Los Angeles, a city known for its sunshine, celebrities, and diverse culinary scene, boasts an impressive array of pizza options. From classic New York-style slices to innovative gourmet pies, there's a pizza place in LA to satisfy every craving. This comprehensive guide explores 37 of the best pizza spots the city has to offer, categorized for easy navigation. This isn't just a list; it's your ultimate guide to finding the perfect pizza in Los Angeles.
Classic New York Style
This category focuses on pizzerias that emulate the thin crust, foldable slices synonymous with New York City.
- Joe's Pizza: A LA institution known for its large, affordable, and delicious classic New York-style slices. Their simple cheese slice is a masterpiece.
- DeSano Pizza: Upscale take on classic NY pizza, with high-quality ingredients and a slightly crispier crust than your average slice joint.
- Little Dom's: While they offer more than just pizza, their New York-style pies are a highlight, often featuring seasonal toppings.
- Pizza a Casa: This pizzeria brings the tastes of New York City to LA with its focus on traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.
Neapolitan Pizza Perfection
Neapolitan pizza, characterized by its soft, airy crust and simple toppings, is another popular style in LA.
- Gjelina: This popular Venice Beach spot is known for its wood-fired pizzas with unique and seasonal toppings.
- Osteria Mozza: Nancy Silverton's renowned restaurant serves incredible Neapolitan-style pizzas in a sophisticated setting. Expect to pay a premium.
- Pizzana: A collaboration between renowned chefs, Pizzana offers high-quality Neapolitan pizzas with creative topping combinations.
- Bestia: This Arts District gem offers a variety of delicious pizzas, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a rustic atmosphere.
Chicago Deep Dish Delights
Chicago deep dish, with its thick, buttery crust and layers of cheese and toppings, provides a completely different pizza experience.
- Pequod's Pizza: This Chicago-style transplant brings the authentic deep-dish experience to Los Angeles. Prepare for a wait, it's worth it.
- Lou Malnati's Pizzeria: Another Chicago deep dish institution that delivers that classic, buttery, and cheesy experience.
- Uno Chicago Grill: While a chain, Uno's still manages to deliver a solid deep-dish experience in multiple LA locations.
California Creative Cuisine
California pizza often incorporates fresh, local ingredients and innovative topping combinations.
- Antica Pizzeria Romana: This acclaimed spot focuses on Roman-style pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice).
- Stella Barra Pizzeria: This pizzeria boasts a stylish space and creative pizzas with high-quality ingredients.
- The Tasting Kitchen: While known for its overall menu, their pizzas are remarkable and use seasonal ingredients.
- Ca' Del Sole: Offers a range of unique and delicious pizzas with a focus on fresh California produce.
Unique & Specialty Pizzas
This category includes pizzerias with unique styles and approaches to pizza-making.
- Leo's Pizza: A beloved local spot with classic styles and a cult-like following.
- Prime Pizza: This restaurant offers a range of gourmet pizzas with high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
- Angel City Pizza: Known for their delicious pies made with organic and sustainable ingredients.
- Crossroads Kitchen: This vegan restaurant surprises with their exceptionally delicious and creative vegan pizzas.
- Gusto Bread: While primarily known for bread, their pizzas are a hidden gem, using their own incredible bread dough.
Beyond the Slice: Other Notable LA Pizza Spots
This section includes pizzerias that might not fit neatly into the above categories but still deserve recognition.
- Superfine Pizza: A popular option with both casual and upscale settings.
- Fat Sal's Deli: Famous for their over-the-top sandwiches, their pizzas are equally satisfying.
- 800 Degrees: Customizable pizzas baked in a high-temperature oven, providing a quick and tasty meal.
- California Pizza Kitchen: A West Coast institution known for its creative pizza combinations.
- Pizza Studio: Another customizable option that allows for creative combinations of ingredients.
- Two Boots Pizza: Offers New Orleans-inspired pizzas and a fun, quirky atmosphere.
- Serious Pie: This Seattle import consistently offers high-quality pizzas with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Favorites
These are the smaller, less-hyped places that often deliver amazing pizza. Discovering them is part of the fun!
- Broadway Pizza: A local favorite known for its classic pies and generous portions.
- The Butcher's Daughter: A vegan restaurant serving surprisingly delicious vegan pizzas.
- Tony's Pizza Napoletana: A legendary San Francisco import with thin crust, wood-fired pizzas.
- Mid-City Pizza: Simple, classic pies that are a staple in their neighborhood.
Pizza Beyond the Usual
These locations expand your understanding of what "pizza" can be.
- Flower Child: While known for their bowls and salads, Flower Child offers delicious thin-crust pizzas as well.
- Tender Greens: Another healthy option with unexpectedly delicious and satisfying pizzas.
- Real Food Daily: This plant-based restaurant offers creative and flavorful vegan pizzas.
International Flavors
Some spots incorporate international pizza styles for a unique twist.
- La Piazza: A taste of Italian-style pizza in the heart of LA.
- Pinot Bistro: This bistro offers delicious pizzas alongside a wide selection of wines.
Upscale Pizza Experiences
These pizzerias elevate the pizza experience to a new level.
- Wood fired Pizza: High-quality pizza in a sophisticated setting.
This list represents a wide range of styles and tastes, ensuring there's a perfect pizza for every Los Angeles resident and visitor. Remember to check websites for hours, locations, and menus before your visit. Happy eating!
