National food television host Guy Fieri has tasted pizzas across the country, but his visit to midtown Tucson brought him face-to-face with deep-dish pie that rivals anything in the Midwest.
When Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives pulled into the driveway, the award-winning kitchen proved that genuine Chicago pizza thrives in the Sonoran Desert.
Getting a table along Broadway Boulevard on a weekend evening usually means waiting alongside university students, neighborhood regulars, and out-of-town visitors looking for national-TV-level comfort food.
Quick Bite – Rocco’s Little Chicago, Tucson, AZ 0️⃣
Anthony “Rocco” DiGiacomo opened the restaurant in 1998 after moving to Arizona and noticing a distinct lack of authentic Chicago-style pizza.
Operating out of a small former fast-food building before moving to its current location, the kitchen builds every pie using slow-risen dough, chunky tomato sauce, and heavy layers of mozzarella.
That dedication to Midwest baking standards paid off when national TV producers took notice, leading to award-winning recognition and feature spots on major food networks.
Founder Rocco DiGiacomo still keeps the business independent, maintaining its status as a true local mom and pops and hole in the wall icon.
The Local Atmosphere – Rocco’s Little Chicago, Tucson, AZ 😍
Pan pizza takes thirty minutes to bake properly, giving the dining room a relaxed, unhurried pace. The walls feature vintage Chicago sports posters, local art, and framed photos from national TV appearances.
Diners from nearby neighborhoods like Sam Hughes, Broadmoor-Broadway, and Peter Howell share booth space with University of Arizona students.
The setup is casual: grab a pitcher of cold beer, order an appetizer, and watch the kitchen work through a steady stack of pizza pans.
Signature Bites – Rocco’s Little Chicago, Tucson, AZ 😋
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Chicago Deep Dish Pizza: Thick dough pressed into a deep pan, layered with mozzarella, crushed tomatoes, and savory Italian sausage.
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Stuffed Pizza: A double-crust pie packed with cheese and toppings, covered with chunky marinara sauce.
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Rocco’s Killer Wings: Crispy chicken wings tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, served with house-made ranch or blue cheese.
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Great Chicago Fire Pizza: A spicy specialty pie topped with sausage, hot peppers, and spicy tomato sauce.
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Thin Crust Pizza: Tavern-style square-cut pizza with a crispy bottom crust and generous melted cheese.
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Homemade Cannoli: Crisp fried pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream and chocolate chips.
Takeaway Bite – Rocco’s Little Chicago, Tucson, AZ 😎
Seeing a local Tucson kitchen win national TV praise is great, but taking a bite of a fresh deep-dish pie is the real test. Rocco’s delivers thick crusts, rich sauce, and consistent quality without relying on corporate gimmicks.
That simple focus on solid baking techniques is why this award-winning establishment remains an essential mom and pops and hole in the wall favorite in Southern Arizona.
📍: 2707 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716
🕒: Mon-Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM