Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: A Vegetarian Deep Dish Delight in Chicago

Craving authentic Chicago deep dish, but need vegetarian options? Look no further than Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria! Located in the heart of Chicago, Lou Malnati’s offers a truly iconic experience with its rich history and delicious pizzas. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a visit to Lou’s is a must for any pizza lover. From the buttery crust to the vine-ripened tomato sauce, every bite is an explosion of flavor. You can find Lou Malnati’s at various locations throughout the Chicago area, including its flagship restaurant on North Wells Street. With cozy booths and friendly staff, you’ll feel right at home as you indulge in a culinary masterpiece.

Lou Malnati’s is open daily, offering both lunch and dinner service. Their hours vary slightly by location, but generally you can expect them to be open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and until midnight on weekends. To make a reservation or place an order for carryout or delivery, you can reach them at their main phone number: (312) 725-7777. They also offer online ordering through their website, making it even easier to satisfy your deep dish cravings.

Calculate Your Meal’s Calories

Menu Highlights

Appetizers

Malnati Salad: A blend of romaine, gorgonzola, sweet onions, and crumbled bacon.
House Salad: A simple yet refreshing salad with a mix of fresh greens.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
Mozzarella Sticks: Classic fried mozzarella served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Calamari: Lightly breaded and fried calamari, served with lemon aioli.
Onion Rings: Crispy and golden onion rings, perfect for sharing or enjoying alone.

Deep Dish Pizza (Vegetarian)

The Lou (Vegetarian): Spinach mix, mushrooms, and tomatoes on a garlic butter crust.
Spinach Supreme: Creamy spinach blend, mozzarella, and a touch of garlic goodness.
Cheese Pizza (Vegetarian): A classic deep dish with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
Veggie Pizza (Vegetarian): Fresh vegetables piled high on a delicious deep dish crust.
Mushroom Pizza (Vegetarian): Earthy mushrooms create a rich and satisfying pizza experience.
Tomato and Basil (Vegetarian): Simple, fresh ingredients make this pizza a flavorful delight.
Create Your Own (Vegetarian Options): Customize your pizza with a variety of veggie toppings.

Thin Crust Pizza (Vegetarian)

Cheese Pizza (Vegetarian): A crispy thin crust covered in melted mozzarella cheese.
Veggie Pizza (Vegetarian): A lighter option with a variety of fresh vegetables.
Mushroom Pizza (Vegetarian): Earthy mushrooms add a savory flavor to the thin crust.
Tomato and Basil (Vegetarian): A classic combination on a crispy thin crust.
Spinach and Artichoke (Vegetarian): Creamy spinach and artichoke blend on a thin crust.
Create Your Own (Vegetarian Options): Design your own thin crust with your favorite veggies.

Pastas

Mostaccioli: Tube-shaped pasta served with homemade marinara and parmesan cheese.
Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti served with your choice of marinara or meat sauce.
Fettuccine Alfredo (Vegetarian): Creamy Alfredo sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta.
Baked Ziti: Ziti pasta baked with ricotta cheese and marinara sauce.
Vegetable Lasagna (Vegetarian): Layers of pasta, vegetables, and cheese, baked to perfection.
Ravioli (Vegetarian Options): Cheese or vegetable ravioli served with marinara sauce.

Sandwiches

Italian Beef Sandwich: Thinly sliced beef on a roll, dipped in au jus.
Meatball Sandwich: Homemade meatballs in marinara sauce on a toasted roll.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Breaded chicken breast with marinara and mozzarella on a roll.
Veggie Sandwich (Vegetarian): A variety of fresh vegetables on a toasted roll with dressing.
Caprese Sandwich (Vegetarian): Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on a toasted roll.

Desserts

Tiramisu: Classic Italian dessert with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.
Cannoli: Crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese and chocolate chips.
Chocolate Cake: Rich and decadent chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
Cheesecake: Creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust.
Ice Cream: Vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream in a cup or cone.
Cookie Pizza: A giant chocolate chip cookie baked in a pizza pan.

Ambiance, Service & Pricing

Lou Malnati’s exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for families, friends, and even solo diners. The interior is designed with classic Chicago pizzeria charm, featuring cozy booths, dim lighting, and walls adorned with Chicago-themed memorabilia. The service is consistently friendly and attentive, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu and always ready to offer recommendations. Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, making it an excellent value for a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion celebration, Lou Malnati’s provides a comfortable and enjoyable setting.

Conclusion

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is more than just a restaurant; it’s a Chicago institution. Their **deep dish pizza, especially The Lou and the classic cheese**, are legendary. This is a great place for families, tourists wanting an authentic Chicago experience, and anyone who appreciates a truly great pizza. The atmosphere is welcoming, the service is friendly, and the food is consistently delicious. It’s a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars from me – worth the wait and every single calorie!

some of the images and information is taken from other sources

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Lou Malnati’s Chicago, Lou Malnati’s deep dish, Lou Malnati’s menu, Lou Malnati’s vegetarian, Lou Malnati’s The Lou, Lou Malnati’s pizza, Lou Malnati’s hours, Lou Malnati’s location, Lou Malnati’s carryout, Lou Malnati’s delivery, Lou Malnati’s reservations, Lou Malnati’s history, Lou Malnati’s experience, Lou Malnati’s atmosphere, Lou Malnati’s service, Lou Malnati’s pricing, Lou Malnati’s Chicago pizza, Lou Malnati’s best pizza, Lou Malnati’s restaurant.