenello's has made a name for itself in Highland with generous portions, a crispy crust, and a menu that goes well beyond pizza. A solid choice for pizza night in the Highland area.
Visit websiteAmici Grill and Pizzeria
4.0★3808 Ridge Rd, Highland
A Ridge Road gem serving wood-fired pizzas alongside Italian-American classics. Amici's pizzas come out of the oven with a perfect char and a chewy, satisfying crust. Date-night worthy but casual enough for a weeknight dinner.
Visit websiteSquigi's Pizza of Highland
8327 Kennedy Ave, Highland
A Highland favorite on Kennedy Avenue serving up classic hand-tossed pizzas with a loyal neighborhood following. Squigi's is the kind of place where the staff knows the regulars by name and the pizza is always consistent.
Visit websiteSchererville: The Pizza Powerhouse
Schererville might have the strongest concentration of high-quality pizza in Lake County. With several spots rating 4.3 stars and above, this town is a must-visit for any serious pizza lover.
Giuseppe's Pizza
4.7★1000 Eagle Ridge Dr, Schererville
The top-rated pizza in Schererville with a remarkable 4.7 stars. Giuseppe's serves up generous pies with a perfectly baked crust and high-quality toppings. Their Eagle Ridge Drive location has become a destination for pizza lovers from across the county.
Visit websiteAurelio's Pizza of Schererville
4.3★1412 US-30, Schererville
One of the highest-rated Aurelio's locations in the area. The Schererville spot on US-30 consistently delivers the thin-crust, square-cut pies that keep fans loyal. If you want Aurelio's at its best, this is the location to visit.
Visit websiteTomato Bar Pizza Bakery
4.4★79 US-41, Schererville
A modern take on pizza in Schererville with a 4.4-star rating. Tomato Bar serves up creative pies with fresh ingredients and a focus on quality dough. Their US-41 location has quickly become a favorite for families and pizza purists alike.
Visit websiteState Line Pizza
150 E US-30, Schererville
Part of the State Line chain known throughout the Chicago area for its thin-crust, tavern-style pizzas. The Schererville location brings that same classic recipe to the 219.
Visit websiteRosati's Pizza Schererville
4.3★5504 E Lincoln Hwy, Schererville
A 4.3-star Rosati's location on Lincoln Highway. Rosati's famous thin-crust, deep-dish, and stuffed pizzas are all on offer here, with a loyal Schererville customer base that swears by their sausage and giardiniera pie.
Visit websiteBronko's Pizza Schererville
2255 Wicker Ave, Schererville
A Wicker Avenue staple serving classic pizza with a focus on quality ingredients and consistent execution. Bronko's has been part of the Schererville dining scene for years and continues to draw crowds.
Visit websiteInsider Tips for Pizza Night in the 219
Call your order in at least 30 to 45 minutes ahead on Friday and Saturday nights — the good places are always busy.
Tavern-style pizza (thin crust cut into squares) is the regional specialty. If you are new to the 219, start with Gelsosomo's or Aurelio's to understand what local pizza is all about.
Many of these pizzerias serve Italian beef, gyros, and pasta dishes too. Don't be afraid to branch out on your second visit.
Giuseppe's in Schererville offers catering trays that are perfect for parties, game days, and family gatherings.
The Original John's in Munster has been around for decades — ask the regulars what they order and you will get the real insider knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Schererville has the highest concentration of top-rated pizza in Lake County, with six standout options
- ✓ Crown Point's courthouse square area offers five excellent pizza spots within walking distance of each other
- ✓ Ridge Road in Munster and Highland forms a pizza corridor with six must-try pizzerias
- ✓ Tavern-style thin crust cut into squares is the regional specialty
- ✓ Giuseppe's in Schererville (4.7★) and Pizza Cellar in Crown Point (4.6★) are the highest-rated pizzerias in the county
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-rated pizza place in Lake County?
Giuseppe's Pizza in Schererville leads the pack with a 4.7-star rating on Eagle Ridge Drive. Pizza Cellar in Crown Point follows closely at 4.6 stars, and Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery in Schererville rounds out the top tier at 4.4 stars.
What pizza style is Northwest Indiana known for?
Northwest Indiana is tavern-style pizza country. The thin, crackery crust cut into squares is the regional standard, and places like Gelsosomo's, Aurelio's, and State Line Pizza are masters of the style. But the area also has excellent hand-tossed and wood-fired options for those who prefer a different slice.
Which pizzerias are best for takeout?
Nearly all of them. Gelsosomo's, Pizza Cellar, Carriage Court, Aurelio's, and Giuseppe's all have efficient carryout operations. For large groups or game-day orders, call ahead at least an hour on weekends.
Are there any pizza places that also have a full bar?
Yes. Gelsosomo's Crown Point location shares space with Bullpen The Bar, offering a full bar alongside their pizza. Langel's in both Highland and Schererville serves pizza alongside craft beer and cocktails. Several other spots offer beer and wine.
Where can I find gluten-free pizza options?
Most of the major pizzerias in the area now offer gluten-free crust options. Rosati's, Aurelio's, and many of the chain locations have gluten-free alternatives available. It is always best to call ahead to confirm.
Pizza in the 219 is more than just dinner. It is Friday night traditions, post-soccer game celebrations, and the thing everyone argues about when asked "where should we order from?" Whether you are new to the area or a lifelong resident, I hope this guide helps you find your next favorite slice. And if you are thinking about making Lake County your home, I know exactly which neighborhood has the best pizza within walking distance. Let's talk.
Explore more of the 219: Dining & Restaurants, Coffee Lover's Guide, and Breakfast & Brunch Guide.