Dana Hunsinger Benbow

dana.benbow@indystar.com

A popular slice of Chicago is coming to Indianapolis.

Giordano's, known for its monstrous stuffed pizza pies, will open at 4110 E. 82nd St. in Rivers Edge shopping center.

On the menu will be those deep-dish pizzas that come filled with traditional toppings, as well as more exotic ones, like huge all-beef meatballs, Giardiniera and barbecue chicken.

There is also a full menu of thinner pizzas, salads, sandwiches and Italian entrees, including chicken carbonara rigatoni and fettuccine Alfredo with roasted shrimp and broccoli.

Giordano's, founded in 1974, has repeatedly been named Chicago's best pizzeria.

In Indy, it will locate in space now occupied by Sangiovese Ristorante, which did not renew its lease and is looking for a different location, said Steve Delaney, with Sitehawk Retail Real Estate.

"The lease was up and the rent is extremely high now," said Delaney.

Giordano's was more than willing to take over the spot. It has signed a lease, but could not be reached for comment on an exact opening date.

The move to Indy will be among its first outside of Illinois. It has 41 restaurants there and three in Florida.

On its website it says the recipe for its stuffed pies began in a small northern Italian town near Torino more than 200 years ago.

"Mama Giordano was famous around town for her exquisite cooking," it says. "Of all her renowned dishes, her most beloved meal was her Italian Easter Pie. Mama Giordano would serve this double-crusted, ricotta cheese stuffed masterpiece every year for Easter."

That recipe was officially served at a restaurant years later when Italian immigrants Efren and Joseph Boglio opened the first Giordano's on Chicago's historic south side.

Call Star reporter Dana Hunsinger Benbow at (317) 444-6012. Follow her on Twitter:@danabenbow.