Despite what our East Coast friends might imagine, L.A. has tons of amazing pizza and our options have only gotten better in recent years. From gourmet wood-fired pies to straightforward classic slices, the city offers plenty of delicious variety for pizza lovers of all stripes. While some may borrow inspiration from New York, Chicago or Naples, many of our favorite pizzas offer a style all their own, made with quality ingredients and plenty of care. We undertook some "difficult" research to bring you our favorite pizzerias in Los Angeles. And, as always, share your favorites in the comments.
Prova Pizzeria
This West Hollywood relative-newcomer turns out some seriously delicious Neapolitan-style pies. Helmed by Chef Vito Iacopelli—formerly of beloved Michael's Pizzeria in Long Beach—these thoughtfully crafted creations are baked with a searing olive and orange wood heat. The naturally fermented dough delivers huge flavor while in-house made and locally sourced toppings reign supreme. While the classic San Marzano and mozzarella combo is excellent, the signature Vesuvio with Salame di Napoli and ricotta, and La Vito with pistachio, mortadella and locally-made stracciatella—made famous at Michael's—should definitely be on your list to try. They even have a separate oven for impressively done gluten-free and whole wheat crust pizzas, which need to be cooked at a lower temperature.
Prova Pizzeria is located at 8729 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 855-7285.
Slicetruck Pizza
Slicetruck Pizza may still have "truck" in their name, but this dough slinger has come a long way since ditching their food truck and setting up a brick-and-mortar on Sawtelle. What at first glance might appear a straightforward pie—easily ordered to watch a game or great for a quick slice—has clearly been given plenty of thought once you dig in. Forget the frozen dough used in even some lauded pizza joints around town, Slicetruck honed their foundation with the help of the fermented ancient grain—Khorasan flour—and an imposing Baker's Pride deck oven. The result is a crust with a crisp, clean bite and a pillowy interior. San Marzano tomatoes are cooked low-and-slow in dutch ovens for a deep, peppery sauce, and topped with a generous helping of shredded mozzarella. While the classic cheese pie will do the trick, the heat and pungency of the Hot Garlic and the sheet pan-baked, square-cut Grandma Pie are well worth your time. And you'll want to say yes to the fresh basil and grated parmesan.
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Slicetruck Pizza is located at 2012 Sawtelle Blvd, Sawtelle Japantown, (310) 444-9550.
Olio Wood Fired Pizzeria
Some people get a bit nerdy describing their favorite slice of 'za, but few are as pizza-nerdy as Chef Bradford Kent—the big brains behind the killer pies at Olio. With a graduate degree in food science from Cal State Long Beach and classical training from the Culinary Institute of America, Kent has spent years perfecting has dough game. Using three different dough types—fermented separately—he fires his pizzas at a fierce 1,200 degrees, using an olive and almond wood-burning oven. The result is a baguette-fluffy interior crust with a delicate char, adding a smokiness to the edges. The classic Margherita—a solid barometer for trying a new pizza spot—really delivers with fresh local mozzarella, a tangy-sweet sauce and a scattering of fresh basil and California olive oil. You also wouldn't be steered wrong with their Wild Mushroom and Crispy Prosciutto, which features mouth-watering truffled cheese, roasted garlic and a caramelized onion sauce.
Olio Wood Fired Pizzeriais located at 8075 W 3rd St., Beverly Grove, (323) 930-9490, and at Grand Central Market, 317 S. Broadway, Downtown.
DeSano Pizza Bakery
A cavernous warehouse and long communal tables make this tucked-away East Hollywood gem the prime spot for pizza night with friends and family. DeSano Pizza Bakery may have come to Los Angeles by way of Nashville, but they brought plenty of big, Neapolitan-style flavor with them. Four huge, wood-burning ovens turn out soft and airy, black-speckled crusts and beautifully melted Buffalo mozzarella and scamorza cheese atop a mildly peppery San Marzano sauce. Pizzaiolo master Massimiliano Di Lascio brings his Salerno-raised knowledge to the hearth and it shows. Venturing from the Margherita, the sausage, peppadews and caramelized onions of the San Gennaro is a great option, as is the ricotta-laden Bianca. A solid selection of craft beers and wine, and a meal topped off by house-made cannoli and gelato, round out the sweet deal at DeSano.
DeSano Pizza Bakery is located at 4959 Santa Monica Blvd, East Hollywood, (323) 913-7000.
Jon and Vinny's
Serial restauranteurs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo have had the Midas-touch with their other ventures around town—including Animal, Son Of A Gun and Petit Trois—drawing much acclaim and long lines. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that their foray into pie-tossing and red sauce-Italian classics is packing the house—and fortunately they deliver if you forget to make a reservation for date night. Using a gas-fired stone oven that also imparts delicious, wood-burning char, Jon and Vinny's crust is tender around the edges, but thin and crisp throughout. You'll find straightforward options like the Margherita or the "Jersey" marinara (with no cheese), but you may likely be drawn towards some of the more creative renditions like "El Chaparrito" with housemade chorizo, asiago and cilantro, or the "LA Woman" with local burrata, tomato and basil. And don't forget to order a crust dip or two, which include marinara, creamy Italian or house-made ranch. And while you're at it, pour out a sip of marinara for the old-school, neighborhood-favorite Damiano Mr. Pizza that previously occupied the space.
Jon and Vinny's is located at 412 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 334-3369.
Mother Dough
When we want a good Neapolitan pizza, we turn to Mother Dough. The name in itself already denotes a seriousness in getting down to the basics—the dough. The restaurant's owner Bez Compani studied the art of the pie in the pizzerias of Naples, and brought some handy techniques back with him. The sourdough crust is lightly tangy, with a nice, chewy bite, and the perfect amount of char that comes from the joint's wood-burning pizza oven. Some of our favorites include the classic Margherita—something for the purists—and the Prosciutto & Arugula, which shines with its buffalo mozzarella and buttery, aged prosciutto. —Jean Trinh
Editor's note: Sadly, Mother Dough closed as of January 2016.
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Pizzeria Mozza
With the help of Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich, Nancy Silverton really set the bar high for gourmet pizza in L.A. when she opened Pizzeria Mozza back in 2006. And that bar remains a lofty, wood-fired goal to this day. Credited with helping to kickstart the recent (and welcome) wave of new school, wood-fired, locally-sourced pizza outfits, these Neapolitan-style Cali pies still hold their own. The flavorful char and delicate crunch of the cornicione—as we pizza nerds sometimes refer to the outer edge of the crust—gives way to a fluffy, airy interior when you chomp down, unlocking the secrets of the fermented dough. And where would we be without the carefully chosen, delightful toppings: fresh buffalo mozzarella with speck, squash blossoms and burrata, or house-made fennel sausage? Sign us up.
Pizzeria Mozza is located at 641 N Highland Ave., Hanco*ck Park, (323) 297-0101, and 800 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, (949) 945-1126
Hollywood Pies
While the deep dish at Echo Park's Masa holds a special place in our hearts—and stomachs—the hefty, Chicago-style pizza at this Pico Blvd. outfit are also worth of investigating. After only offering delivery and only-slightly-shady curbside and back alley pick-ups—as they moved through various commercial kitchens—Hollywood Pies opened a proper storefront in 2013. (Though they're technically still not in Hollywood, but whatever.) The dense, buttery and flaky crust of the signature deep dish stands up beautifully to the thick spread of whole milk mozzarella, and a heaping pulpy layer of garlicky tomato sauce. And if you're feeling a bit of the Abe Froman spirit, go for the Classic Chicago with mild Italian sausage, mozzarella and fresh house-made ricotta.
Hollywood Pies is located at 6116 1/2 Pico Blvd, Pico-Robertson, (323) 337-3212
Lucifers Pizza
There are some charming things about Lucifers Pizza: the devil-themed puns and artwork on the walls, and the fact that you can order spice levels from medium to blazing. But what we really love about this thin crust pizza joint is that even though you can get your regular ol' pepperoni or Hawaiian, it's their unique pies that keep us coming back. We're talking about their garlicky Roasted Pumpkin Prosciutto to their Greek Lamb & Rosemary that's topped with feta, olives and caramelized onions. And for people with certain diet restrictions, they've got you covered. They even offer gluten-free crust and vegan cheese if you so desire. —Jean Trinh
Lucifers Pizza is located at 1958 Hillhurst Ave. in Los Feliz, (323) 906-8603, and 7123 Melrose Ave. in Fairfax district, (323) 906-8603
Forma
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If having a "cheese bar" isn't enough to draw you in to this charming new Italian restaurant in Santa Monica, let their pizzas be your guide. In old-school, straight-outta-Italy style, their "Pizza Breads" are deceptively simple and loaded with flavor. Chef Piero Topputo bakes up soft, yet sturdy pizza breads, topped with a rich San Marzano tomato sauce and then lets the aforementioned cheese bar work its magic. Hot out of the oven, the Raspadura Lodigiana receives a hearty layering of melt-in-your-mouth lodigiana cheese, freshly carved from an enormous wheel mere feet from your table. Once you dive in, you may start to wish every place you went had a cheese bar.
Forma is located at 1610 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, (424) 231-2868
Pellicola Pizzeria
Under the guidance of Giulio Adriani of NYC's Forcella fame, this Golden Gopher-adjacent pizza spot serves up solid Neopolitain-style classics by the pie or slice. You know the drill: charred-edges, floppy center, San Marzano sauce and fresh mozz. All the hits are there, plus some great variations like the Tricolore with pesto and truffle oil. Just be sure to save room for the Nutella pie. Yes, that's right, a dessert pizza loaded with chocolate-hazelnut goodness, sliced almonds and powdered sugar. And true to the restaurant's cinematic Italian name, there's also the added bonus of vintage Italian films projected on the window nightly and special movie nights, featuring classics like Jaws and Revenge Of The Nerds. Plus, you can grab booze to-go next door at the Gopher and bring it over.
Pellicola Pizzeria is located at 421 W 8th St, Downtown, (213) 614-8000
Maximiliano
A great cross between a reliable, neighborhood destination and romantic date spot, this Highland Park restaurant has been packing their communal tables and beautiful patio with pizza hungry patrons for a few years now. The double decker, wood-burning oven consistently turns out excellent, medium-thick crusts with fluffy edges. While we definitely dig the classic Margherita or straightforward combos like fennel sausage and mushroom, if you're feeling more adventurous give one of their monthly creative renditions a shot. Maybe a pastrami, swiss and sauerkraut-laden Reuben pizza or a fennel, broccolini and preserved lemon version is more your speed. Either way, order up a bottle of wine or a flight of craft beers and settle in.
Maximiliano is located at 5930 York Blvd, (323) 739-6125.
Prime Pizza
If you've ever stared longingly at the wide variety of slice options in a New York City pizzeria, you'll feel at home in this casual, subway-tiled Fairfax favorite. From the team behind Bludso's, Golden State and Cofax, these thin and crisp-yet-doughy slices are the perfect remedy for a late night across the street at the Kibitz Room or just a weekday dinner. While you've got some great choices for slices—like the housemade sausage or white—you might want to commit to a whole pie of the spicy arrabbiata or the seasonal veggie. The square, Sicilian-style Grandma pizzas are also an excellent choice. And don't miss out on the garlic knots.
Prime Pizza is located at 446 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, (323) 852-1188
Uncle Tony's Pizzeria
Uncle Tony's is the kind of place your local pizzeria in high school only wished it could be. With air hockey table, arcade games, super-friendly staff and pizza—lots of delicious pizza—this North Hollywood favorite is the kind of place you could spend hours with friends, even if you are a grown-up now. The pies are rowdy affairs: thick, crisp crust with a doughy tear, a generous heaping of cheese and a dense spread of toppings that the pizza can barely contain. You can, of course, design your own, but the spicy Hawaiian and the Sujuk pizza—a white pie with a spicy Middle Eastern sausage—are worth checking out. If you're looking to expand your pizza horizons further—and clearly you are—order up ajarski, which is essentially a Georgian boat-shaped breakfast pizza topped with eggs. And because you love pizza so much, Uncle Tony's will even make a heart-shaped pizza for you by request.
Uncle Tony's Pizzeria is located at 13007 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, (818) 985-9992
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Love & Salt
One of our new favorite South Bay restaurants, Love & Salt is all about family-style sharing, so it's fitting that the upscale Italian-inspired destination serves up several phenomenal wood-fired pizzas. Because pizza, after all, is all about sharing (unless you're really, really hungry that is). Both the buffalo mozzarella pizza with sopresatta, tomato, parm and arugula, and the roasted mushroom with creamy taleggio, fontina and thyme are excellent choices. But the big winner in our hearts is the duck egg-topped one with pancetta, panna, potato, rosemary, mozzarella and parmesan. Any way you slice it, there's so much deep flavor happening here. And the fact that the pizzas are served at brunch—with a few other variations—is reason enough to start making your weekend plans now.
Love & Salt is located at 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, (310) 545-5252
The Coop
A neighborhood favorite, tucked beneath the 10 in Palms, The Coop turns out excellent, New York-inspired thin crust pies. This no-frills, family operation uses quality mozzarella that pulls beautifully and a well-balanced, satisfying sauce and homemade dough as the reliable foundation for their pizzas. They've got an extensive selection of the fresh toppings that you'd usually expect, plus some added bonuses like mortadella and eggplant. While you could happily stand and devour a couple slices at the narrow counter by the window, chances are you'll probably want to order a pie to-go or for delivery. And don't forget to bring cash, as they don't take cards.
The Coop is located at 10006 National Blvd, Palms, (310) 837-4462.
800 Degrees
Who says pizza crust needs to be crispy? Even if you're one of those crust snobs (and don't be, that's silly), it's hard to deny the bang for your buck that is the delicious and wonderfully soggy wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas at 800 Degrees. You can customize your pie with their wide array of toppings, including imported Italian cheeses and meats, fresh vegetables, and seafood, but we'd also recommend going with one of their speciality combos, of which the Angry Bee (featuring soppressata, chilis, and honey) and the Tartufo (white pizza with truffle cheese, mushrooms, roasted garlic, and topped with fresh arugula) are the best. Don't forget to follow them on Instagram, where daily, randomly generated combinations are only $4. There are several locations across town now: you don't have to make the trek to Westwood and deal with the massive line of college students anymore. —Carman Tse
800 Degrees has several locations across Los Angeles.
Still looking for your favorite pizza joint? Check out our 2014 favorites.
