The best pizza in Los Angeles

What is it? The evolution of the Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzeria that took L.A. by storm, now with an expanded kitchen, menu and even more palate-bending pies.

Why we love it: Pizzeria Sei's original Pico-Robertson shop is now Sei Pizza Bar, and Pizzeria Sei Palms is the bigger and, quite frankly, better outfit from husband-and-wife partners in life and pizza, William Joo and Jennifer So. Here, pies transcend the Neapolitan style that made Pizzeria Sei one of the city's best pizzerias—a reminder that to evolve, you have to change. Joo's career is walking proof, having moved through the kitchens of Providence, Ronan and Pizzana before venturing out on his own. His maturation is evident in the dough of his signature Neapolitan, elevated to be slightly lighter. The Sei Margherita adds buffalo mozzarella and just a bit more tanginess than the traditional Margherita. But it's the new pizza styles—fried montanara and thin, crispy Roman-style scrocchiarella, both of which Joo spent serious time perfecting—that make Pizzeria Sei among the most exalted pizza experiences one can have. The 4 Culture Diavola, which Pizzeria Sei opened with in scrocchiarella form, is now on the menu as a Neapolitan pie that has managed to outdo itself. It should be at the top of your to-eat list. On it: gochujang romesco, bits of maple-candied guanciale, 15-year-aged balsamic, stracciatella, basil, and thinly sliced Iberico chorizo. A beautiful pie both visually and in execution, it's a rainbow of flavors in perfect balance—and yet each of the five basic tastes still gets to shine. The current (though not for long) scrocchiarella pie—Cali Margherita—is basically a bruschetta pizza. Think bright, beautifully seasoned tomatoes alongside stracciatella on a thin, crackly crust, finished with basil and a dusting of manchego. There's also a beautiful gem-and-herb salad with white miso and the appropriate amount of shallots every salad should have (a lot). For a sweet finish, do not miss the tiramisu parfait layered with mascarpone, citrus, and housemade gelato. Chef Joo's really excited about the gelato machine he got, and it shows in spades.

Time Out tip: Dining in is the only way to enjoy Pizzeria Sei, as this operation doesn't offer takeout (head to Sei Pizza Bar for that). And be warned: securing a reservation takes diligence—they open a week in advance, at noon daily—so set a reminder. Walk-ins can expect to wait a couple of hours or more. What’s more? The omakasei collab series is back starting October 17th and 18th with NYC’s Ceres pizza. Check Instagram for updates on future events and how to book. 

Address: 10700 Tabor St, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 4-10pm

What is it? James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Bianco’s namesake pizzeria in the Arts District.

Why we love it: Bianco’s original shop in Phoenix helped blaze the trail for America’s artisanal pizza movement, and his perpetually bustling all-day pizzeria at ROW DTLA offers the same critically acclaimed New York-Neopolitan hybrid crust pies accompanied by a seasonally rotating mix of sides, salads and small plates. Now, since opening in 2022, Pizzeria Bianco has made some of the best pies in Los Angeles. The chef’s signature style, a hybrid between New York and Neopolitan, offers the best of both worlds—thin, chewy crusts without the floppiness at the center normally associated with traditional Neapolitan pizzas. For first-timers, the classic margherita is the way to go here, but I’m also partial to the Rosa, a white pie topped with red onion, rosemary, pistachios and plenty of Parmesan cheese. For sausage lovers, the Wise Guy topped with wood-roasted onions, smoked mozzarella and fennel sausage is a great choice as well. Beyond pizza, I also enjoy the farinata, a thin chickpea pancake and antipasto; for those dining with a group, it’s worth throwing in one of Bianco’s ever-changing specials alongside a pie or two.

Time Out tip: A reservation for dinner is all but mandatory, even when availability in the days beforehand suggests otherwise.

Address: 1320 E 7th St, Ste 100, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–4pm

What is it? The beloved Venice pop-up from Cook's Garden—Michael Fiorelli's encore from fine dining—is now a quaint permanent neighborhood fixture in Beverly Grove.

Why we love it: Michael Fiorelli and business partner Liz Gutierrez invested their life savings into a pizza oven and started slinging pies out of Cook's Garden on Abbot Kinney with no plan other than to make a great product. They'd prep and wash dishes at home. For months, they sold only a handful of pizzas daily, then word got around. Long story short, the duo now has a home on West Third and an expanded menu of more than three pizzas, tinned fish, and their addictive chili garlic cucumbers with pistachio feta. Guests who begged Fiorelli for a salad for months on end at the pop-up can delight in the chopped chicory Caesar with white anchovies, parmesan, and breadcrumbs that's wonderfully bitter, briny, and earthy. What’s more, the Love & Salt and Olivetta alum is showing off his pasta skills with a perfectly al dente lamb bolognese. The pizzas are a Neapolitan-New York hybrid—blistered and charred at the edges, sturdy enough to hold their toppings without flopping in the center. You can’t go wrong with the Fiorelli classic or pepperoni, but the white pies deserve just as much praise. Prior to trying Michael’s fennel sausage and black kale pie, Gutierrez hated white pizzas. Now it’s her favorite. The 750-square-foot space with only seven indoor seats plus eight on the patio is reminiscent of mom-and-pop restaurants in Italy. And while their takeout and delivery operation is dialed in, nothing beats fresh pizza and Gutierrez’s warm hospitality. 

Time Out tip: Westsiders who miss Fiorelli and are unwilling to make the trek can get their fix via DoorDash—Fiorelli’s arranged delivery beyond the app's usual radius. Just note the distance in your order and they'll send it raw so you can bake it fresh at home. Plus, Gutierrez might even throw in a chocolate chip cookie. Like we said, warm hospitality. 

Address: 8236 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11am-9pm

What is it? Pizzeria Sei’s OG is a Spartan storefront on Pico Boulevard serving impeccable Tokyo-style Neapolitan pie, now going by Sei Pizza Bar. 

Why we love it: Made with San Marzano DOP and other high-quality ingredients, pizzaiolo William Joo’s heavenly circles of thin, blistered dough have an addictively mochi-like crust. Though pricey for their personal-ish size ($19 to $27), these wonderfully delicate pies are as delicious as they come. Factor in the tiny antipasti selection and a perfectly airy tiramisu, and it’s easy to understand why Sei Pizza Bar sometimes sells out early—a reflection of the fact that Angelenos are willing to pony up for quality when they see it. Just note that they’re better fresh out of the oven (i.e., while dining in), but you can also order takeout on weekdays. 

Time Out tip: Like its mature sibling Pizzeria Sei Palms, Sei Pizza Bar is a hard reservation to snag—bookings open a week ahead at noon—though the "notify" option has a fairly high success rate. And don't come here expecting the range of pizza dough styles Joo is tossing at Palms.

Address: 8781 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 4-10pm

What is it? An Echo Park restaurant serving Detroit-style-leaning pizza and some of the best desserts in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: How do we love thee, Quarter Sheets? Let us count the ways: This perpetually busy joint offers square slices with pillowy, flawless-hydration dough that practically springs back after every bite. The ratio of toppings to dough is typically spot on, and so are the flavors—they range from the classics and expecteds (pepperoni with red sauce, basil and cheese) to weekly specials that always have us checking for entirely new creations, including a New Jersey-style bar pie with a cracker-thin crust. Chef Aaron Lindell’s wild creations include options like the Polish Riviera, which scatters potato, mozzarella, pistachio, olives, cured lemon and pecorino over a cheese-crusted dough. Of course, not to be missed are desserts by Hannah Ziskin, whose spectacular cakes, cookies and silver coupes of housemade ice cream are worth ordering all on their own. The buzzy, always-packed spot now also takes reservations—bookings open at 9am two weeks in advance—so set an alarm and book ahead if you’re not willing to camp out and wait.

Time Out tip: Quarter Sheets also sells pizza (and cake) by the slice through a separate takeout window if you don’t have the time to wait for a table. It also takes pre-orders for whole pies. 

Address: 1305 Portia St, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5–9pm

What is it? Unapologetically Californian pizzas from local celebrity chef Nancy Silverton within her larger three-restaurant Mozzaplex in Hancock Park. 

Why we love it: Despite the numerous pizza places that have opened in recent years, Pizzeria Mozza's pies have remained in a class of their own—and thanks to a supporting, ever-changing cast of bruschette, salads, unique pastas and desserts, it’s still one of the best Italian restaurants in town. Doughy, chewy and lightly charred, Silverton's flatbreads feature cheffy, farmers' market toppings like squash blossoms and fennel sausage. Newer menu additions include a chicken parm made with caciocavallo cheese, pasta alla vodka and cheesy gnocchi. Throw in over a half dozen compelling dolci—among them, the freshest versions of Silverton’s famous gelati and sorbetti in various seasonal flavors—and you’re all but guaranteed a memorable fancy pizza dinner. In the summer months, chase your pizza with sides of corn al forno and zucchini a scapece.

Time Out tip: To add texture and a sort-of vegetable to your meal, order Nancy's chopped salad. Made with cherry tomatoes, iceberg lettuce and radicchio, this bowl of mostly cured meat and cheese may not be the most nutritious salad, but it is certainly quite delicious.

Address: 641 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri 5–10pm; Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

What is it? A no-frills, cash-only Mid-Wilshire pizzeria that was named one of the world’s best by the Best Pizza Awards—two years and counting.

Why we love it: It’s hard to imagine a fluffier-but-still-crispy, more textural pizza than chef Justin De Leon’s Detroit-style square slices, which look almost like fine art. The cheese gets baked along the edges until it’s standing up straight into the air; it provides a perfect foil to the gooey burrata plopped in the center; call the shop or check Instagram for square slices before you head in, as they’re not always available, and when they are, they go quickly. Of course, Apollonia’s also makes fantastic round pies, too, which arrive covered in everything from locally made chorizo verde to duck-and-bacon sausage. If it’s your first visit, it’s just about mandatory that you drizzle the spicy honey over whatever you pick.

Time Out tip: For slices and squares, Apollonia’s only accepts cash and takes orders in person, but you can order its round pies online.

Address: 5176 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Wed–Sun noon–2:30pm, 5–8pm

What is it? A critically acclaimed wood-fired pizza joint in Culver City with roots in Williamsburg.

Why we love it: Roberta’s almost leopard-like blistered crusts are proof. In L.A., you’ll find the Brooklyn pizzeria's famous wood-fired sourdough pies in the yuppie-chic confines of Culver City's Platform outdoor mall. Of course, that's not all Roberta's has brought to the table: In addition to their cult-classic pizza rossa and margherita, the Westside pizzeria offers punnily named seasonals like the Olive Laugh Love—a white pie topped with olive tapenade, garlic, arugula and lemon. Plus, Roberta’s also boasts a selection of housemade pastas, a tasty cheeseburger (!) and the convenience of Platform’s adjacent paid parking lot.

Address: 8810 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–9pm; Fri, Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

What is it? A New York-style pizzeria offering the Big Apple’s classic triangles, Sicilian-style squares and absolutely phenomenal garlic knots—with locations in Downtown, Westwood, and now Woodland Hills.

Why we love it: Hidden inside the sunny atrium of a Downtown office building, Danny Boy’s is the first L.A. project of Daniel Holzman, cofounder of NYC’s Meatball Shop. Depending on the location, the no-flop triangles here cater to the lunchtime office workers crowd and UCLA students, but the fresh ingredients and delicious, perfectly textured crust have drawn Angelenos from outside the area searching for L.A.’s best gourmet imitation of a dollar slice. Though parking in the area might appear daunting, the original Downtown location actually offers customers ticket validation in the typically pricey underground structure:  first 20 minutes are free (order ahead for pickup) and $5 for the first two hours before 4pm on weekdays and three hours free afterward, with the latter deal offered all day on weekends. Classic appetizers like garlic knots, buffalo wings and meatballs (of course) round out the pizza selection, which can also be made vegan (for $6 more) or gluten-free (for $8 more).

Time Out tip: The chocolate chip cookies are equally out of this world.

Address: Downtown: 330 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90071; Westwood: 10889 Lindbrook Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90024; Woodland Hills: 20929 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Opening hours: Downtown: Mon–Tue 9:30am–6:30pm; Wed–Fri 9:30am–8:30pm; Sat, Sun 11am–8:30pm; Westwood: Daily 11am–9pm; Woodland Hills: Daily 10:30am-8:30pm

What is it? A New Haven-style pizzeria in Canoga Park and Glendale North Hollywood serving the city’s iconic clam pizza, plus other options with the same uniquely crunchy thin crust.

Time Out tip: This is your warning that the North Hollywood location is no more. 

Address: Canoga Park: 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd Ste 1270, Canoga Park, CA 91303; Glendale: 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd Ste 1270, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Opening hours: Canoga Park: Wed-Sat noon-8pm; Sun noon-7pm; Glendale: Wed-Sun noon-9pm

What is it? A modern Neapolitan chain with locations in Brentwood, West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Sherman Oaks, and Marina Del Rey. (There are now also a few in Dallas and Houston.)

Why we love it: Pizzana delivers (mostly) consistent wood-fired pies, antipasti and salads that, at their best, will transport you to Italy, the birthplace of head chef Daniele Uditi. At their worst, Pizzana still makes a pretty good pizza. Almost everything on the menu comes from family recipes that Uditi inherited, and the dough is made using a decades-old starter that’s been in his family for generations. The cacio e pepe pizza topped with rich parmesan cream is a highlight, but we can’t ever deny the Corbarina, made with squash blossoms, burrata and gremolata. No matter the order, this one-of-a-kind L.A. fast-casual pizza truly feels like the best of both worlds, new and old.

Time Out tip: Keep your eye on their Instagram for any seasonal specials and one-offs. 

Address: Multiple, incl. Brentwood, West Hollywood, Silver Lake and Marina Del Rey

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it: A Friday pizza pop-up run out of a church parking lot in Venice Beach.

Why we love it: If you can swing the limited hours, Petramale Pizza serves one of the best New York-style pizzas in Los Angeles. Based out of the parking lot behind Venice Church, this bare bones operation is run by the namesake Steve Petramale, who originally hails from upstate New York. The self-taught pizzaiolo (who’s also a local boxing gym owner) takes pride in his thin-crust pies sporting high-quality toppings. The pies might seem pricey (approximately $30 apiece), but each one is large enough to feed three or four people. After one bite of the crackly, thin dough, you’ll quickly realize why Angelenos from all over are flocking here. Just make sure to bring some cash—Petramale Pizza doesn’t accept cards—and call ahead to order if you’re in a rush. If you’re stuck waiting, though, the staff just might come out and hand you a free meatball.

Time Out tip: While you can order the classics and the menu board lists plenty of specials, I particularly enjoyed the Margaroni, an off-menu hybrid between pepperoni and margherita.

Address: 2241 Walgrove Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Opening hours: Fri noon–7pm

What is it? A Neapolitan-style national chain in East Hollywood that has brought a taste of Italy to L.A. since 2014.

Why we love it: With a cavernous, no-frills industrial space and excellent pizzas, DeSano is perfect for children, large groups and everyday meals. Originally from Nashville (with all other locations in the South), DeSano’s pies here will upend your pre-existing notion of “chain” pizza with imported ingredients, including Italian flour and cheese, plus Mediterranean sea salt. Cooked in massive wood-burning ovens, the affordable, high-quality product remains a sleeper hit among the city’s many Neapolitan-style pizzerias. For those who love sweets, the ricotta-stuffed crust dessert pizza topped with Nutella and broken cannolis is a must-order.

Time Out tip: Unlike most eateries in the surrounding area, DeSano has an enormous free parking lot.

Address: 4959 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am–10:30pm; Sun 11:30am–10pm

What is it? An unassuming wine bar in the Arts District that makes the best Roman-style pinsas in the city 

Why we love it: Who would ever guess the Arts District is home to one of the city’s most unique pizza styles? While the neighborhood is a citywide dining destination, few Angelenos seem to know about these phenomenal Roman-style flatbreads, which use a 72-hour fermented dough as the base for a lightweight, crispy crust that’ll have you munching to the very last bite. From Beverly Grove’s Oste to Glendale’s La Bella Pinseria Romana, I’ve sampled every major pinsa specialist in Los Angeles, and none can top Propaganda. The popular pick is the spicy calabrese tartufato, which sweetens the deal with black truffle honey, but you can’t go wrong with the trendy mortazza (mortadella with toasted pistachios) or a classic margherita. My personal favorite? The napoli, which adds cheese and Sicilian anchovies to the otherwise vegan pinsa puttanesca. For those with celiac and other gluten sensitivities, the flatbreads can also be made gluten-free.

Time Out tip: Propaganda also offers a solidly priced $23 wine flight, which includes three different tastings.  

Address: 950 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 3–10pm; Fri 3–11pm; Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–9pm

What is it? A no-frills pizza shop that’s been slinging New York-style pies in the Valley since 2020.

Why we love it: Like the name says, this no-frills Valley pizza shop is straight from New York City, where owner Anthony Zingaro’s family first opened up shop in 1966. The Sherman Oaks outpost is the second outpost. Using the same exact recipes, Pizza Wagon of Brooklyn offers one of L.A.’s best New York-style slices with the kind of pizza pedigree that even the pickiest East Coast transplant can’t object to. Stepping into the small shop (with a hidden back parking area accessible from the alley off Van Nuys Boulevard), the affordable slices of pizza served by employees straight out of a stoner comedy sport a thin, crispy crust dressed with marinara sauce and cheese that plenty of Sherman Oaks locals simply can’t get enough of.

Time Out tip: It’s also worth ordering Pizza Wagon’s chicken roll, which resembles a Costco-style chicken bake. 

Address: 14522 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Opening hours: Daily 10:30am–10:30pm

What is it? A casual Roman-style slice shop and one of the only good dining options at the Grove.

Why we love it: I’m the last person on earth to want to hype up a place whose primary marketing strategy seems to be taking photos of conventionally attractive girls eating their pizza, but Chill Since ’93 is just that good. Originally from London, Chill Since ’93 serves light, airy rectangles topped with classic toppings like margherita, arugula and prosciutto, pepperoni and ortolana, a vegan-friendly vegetable mix. The crust is downright focaccia-like, and everything is made with high-quality ingredients imported straight from Italy. One of my favorite slices is the patate, which combines thinly sliced potato, mozzarella and rosemary with olive oil, oregano and pepper. The sandwiches here are no slouch either—if you’re craving something sweet, the Nutella and powdered sugar variety will definitely hit the spot.

Time Out tip: In true trend-following form, Chill Since ’93 also sells iced coffee and matcha drinks with branded cup sleeves. 

Address: 189 The Grove Dr, Unit F90-B, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10am–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 10am–10pm; Sun 10am–9:30pm

What is it? A South Asian-inspired sports bar in Silver Lake that‘s beloved across L.A. for its fusion-style pastas and pizzas.

Why we love it: The fusion-style creations at Pijja Palace are a razor-sharp distillation of everything great about dining in Los Angeles: fun, not too expensive and, best of all, gloriously unfussy. Rich in spice, though not necessarily spicy, the house chutney pijja (Hindi slang for “pizza”) is a glorious exercise in maximalism ideal for a stylish but unpretentious night out. These days, you can opt for green chile or habanero chutney, or kick things up a notch with the green tikka masala pijja, which comes topped with turkey kofta (meatballs), onion and cilantro. Of course, you can also build your own 12-inch pie if you like. Top your slice with a shake of masala spice for extra kick, and don’t miss the restaurant’s excellent soft serve—available in cookies and cardamom or mango lassi creamsicle.

Time Out tip: Other menu standouts include the dosa onion rings, malai rigatoni and achaari buffalo wings.

Address: 2711 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri 5–10:30pm; Sat noon–10:30pm; Sun noon–9:30pm

What is it? Otherwise known as GTA, Gjelina’s over-the-counter sibling, dishing out much of its prettier sibling's menu, plus pizza by the slice. 

Why we love it: Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably well aware that Gjelina has been slinging fantastic pizza for nearly two decades. For those who want to quell a pizza craving without the foresight of a reservation or the punishment of an absurd wait, there’s Gjelina’s Take Away right next door. Otherwise known as GTA, Gjelina’s over-the-counter offering dishes from much of its prettier sibling's menu, plus pizza by the slice. Its three-day fermented dough results in a thin, crispy, Neapolitan-style crust robust enough, without being dense, to hold the glorious base of tomato confit you’ll find on all its red pies. Here, you’ll almost always find pomodoro and margherita—plus a few more elaborate pies on rotation—by the slice. The rest of Gjelina's pies—save for one or two which aren’t served at all, like the anchovy and Magic Myrna potato—come as whole pies (either 12-inch individual or 20-inch large). I love the fennel salami and the guanciale. Of course, the squash blossom pie is a testament to both Gjelina’s pizza and vegetable prowess. Pair your slice with market greens, escarole salad when it’s in season, beef cheek orecchiette, or chunky-in-the-best-way braised meatballs. Then pull up a seat at the window counter where excellent people- and dog-watching is guaranteed.

Time Out tip: With the closure of Cha Cha Matcha on Abbot Kinney, GTA is whisking the next best matcha latte on the busy boulevard. Pair it with one of their scones (be sure to ask for it warm). 

Address: 1427 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 7am-9pm 

What is it? A market-driven pizzeria in the Arts District known for its grandma-style pies. 

Why we love it: The single-serving focaccia pies at De La Nonna deserve a class of their own; topped with fresh, locally sourced produce, each pie provides maximal surface area for crust, while the plush interior zone retains the warm softness of the kitchen’s wood-fired pizza oven. Paired with a glass of natural wine on the pizzeria’s charming string-lit patio, the craggy rectangles here feel fancy almost without even trying, and the ever-changing market pizza is a constant source of delight. For all the fancier meals in the Downtown neighborhood, I’d choose a pizza and a glass of wine here first on any given day of the week. Plus, from Tuesday to Thursday, De La Nonna offers one of the best meal deals for two in the city: the $75 Nonna Pack, which comes with two of the restaurant’s signature personal-sized pizzas, Caesar salad and an entire bottle of wine. 

Time Out tip: There’s also a newer second location out in Big Bear for your next trip to the mountains.

Address: 710 E 4th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Opening hours: Tue–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–8pm

What is it? A no-introduction-needed pizza and pasta joint from Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, with locations in Beverly Grove, Brentwood, Slauson, Beverly Hills, Studio City and Calabasas.

Why we love it: Say what you want about Jon & Vinny's, but the Ham & Eazy pizza will never be canceled (despite being renamed from Ham & Yeezy). Eleven years in, it maintains its position in my book as one of the most interesting comfort pizzas in Los Angeles. I mean, what's not to love? Smoked ham, vodka sauce, red onion, caciocavallo, smoked mozzarella and pickled Fresno chiles on a razor-thin crust is a lethal combo. Other heavy-hitters include the tomato-based Roman Gladiator with Nueske's bacon, fennel sausage, pepperoni, smoked ham, caciocavallo and parmesan, or the LA Woman with tomato, basil, olive oil, sea salt and fresh local burrata (it's a cold pie). For two people, one pizza, market lettuces and marinated olives prove to be a satisfactory meal. Of course, if you want to overload on carbs, you can always go for the famous spicy fusilli. The best part? Leftover slices are just as good the next day.

Time Out tip: One out of five times, I have to ask them to remake my pie because the crust is just a tad burnt. Don't be shy if it happens—they're happy to do it, no questions asked.

Address: Multiple, incl. Beverly Grove, Brentwood and Beverly Hills

Opening hours: Daily 8am–10pm

What is it? A cozy neighborhood restaurant in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park that serves the beachside city’s best pizza.

Why we love it: Founded by chef David Rodriguez, who first cut his teeth in the kitchen at Pizzana, Ghisallo serves the best pizza in Santa Monica. These days, Casey Lane (an alum of Venice’s now-closed Tasting Kitchen and West Hollywood’s dearly departed Viale de Romani) offers two unique pizza styles here in conjunction with Jyan Isaac Bakery next door: a hybridized Neapolitan-style made with wild yeasted dough, whole and made to order, plus thin-crust New York-inspired slices available at the counter during lunch. Locals gravitate towards dining on the back patio, where pies come fresh from the oven and are topped with high-quality ingredients like buffalo mozzarella and peaches, but you could just as easily drop in for lunch and take a couple of slices to go for an afternoon at the beach. Do not miss the generous portion of tiramisu (we’re talking the size of your face), which I consider to be within the top three in the city. I like to order it to-go and have a few spoonfuls (it stays fresh for just under a week).  

Time Out tip: Order the wings fra diavolo—an elevated take on buffalo wings that arrives with a side of grilled lemon and ranch.

Address: 1622 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5-10pm; Sun 5-9pm

What is it? An artisanal Roman-style pizzeria by Pizzeria Mozza alum Matt Molina with four locations (Highland Park, Echo Park, Santa Monica and Glendora) across L.A. County.

Why we love it: Back in 2018, Molina teamed up with Mozzaplex magnate Nancy Silverton and the Silverlake Wine crew for this Roman-style pizzeria, slinging scissor-sliced pies by the whole, half and “big” slices. You’ll find close to a dozen varieties, and they’re all great. (There are even a few vegan options.) Don’t skip the focaccia, though, which is great in every flavor; we’re partial to the O.G., slick with olive oil and flecked with nothing but rosemary and sea salt. If you’re at the Highland Park location, enjoy your slices on the cute patio; if you’re in Echo Park, take a seat on the wood blocks out front and take in the traffic along Sunset. There are also newer locations in Glendora and Santa Monica offering the same delicious pizzas; Triple Beam has also been known to pop up at Barnsdall Art Park’s Friday night wine tastings, so you can enjoy your pizza with a little vino as you watch the sunset. 

Time Out tip: Triple Beam is also home to one of the best pizzeria desserts in the city—the Brookie, a brownie-cookie hybrid with a vanilla-infused molten lava center.

Address: Multiple, incl. Highland Park, Echo Park and Santa Monica

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? A gourmet-leaning, Dodgers-loving pizza shop in Silver Lake and Chinatown. 

Why we love it: Once a mobile wood-fired pizza pop-up, now a permanent wood-fired pizza operation in Silver Lake and Chinatown, La Sorted’s piles its fluffy, chewy, beautifully bubbled dough with everything from the classics (margheritas and pepps abound) to Italian sausage with kale and razor-thin garlic. Owner Tommy Brockert has even run a Dodger-dog-inspired pie as a special in the past, if you're really in the mood to get weird. The centers are thin but steady, and perfectly light and just-crispy. The roomier second outpost in Chinatown’s Mandarin Plaza caters to local baseball fans and also serves hot dogs and a location-specific pastrami sandwich known as the Lil Tony.

Time Out tip: La Sorted’s mortadella focaccia is also one of the best sandwiches in the city.

Address: Silver Lake: 2847 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026; Chinatown: 984 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Silver Lake: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 10am–9pm; Chinatown: Mon–Thu 11am–11pm; Fri, Sat 11am–1am; Sun 10am–11pm

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What is it? A first-come, first-served cocktail and pizza bar complete with a DJ, disco ball, and seasonally rotating Neapolitan-style pies in Santa Monica. 

Why we love it: Inside, the music is way louder than it needs to be (there’s a DJ on select nights), and it's hard to have a conversation of any real substance, but if you're trying to make eyes at someone, Not No Bar is a fine place to spend a Friday or Saturday night out. The indoors is filled with twenty-somethings on the prowl, while the outdoor communal table is a bit more subdued, with dates cozying up next to one another, and groups of friends sharing pies and swapping date stories worthy of Overheard LA. Pizzas rotate every month and a half or so, so don't get too attached to anything but the margherita (order a side of dill-packed ranch to go with it). If you like to take risks when it comes to pizza, this is a good spot to do so. Think Caesar piadina, which is exactly what it sounds like (i.e., a Caesar salad pizza); a clam and cream pie with crispy garlic; and a peach pie with hot Calabrese, fresh mozzarella, balsamic, and quince. A fun salad, ultra-fresh crudo (bay scallop on my recent visit) and some kind of appetizer are typically on rotation too. They also keep things fresh with happenings like Steak Frites Sundays, R&D Mondays and a guest-bartender series featuring $12 cocktail specials.

Time Out tip: That green drink you see in every other hand? It’s the Soy Del Rancho (tequila, yuzu, poblano) and it’s damn easy to put down. 

Address: 2424 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Opening hours: Mon 5pm-1am; Thu-Sun 5pm-1am

What is it? A no-frills Hermosa Beach pizzeria serving the platonic ideal of a commodity pizza—and I mean that in the best way possible.

Why we love it: The delightfully chewy, not-actually-sour sourdough crust comes courtesy of Erik Vose, previously of now-closed Sotto and Inglewood’s Cadoro Bakery. Familiar toppings like pepperoni, spicy sausage and pickled serranos are well-executed, if not particularly special, but it’s the light and airy texture of the crust that has kept Redwood Pie living rent-free in my mind long after my visit there. Best of all, you can also do half-and-half customization for whole pies. Can’t decide between a red or a white pie? Split the difference with the serrano-laden, cheesy white pie (D-Fresh), which perfectly balances Redwood’s standout pepperoni-margherita hybrid (E Money). 

Time Out tip: From 11am to 3pm, the shop also offers a reasonably priced $14 meal deal that includes two slices of your choice (there are normally three on offer), arugula salad and your choice of soft drink.

Address: 511 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11am-9pm

What is it? A pandemic pizza pop-up turned Eagle Rock brick-and-mortar, formerly known as Quarantine Pizza.

Why we love it: The sourdough pizzas here are fresh and delicious, with thoughtful salads (I loved the seasonal Caesar) and well-executed sides (zucchini fries, burrata with fougasse) that provide just enough intrigue in Northeast L.A.’s oversubscribed pizza scene. Since opening, the neighborhood joint has blossomed into a family-friendly option for takeout pizza and casual dinners. The 14-inch pies are perfect for two to share, with a well-balanced, crispy crust that balances out high-quality toppings, and the counter-service operation also sells beer, wine and locally sourced kombucha from Balo Orozco’s Sunset Cultures. Now-standard pies like honey-drizzled pepperoni and garlic cream mushroom are more than done justice here—and while I personally won’t be traveling from where I live on the Westside for Wallflour Pizza again, I definitely recommend it for anyone living, working or playing in Northeast L.A. 

Time Out tip: The pizzeria also hosts local coffee pop-up No Days Off from 7am to 1pm, Wednesday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on the weekends, for which it also makes sourdough doughnuts. 

Address: 2128 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Opening hours: Tue–Sun noon–8:30pm