Monte Bello Pizzeria Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Monte Bello Pizzeria has been a staple of traditional Italian comfort food for decades, with its most famous roots tracing back to the historic Elgin, Illinois location established in 1957. Known primarily for its signature thin-crust pizza, homemade Italian sausage, and hearty pasta dinners, the "Monte Bello" name is also associated with highly popular independent pizzerias in Petaluma and San Francisco, California.
This comprehensive 2026 guide covers the Monte Bello Pizzeria menu across its primary locations, including current pricing, estimated calorie counts, and the most popular specialty pizzas. We also provide insights into the best value picks for families and important allergen notes for those with dietary restrictions. If you are comparing local favorites-perhaps considering a visit to another classic parlor like the Roseland Apizza menu-this guide will help you understand exactly what makes Monte Bello stand out.
Disclaimer: Prices and menu availability vary by location (Elgin vs. Petaluma/SF) and ordering platform. Information is based on the most recent verified data for 2026 and is subject to change.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
For readers looking for immediate details before deciding where to eat, here is a fast overview of what Monte Bello Pizzeria offers.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Monte Bello Pizzeria Menu Prices
The pricing below reflects the verified walk-in menu prices. Because the "Monte Bello" name serves two completely different major markets (Elgin, Illinois and Petaluma/San Francisco, California), we have separated the most requested items by region. Prices are confirmed for 2026 but may fluctuate slightly based on seasonal ingredient costs or local delivery app fees.
Traditional Thin Crust Pizzas (Elgin, IL Location)
The historical Elgin location focuses on classic midwestern thin crust cut into squares, along with optional pan and deep-dish varieties.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small 10" Cheese Pizza | Thin Crust | $12.50 | Check official nutrition source | Solo diners | Add toppings for $1.75 each |
| Medium 12" Cheese Pizza | Thin Crust | $15.50 | Check official nutrition source | 2 people | Add toppings for $2.25 each |
| Large 14" Cheese Pizza | Thin Crust | $18.50 | Check official nutrition source | 3-4 people | Add toppings for $2.75 each |
| X-Large 16" Cheese Pizza | Thin Crust | $21.50 | Check official nutrition source | 4-5 people | Add toppings for $3.25 each |
| Jumbo 18" Cheese Pizza | Thin Crust | $24.75 | Check official nutrition source | Parties / Groups | Add toppings for $3.75 each |
Signature Pizzas (Petaluma, CA Location)
The Petaluma location features a slightly different flavor profile tailored to West Coast tastes, featuring premium toppings and an artisan crust.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Monte Bello Special (Small 10") | Specialty Pizza | $21.50 | Not published | Signature tasting | Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions |
| The Monte Bello Special (Large 14") | Specialty Pizza | $28.50 | Not published | Family sharing | Most popular size for this location |
| Vegetarian Special (Large 14") | Specialty Pizza | $27.00 | Not published | Vegetarians | Loaded with fresh local vegetables |
| Meat Lovers (Large 14") | Specialty Pizza | $29.00 | Not published | High protein | Heavy, filling, rich meats |
Popular Menu Items
When checking a local classic like Monte Bello, similar to how fans search out the Frank's Pizza menu for its specific signature slice, visitors here look for the items that have sustained the business for decades.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Monte Bello Special | Features the legendary house-made sausage unchanged since 1957. | Varies by size ($26.75 for 14" in IL) | Check official nutrition source |
| Italian Beef Sandwich (IL) | Tender beef on toasted French bread; a Midwest classic. | $9.50 | Estimated 650-850 calories |
| Chicago Style Deep Dish (IL) | Thick, cheese-layered crust baked under chunky tomato sauce. | Varies by size (Starts around $18) | High calorie density |
| Garlic Bread with Cheese | The perfect appetizer pairing for pastas and pan pizzas. | $4.50 | Check official nutrition source |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
The Monte Bello Special
Whether you are in Illinois or California, this house specialty offers the perfect balance of savory meats and fresh vegetables. In Elgin, the homemade sausage makes this pizza truly iconic.
Jumbo 18" Cheese Pizza (Elgin)
At under $25, this massive pizza provides significantly more food volume than a large or extra-large, making the price-per-slice incredibly low for group events.
Spaghetti or Mostaccioli Dinner
Served with bread and butter, these pasta dinners are hearty, simple, and notoriously kid-friendly without breaking the bank.
Veggie Special Pizza
Loaded with mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. Requesting this on a thin crust with "light cheese" offers a satisfying crunch with a fraction of the heavy fats found in the meat lovers.
Beef & Sausage Combo Sandwich (IL)
A true Chicago-area staple, this sandwich packs Italian beef and homemade sausage into one toasted French roll. It is heavy, greasy in the best way, and unforgettable.
Half-and-Half Large Pizza
Monte Bello is very accommodating with split toppings on their larger pizzas. This allows you to combine a Meat Lovers with a Veggie half seamlessly.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
If you are trying to feed a crowd on a budget, ordering strategy matters. Independent pizzerias rarely have fast-food style "value menus," but they offer deep discounts on bulk sizes. For comparison, checking the Napoleon's Pizza menu reveals similar sizing tricks-ordering the absolute largest size is always the smartest financial move.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo (18") Cheese Pizza | Offers nearly double the surface area of a 12" medium for nowhere near double the price. | Delivery app markups can erase this value. | Pick up in-store to secure the base $24.75 price. |
| Spaghetti Dinner | At $9.95, it includes a generous portion of pasta plus bread and butter, constituting a full meal. | Adding proteins (meatballs/sausage) increases the cost by $3. | Order as a filler item alongside a smaller pizza for diverse sharing. |
| Plain Garlic Bread | At only $3.50, it is the most affordable side item on the menu. | Adding cheese pushes the price up. | Dip the plain garlic bread in the leftover marinara from your pasta. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Monte Bello Pizzeria operates as a traditional, independent local business and does not officially publish FDA-standardized nutritional labels or calorie calculators. The estimates below are based on standard industry averages for traditional midwestern thin-crust and pan pizza recipes.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin Crust Cheese Pizza | Estimated 210–260 calories per slice (1/8 of a Large). | General calorie tracking | Low (Estimates only) |
| Specialty Meat Pizzas | Estimated 280–340 calories per slice due to high-fat sausage and pepperoni. | Protein tracking | Low (Estimates only) |
| Italian Beef Sandwich | Estimated 650–850 calories, heavy in sodium and saturated fats. | Cheat meals | Low (Estimates only) |
| Pasta with Marinara | Estimated 400–600 calories without added meats. | Carb loading / lower fat alternative | Low (Estimates only) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Because official allergen guides are not published, diners with severe allergies should exercise caution.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Check with your specific location. Petaluma offers a small GF crust; Elgin generally relies on wheat crusts. | High risk of flour cross-contact in traditional pizza kitchens. Not recommended for severe Celiac disease. |
| Dairy Allergy / Vegan | Cheese is standard on almost all pizzas, appetizers, and many sandwiches. | You can request pasta with plain marinara, but confirm no butter is used on the side bread. |
| Vegetarian | Look for the Veggie Special or customize a cheese pizza. | Ensure you specify no meat sauce if ordering pasta, as some traditional sauces use meat bases. |
Special Menu Sections
Sandwiches and Entrees (Elgin Location)
For those not in the mood for pizza, the Elgin menu offers traditional Italian-American comfort food.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Beef Sandwich | Seasoned beef on French bread | $9.50 (Price may vary locally) | Quick solo lunches |
| Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich | Breaded chicken, marinara, melted cheese | $9.95 | Heavy comfort food craving |
| Fried Chicken Dinner | 4 pieces of fried chicken, fries, coleslaw, bread | $12.95 | Alternative to Italian fare |
| Fried Shrimp Dinner | Breaded shrimp and sides | $14.95 | Seafood lovers |
Appetizers and Sides
Perfect for rounding out a delivery order.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella Sticks | 6 pieces served with marinara | $7.50 | Kids and sharing |
| Pizza Bread | French bread topped with pizza sauce and cheese | $5.50 | A lighter pizza alternative |
| Chicken Wings | Bone-in wings (Buffalo, BBQ, Plain) | Market Price | Game day sides |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This Monte Bello Pizzeria menu guide is specifically designed to help:
- Locals checking prices before calling in a pickup order to avoid delivery app markups.
- Out-of-town visitors trying to understand the difference between the Elgin, IL and Petaluma, CA locations.
- Families on a budget looking for the best value combinations, like the Jumbo 18" pizza.
- Health-conscious diners seeking context on calories and lighter vegetarian options.
- Diners with dietary restrictions who need to know if gluten-free crusts are available before visiting.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Local, independent pizzerias operate differently than massive national chains. Use these tips to get the best food for the best price.
- Plan ahead for Pan and Deep Dish. If ordering from the Elgin location, thicker crusts take 45–60 minutes to bake. Call your order in early, especially on Friday nights.
- Check the official app or local restaurant for exact prices. Menu prices can vary by city, restaurant, and delivery platform.
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery prices (like DoorDash or UberEats) and fees may be up to 20% higher than in-store or pickup prices. Pickup is always the best value.
- Verify you are looking at the right location. Monte Bello in Illinois and Monte Bello in California are completely different businesses. Double-check the address before paying online.
- Use official nutrition and allergen pages before ordering. This is especially important if calories, allergens, or cross-contact matter to you.
- Ask about "Half-and-Half" pricing. If splitting a large pizza, ask if they charge for the higher-priced half or average the cost out, so you know exactly what your bill will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Monte Bello Pizzeria have a menu with prices?
Yes, Monte Bello Pizzeria displays menus with prices on their respective official websites. For 2026, a large cheese pizza typically starts around $18.50 at the Elgin location and $21.50 at the Petaluma location.
Do prices vary by location?
Yes, dramatically. The Elgin, Illinois location and the Petaluma, California location share a name but are unaffiliated businesses. Prices in California are generally $3 to $5 higher per specialty pizza.
Where can I find calories?
Monte Bello Pizzeria does not officially publish calorie counts. A standard thin-crust cheese slice is estimated to be between 210 and 260 calories, but you should check the official nutrition source if they release one in the future.
Does Monte Bello Pizzeria have an allergen menu?
No official allergen menu is published for 2026. The menu heavily relies on wheat, dairy, and eggs. If you have severe allergies, you must speak directly to the kitchen staff before ordering.
What are popular items?
Across all locations, the signature "Monte Bello Special" (featuring sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers) is the most popular item. In Elgin, the Italian Beef Sandwich and Chicago Style Deep Dish are also massive hits.
What are the best things to order?
The best thing to order is the traditional thin-crust Monte Bello Special. If you want something besides pizza, the baked Mostaccioli dinner or the Beef & Sausage Combo sandwich are excellent choices.
What are the cheapest/value items?
For groups, ordering the Jumbo 18" cheese pizza offers the best value per square inch. For solo diners, a Spaghetti dinner for $9.95 includes bread and butter and is a filling, cheap meal.
Is there a gluten-free crust?
The Petaluma, CA location generally offers a gluten-free crust option for small-sized pizzas upon request. The Elgin, IL location is traditionally focused on wheat-based doughs. Always ask your local shop to confirm current availability.
Can I order online or in the app?
Both major locations offer online ordering through their official websites or via third-party delivery apps like DoorDash and Grubhub.
Are delivery prices different?
Yes. If you use a third-party delivery app, the base price of a pizza is often marked up by 15% to 20% compared to the official walk-in or direct-phone pickup price.
Conclusion
The 2026 Monte Bello Pizzeria menu remains a testament to old-school, quality Italian cooking, whether you are picking up a thin-crust pie in Elgin or a specialty artisan pizza in Petaluma. For the best value, skip the delivery apps and order a Jumbo pizza directly from the restaurant for pickup.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
