ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Woodlawn & Hyde Park
Master Critic Review
Medici On 57th
7.9
A longtime Hyde Park hangout where the play is thin-crust pizza plus bakery-counter comfort, with a steady stream of students and neighbors keeping the room lively. Order in the “classic Medici” lane—one pizza and one sweet—so the meal feels like a Hyde Park ritual rather than a random stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garbage Pizza, Fudge Banana Nut Shake, Fruit Tart
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A decades-running Hyde Park institution blending pizza, bakery, and all-day café energy.
Who should go: Hyde Park regulars and UChicago-area diners
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid peak crowding
What to order: Garbage Pizza, shake, bakery dessert
Insider tip: Split one pizza and add one bakery item instead of multiple mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along 57th Street and nearby side streets; availability is hit-or-miss during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely normal.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk, but the room has constant background buzz.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of the noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie-friendly pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and bakery items.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and sides work, but most items include dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free pizza program; cross-contact is likely.
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood comfort, casual pizza-and-bakery meals, solo dining, and unfussy group hangs.
Consider Alternatives If: You want polished Italian cooking, quiet ambiance, or a true date-night setting.