Every town claims to have its hole-in-the-wall pizza miracle, but Urbana has a pizza scene that surprises even seasoned cheese chasers. I once wandered in search of a quick slice and found myself sidetracked by conversations about crust texture and homemade sauce at nearly every block. In Urbana, pizza isn’t just food—it’s almost a secret handshake.
If you’ve ever argued about what counts as the perfect pizza—chewy, thin, deep, or heaped with toppings—you’ll feel right at home here. There’s a menu for every mood and hunger level. This city’s lineup mixes old-school tradition with inventive local twists, making it tricky to settle for just one go-to spot. Curious where to begin your cheesy dive into Urbana’s best pies? Let the list ahead guide your cravings.
1. Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas
Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas is where New York-style pizza meets a dash of Argentine flair, right off Oregon Street. Their legendary sourdough crust crunches just right—never too thin, always flavorful. I popped in between classes once, thinking I’d grab a slice and dash, then lost track of time sampling their creations.
The standout? Caramelized onion and gorgonzola pizza, a perfect blend of rich and tangy. If you’re curious, try the portobello and artichoke combo, which captures Urbana’s taste for the unexpected. Manolo’s sets itself apart by using inventive toppings, fresh ingredients, and a gourmet twist.
Don’t overlook their empanadas—the spinach and cheese always disappears fast, especially late at night. Craving something outside the ordinary? Manolo’s has you covered.
2. Rosati’s Pizza
Rosati’s Pizza transports classic Chicago-style to Urbana, and you can taste the tradition in each bite. The crust has a distinct chew with that golden edge—a real nod to its Windy City roots. I remember dropping by after a long workday, and the aroma of fresh dough hit before I even stepped inside.
The deep dish is the star here, layered with gooey cheese and chunky tomato sauce. If you prefer, their thin crust also deserves a round of applause—crispy, but never dry. Rosati’s keeps it real by sticking with time-honored recipes and a generous hand when it comes to toppings.
My go-to? The classic pepperoni or Margherita, both bursting with flavor and comfort. Whether you want to relive your last visit to Chicago or just feed a crowd, Rosati’s delivers.
3. Monical’s Pizza
Monical’s Pizza has carved out a loyal following in Urbana by keeping things simple and satisfying. Their ultra-thin crust is almost cracker-like, delivering a crunchy bite that never feels heavy. On more than one late evening, I’ve found myself driving across town to score a square-cut slice.
The build-your-own pizza is legendary—pick your toppings and enjoy a pizza that feels tailor-made. For a classic, the veggie pizza shines with fresh toppings laid out generously, and their signature tangy red sauce brings it all together.
Pair your order with their famed family-size salad and that sweet red dressing. Monical’s is the kind of place you crave when you want crisp, clean flavors and a dinner that always hits the spot.
4. Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s Pizza keeps Urbana fueled, whether you’re catching up with friends or facing a late-night study session. The sheer variety sets Domino’s apart—you get everything from classic thin crust to their famous Handmade Pan that practically begs for extra cheese. More than once, I’ve ordered a pie and found the delivery impressively quick, piping hot and loaded with toppings.
The Parmesan Stuffed Crust pizza is pure comfort food; the melted cheese tucked in the crust feels like a bonus with each bite. If you enjoy customizing, choose a thin crust loaded with veggies and their zesty red sauce.
Of course, Domino’s makes it easy to feed a group or satisfy solo cravings, all while keeping things affordable and reliable.
5. Timpone’s
Timpone’s offers a refined twist on pizza just steps from campus. The atmosphere blends warmth with a dash of sophistication, making it the ideal spot for both a casual dinner and a special occasion. I once wandered in on a whim and ended up lingering over every bite—each pizza felt like a work of art.
Here, the pizza dough is notably airy and crisp, providing a perfect canvas for inventive toppings. The roasted vegetable pizza, stacked with seasonal produce, truly reflects the kitchen’s knack for fresh flavors. Their Margherita, with vibrant tomatoes and plenty of basil, is a true classic done right.
Timpone’s stands out for offering creative yet balanced pizzas—always thoughtfully assembled, always satisfying after a busy day.
6. Po Boys Restaurant
Po Boys Restaurant is a local institution with a cozy, down-to-earth vibe that makes any meal feel laid-back and welcoming. The pizza here leans into hearty, comforting flavors—thick crust, melty cheese, and toppings piled on without apology. There’s a sense that every pie is made with genuine care, and that keeps regulars coming back.
My first taste of their veggie pizza proved that you don’t need meat for bold flavor. The sauce is slightly sweet and robust, and the vegetables stay satisfyingly crisp even after baking. If you like classic combinations, their cheese and mushroom pizza is always a winner.
Po Boys stands out for its consistency and heart, delivering pizza that always feels homemade and familiar.
7. Hendrick House
Hendrick House isn’t just another spot—it’s campus living done right, with food that goes far beyond the expected. Their pizza brings comfort to busy days, always landing that “just homemade enough” charm. I remember grabbing a slice during finals week and being pleasantly surprised by the fresh ingredients and generous cheese.
Their veggie and classic cheese pizzas are always safe bets, piled high with vibrant toppings and baked until the crust is golden. The sauce has a mellow tang that balances nicely with the cheese.
What sets Hendrick House apart is the attention to freshness and the sense of community in every meal. This is pizza you’ll remember—and crave between study sessions.
8. NOLA’s Rock Bar
NOLA’s Rock Bar isn’t your average pizza stop—it pulses with the spirit of New Orleans and a love for casual, late-night bites. The vibe leans fun and unfussy, giving you a rare place to relax over a slice after dark or when Main Street’s alive with music. I once dropped by on a whim and ended up lingering for both the tunes and the food.
Their pizza is all about bold flavors and hearty portions. Try their classic Margherita or the veggie pie, both loaded edge-to-edge with quality ingredients. The crust is pleasantly chewy, and the sauce has a punch that keeps every bite interesting.
NOLA’s Rock Bar stands out for its energy, creativity, and ability to deliver a solid pizza when you need it most.
9. Rosati’s Authentic Chicago Pizza
Rosati’s Authentic Chicago Pizza brings slice-of-the-city attitude to Urbana, serving up pies rooted in deep Chicago tradition. The moment you lift a slice, you catch that signature heft—rich cheese, fresh sauce, and chewy crust. I swung by out of curiosity and left with leftovers, still impressed by that craveable combo.
The deep-dish pizza here is a star—thick, cheesy, and layered with flavor. If you want something lighter, opt for their thin crust, which offers a nice crunch while holding all the toppings together. Each pizza feels substantial and carefully made, never rushed.
Rosati’s Authentic Chicago Pizza stands out for bringing genuine Chicago quality right to your table, slice after satisfying slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular pizza places in Urbana, IL?
Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas, Rosati’s Pizza, Monical’s Pizza, and Timpone’s are local favorites, each offering a distinct style and atmosphere.
Is there vegetarian pizza available in Urbana?
Absolutely. Most pizzerias in Urbana, including Monical’s and Timpone’s, serve delicious vegetarian options with fresh, flavorful toppings.
Can I get pizza delivered late at night in Urbana?
Yes, spots like Domino’s and NOLA’s Rock Bar keep the ovens hot for late-night cravings, with delivery available till the early hours.
Where can I find Chicago-style pizza in Urbana?
Both Rosati’s Pizza and Rosati’s Authentic Chicago Pizza serve authentic deep-dish and Chicago-style thin crusts.
Which pizza places in Urbana are great for groups or families?
Monical’s Pizza and Po Boys Restaurant are top picks for casual gatherings, with plenty of seating and shareable pies.
Are there options for takeout or delivery?
Most Urbana pizza spots offer both takeout and delivery, making it easy to enjoy your favorite slice wherever you are.