LA's Top Pizza Spots: Discover the Best Pizzerias in Los Angeles
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Los Angeles, once overlooked in the pizza world, has emerged as a hotspot for innovative and diverse pizza styles, blending influences from around the globe to create a unique "L.A.-style" pizza scene. From Tokyo-style Neapolitan at Pizzeria Sei to the creative pies at Apollonia's Pizzeria, the city offers a range of options that challenge traditional notions of what makes great pizza.
1. L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza in the Heart of Hollywood
anticapizzeriadamich...
L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, a Hollywood establishment with roots tracing back to 1870 in Naples, Italy, brings authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas to Los Angeles. Known for its simple yet flavorful pies, the restaurant offers a taste of traditional Italian pizza-making in a upscale setting.
L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele is renowned for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, particularly the classic Margherita. The restaurant's pies feature thin, blistered crusts with minimal toppings, allowing the quality of ingredients to shine
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
| Signature Pizza | Margherita |
| Atmosphere | Upscale, spacious brick courtyard with pizza oven |
| Notable Traits | Thin, blistered crusts; minimal toppings |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
| Reservations | Recommended |
| Parking | Valet |
| Featured In | "Eat, Pray, Love" (Naples location) |
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. While the pizzas are highly praised, some reviewers suggest focusing solely on the pizza and skipping other menu items2
. The restaurant's upscale atmosphere and Hollywood location make it a popular spot for business meals and date nights, though it may not be suitable for casual dining2
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2. Pizzeria Sei: Tokyo-Style Neapolitan Pizzas in Pico-Robertson, LA
wanderingchopstix.co...
Pizzeria Sei, located in Pico-Robertson, offers a unique fusion of Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzas, bringing a slice of Japan's innovative pizza culture to Los Angeles. This small, minimalist pizzeria has quickly gained recognition for its exceptional pies, characterized by their light, fluffy crusts made from slow-fermented dough and high-quality ingredients.
Pizzeria Sei's approach is inspired by Tokyo's neo-Neapolitan movement, which originated with chef Susumu Kakinuma's Seirinkan restaurant in 2007
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Style | Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza |
| Signature Traits | Pinched crust edges, salt punch technique |
| Must-Try Pizza | Margherita |
| Atmosphere | Minimalist, bar-style seating |
| Chef | William Joo (formerly of Pizzana) |
| Cooking Method | Wood-fired oven at 800°F |
| Unique Offering | Pizza omakase (tasting menu) |
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. The pizzas feature a distinct aesthetic with pinched crust edges and a "salt punch" technique, where salt is added to the dough just before cooking1
. Chef William Joo, who perfected his craft by studying Tokyo-based pizzerias, creates pies that rival those found in Japan's top pizza establishments2
. The restaurant's commitment to quality and precision has earned it a reputation as one of the best Neapolitan-style pizzerias in Los Angeles, with food critics and pizza enthusiasts praising its perfectly balanced flavors and textures3
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3. Pizzeria Bianco: Chris Bianco’s Award-Winning Pizza in Downtown Los Angeles
azcentral.com
Pizzeria Bianco, located in Downtown Los Angeles, is the West Coast outpost of James Beard award-winning chef Chris Bianco's renowned pizzeria. Known for its perfectly charred, thin-crust pies, the restaurant has gained significant attention and acclaim since its opening. Here's a quick overview of Pizzeria Bianco's key features:
Despite the celebrity hype surrounding chef Chris Bianco, the true star at Pizzeria Bianco is the pizza itself. The restaurant's commitment to high-quality ingredients and perfectly crafted crusts has earned it a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand award and a devoted following.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Row DTLA, 1320 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021 |
| Atmosphere | Minimalist industrial space with outdoor patio |
| Signature Pizza | Rosa (Parmesan, red onion, rosemary, and pistachios) |
| Notable Dishes | Margherita, Sonny Boy (with soppressata and olives) |
| Crust | 18-hour fermented dough with yeasty tang |
| Chef | Chris Bianco (James Beard award winner, featured on Chef's Table) |
| Price Range | $50 and over |
| Reservations | Recommended, especially for dinner |
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While waits can be long, especially for dinner, many consider the experience worth the hassle for what some regard as some of the best pizza in Los Angeles.1
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4. Quarter Sheets Pizza: LA’s Cult Favorite for Detroit-Style Pan Pizzas with a Twist
latimes.com
Quarter Sheets Pizza has quickly become a cult favorite in Los Angeles, offering Detroit-style pan pizzas with a unique twist. Founded by Aaron Lindell and Hannah Ziskin, this Echo Park pizzeria has gained recognition for its creative approach to pizza-making and commitment to quality ingredients.
Quarter Sheets' pizzas feature a bubbly, airy focaccia bread crust topped with Wisconsin brick cheese, creating crispy burnt cheese edges characteristic of Detroit-style pizza
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Style | Detroit-ish pan-style pizza |
| Location | Echo Park, off Sunset Blvd |
| Founders | Aaron Lindell and Hannah Ziskin |
| Signature Traits | Focaccia-like crust, crispy cheese edges |
| Notable Offerings | Pizzas and desserts (including Princess Cake) |
| Origin | Started as a pandemic pop-up in Glendale |
| Accolades | Featured in Michelin Guide and NYT's 50 Best Restaurants 2023 |
| Price Range | $$$ (Whole pizzas around $35-$40) |
| Wait Times | Can be up to 2 hours |
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. The restaurant's success story, from a home-based pop-up during the pandemic to a brick-and-mortar location with long wait times, showcases its popularity among Angelenos1
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. While some consider the prices high, many customers find the quality justifies the cost3
. In addition to pizzas, Quarter Sheets is known for its desserts, particularly the Princess Cake created by pastry chef Hannah Ziskin1
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5. Pizzana: Acclaimed Neapolitan-Style Pizza Chain Redefining LA’s Pizza Scene
pizzana.com
Pizzana, a Neapolitan-style pizza chain with multiple locations across Los Angeles, has gained significant acclaim for its innovative approach to pizza-making. Founded by chef Daniele Uditi, the restaurant combines traditional Neapolitan techniques with creative toppings and a unique crust-making process.
Pizzana's crust is the star of the show, offering a firmer texture than traditional Neapolitan pizzas to cater to American preferences
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Style | Neapolitan-inspired with American twist |
| Signature Trait | 48-hour fermented "slow dough" |
| Notable Pizzas | Cacio e Pepe, Neo Margherita, Vodka |
| Founder/Chef | Daniele Uditi |
| Price Range | $$$ (Pizzas $21-26) |
| Atmosphere | Modern, slick dining rooms |
| Accolades | Featured on Jonathan Gold's 101 Best Restaurants list |
| Unique Feature | Modular pizza tower for table service |
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. The restaurant's creative toppings, such as the Cacio e Pepe pizza with parmesan cream sauce, have earned it a reputation as one of Los Angeles' most interesting pizzerias1
. While some may find the prices high compared to other local options, many customers and critics agree that the quality and innovation justify the cost1
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LA's Pizza Paradise (Videos)
6. Pizzeria Mozza: Nancy Silverton’s Iconic LA Pizza Destination
la.eater.com
Pizzeria Mozza, co-owned by renowned chef Nancy Silverton, has become a Los Angeles institution known for its innovative approach to pizza-making and high-quality ingredients. This bustling pizzeria offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional Italian techniques with California-inspired flavors.
Pizzeria Mozza's pizzas are celebrated for their distinctive cornicione - the charred rim of the crust that adds depth of flavor
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 641 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 |
| Signature Trait | Perfectly charred crust with creative toppings |
| Notable Pizzas | Goat cheese, leeks and bacon; squash blossom with burrata |
| Atmosphere | Bright room with bare wood tables and skylights |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
| Accolades | MICHELIN Guide recommended |
| Chef/Co-owner | Nancy Silverton |
| Unique Offerings | Extensive wine list, artisanal desserts |
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. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients is evident in its seasonal menu offerings1
. While the pizzas are the main attraction, patrons also praise the appetizers, such as the Nancy's Chopped Salad, and the desserts crafted by Pastry Chef Dahlia Narvaez2
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. Despite its popularity and sometimes long wait times, many customers find the experience worth it for what some consider to be among the best pizzas in Los Angeles3
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7. DeSano Pizza Bakery: LA’s Commitment to True Neapolitan Traditions
Barstool Pizza...
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DeSano Pizza Bakery stands out in Los Angeles for its commitment to authentic Neapolitan pizza-making traditions. Following the strict guidelines of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), DeSano offers a genuine Italian pizza experience with ingredients imported directly from Italy.
DeSano Pizza Bakery is praised for its fresh, authentic taste and laid-back atmosphere
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Style | Authentic Neapolitan pizza |
| Location | 4959 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90029 |
| Cooking Method | Wood-burning ovens imported from Italy |
| Ingredients | Imported from Italy, including canned tomatoes and flour |
| Signature Pizzas | DeSano (sausage, pepperoni, and pecorino), Bianca |
| Atmosphere | Casual, spacious with communal tables |
| Price Range | $$ (Inexpensive) |
| Hours | Mon – Sun: 11:30am – 10:30pm |
| Notable Offerings | Calzones, fresh salads, dessert pizzas |
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. The pizzeria's large space features long wooden communal tables and visible stacks of imported ingredients, creating a unique dining environment reminiscent of an Italian kitchen3
. While the pizzas, particularly the namesake DeSano and the Bianca, are the main attraction, the flaky, mozzarella-filled calzones are also highly recommended3
. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality, combined with its casual, inexpensive dining experience, makes it a popular choice for both quick meals and group gatherings in Los Angeles3
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8. Ronan: Melrose Avenue’s Go-To Spot for Wood-Fired Pizzas in LA
theinfatuation.com
Ronan, located on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, has gained recognition for its wood-fired pizzas and commitment to using seasonal ingredients. The restaurant offers a modern take on Italian cuisine with a focus on Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven.
Ronan's pizzas are praised for their flavorful combinations and perfectly cooked crusts. The Spicy Chomper, for instance, offers a balanced heat that enhances its flavor profile
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 7315 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 |
| Signature Pizzas | The Brooklyn, Spicy Chomper, Sweet Cheeks |
| Atmosphere | Modern vibe with indoor and outdoor seating |
| Price Range | $$$ |
| Notable Offerings | Seasonal plates, craft cocktails |
| Cooking Method | Wood-fired oven |
| Crust Style | Neapolitan-style, chewy with char |
| Recommended Dishes | Pork meatballs, carrots with spiced yogurt |
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. Beyond pizzas, the restaurant is known for its seasonal small plates, such as the popular carrots with spiced yogurt, coriander, and honeycomb2
. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations has earned it a spot on several "best pizza in LA" lists4
. With its craft cocktails and vibrant atmosphere, Ronan provides a dining experience that goes beyond just great pizza, making it a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions2
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Closing Thoughts on LA's Top Pizza Spots
reddit.com
Los Angeles has truly emerged as a pizza lover's paradise, offering a diverse array of delicious pizzas that cater to every palate. From classic cheese pizza to innovative creations, the city's top pizzerias have mastered the art of crafting the perfect slice.
Whether you're craving a traditional Italian pizza with a crispy crust or exploring unique options like cornmeal crust or square slices, LA's pizza scene has it all. Many Italian restaurants in the city pride themselves on authenticity, importing ingredients directly from Italy to create that perfect balance of flavors
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For those seeking a quick bite, the humble cheese slice remains a popular choice, though you're unlikely to find the New York-style "dollar slice" in LA's more upscale establishments2
. Pepperoni lovers can indulge in variations ranging from classic pepperoni to spicy pepperoni, often paired with high-quality Italian sausage for added depth3
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Olive oil plays a crucial role in many of LA's top pizzas, with chefs using it to enhance flavors and achieve that perfect crisp on the crust. Some pizzerias even offer olive varieties as toppings, adding a Mediterranean touch to their pies4
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The beverage scene at these pizza spots is equally impressive. Many offer an extensive selection of wines, from a simple glass of wine to pair with your slice to curated natural wine lists that complement the flavors of the pizza5
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LA's pizza culture extends beyond just the food, with many establishments creating inviting atmospheres that encourage diners to linger over their meals. Whether you're enjoying a casual dinner or a special night out, the city's top pizza spots offer experiences that go beyond just serving delicious pizzas1
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From Neapolitan-style pies to Detroit-inspired square slices, LA's pizza scene showcases a remarkable range of styles and flavors. This diversity, combined with a commitment to quality ingredients and innovative techniques, has solidified Los Angeles as a true destination for pizza enthusiasts1
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Related
Which LA pizza spot offers the best combination of crispy crust and perfect balance of toppings
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Which LA pizzerias offer the best natural wine pairings
What makes Pizzeria Bianco's Rosa pizza so unique
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