Best Pizza Place In Highland Park, Highwood: Readers Pick

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The results are in from our survey of Patch readers for their choice for the best pizza available in Highland Park or Highwood.

Two clear local favorites emerged among the dozens of responses to last week's unscientific readers' poll.

Buffo's Restaurant, at 431 Sheridan Road in Highwood, was the top choice, with 26 percent of respondents identifying it as their top choice.

For more than 40 years, the Highwood institution has grown from a hot dog stand in a location once occupied by founder Leonard Innocenzi's grandparents' grocery store, according to its website.

"Crust is perfect, never soggy. The sauce is delicious. Overall consistent product each and every time," one reader said.

"Great menu, great pizza, family friendly," said another.

"It's ooey, gooey cheese and it's a great place to meet old friends!"

The top go-to pizza orders among Highland Park Patch readers include the double decker as well as the thin crust.

Piero's Pizza, at 647 Roger Williams Ave. in Highland Park, was the next most popular pizza joint in the Patch survey, where it was the top pick for more than 21 percent of respondents.

Owner Frank Guagliardo opened Piero's in the Ravinia district more than 40 years ago, according to its website. Longtime patrons affirmed it tastes as good today as it did decades ago.

What makes it the best?

"It is lusciously delicious. Best ingredients, best recipes," said one respondent, a fan of Piero's stuffed pizza with tomatoes, olives and green pepper.

Piero's "Deep Dish Pizza is the best in the area," another reader said.

"So many things — best extra thin crispy crust pizza, best deep dish pizza, and some options in between for those who can't decide between thickest and thinnest," said another reader. "And they offer whole wheat crust options and fat-free cheese options for those who need or want to watch what they eat (makes a big difference for me!)."

Honorable mentions that also received the recommendation of Highland Park Patch readers include: Lefty's, Judy's, Washington Gardens, Il Forno and Barnaby's.

As local eateries continue to find their way forward amid coronavirus, we're asking Patch readers to show love to their favorite local joints.