It seems no matter where in the world you go, there’s always pizza. Pizza’s good and everyone knows it. But there are still many variables when it comes to a good pie—crust, sauce, toppings, baking style—all a matter of preference. To help you scout the many styles of pizza in our fair city, here’s a look at some L.A. newbies and longtime favorites.
Navigating: pizza places
Enjoy a slice of L.A.
By Marissa Tinloy
Special to MetromixMarch 25, 2009
Enzo's Pizzeria
10940 Weyburn Ave. - Los Angeles310-208-3696
Enzo’s can be whatever eatery you want to make it, whether that’s a late-night stop on the way back from the bars (they sell by the slice) or a romantic restaurant for two (think the spaghetti-slurping scene from "Lady and the Tramp," complete with classy Italian tunes). The brick walls and checkered tablecloths balance the dramatic "Godfather" posters, which seem to attract their own cult following. In terms of food, you get a good amount for your money, especially if you go big with 23 inches of pizza pie, Enzo’s alleged specialty.
Lucifers Pizza
1958 Hillhurst Ave. - Los Angeles323-906-8603
It seems natural to talk about the sinful flavors and devilishly good tastes of Lucifer’s, but to be honest, all we can focus on is the fact that the pizza dough is flown in from New York. Now that’s dedication. So while others may claim to have N.Y.-style pizza, this little devil means it. Try otherworldly combos such as roast pumpkin and prosciutto or Thai satay chicken.
Rocco's in the Canyon
123 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd. - Topanga310-455-2487
Garlic knots are what this place is about, though shrimp scampi pizza and cheeseless broccoli pizza sound pretty tempting too. Though it’s well known that life in the canyons moves a little slower than elsewhere, the wait time at this place can feel like being stuck on the 405 at rush hour. On the other hand, the pizza is good, the service is friendly, and there’s beer on tap.
Tomato Pie
2457 Hyperion Ave. - Los Angeles323-661-6474
These fluffy-top, crispy-bottom pizzas call for high-protein-based flour, which is both an interesting insight into crust technique and a lucky strike for carb-counting Angelenos. Traditional pizzas such as the no-frills tomato pie (a fresh tomato base with just a sprinkling of Romano) and gourmet ones like the pesto pie (with sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts) make this joint a fun place to go for a reliably good slice. Tomato Pie also has a Melrose location.
Mulberry St. Pizza
17040 Ventura Blvd. - Encino818-906-8881
Another devotee of New York-style pizza, Mulberry Street is named after the epicenter of Little Italy in Manhattan (and it’s on Ventura). The typical casual pizzeria atmosphere has the usual celebrity headshots adorning the walls, and the busy but friendly staff might make you feel as though you’re on a breezy street in the Big Apple. Try the eggplant Parmesan and penne pizzas. There are also two other locations, both in Beverly Hills.
Lil' Parlor Pizzeria
966 Mission St. - South Pasadena 626-799-0711
Pizzas at this recently opened old-fashioned parlor are fired in the open kitchen’s wood-burning oven and come topped with gourmet goodies. Take your pick from owner Steven Arroyo’s plethora of inventive ingredients (white anchovies, roasted tomatoes, homemade sausage, peppers, fontina cheese), or go basic with pies such as the Old School (pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella and oregano). LPP also offers appetizers, antipasti and Chianti to wash it all down.
Two Boots Pizza
1818 West Sunset Blvd - Los AngelesClick your heels together for this new addition in Echo Park. Like its gentrifying neighborhood, this pizzeria is funky-hip. Each pizza is personified by a famous face and a silly title: The Earth Mother, for example, is marked by Bette Midler’s face and made with five fresh garden vegetables on whole-wheat Sicilian crust. The Newman? Sopressata and sweet Italian sausage on a white pie.
Wildflour Pizza
2807 Main St. - Santa Monica310-392-3300
You can hardly miss this little place with bright yellow paint and a charming ramshackle look. On the inside, it’s small and sunny and exudes the sort of pizza-place charm that makes you think of childhood birthday parties. Out back, a little patio is great for enjoying the pizza (by the slice or by the pie) and soaking up some Main Street sun. The pizza, especially the simple Margherita, is tasty and cheap, and beer and wine are up for grabs.
Hard Times Pizza Co.
2664 Griffith Park Blvd. - Los Angeles323-661-5656
The name of this joint is fitting: There was a time when this place was considered an institution. With a change in management though, many Silverlakers claim its a sad shell of its former glory.
What other people are saying...
KABLAU from Downtown - March 30, 2009 at 5:38 PM
If you're missing Bravissimo (Eat Love) on Main St. in Santa Monica, you're missing something for sure. Other contenders are Vitos on La Cienega, ...
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Report This CommentSean from Downtown - March 30, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Let's talk SLICES here, people! None of this fancy wood-fired stuff - that's a whole separate animal. Garage Pizza wins by a longshot.
Report This Commentgreatjobdani from West Hollywood - March 30, 2009 at 11:00 AM
what about Vito's Pizza on la cienega just below santa monica blvd. One of the best pizza joints in LA.
Report This CommentMshel from Echo Park - March 25, 2009 at 5:59 PM
Ahem, where is Garage Pizza? Didn't make the cut?
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