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La Crosta Woodfire Pizzeria Italiana
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
La Crosta Woodfire Pizzeria Italiana
7.9
Since 2015, owner Dino has been crafting authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas using imported Italian flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh burrata. The wood-fired oven produces a signature fluffy crust that earned recognition from WGN's Chicago's Best Pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chili Burrata & Prosciutto Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Calabrese Soppressata
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Imported Italian ingredients and authentic wood-fired technique
Who should go: Pizza purists seeking true Neapolitan-style
When to visit: Wednesday for half-price wine bottles
What to order: Bianca Pizza, Burrata & Crostini, Nutella Pizza for dessert
Insider tip: Near the Biograph Theater—perfect for pre-show dining
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street pay-to-park—fairly easy on weeknights, tighter on weekends. Paid garage nearby on Lincoln Ave
Dress code: Casual and relaxed. Come as you are—jeans and a nice top work perfectly for this neighborhood spot
Noise level: Moderate—cozy enough for conversation. The small dining room has a friendly life-is-good vibe without getting rowdy
Weekend wait: 15-30 min without reservation. Small space fills up—book ahead via OpenTable, especially pre-theater
Weekday lunch: No lunch service. Opens Mon 5pm, Wed-Thu 5pm, Fri 3:30pm. Closed Tuesdays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options including Margherita, veggie pizzas, Caprese salad, and build-your-own with 8+ veggie toppings (portabella, artichoke, arugula, etc.)
Vegan options: Very limited—salads can be modified, but cheese is central to the menu. No dedicated vegan cheese option
Gluten-free options: No—owner Dino confirmed no gluten-free crust available. The Neapolitan dough is the star here
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. Soft lighting, cozy intimate space, and shareable pizzas create easy conversation flow. Window seats are especially coveted. The wood-fired oven adds romance without pretension—casual enough to be comfortable, special enough to impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends and pre-theater nights. Owner Dino is accommodating with reservations—call ahead or book OpenTable. Weeknights are more forgiving for walk-ins, but this is a small space.
Is it kid-friendly? Very much so. OpenTable reviews specifically praise Dino for accommodating kids. One pizza feeds 2 adults easily (perfect for splitting with little ones). Fast service—reviewers note full meals with apps, pizza, and dessert in under an hour, ideal for antsy toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Pre-theater dining near Biograph/Greenhouse theaters where you need quality without a 2-hour commitment. The authentic Neapolitan technique with imported Italian flour and San Marzano tomatoes outclasses most neighborhood pizzerias. Wednesday half-price wine bottles add serious value.
Skip if: You need gluten-free crust (none available), want deep-dish Chicago-style (this is thin Neapolitan), or crave extensive non-pizza Italian entrees. Also skip if you're vegan—cheese is non-negotiable here.
La Crosta Woodfire Pizzeria Italiana
8.5
La Crosta is a compact Lincoln Park Italian spot centered on wood-fired, Neapolitan-leaning pies with leopard-spotted crusts and quality toppings. It reads as a neighborhood date-night staple where you can split a salad, a blistered pizza, and a bottle of wine without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita D.O.C. pizza, Chili Burrata & Prosciutto pizza, Prosciutto arugula pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Neighborhood wood-fired spot turning out blistered Neapolitan-style pies and Italian plates.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting cozy, wood-fired pizza dinners.
When to visit: Peak dinner for energy, later evening for a quieter room.
What to order: Margherita D.O.C., Chili Burrata & Prosciutto pie, tiramisu to finish.
Insider tip: Share one salad and one pie per two people to avoid over-ordering.
Hours
Monday5pm - 9pm
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday3:30pm - 10pm
Saturday3pm - 10pm
Sunday3pm - 9pm