Laying its claim to fame as the creator of deep-dish pizza, Chicago is no stranger to the delicious pie. Layered with cheese, toppings of your choice and bright, sweet-tart tomato sauce-in that exact order-locals and visitors alike are continuously on the hunt to find the best in the city. As National Deep-Dish Pizza Day draws near (April 5), we've compiled this list-based on reviews and the opinions of locals-of the best places to celebrate in the Windy City.

Founded by Italian immigrant brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio, Giordano's quickly rose to fame after opening its first location on Chicago's South Side in 1974. Introducing Mama Giordano's locally famous recipe to the United States, the restaurant offers its popular stuffed deep-dish pizza, salads, sandwiches, classic Italian dishes and more. Whatever you choose to indulge in, the fact remains that you can't leave the city without getting a taste for yourself. Unable to make it out to celebrate? The restaurant's website allows you to ship your pizza directly to your door-for an increased price, of course-anywhere throughout the country.

On an Irish holiday (St. Patrick's Day), in a Jewish neighborhood (Lincolnwood), Lou Malnati and his wife decided to open an Italian restaurant in 1971, creating what would later become one of Chicago's best-known pizza joints. Hand-selected vine-ripened tomatoes from California give way to an unforgettable sweet and tangy sauce, fresh mozzarella from a small dairy guarantees an explosion of cheese your taste buds will love, and a secret family recipe can be thanked for the flaky, buttery crust that holds the dish together. In addition to pizza, the restaurant also serves up salads, pasta, sandwiches and more. If you're not local, shipping is also available on their website.

While Chicagoans will never be able to fully agree on the best deep-dish in the city, they will tell you that Gino's East is a strong contender. What sets this pie apart is the fact that their sausage is locally sourced using high-quality cuts of meat, providing nothing but the best from Chicago, for Chicago. The Meaty Legend-pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon and bacon-is the perfect choice for meat lovers, and the Spinach Margherita-spinach cheese blend, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil-is ideal if you're looking for a healthier option. Keeping in line with local competitors, Gino's East also offers nationwide shipping on its most famous eats.

With numerous accolades-including being voted as the #1 deep-dish pizza by the Chicago Tribune-The Art of Pizza combines Wisconsin cheese and California tomatoes with a near-perfect, golden-brown crust, giving the foodies in the area a mouth-watering experience they won't soon forget. A rarity among the deep-dish scene, the restaurant does sell by the slice, making it perfect for those traveling alone or looking for a quick bite. While the pizza will undoubtedly keep you coming back again and again, the chicken, ribs, sandwiches and pasta should not be overlooked.

If you're on the hunt for your fourth meal, look no further than Pequod's Pizza. The late-night hours (open until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday), laid-back atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff are a draw for both locals and visitors alike. What truly makes Pequod's stand out from the rest is the baked to perfection caramelized crust. Mozzarella cheese is cooked along the edge of a cast iron pan, ensuring the perfect crunch with every bite.

Popular in large part due to its personal-sized pizza pot pies, Chicago Pizza and Over Grinder Co. makes its pizza from scratch, complete with a Sicilian bread-type dough, a homemade sauce with delicious ingredients like olive oil, garlic, onions and green peppers, all thrown over a special blend of cheeses. If you're in the area, the restaurant does offer frozen pizzas for you to take home and enjoy.

Although it was the thin-crust that gave this restaurant its following, the deep-dish here definitely doesn't disappoint. Family-owned and operated since opening its doors in 1968, you can expect the finest ingredients seasoned to perfection every time you enter-from one family to another. Close proximity (walking distance) to Wrigley Field allows Chicago Cubs fans the chance to grab a bite before making their way to the field for the big game.

What is a best deep-dish pizza list if you don't include the creators of the pie? Back in 1943, Ike Sewell made the decision to create a pizza unlike anything known before. Flaky, buttery crust with a tall edge, authentic Italian sauce piled on mounds of cheese, all baked to perfection for close to an hour. The best part-with more than 100 restaurants found throughout the U.S., you don't even need to be in Chicago to enjoy pizza perfection. Shipping is available online if you aren't close to a location.

Originally opened in 1971, My Pie has evolved from one single Chicago spot to opening more than 20 restaurants throughout nine states. Additionally, it was the first Chicago-style deep-dish pizza joint to be expanded outside of Illinois, giving other parts of the U.S the chance to indulge in some of the best pizza known to man. The special tomato sauce-flavored with a secret recipe of herbs and spices-is what will keep you coming back time after time. Unlike many of the surrounding restaurants, My Pie does serve by the slice. For those who aren't local, nationwide delivery is available online.