Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

A’mazing pizza! I didn’t think I could ever have “real” pizza again. The deep dish is the real deal.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Ordered the gluten free deep dish 1 x Small Gluten Free Deep Dish Malnati Chicago Classic.

Ordered an hour ahead on a Saturday when the Bears and Cubs were playing plus Navy Pier summer fun, so needless to say we had to wait extra for our take out. (Twenty minutes extra)

Pizza was absolutely delicious! And not sick at all.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I ordered a cheese gf deep dish “butter crust.” While it was deep dish, it didn’t really resemble glutinous deep dish— the crust was still kind of thin and it was actually easier to eat slices by picking them up. It tasted good, though. Also note pizzas take 30 minutes so plan accordingly!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Good pizza. No issues!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Called ahead to order take out. Pizzas take 30 min. Had the thin crust since others had said the thicker one seemed doughy like it wasn’t cooked enough. Thin crust cheese GF pizza was just OK. It was a little overcooked so edges were really hard.

My husband thought the deep dish (not GF) was amazing. Didn’t get sick. They said they keep all GF stuff separate. $17 for a small mediocre Gf pizza. The medium deep dish that fed two was $19. Plus tax, the total was $40. Seemed pricy for what we got to me since we got no toppings just cheese pizza. The Gf thin crust pizza fed one person.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Great pizza. I got a deep dish cheese pizza. They marked it on the receipt, but I ordered it on door dash so I wasn’t able to speak to anyone before hand. I didn’t have any symptoms after I ate it though.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

I’m not impressed. I did not get sick from it, so I’m happy about that, but the GF Chicago style pizza was meh. The crust was a gummy texture, which made me wonder if it was undercooked. I had the Chicago Classic, and was underwhelmed.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Everytime I’m in Chicago I have to eat at Lou’s! Absolutely love their GF pizza and salad. I’ve been celiac for 10+ years and have not had any problems.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Was so excited to hace a Chicago deep dish pizza but that crust was almost inedible. Almost broke a tooth on it becuase it was so rock hard. Be careful!! I ended up just eating the toppings off.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

So sad to say that Lou Mals Gluten Free pizzas are awful! Rock hard/under cooked. I have had Lou Mals for years before I became GF sensitive. But now it’s such a disappointment. So many more better options. Please do some research Lou Mals (try some other places that offer gluten free) and up your game!!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Very positive experience. I’m very sensitive celiac and ate here with no issues at all. The deep dish pizza was delicious. Very good gluten free find!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The gluten free crust on the deep dish was a bit tough, and I did get gluten by cross contamination.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

GF salads and pizzas on the menu. The Malnati salad was excellent-so tasty! The GF deep dish pizza was pretty good. I wasn’t expecting much from the crust coz of the nature of GF pizza, so the toughness didn’t bother me. Sauce & sausage were good. No reaction & I’m a sensitive celiac.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Completely dedicated gluten-free kitchen
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

They have a few choices for gluten free deep dish pizza, as well as thin crust and crustless. I had the deep dish pizza as we are in Chicago!! For a gluten free pizza, it was pretty good, the crust wasn’t too gummy.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

Excellent gluten free deep dish pizza, staff were very knowledgeable and accommodating

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The only good thing, service was great. The cons; GF deep dish crust was not good :-( I had my hopes up for a tasty GF pizza, the crust was underbaked and flabby for most of the pizza and the edges were tough and crunchy. So tough I couldn’t cut it with the butter knife they provided. The taste of the crust was bland. My family had a regular deep dish pizza which they described as buttery and delicious. My husband tried a bite of my pizza and said it tasted no where near as good as theirs. I don’t expect a gf crust to ever be as good as a regular crust but I don’t see why it has to taste like nothing! I wouldn’t eat here again. For those who are interested the menu stated the GF crust is made off site in a clean facility but is baked in the same kitchen as regular pizzas. Significant risk of cross contamination for a pizza that tastes like disappointment.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

While visiting Chicago I tried both the Malnati Chicago classic gluten free deep dish and the crustless (sausage crust) deep dish. We also ordered the Malnati salad which was incredible! Everything was absolutely delicious and I had no reactions. I will definitely eat here again!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for keto
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

Given the positive reviews and the waiter seeming extra careful, I was excited to try some deep dish. Unfortunately , after a couple of hours, I started having the worst gluten reaction in my life— was in the bathroom all night, as well as feverish and full body pain. If you are sensitive do NOT eat here.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

About 25 minutes after having the gf pizza delivered I had one of those rush times the bathroom events that you fear and never know how long will last.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

I've had gluten free pizzas all over. My favorite is the cauliflower when I can get it. When I found out Malnatis had GF I was excited to try it. I have since had it 8 times or more. I have not had a reaction at all and my only complaint is I eat the entire pizza. I'm trying to order Frozen GF from LM to keep at the house ... really really love these!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering

Ordered a cheese deep dish for delivery and it was VERY good. Recommend getting the crust well done so it’s nice and crispy. Ate almost the entire pizza in one sitting and felt completely fine

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Great service. Shared kitchen space. Gluten free pizza crust is a little yeasty, so next time I’ll go with the crustless pizza. Delicious, fresh toppings! Much better then Giordano’s!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

NOT CELIAC SAFE. They tried and changed gloves and said they used all fresh toppings. However got sick from the pizza 🍕 should not be on FMGF

Celiac friendly?

No

Great staff and so friendly and accommodating however the 1 star remains for getting glutened. Celiac truly do not eat here. We went with friends who wanted to go but it’s really not safe. Took the gamble and unfortunately we lost we time. It’s so sad because our waiter was awesome and so kind. Although to be compared it was a gf cardboard pizza. Worst I’ve ever had which makes getting sick even that much worse.

Celiac friendly?

No

I originally gave this 5 stars because the food was delicious....then my son started vomiting (his response to gluten). If you are celiac, stay away!

Celiac friendly?

No

My daughter got sick eating a gf pizza from here

Celiac friendly?

No

The menu says right on that the gluten free crust is made in a sterile environment but it's finished in a unsafe environment. So I asked and she explained that the crust is from a gluten free bakery and then they cook it in the same oven as the gluten pizza. The gf crust is cooked on a pan though so it seemed ok. So far haven't gotten sick and usually I know within minutes if I got glutened so it's an ok from me!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very good gluten free crust. Yummy pizza. Had no issues.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Good thin crust pizza! They claim they can't ensure a lack of cross contamination, but I did not get sick and was able to eat with my friends!

super awesome! they have a thin crust that you can put any of their pizza on, and a crust less sausage pizza. Lots of salads to choose from. 30 minutes for your pizza, and it is delicious. I had "the lou" and loved it.

If you go in the evening be prepared to wait, but the crustless gf pizza was amazing! The crust is pure Italian sausage. Worth the wait for us to get gf style deep dish!

the crustless sausage pizza was AMAZING!

Great sausage on the pizza. The crust was fairly good, a little chewy, but had good favor. The salad dressings are gluten free and quite a few salads are. The pizzas are made in a safe zone, but aren't cooked and cross contamination is likely.

Celiac friendly?

No

Had the wings and pizza. The wings are baked they're not bad, nothing special in my opinion. I also had the GF pizza, it wasn't bad either didn't think it was anything special. I did get sick, I would say be very cautious and talk with your waiter because it sounds like the opportunity for cross contamination is very high. They do not have a separate prep area for gf foods. They also have wine and angry orchard to drink.

Celiac friendly?

No

Just ate the GF wings and they were possibly the best I've ever had. The combination of the baked wings, with a little crispy-ness to them, the slightly spicy buffalo sauce and what has to be homemade blue cheese was a home run or if your watching the Bears play, a touchdown!!!

Waiting for the GF pizza next- more to come on that once I've put that down too. Ok- so I just ate the pizza. I can't believe it but they actually pulled off a tasty deep-dish GF crust. It was thin enough on the bottom while being thick enough around the crust. It was cooked just right and maintained an excellent and even texture. It tasted like a buttery crunchy crust but not too hard to where it hurts your mouth. It really was just right. I could only eat about 1/3 of it through because I was already getting full from the wings and this pizza really is filling. You could easily share it between two people and be full afterwards. The sauce is very fresh tasting with a little tangy kick and some chunky tomatoes. The ingredients were also very fresh and still a little crispy. The bell peppers and onion were cut into large chunks which added a unique texture even on top of the aforementioned.

Overall- I would have to rate this the best Gluten Free pizza I've had. There was obviously a commitment to making this good and not just have a GF option available without regard to texture and or taste like most places.

Great Job Lou!!!

Not the most Celiac Friendly... But man is it good!!

great service good gf pizza and free wifi

Great GF thin crust pizza and great caesar salad.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Base was a little undercooked but still yummy!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Deep dish gf pizza crust was terrible imho. Can not recommend.

Love Lou’s, one of my safe places to eat downtown! They are very experienced. I ask them to not cut it in the back and note that it’s a severe allergy and everything is safe! They are very aware and experienced in making sure I’m safe! I always get the deep dish gluten free, it’s not as good as the regular but amazing for gluten free pizza!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Ordered a gluten free pizza. The crust wasn't very good and it was definitely cross contaminated. Be careful here

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

I've gotten the gluten-free thin crust from this location for years through takeout with no problem, but after going to sit down and eat inside, I had symptoms after 2 hours. Turned out to be the most severe celiac attack I've ever had. I actually felt like I was dying. Used to love it, but probably will never go back now.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good