Deep-dish joy that hits the spot

Deep-dish joy that hits the spot
“If you are what you eat, I’m pizza!” That’s the only way to describe how I feel about Kwadratowy Pies, where thick, Sicilian-style squares influenced by Detroit’s deep-dish tradition deliver pure, unadulterated joy. Biting into one of their pizzas reminds me of that iconic moment in Ratatouille—the food critic tasting a dish that instantly transports him to his happiest childhood memories. For me, it takes me back to stopping by a local pizza spot after school, grabbing cheesy, golden Sicilian slices on my way home. Those after-school slices were pure comfort, and Kwadratowy Pies brings all those warm, familiar feelings flooding back.
The first Kwadratowy Pies, located next to its parent spot, MaKa i Woda, on Chmielna, has a second outpost in Żoliborz. As a regular, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know their pizzaiolo, Josh, an El Salvadoran craftsman who pours his heart into making these heavenly squares. His passion shows in every bite and keeps me coming back weekly. While my belt loops remain mercifully unchanged, my heart grows a little bigger with each visit—especially when I dip that crust into their tangy sauce.
If it’s your first time here, you really can’t go wrong. Don’t deduct points for their Hawaiian pizza—it’s all about having fun, not adhering to strict Italian traditions. My personal favorite? The square topped with crumbled meatballs. My partner, on the other hand, can’t resist the pepperoni pie, glistening with that signature oil sheen.
The personal-sized pizzas are perfect for dining in, but if you’re planning to take some home, go for the larger size. You’ll thank yourself later. And keep an eye out for their weekend sandwich specials—I have a feeling they’re destined to be just as crave-worthy as the pizzas.