57860 Mon Jan 12 01:16:40 -0800 2004 204 2 Los Angeles Area 0 302483 After living in the east for a bit, I no longer can stomach most of the pizza out here...please help me find a good pizza place to satisfy my hunger for a good PIE! Willing to drive! :) Mon Jan 12 01:16:40 -0800 2004 0 Alphafemale 1 302484 D'Amore Mon Jan 12 01:23:08 -0800 2004 302483 0 russkar 2 302493 There are about three or four branches of D'Amore's in the valley, think the one at Coldwater and Magnolia is what Russkar has in mind. OUTSTANDING thin crust pies. Mon Jan 12 02:48:18 -0800 2004 302484 0 Chino Wayne 3 302508 Here is the specific 411: D'Amore's Pizza Connection 12910 Magnolia Blvd Ste G Sherman Oaks, CA 91423-1662 Phone: (818) 505-1111 Mon Jan 12 12:58:49 -0800 2004 302493 0 Chino Wayne 4 302510 CW, (or anyone else) have you ever tried this place on Lankershim in NoHo? I have driven by many times but never have stopped to give it a taste test. Link: http://www.pitfirepizza.com/story.html Mon Jan 12 13:16:31 -0800 2004 302508 0 WLA 5 302512 No, I just don't get over that way very often, please report if you check it out. Mon Jan 12 13:22:52 -0800 2004 302510 0 Chino Wayne 6 302554 you guys are awesome... Im scribbling away as I click through...and thanks for putting up with another "best....???? in ??????" thread! Mon Jan 12 17:23:37 -0800 2004 302512 0 alphafemale 5 302530 Yes. Icky. But didn't try the pizza, only sandwiches, and wouldn't return based on those. I think the pizzas are grilled. Mon Jan 12 14:48:08 -0800 2004 302510 0 Debbie 6 302704 Pit fire Pizza..one word..SUCKS! Tue Jan 13 15:00:36 -0800 2004 302530 0 Ken W 5 1813007 Pitfire is just okay. I would not go again, even though it is close to work. Marginal pizza -- not great, not bad. Wed Aug 16 22:10:38 -0700 2006 302510 14980 phlosar 5 1813782 It's just OK. It can't hold a candle to D'Amores. Other places in the area: Albano's (one on Ventura, one on Melrose), Lamonica's, Pizza Cucina in La Canada, Mazzarino's in Sherman Oaks and yes, I'll say it, Ameci's (which is a local chain). Thu Aug 17 04:03:46 -0700 2006 302510 10811 Das Ubergeek 6 4879706 Mazzarino's---YES!!! That was by far the best pizza, but the place burned down in 2007, I think and has never reopened. Their meatball pizza with extra cheese and fresh garlic was just heavenly, best anywhere, no doubt about it. Ameci's----NO!!!! The one in Encino was probably the best, and even that was mediocre on its most glorious day. Joe Peep's at Magnolia and Whitsett, also in the Valley, was also really, really good, although you must order it without black pepper!!! Huh??? Yeah, they DOUSE the pizza with black pepper, as a standard but silent ingredient, and it just ruins it for me. So unless you would like a very, very strong accent of black pepper on your pizza, tell them to leave it off!!! They had a bacon pizza with cheddar cheese that was really, really good, too. My band used to love it when I'd bring it to rehearsals. Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock is AWESOME!!! Very unusual, random style of slicing the pie, which is just cheesy and juicy beyond belief. Village Pizzeria on Larchmont is also fantastic--although the parking is difficult, and the staff have a LOUSY, SNOBBY attitude. If you can get past that, you will LOVE their pizza, very on-the-way to NY pie. Another totally great slice can be had at Mama's (Mom's?) Brick Oven on Fair Oaks in South Pasadena, just north of the Bristol Farms. The House special pizza is fantastic, but just the cheese or pep is fantastic. Always fresh slices. Very, very close to NY flavor and quality. Worth driving for. With Mazzarino's down (for the count?), this would probably be my choice for best pizza, but all of these are superb, in my opinion. Still the best pizza I ever had in LA--was served at my Little League field in Ladera Heights in the late 60's, I kid you not!!! Piping hot, great crust, garlic-laden sauce, and super-stretchy cheese--still the tops!!! My brother agrees, too. Was it the magic of going up there to get it all tired and hungry after a game, cleets clicking all the way up the path? Was it because our mom worked in the snack stand? Is it just nostalgia? Nope--it was just unreal, magical, perfect pizza--the standard for all others. One last observation--notice how Pizza places in LA always say "NY style pizza"? One thing I can tell you--in NYC you will NEVER see a pizza place with a sign that says "LA style pizza" !!! Wed Jul 22 01:56:11 -0700 2009 1813782 1095718 Harveycan 7 4879861 "One last observation--notice how Pizza places in LA always say "NY style pizza"? One thing I can tell you--in NYC you will NEVER see a pizza place with a sign that says "LA style pizza" !!!" Right...They say "LA style Mexican"!!!!! Wed Jul 22 05:02:27 -0700 2009 4879706 108169 Servorg 7 4880391 There are plenty of (nasty) California Pizza Kitchens in NYC. BTW, I posted this question on another thread, but figure it might get more responses here. Has anyone tried the pizzas at La Bottega Marino in WLA? I had an pesto-chicken pizza with exceptional crust and am trying to determine whether it was a fluke. Wed Jul 22 07:54:40 -0700 2009 4879706 18466 a_and_w 8 4893076 I had one of their pizzas tonight (for the first time), and it was delicious! I had the Atomica, which wasn't all that spicy, but it was good. A nice thin crisp crust, and the sauce and toppings were very good. I think the crust was a little bland on flavor, but still overall a very good pizza. Mon Jul 27 00:46:01 -0700 2009 4880391 67980 mdpilam 9 4944016 Agreed -- La Bottega Marino's pizza is delicious! I've ordered a couple of Atomica pies since last posting and think it's right up there with Joe's and Vito's for my favorite pie in LA right now. I love, love, love the crust, which is crisp yet chewy and doesn't crack when you fold it. Best of all, I don't have to order it "well done" -- the bottom is always nicely charred. I like the saltiness of the crust but think it's missing the yeasty taste that really elevates great pizza. Thu Aug 13 12:42:24 -0700 2009 4893076 18466 a_and_w 7 4881738 I just had Ameci's for lunch today. Still reminds me of every street slice in New Jersey, New York, etc. Is it Di Fara's, Totonno's, Lombardi's, et al.? No, of course not. But neither are thousands of places in New York. Mazzarino's is shortly to reopen, if they haven't already. I never get over there nowadays so I couldn't tell. And there are plenty of places in New York advertising "California pizza". I passed a sign in the Amish Market on 9th Ave. every day for weeks that talked about "pizza and California pizza". It's just considered a separate animal, kind of like that casserole they call pizza in Chicago. Wed Jul 22 13:47:30 -0700 2009 4879706 10811 Das Ubergeek 7 4943718 I haven't been in the neighborhood lately, but the owner of Mazzarino's has been promising that they would be re-opening sometime soon (although it should be noted they've promised this before ...): http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/613417 Thu Aug 13 11:17:19 -0700 2009 4879706 85884 maxzook 7 5156600 Rejoice! Mazzarino's is alive and well: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/661144 Wed Nov 04 16:28:46 -0800 2009 4879706 85884 maxzook 8 5157616 E la pizza? La pizza è ancora buona?! Thu Nov 05 06:24:36 -0800 2009 5156600 10811 Das Ubergeek 4 1813841 Is the D'Amores in the valley the same one that has TWO locations in Westwood (about a block apart, it's like a Starbucks imitation)? I go there quite a bit. Anyway, I don't think it's that great at all. Just great for the low calorie count (166 calorie slice? I find it hard to believe OR turn down). Am I alone in my love of Johnnie's New York Pizzeria? Super unhealthy and super tasty, just the way I like it. Not cheap. Not fast. Century City, Marina Del Rey, Sherman Oaks, 3rd Street, etc. I can hardly ever rationalize ordering from there, but when I really want to break my diet with delivery, Johnnie's is it. Thu Aug 17 04:45:10 -0700 2006 302508 26490 Goonie6 5 1814020 I kind of agree with one caviat. I ordered a Sausage Mushroom and onion slice. {cheese slice added topings and reheated] But they sauteed the mushrooms in a seperate pan which normally a good thing but they dumped it along with the 1/4 cup of Olive oil it was coocked in on the slice. Not good eats. But knowing that I would go back and order more wisely. I've heard about good East coast pizza at North End [Boston]Pizzeria on Olympic at Bundy. I have not tried it but as a Native Bostonian I am looking forward to it. Take care - P. Thu Aug 17 08:15:31 -0700 2006 1813841 12588 Mattapoisett in LA 5 1814253 Northend (there's one in Burbank) isn't bad but it isn't the best pizza in LA by a long shot. Thu Aug 17 13:48:43 -0700 2006 1813841 10811 Das Ubergeek 6 4879709 Well, you thought Ameci's was among the best, so your credibility is pretty suspect in my book :) Wed Jul 22 01:59:41 -0700 2009 1814253 1095718 Harveycan 7 4881744 If you're looking for Di Fara's in California, you are setting yourself up for disappointment, because it doesn't exist. It doesn't exist anywhere in the world except New York, either, so we're not exactly alone. I will stand by my statement that Ameci's makes a decent pie. You don't like it, don't eat there, that's all there is to it. BTW: 13 replies to one thread?? Wed Jul 22 13:49:21 -0700 2009 4879709 10811 Das Ubergeek 7 4909748 >>Well, you thought Ameci's was among the best, so your credibility is pretty suspect in my book :)<< With all due respect, you're obviously new to this board. Lance Armstrong has won seven TsDF, Omar Khyyam was epic in his poetry, and Das Ubergeek knows food like no other... Sat Aug 01 18:10:50 -0700 2009 4879709 64003 bulavinaka 1 302502 Personally I think Domenico's on Huntington Drive in Monrovia beats out D'Amore's. But they're both very good. Check out the thread entitled "Alessi Pizzeria on Highland" posted Christmas Day 2003 for a discussion about locations etc. of Domenico's. Mon Jan 12 11:20:29 -0800 2004 302483 0 gj 2 302511 I love both D'Amore's and Domenico's. Domenico's is a full service sit down restaurant, and is about 30 miles closer to the old homestead than D'Amore's. The D'Amore's that I have visited has about two tables and definately feels like an east coast pizza shop. I gotta give you a heads up, at Domenico's you really need to emphasize THIN crust. Just ate there Saturday with the wife and daughter, medium thin, thin crust double pepperoni and sausage; lasagna; sausages with onions, peppers and potatoes, spaghetti and meat balls (this dish has improved since I last had it), garlic bread, two salads, three soft drinks (unlimited refils) $49.00 Mon Jan 12 13:21:51 -0800 2004 302502 0 Chino Wayne 1 302539 Closest to Joe's Pizza on Bleecker St in NYC is Casa Bianca, 1650 Colorado Blvd, 323-256-9617. Mon Jan 12 16:11:54 -0800 2004 302483 0 drewben 1 302540 Surprised no one has mentioned Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock yet, as it's often named the best pizza in LA. I haven't been there personally, but it's high on my list of places to check out. Hounds say the homemade sausage is the best option. That aside, I agree with posters below. D'Amore is the best I've tried in LA thus far. A very tasty thin-crust slice, and awesome moist garlicy rolls too. Sandwiches deserve a mention, but pizza's truly the thing. Casa Bianca Pizza Pie 1650 Colorado Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90041-1436 Phone: (323) 256-9617 Mon Jan 12 16:15:27 -0800 2004 302483 0 Spoony Bard 2 302588 I grew up in Eagle Rock and have watched people flooding in to Casa Bianca's for the past few years. The place is good, but why all the hype? The pizza is what my friends and family liked the least. We always went for the pasta... Maybe the yups have convinced each other that this is the best. As for parking, never used to be a problem... Mon Jan 12 20:50:01 -0800 2004 302540 0 Tommy 2 303129 Casa Bianca is good, even VERY good pizza, but what makes it stand out is the feel of the place. It feels like a family italian/pizza place, not some trumped-up over-decorated place where the $$$ are in the decor or the location instead of in the ingredients and the experienced pizza makers. As for the sausage, again very good (and it is the ONLY topping I ever get on a pizza), but not SoCal's best. THat honor is reserved for Sabatino's in Newport Beach (which also makes a pretty darn good pizza!). Sat Jan 17 03:15:14 -0800 2004 302540 0 RSMBob 2 1813011 Excellent sausage and pretty good pepperoni. I have an insulated bag (sam's club) that is good for hot and cold stuff. My pizza was just fine after my 20 minute drive last night. If you live far away, go on a nice day, grab a pizza, then head to a nearby park -- even Griffith Park is close. Wed Aug 16 22:13:48 -0700 2006 302540 14980 phlosar 1 302565 Second nomination for Casa Bianca. The long wait for a table on Friday and Saturday is telling. I went there two weeks ago and got the sausage and garlic -- the crust was perfect. Eat it there. Don't take out. It doesn't travel well. Mon Jan 12 18:31:13 -0800 2004 302483 0 MQue 2 302574 Not bad, but the parking there is horrible. I'd rate it below D'Amore's and Demonico's but far above Petrillo's, which got several good reviews here recently (I was less than impressed by their lunch time offering though the toppings were plentiful). These far-ranging pizza-fan posts will probably be responsible for driving the price of a barrel of oil up a dollar or two on the international markets. There's got to be some excellent pizza in the center and south parts of the county, but I'm still looking... Mon Jan 12 19:54:17 -0800 2004 302565 0 gj 2 302592 i live near eagle rock and i love casa bianca pizza. my husband, the carnivore, RAVES about the sausage (i've tasted and it's very good, lots of fennel, which i love). the eggplant pizza is also incredible (even if you *think* you don't like eggplant, you will love it this way). h'ever, i would hesitate to recommend that anyone drive across town for this pizza. the hassle (the long wait, cramped quarters, etc.) may not be worth it.... but if you're close by and hv a lot of time to kill... Mon Jan 12 21:26:57 -0800 2004 302565 0 fat kitty 1 302620 As much as I like Casa Bianca (And living nearby I get there a bit) and D'Amore's, the one place I can't drive anywhere near without going in for a bite is Vito's. Put me within five miles of Melrose and Vermont and my stomach will pull me there. Thin, chewy crust, great sausage, a good vegetarian pizza with broccolli, maybe 6 tables. If you're lucky Vito's in a singing mood. A little hole in the wall, across the street from LACC and just south of a Jack in the Box. Close to the local train stop, too. Vito's Pizza 814 N. Vermont 323) 667-2723 Tue Jan 13 00:39:48 -0800 2004 302483 0 John Jabaley 2 302654 born and raised in brooklyn so i know pizza! vito's is the closest to N.Y. pizza that you'll find in L.A. he's expanding to the shop next door and will be serving wine shortly. Tue Jan 13 12:10:18 -0800 2004 302620 0 bb 2 1817835 Out of business...replaced by "Rocco's." Sad. Vito's ruled. Fri Aug 18 19:20:39 -0700 2006 302620 15553 blacksab67 3 4309305 Vito's has moved to 846 N La Cienega, West Hollywood. Haven't been to the new place but I loved the old place. As for Casa Bianca, great pizza, but what's up with the rubbery canned mushrooms? Thu Jan 08 18:01:40 -0800 2009 1817835 253602 LosFelizFeline 1 302872 I had a slice of Pesto Pizza yesterday at A Slice Of NY in Seal Beach. (I'm from NY) It was perfect. Thin crust-crispy-just the right amount of pesto and exc cheese. Wed Jan 14 19:44:45 -0800 2004 302483 0 Bob Barnett 1 1811068 Casa Bianca's pizza sauce is flavorful, and the veggies are ripe and California farmer's market fresh. But let's talk about crust. What is it about California pizza? The crusts are typically doughy, as thick as four stacked quarters, with a little bit of crisp around the edges. What gives? Can't anyone make the classic two stacked quarters thin crust pizza with a crisp outter edge AND crisp texture to the center crust, too? Or at least make it as thin as classic Chicago thin crust? (No pizza center stays crisp without a last-minute re-firing in the oven.) Last night I ate woodfired pizza at Spark, and the outter crust was glass-shatteringly crisp, and as thin as I've seen pizza in LA. But what about the center? Moist and doughy. Spark is as close as I've come to Chicago thin crust, however. Wed Aug 16 04:40:36 -0700 2006 302483 25326 brutusln 1 1811081 Pizza Buona on Sunset and Alvarado (Echo Park/Silver Lake). Nice, thick, crispy yet moist crust and the most amazing garlic breadsticks ever. Hard Times on Griffith Park and Hyperion is also good, so is Robbie Mac's (Ventura/Van Nuys Blvd., in Sherman Oaks). Wed Aug 16 04:52:50 -0700 2006 302483 26025 offwhiteroom 2 2208985 I second Pizza Buona. The Rustica is usually the crowd favorite but I love the tomato, basil, garlic pizza. Yum. Sat Jan 20 07:25:20 -0800 2007 1811081 68016 aboice 3 4246608 Mm. Not a Pizza Buona fan, although many of my friends are.. crust has always tasted way to dry for me, the toppings bland. Lamonicas is wonderful! Hard Times in Silver Lake yummy. But I will say nothing beats a garlic knot or pepperoni slice from any dive in Brooklyn NY LOL :) Sun Dec 14 17:09:57 -0800 2008 2208985 16038 chini 4 4297448 Sorry, didn't think pizza buona was very good at all. Pretty greasy, very heavy on the toppings (which is NOT a good thing in terms of texture). They put the toppings UNDER the cheese, which made 1) the grease rise up into the cheese and 2) everything just slid off while eating. I'd actually prefer papa johns. Mon Jan 05 09:56:22 -0800 2009 4246608 91179 ns1 2 4879714 I used to live just off of Hyperion and Rowena, and I agree that the Hard Times was darn good. But even better was a little dinky take-out place on the corner of Hyperion and Rowena, next to the 7-11 and the Laundromat. I want to say it was called John's or Uncle John's, something like that. It was a one-man show, run by John, who was a big, affable guy, kind of like Alan Hale Jr. He made a mean pie, much better than Hard Times. I doubt that place is still there, though. Just went to Pizza Buono a few weeks ago, I think. Over by Sunset and Echo Park Blvd? I thought it was darn good-to-excellent, just shy of great. Some very interesting topping combinations and edgy decor. Nice staff, cool patio seating in front. Wed Jul 22 02:09:23 -0700 2009 1811081 1095718 Harveycan 1 1812065 Absolutely Village Pizzeria in Larchmont Village. Owner's from NYC and has created a masterpiece! http://villagepizzeria.net/ Wed Aug 16 17:26:28 -0700 2006 302483 11379 Suebee 2 4879718 Yep, superb pizza, as I noted elsewhere. Just lousy parking, uncomfortable seating, and nasty, rude, haughty staff, every time I've been there. They seem offended by any question, comment, or request, like for an extra napkin, something as trivial as that. It's like, "Gimme your money, take your pie, and get outta here". I take a deep breath, run in, pay, leave with my pie, and don't even try to talk to anyone there. So, if I will put up with all of that, the pizza must be pretty great! Not my favorite in LA, but close. Wed Jul 22 02:13:21 -0700 2009 1812065 1095718 Harveycan 1 1812082 Lamonica's and Jacopo's. Wed Aug 16 17:31:10 -0700 2006 302483 12196 jcwla 2 1820049 Lamonica's is very good. I was actually disappointed by the pizza at Jacopos, but find their other food to be very good and very reasonably priced. The "Mastaciolli on Fire" is terrific! Sun Aug 20 00:43:45 -0700 2006 1812082 21474 Marvin 1 1812097 Petrillos... Their ingredients are top notch too... don't miss out on the Sausage... --Dommy! Wed Aug 16 17:34:55 -0700 2006 302483 10659 Dommy 1 1812179 check out Abbotts Pizza on Abbott Kinney in Venice Wed Aug 16 17:52:31 -0700 2006 302483 21052 carln 2 1822694 I second this recommendation....excellent pizza & I love their crust!! Mon Aug 21 18:29:50 -0700 2006 1812179 16218 gretcheng 3 1837254 i had their mushroom pizza today, it was incredible. much like sullivan street pizza funghi Mon Aug 28 04:42:41 -0700 2006 1822694 15114 epop 2 2904271 Abbotts is a good thin crust. They will screw up your order about 20% of the time but if you stick to slices you won't have to worry about that. Sun Sep 02 06:13:57 -0700 2007 1812179 124057 Hypnotoad 1 1812445 Westside - Abbott's Valley (and Westwood) - D Amores LA - Village Pizzeria Don't know of any good deep dish places... hmmm.... anyone have suggestions of deep dish. Something like Zachary's in the Bay Area. Wed Aug 16 19:12:40 -0700 2006 302483 16911 sumo10 2 4117673 For BEST deep dish pizza in all of LA._ go to Masa in Echo Park..Trust me. Mon Oct 20 21:49:53 -0700 2008 1812445 233984 davidabullock 1 1812682 Brooklyn Pizzeria (6745 Tampa Ave at Vanowen in Reseda) used to be pretty good, but it's been years since I've been there. Anybody out there tried this place recently? Wed Aug 16 20:19:48 -0700 2006 302483 14456 ladelfa 2 4879720 I had one good pie there in the mid-90's, and then tried it again in 2000 and it was pretty terrible. And they had a crappy attitude on the phone, and it took like an hour and a half to get there by delivery. Never tried it again, but the place is still there. Maybe I just had a bad experience that time. Wed Jul 22 02:16:07 -0700 2009 1812682 1095718 Harveycan 1 1813313 Hands down the best in LA is: Antica Pizzeria in Marina del Rey at 13455 Maxella Ave.. Ck thier website www.latrattoria.com The owner is the man that certifies wood fired Napolitian pizzas on the west coast. These pizza's are hand made with Italian flour, tomatoes etc. Thu Aug 17 00:00:39 -0700 2006 302483 26382 cmben 2 1813736 Your link is no longer valid as the 3rd St. location is gone, yet the link below specifically focuses on the MDR location. http://www.anticapizzeria.net/mdr/index.html And Peppe is one of the best, period! Thu Aug 17 03:35:24 -0700 2006 1813313 10359 carter 1 1813962 IMHO there are no really good pizza places out here. If you want really good pizza, hop onto SW airlines and go to Phoenix to Pizzeria Bianco. It is opened from 5PM on, there usually is a long waiting line, and unlike Casa Basura, oops Bianca, the wait is worthwhile. I have found that Damore's on Colwater and Magnolia is better than any I have tried. If you can, order a whole pie which is infinitely better than a reheated slice. They do have a good marinara sauce. Thu Aug 17 06:26:44 -0700 2006 302483 15122 pizzafreak 2 1883537 lol, phoenix? what just happened? Mon Sep 18 07:12:53 -0700 2006 1813962 28919 logan 3 1884018 Haven't gotten there yet, but I have just returned from NYC where I made a quick Pizza run. 1st stop was Patsy's, on 1st Ave & 117. Got there just as a pie was coming out of their great COALFIRED oven, so had 2 slices. After putting up with what passes for pizza here, I was back in Pizza Heaven. Next went to Nick's, on 94th and 2nd with a friend- small pie, half garlic, half sausage, from their woodfired oven. Heaven Again. Last, went to Una Pizza Neopolitana on 12 st nr 1st ave. Very diasppointed. Crust was superb, but the pie was very bland. Read in Los Angeles about the imminent opening of Mozza. I'll give it a couple of weeks to settle down, and then go. Looking forward to that experience Mon Sep 18 16:05:23 -0700 2006 1883537 15122 pizzafreak 2 4879726 Oh, Lord!! There are plenty of "Good" pizza places here!! Even some great ones. I am not going to say they are as good as NY, but c'mon--there are several that ain't half bad!!! When I lived in NYC in the mid-80's my favorite place was a little shop run by two brothers called Sal's pizza. It was on the upper West Side, on B'way and 95th, around the corner from the old Thalia Theater. It just had a unique, perfect flavor, always fresh slices, always a line. The two brothers were a great comedy show, one very charismatic at the counter, and one very stoic and intense putting the pies together. From there, it was any Ray's and a few other spots I can't recall anymore. But please--the pizza snobbery.....ease up and enjoy. See some of the places I recommended above. It's hot crust, sauce, cheese, pep/sausage etc. --- it's just good!!! Places like DOmino's & Papa Johns can butcher it pretty well, but plenty of good slice here in town. Try Village Pizzareria on Larchmont--their pizza is outstandling plus you get "The Attitude" for no extra charge!! Wed Jul 22 02:26:10 -0700 2009 1813962 1095718 Harveycan 1 1813975 Not sure if D'amore's in the valley is run by the kids of Rose D'Amore of Patsy's Pizza in the Farmers Market, but if it is, the pizza has to be great. Patsy's Pizza is one of the best in LA, imho (especially if you get a side of their delish italian dressing to drizzle on it. The garlic and spices really add to it.) Vito's RIP rivaled them. Too bad Vito's never reopened. Aside from those, a couple other joints we frequent for some good pie: - Village Pizzeria - Albano's on Melrose - Rocco's - where Vitos was - not a bad alternative for ppl who live nearby. Put me on the list of the Casa Bianca naysayers. The sauce, cheese, toppings are just uninspiring to me. Thu Aug 17 06:39:33 -0700 2006 302483 19010 Micako 1 1814016 Has Zelo's fallen out of favor? Thu Aug 17 07:55:48 -0700 2006 302483 17463 PseudoNerd 2 1836540 Not with me. Zelo's is silly good. I recommend the half-baked take-home option. Twice-baked Zelo's pizza though...that's formidable. Sun Aug 27 18:48:02 -0700 2006 1814016 28740 oopsiateitagain 3 2905548 Zelo's Eggplant pizza (special of the day) is the best pizza I've had in LA. Sun Sep 02 20:15:18 -0700 2007 1836540 115910 anabagayan 1 1815144 Our current fave is: Pizza con Salsicce...13.
caramelized onion, Italian sausage, fontina, sage at Angeli Caffe.
 http://www.angelicaffe.com/ Thu Aug 17 18:50:27 -0700 2006 302483 10861 Babette 1 1815163 My two cents on the pizza issue; Rafellos, an old local chain, maybe five places scattered around Hollywood. The one on La Brea and Hollywood is the best one to eat at. Dim lighting, xmas lights, chianti bottles, deep booths, etc. Palermos on Vermont has for my money the best pizza in LA (that I've tried). A great family-style place for pizza and house wine, though the rest of their food is not so hot. Another great pizza and house-wine joint is Little Tony's in NoHo on Lankershim where it crosses Vineland. And yes, Casa Bianca is great, especially the home-made sausage. But is it worth an hour wait, no. Thu Aug 17 18:59:23 -0700 2006 302483 23812 fexley 2 1815238 I'd second the Palermos suggestion. Again, it's not the best pizza I had (I grew up eating pizza in North Beach in San Francisco), but it does the job here in LA. Thu Aug 17 19:23:01 -0700 2006 1815163 26675 bobbyperu 1 1815873 Barones in the Vally is THE BEST Thu Aug 17 23:23:46 -0700 2006 302483 26777 Chixkchef 2 1817688 well, barones isn't necessarily the closest to the east coast pizza that the OP is talking about. But de gustibus... Fri Aug 18 18:34:42 -0700 2006 1815873 10366 Jerome 1 1817867 I don't know if there is such a thing as best, when it comes to pizza. But Zelo's in Arcadia is definitely a place any serious pizza fiend should check out. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/318805 Fri Aug 18 19:31:51 -0700 2006 302483 13197 spankbot 2 1819720 I hopped off the bike path on a recent Saturday and hit Pissano's in Hermosa Beach, right on PCH near the Pier. Maybe it was the hunger from all that biking, but it was really the first piece of pizza I've had here in LA that compared with Boston/New York pizza. Great flavor, texture, floppiness, crust, sauce/cheese ratio. Sat Aug 19 21:09:13 -0700 2006 1817867 20574 scoot 1 1821734 D'Amore was pretty fantastic. Crisp through and through. wafer thin crust. The one on Riverside (or Magnolia) is especially fun, because the chef making the pizza loves to talk about it. The oven temp, the dough, the toppings, and the bottled boston water. He'll also talk about their delivery, and if your neighborhood qualifies. The meat lovers pizza is a pass, because the sausage (prounounced Sossage in Chicago), meatballs and peperoni are far cry from D'Agostino's heavenly sausage in the Windy City. Just order veggie or just basil instead. Mon Aug 21 07:21:21 -0700 2006 302483 25326 brutusln 1 1821770 And if you are out that way, San Biagio in Upland. Mon Aug 21 09:24:56 -0700 2006 302483 18936 SwissMiss 1 1821780 If any of you are ever in the Ventura area, the best pizza i've had in california (and i've had a lot) was in this little family owned joint near the beach called Tony's Pizzeria..it's absolutely amazing! 186 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura Mon Aug 21 10:00:40 -0700 2006 302483 27523 Aubstopper 2 1837269 Thanks! I drive by it multiple times a day...I will have to stop in soon. Mon Aug 28 04:54:19 -0700 2006 1821780 13564 Snackish 3 1839761 Damn you, Aubstopper. I got one tonight and I have eaten half of a medium and I am stuffed and considering another slice. It is fabulous. The crust is so perfect. I see further weight gain in my future. Tue Aug 29 03:24:28 -0700 2006 1837269 13564 Snackish 1 1822547 Some great suggestions coming out of this post. I just moved to Koreatown and while I'm overwhlemed with food choices, pizza is sadly lacking. Anyone know of a place close to Wilshire and Western? Mon Aug 21 17:41:09 -0700 2006 302483 23812 fexley 2 1825197 Good pizza in Koreatown is pretty scarce. Try Village Pizzeria on Larchmont... they deliver to parts of Koreatown, but i'm not sure if they go east of Western. It's not too far to walk/drive to Larchmont either. Tue Aug 22 17:39:33 -0700 2006 1822547 16492 Devourer 2 1825221 Pizza Go is actually pretty good. The store's on 3rd and Hobart, but you ought to get it delivered. Collect the stickers that come on the box-- I think you get a free pie for the 12th delivery or something. Pizza Go 4200 W. 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90020 (213) 381-5131 Tue Aug 22 17:46:19 -0700 2006 1822547 17463 PseudoNerd 1 1823823 If you are looking for good NY style pizza, Mulberry St pizza in beverly hills is the best you're going to get, but at a price. Rocco's on Wilshire near Fairfax is also good, as well as Albano's on Melrose and Poinsettia. For authentic individual margherita/thin crust style pizzas, 3rd stop beer & wine on 3rd street near Cedars Sinai Hospital has delicious pizzas. Tue Aug 22 01:07:29 -0700 2006 302483 27687 Danish 2 1837212 What that guy said Mon Aug 28 04:03:27 -0700 2006 1823823 17898 echoparkdirt 2 4296581 Had Rocco's on Wilshire, took my mom (pickiest lady on the planet) and she approved, both pizza and pesto pasta. Great barbecue chicken pizza. Sun Jan 04 23:12:20 -0800 2009 1823823 253328 Dorothea999 1 1824966 Here's a link to a good Pizza in LA Article from Daily Variety's Weekend Mag: http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=VlifeWeekend&content=jump&jump=article&articleID=VR1117932814&category=2033 Tue Aug 22 16:22:43 -0700 2006 302483 12539 NeNePie 1 1825181 I second the recommendations for Village Pizzeria (Larchmont) and Lamonica's (Westwood). Haven't had a truly memorable pizza out here (compared to what's available in NYC and Chicago), and there seems to be a dearth of good pizza parlors. I am personally hunting for a pizza like the type you can find in Italy (particularly Naples... thin crust measured in centimeters, thin tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, drizzle of olive oil). Anyone have any suggestions? Tue Aug 22 17:35:10 -0700 2006 302483 16492 Devourer 2 1825469 The Lamonica's in downtown LA has been renamed Los Angeles New York Pizza, but it's the same owners and food. One of the best. Tue Aug 22 19:09:39 -0700 2006 1825181 10786 calabasas_trafalgar 2 1837256 antica pizzeria in the marina is a possibility Mon Aug 28 04:43:44 -0700 2006 1825181 15114 epop 3 1837509 This is supposedly real Naples pizza. Or it's just a marketing gimmick? Mon Aug 28 13:06:39 -0700 2006 1837256 10332 mc michael 2 1837393 Would love to find real Naples type pizza here, (is it possible) and priced out by weight. Whole Foods does it this way. Often their pizza isn't bad but, why oh why use turkey sausage? That's like using turkey bacon, these things don't exist in nature. Maybe when Mozza opens, there'll be real pizza. Mon Aug 28 08:58:55 -0700 2006 1825181 29019 ciao_ny 3 4947715 Bollini in Monterey Park claims to be real Neopolitan style pizza. Can't say if that's true since I've never been to Naples, but it is super thin crust, and excellent pizza. Also very good salads. Fri Aug 14 18:13:29 -0700 2009 1837393 11896 NAspy 1 1837116 Alright, so I'm going to be trying a bunch of these places. But forget New York. Where can I get a New Haven style Pizza. A place that'll make me feel like I'm at Frank Pepe's. Mon Aug 28 02:47:49 -0700 2006 302483 28983 gideon 2 1837209 mmmmmm pepe's...and for that matter burgers and dogs from Yankee Doodle Mon Aug 28 04:02:42 -0700 2006 1837116 17898 echoparkdirt 1 1837117 nicky d's on rowena is by fat the best i've had in la. they have a real wood-burning oven and an delicously zesty tomator sauce. they also don't overdo it with cheese like many places. it's the only place i've been that i could consider good instead of just acceptable (like hard times). even if i was still living in nyc, it's a place i would go. Mon Aug 28 02:48:22 -0700 2006 302483 27309 RustyShackelford 1 1837276 May not be what you East Coasters are looking for but Avanti in Pasadena turns out a pretty good pizza. So does Manny's (even a white pie there) but I'm leaning to Avanti. Mon Aug 28 05:04:52 -0700 2006 302483 10332 mc michael 2 1839718 Off to check it out - as it were ... One of those 'East Coasters' err transplants (but lived in San Diego for +19 years - I guess the rose w/o thorns is still ...). Up here in the Pas are quite a bit recently so sounds like a great opportunity). Will follow up with my (findings ... as always just MHO). Thanks for the post. Have a nice day & see you on the water ... Tue Aug 29 02:57:28 -0700 2006 1837276 29312 Bigmontyboy 3 1842068 Speaking of water, no we do not have New York (or Boston or New Haven) water here. So, anybody who follows the water makes the pizza theory will be certainly be disappointed in LA pizza. Truth to tell we have variable, snarky water. Wed Aug 30 01:36:27 -0700 2006 1839718 10332 mc michael 1 1837753 I grew up in NY. There's good pizza and bad pizza in NY too. But I love Mulberry Street (the one on Canon). If you like thin crust pizza, it is the best in town. Meanwhile, you can sit at the counter and read the Post. What more could you want? Mon Aug 28 15:19:46 -0700 2006 302483 11151 JPomer 1 1839892 i can't believe i going to say this, but Napoli at downtown disney owned and run by the patina group really had the most spectacular thin, thin, thin crust pizza with excellent and creamy quality mozzarella di bufala. the outside terrace with the lights were also delightful. it's near the downtown disney entrance/exit for the hotel californian. Tue Aug 29 05:03:36 -0700 2006 302483 22959 revets2 1 1841716 We desperately need a pizza poll. I just got a large sausage and peporoni from Buca on Melrose -- extremely mediocre. Tue Aug 29 22:30:15 -0700 2006 302483 17898 echoparkdirt 1 1842019 Dude, one word: Petrillo's. Also, in Long Beach: Buono's. Wed Aug 30 01:07:12 -0700 2006 302483 29542 AdamNVillani 1 1883539 if you live in silverlake, michelangelo's is decent, super thin crust pizza. new york style. i have eaten many a pizza in l.a., including antica's in the marina, but still looking for that elusive perfect slice... Mon Sep 18 07:14:53 -0700 2006 302483 28919 logan 1 1884774 as a new yorker i'd like to venture to say that the pizza here is better than in nyc. between antica, mulberry, angelini, and a host of others i have to say that i don't miss nyc a bit + can't understand, after decades in brooklyn too, what it is people like about the stuff back east. chicago is a different story, btw Mon Sep 18 20:22:39 -0700 2006 302483 15114 epop 2 4334550 That is a renegade position, sir/madam. Sat Jan 17 10:39:14 -0800 2009 1884774 258039 pardonmedoug 3 4348370 Indeed. Bring out the whitecoats. Thu Jan 22 12:42:49 -0800 2009 4334550 60690 sloanedone 4 4879730 No, he's not THAT far off. There is some really great pizza in LA. It is not THE SAME as pizza in NY, but there is still some great pizza to be had around town. Now, pastrami and corned beef---THAT is something that NY has all over LA. Only the Black Pastrami Rueben at Brent's in Northridge is worthy of comparison, but we are getting away from pizza.... Wed Jul 22 02:33:07 -0700 2009 4348370 1095718 Harveycan 1 1885033 I spent my twelfth birthday and recently my forty second birthday at good old Casa (bianca). Best in L.A, I don't think so. But at 4 pm on a Tuesday it's perfect. Sausage is great, so is the fried eggplant. Avoid the canned mushrooms. Antipasta is old school and worth sharing. Look for me June 21st, i'll be the old broad in the back room celebrating her 43rd B.Day. Cheers. Mon Sep 18 21:46:21 -0700 2006 302483 41491 gordita 1 2016088 I'm going to have to vote for Masa in Echo Park. They do deep dish well. It's not quite a replacement for being at Gino's East in Chicago, but it tides me over till I'm home again. Sun Nov 12 23:58:42 -0800 2006 302483 52781 mjptclash 1 2208824 wow there is some really good informaton here for an admitted pizza-holic, I'm in the Valley and I have to say that Mulberry is a staple and clearly one of the best...great sauce.. large NY style slices, great crust..and as someone else said you have to indulge and get a Sicilian (thick) slice as well, really good stuff. Lido pizza in Van Nuys is good in that Chi Chi's creamy cheese, tasty fennel sausage kinda way.. D Amore in Chatsworth (also mentioned before) is VERY good as well.. very east coast with a superb crispy crust BUT the hidden gem in the valley *imho* is: LA best pizza. 20926 Lassen Street Crust, sauce and basic toppings are some of the best around!!! take a trip if you are in the area, I know if you are like me driving to get some great pizza is worth it. so keep the recomendations coming I have alot to check out over the hill on the west side. Sat Jan 20 05:12:35 -0800 2007 302483 68007 wizardx 2 4879731 I agree on Chi Chi's--gooey and very satsifying!! I have seen Lido's a million times and never tried it, but it has been there forever. Don't know the place on Lassen, but they could have maybe found a better name? Wed Jul 22 02:35:31 -0700 2009 2208824 1095718 Harveycan 1 2842591 1) Angelos in Alhambra, corner of Valley and Benito 2) Vittorias in Alhambra, corner of Valley and Fremont 3) Petrillo's in San Gabriel, corner of Valley and San Gabriel Blvd. All three place not only have good pizza, but good food also. Mon Aug 13 18:54:54 -0700 2007 302483 117563 iknowfood64 1 2904787 Amazed no one has mentioned Caioti, founded by the legendary Ed LaDou, Spago's first pizza chef and inventor of the California pizza (credit stolen by some Austrian guy). Links galore ... Sun Sep 02 11:50:12 -0700 2007 302483 85884 maxzook 2 2905327 Wow... nicely done, talk about a "to do" list... Sun Sep 02 17:44:04 -0700 2007 2904787 68007 wizardx 2 2907199 The address given above on N. Vermont for Vito's is their original location that has since closed. They are now located on La Cienega Blvd. in West Hollywood: Vito's Pizza 846 N La Cienega Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 652-6859 Update: The link for Vito's has been corrected by maxzook. Mon Sep 03 16:15:38 -0700 2007 2904787 108169 Servorg 3 2907360 Fixed. Mon Sep 03 17:28:13 -0700 2007 2907199 85884 maxzook 2 4879733 Thanks, now I can throw out my Yellow Pages! Not a very narrowed-down list, but comprehensive! Wed Jul 22 02:36:54 -0700 2009 2904787 1095718 Harveycan 2 4948455 Nice list. Manny's is now shut. Another victim of Old Town rents. Sat Aug 15 07:00:21 -0700 2009 2904787 10332 mc michael 1 2907303 Am I the only one that likes Dagwood's? Two locations in Santa Monica - one on Wilshire one in Ocean Park. My personal favorites are Pizza Buona, Nicky D's, Village and Masa (whihc is, as mentioned by others, Chicago-style). I'm an East Coast transplant, too! But from D.C./Florida. I've never been to Casa Bianco or Caioti but I have had Mozza and I've gotta say I miss Alessi. And Mulberry Street did nothing for me. I love Palermo as a place (particularly to drink Chateau Montelena with pizza) but the pie is not a great memory. Mon Sep 03 17:01:41 -0700 2007 302483 124443 starkweather 2 2907362 I assume this is the Dagwood you mean as being in Ocean Park ... ??? Mon Sep 03 17:30:04 -0700 2007 2907303 85884 maxzook 1 2925098 I think that Rainiforest Pizza on Sunset and Gardner is really good. The sesame seeds on the crust adds great flavor. 323-867-9000. Also, Albano's on Melrose is pretty great too. Check 'em out. Sun Sep 09 16:45:53 -0700 2007 302483 126022 Hallucin8 1 3211582 Rocco's Italian Kitchen, on the south side of Wilshire a few blocks west of Crescent Heights. Sat Dec 15 19:18:45 -0800 2007 302483 150333 larryman 1 3214028 Petrillos is very good & I read today that you can ask for it in a thin crust (I'm going to have to try it soon) The Rainbow on Sunset has very good pizza too. Mulberry Street, Stone Fire Pizza is very good but only when you can get it half price which is 4pm-7pm monday thru friday & 11am to 7pm on weekends. Joe Peeps is very good thin crust "blue collar" pizza all the way up to 5696 calorie thick crust (toppings very heavy on the regular pizza, very light on the blue collar). Pace in Laurel Canyon is good (little pricey though). I heard Dino's in Burbank is good (haven't tried yet) Sun Dec 16 19:48:48 -0800 2007 302483 150319 wyatt3290 2 4879738 Just remember to order the pizza at Joe Peeps "Without Black Pepper" because they hit it pretty hard, and it just overpowers the pie, in my opinion. They put it on as a standard ingredient, just like they put sauce and cheese, so you have to tell them to leave it off--unless you like it as a dominant flavor on your pizza. I always favored the Blue Collar. Nice people working there, good graffiti on the walls. Not very good atmosphere to eat in, though, plan to take it home. Wed Jul 22 02:41:20 -0700 2009 3214028 1095718 Harveycan 1 3234148 Hey Everyone! I hope this List helps you find some of the Best Pizza in Los Angeles!! TOP PICKS FOR PIZZA IN LA ------------------------------------------ 1. CASA BIANCA PIZZA PIE 1650 Colorado Blvd. Eagle Rock, CA 90041 (323) 256-9617 2. PETRILLO'S PIZZA 833 E Valley Blvd San Gabriel, CA 91776 (626) 280-7332 3. JOE'S PIZZA (The Original World Famous Joe's Pizza from New York) 111 BROADWAY @ OCEAN AVENUE Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 395-9222 4. MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA 240 S. Beverly Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 247-8100 347 N Canon Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 247-8998 17040 Ventura Blvd Encino, CA 91316 (818) 906-8881 5. ZELO PIZZERIA 328 E Foothill Blvd Arcadia, CA 91006 (626) 358-8298 6. BARONE'S FAMOUS ITALIAN RESTAURANT 13726 Oxnard St Van Nuys, CA 91401 (818) 782-6004 7. CAIOTI PIZZA CAFE (Famous Ed LaDou of Calif Pizza Kitchen/Orig. Spago Pizza Chef) 4346 Tujunga Ave Studio City, CA 91604 (818) 761-3588 8. MAZZARINO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 12920 Riverside Dr Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (818) 788-5050 9. LAMONICA'S NEW YORK PIZZA 1066 Gayley Ave Westwood, CA 90024 (310) 208-8671 10. The RAINBOW BAR & GRILL (next to The Roxy Theatre) 9015 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 278-4232 * FOOTNOTE: Yeah, I know this is an unlikely place to find the best pizza of all places, but YES! you will find great pizza here! 11. LIDO PIZZA 15232 Victory Blvd Van Nuys, CA 91411 (818) 781-2551 12. BROOKLYN PIZZERIA 6745 Tampa Ave Los Angeles, CA 91335 (818) 344-2473 13. RED BALLS PIZZA 6549 Topanga Cyn Blvd Canoga pk, 91303 (818) 348-1524 14. SBARRO PIZZA (My Favorite pizza chain found in shopping malls) FOOTNOTES: --------------------- If there is something you don't see on this list, Its because I haven't tried it yet. Example: D'AMORE'S 12910 Magnolia Blvd #G Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (818) 505-1111 Mon Dec 24 06:47:03 -0800 2007 302483 152123 wordofmouths 2 3234537 After wanting to roll the pies from Petrillo & Casa Bianca back into dough balls and feeding them to my dog, we finally settled on Bollinis pizza right from our neighborhood. IMO, The wood-fired pies were nearly Neapolitan but there was always something lacking in the crust; too airy, not chewy enough w/ very little stretch factor. And the crusts were often over burnt from the wood due to lack of rotation in the 6-7? min baking time. Last nite, after gentle goading from Erik M, we descended on Terroni and found pizza heaven. The Puzza pie is the best Christmas gift I didn't ask for. Mon Dec 24 10:14:09 -0800 2007 3234148 12458 TonyC 2 4018592 If Mulberry St. is the 4th best pizza place in LA, I'm moving immediately as that's just too depressing of a thought. I give Vito's and Joe's the nod as the two great NY style pizza places in the city of Los Angeles. People can argue which is better, but they both deliver. Where is Terroni? Gas is expensive these days so El Jeffe is even more West-side inclined than usual:) Mon Sep 08 16:01:22 -0700 2008 3234148 77439 ElJeffe 3 4123809 Disagree -- I think Richie Palmer's, which is related to the Mulberry Street, is a pretty good Quality of the toppings is better than Joe's nearby. I think those two places are pretty interchangeable. Vito's is quality pizza, but both Joe's and Richie Palmer's are better approximations of NY style. Thu Oct 23 09:02:47 -0700 2008 4018592 18466 a_and_w 4 4348885 Richie Palmers is overrated and too expensive. If you're in Santa Monica, try Joe's on Broadway. Dagwoods ain't bad, either. Thu Jan 22 15:01:25 -0800 2009 4123809 259583 ohdaylay 1 3234550 Casa De Pizza in Granada Hills has great Pizza. Always packed on Friday and Saturday Nights. On the Corner of San Fernando Road and Woodley. Mon Dec 24 10:19:51 -0800 2007 302483 147698 BBQ101 1 4018039 garage pizza in silver lake is just like ny pizza. the pie is thin and they have a prfect sauce to cheese ratio. they also have some evry inventive toppings. they are new and located on sunset blvd. @ fountain. Mon Sep 08 12:51:53 -0700 2008 302483 224705 4houmeal 2 4124857 Garage is a Joe's knockoff, which isn't a bad thing. I think they stole some secrets (someone at Garage used to work at Joe's). That said, it's good stuff. Just a hint below the Joe's standard. Thu Oct 23 14:49:46 -0700 2008 4018039 60690 sloanedone 1 4117677 Best Deep Dish PIzza hands down in Los Angeles is Masa in Echo Park. Hands Down! Mon Oct 20 21:53:32 -0700 2008 302483 233984 davidabullock 1 4123019 vito's in weho. hands down. they deliver too. Wed Oct 22 22:14:55 -0700 2008 302483 80227 hughman 1 4248296 However my favorite is still Mozza. Mon Dec 15 11:33:18 -0800 2008 302483 14348 tissue 2 4277704 Has anyone managed to find anything in LA resembling Grimaldis or Difara's in Brooklyn? Truly the stuff of Pizza Heaven. For anyone that's been to Austin, TX, Salvation and East Side Pies are pretty incredible, as well. Sun Dec 28 10:39:16 -0800 2008 4248296 252009 grimaldis 3 4277752 There's really nothing like Difara anywhere else in the US -- Dom is one of a kind. You won't find anything like Grimaldi's because there are no coal ovens in LA. The place I'm still really curious to try is Bollini's in Eagle Rock. Judging by the pictures, they look like the real deal. Sun Dec 28 10:57:55 -0800 2008 4277704 18466 a_and_w 4 4277910 Thank you for referencing Bollini's. It looks promising, for sure. Too bad it's in Eagle Rock. Sadly, Venice doesn't really have many excellent options. I'm a bit tired of Abbot's. Sun Dec 28 12:29:35 -0800 2008 4277752 252009 grimaldis 5 4282825 It's not Difara or Grimaldi's, but you can also get an authentic and tasty NY street slice closer to home at Joe's in Santa Monica. The pizza there is actually better than the Manhattan branch, which has been sliding for some time imo. Tue Dec 30 08:53:11 -0800 2008 4277910 18466 a_and_w 4 4279031 a_and_w, Bollini's Pizzeria is located in Monterrey Park, not Eagle Rock. If you are thinking of a good pizza in the Eagle Rock area (besides the often mentioned Casa Bianca), Brownstone Pizza has gotten some positive reviews om Chowhound. Bollini's Pizzeria 2315 S. Garfield Ave Monterey Park (323) 722-7600 http://www.BollinisPizzeria.com Sun Dec 28 22:54:59 -0800 2008 4277752 11646 Norm Man 5 4282815 My bad -- I meant Bollini's in Monterey Park. Thanks for the correction Norm Man! Tue Dec 30 08:49:20 -0800 2008 4279031 18466 a_and_w 4 4598997 Dom has ruined me! I cry everytime I think of that slice. Mozza, bollini, etc...no one comes close (I know this is a late post) Wed Apr 15 14:00:17 -0700 2009 4277752 262621 peppermonkey 3 4302106 Not LA, but you can drive to Vegas and catch Grimaldi's there, if you feel the need. Tue Jan 06 16:14:39 -0800 2009 4277704 62188 Ogawak 1 4277698 Joe Peeps 12460 Magnolia Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91607-2451 Phone: (818) 506-4133 Do yourself a favor and order a Blue Collar pie with Canadian Bacon and Sauerkraut. I dream about this. Sun Dec 28 10:37:40 -0800 2008 302483 252009 grimaldis 1 4278013 Lido Pizza on Victory in Van Nuys. Good ol' fashioned pizza, nice perfectly cooked, not thick not thin crust, really tasty sauce and generous on the toppings. Related to Chi Chi's, it's been in business since the '60's (or '70's, one of the two I believe). I don't know about you, but since the restaurant business is the one with the most failures, a place that's been around that long MUST be good. And, Lido is. Sun Dec 28 13:18:17 -0800 2008 302483 29007 GK in SO 2 4326705 actually pizzerias tend to be around for a long time pretty regularly b/c they have extremely good profit margins. take about $1 worth of ingredients, bake for a few minutes, and voila! $15 pizza pie!!! mama mia! Wed Jan 14 14:42:28 -0800 2009 4278013 241795 ceviche 3 4327669 I find that hard to believe...if you put out a crappy product, that means no customers. No matter how high the profit margin, that means you're out of business, ciao! Trust me on that, I'm an accountant! Oh, and I take it you've never actually been to Lido, just making a general comment. Wed Jan 14 21:13:25 -0800 2009 4326705 29007 GK in SO 3 4327719 cheese alone costs more than a buck on a large pizza. then there are toppings, and sauce, and dough, and labor, and insurance, and rent, and supplies and a hundred other things. if we are talking strictly margins there are a lot better businesses to be in. a restaurant is around a long time if they make a product that is worth the price they charge and if their landlord doesn't kick them out, and if a thousand other things go right. if what you wrote were true, there would be nothing but pizza places out there! Wed Jan 14 21:44:45 -0800 2009 4326705 12539 NeNePie 4 4331018 you're right, pizzerias have labor, insurance, rent, supplies, etc. but then again, so does every other type of restaurant. i'm sure there are a lot better businesses to be in, but are there better (in terms of profit margin) restaurants to be in than pizzas? my point wasn't that pizzerias are the highest profit margin type of business out of all business. but out of the different types of restaurants, pizzerias do have some of the best (if not the best) profit margins on food. if i'm mistaken i apologize, but i would like to hear what other type of restaurant (aside from pasta places, which also rely mostly on cheap flour to fill up diners) generally has better profit margins than pizzerias. Thu Jan 15 23:01:35 -0800 2009 4327719 241795 ceviche 5 4331171 "if i'm mistaken i apologize, but i would like to hear what other type of restaurant (aside from pasta places, which also rely mostly on cheap flour to fill up diners) generally has better profit margins than pizzerias." Whichever ones sell a whole ocean of $15 Cosmos and $17 glasses of wine to boys and girls looking to "mate" up for the night. Fri Jan 16 04:21:33 -0800 2009 4331018 108169 Servorg 5 4333257 What place has better (or the same) profit margin as pizza? Any place that sells soda; wine, beer, hard alcohol; foods paired with bread, rice, tortillas, beans, potatoes, pasta, or vegetables; soups; basic salads; baked goods. Any place that serves expensive proteins paired with starches and vegetables at a high price. Any place that serves cheap proteins paired with starches and vegetables at a low price. Fri Jan 16 15:55:31 -0800 2009 4331018 12539 NeNePie 6 4333312 nene - your post seems to imply that all (or almost all) dishes have similar profit margins. everything i have read and been told by restauranteurs has led me to accept as fact that some dishes have higher profit margins than others, with pizza/pasta based dishes having among the highest profit margins, and steak/meat based dishes having the lowest. if you like i can find hard numbers to support this assertion, but at this point i feel like we should just leave his conversation at conjecture vs. conjecture. also - alcohol and soda obviously have much higher profit margins than food. if my postings made it seem like i was disputing this, i apologize. i only meant to discuss profit margins among food. Fri Jan 16 16:18:21 -0800 2009 4333257 241795 ceviche 7 4333340 not exactly conjecture on my part, since I own a restaurant. but that's okay we can leave this conversation where it is. Fri Jan 16 16:37:39 -0800 2009 4333312 12539 NeNePie 5 4910509 If the economics of pizza or anything else were so simplistic, we'd all be billionaires hanging out at Urasawa complaining to Hiro-san that he's gouging us as well. Sun Aug 02 08:08:44 -0700 2009 4331018 64003 bulavinaka 3 4879744 If this is true, then why does Domino's and Papa John's pizza suck so bad? There is something to be said for quality ingredients, subtlety in seasoning, the right oven at the right temperature, and perfect timing when it comes to pizza. Oh, and that mystical NYC water!!! Wed Jul 22 02:48:57 -0700 2009 4326705 1095718 Harveycan 3 4910157 ceviche, it sounds like you have no actual experience in having any of your own money tied up in a pizzaria.. . . Sun Aug 02 01:15:30 -0700 2009 4326705 11935 westsidegal 1 4297392 LaMonica's. Well done. End of story. Mon Jan 05 09:43:26 -0800 2009 302483 220364 Midwestkid 1 4301985 I gotta throwdown on this one. Both were finally mentioned, but it took a long time. My favs are Joe Peep's in North Hollywood Caioti in Studio City Tue Jan 06 15:36:04 -0800 2009 302483 49904 beopenguin 2 4302706 I finally tried Joe Peep's the other day. Can we please formally have it removed from good pizza conversation? The crust was a joke and the sausage worse than most frozen pizzas. It's certainly not authentic NY style and I'd argue its barely pizza. Sorry for the harsh words but I allow plenty of flexibility for what is 'pizza' (flatbreads, Mozza, NY style, cracker crust bistro, California) but its got to taste good. Tue Jan 06 19:47:38 -0800 2009 4301985 77439 ElJeffe 3 4333216 I'm in total agreement - Joe Peeps is overrated. The crust is doughy and thick... nothing like NYC (from this former Upper East Sider). I'm a fan of Robbie Mac's on Ventura/Van Nuys Blvd. Nice crisp crust with cornmeal dusting. Fri Jan 16 15:37:39 -0800 2009 4302706 124920 thegingerbreadgirl 4 4334865 I will also co-sign this. Joe Peeps is a joke. It's the equivalent of Original Ray's in NYC (also HUGELY overrated). Sat Jan 17 13:25:28 -0800 2009 4333216 198245 a213b 3 4878769 Thank God. I'm not crazy. Tue Jul 21 16:50:49 -0700 2009 4302706 25326 brutusln 4 4879747 I used to go to Joe Peep's a lot in the 90's and it was pretty good, but my complaint was the heavy-handed, automatic use of black pepper as a MAJOR ingredient in their pies. I always made a point of ordering it without black pepper. Maybe it has gone downhill in the last decade, though..... Wed Jul 22 02:51:13 -0700 2009 4878769 1095718 Harveycan 1 4310007 Pizzeria Mozza has the best margherita pizza. I have been to the east coast and let me tell you, the margherita comes pretty darn close in comparison. OH btw, its on the corner of HIGHLAND and MELROSE. Fri Jan 09 00:20:30 -0800 2009 302483 254809 A5 KOBE 2 4333352 for top flight pizza..mozza is incredible. for very good neighborhood pizza...try villa pizza on sepulveda and washington. very scrumptious and filling. Fri Jan 16 16:45:06 -0800 2009 4310007 170082 feedthebelly 2 4879748 Mom's Brick Oven on Fair Oaks in South Pasadena also makes a GREAT margherita pizza. Wed Jul 22 02:52:06 -0700 2009 4310007 1095718 Harveycan 1 4348869 Try Victoria on Valley Blvd. in Alhambra. It's near the corner of Fremont. You can get to it off the 10 freeway. I haven't seen this on many lists, but being a Alhambra homeboy, I can vouch for its quality. My in laws, from India, love the place. Little known fact, Indians love pizza and know where to get the good stuff. Petrillo's Pizza Restaurant on Valley in San Gabriel is pretty nice as well. The pizza is worth making the trip, but it's the ravioli that brings me back every time. They plate it with a simple marinara that is mild enough to let the filling star. I can just imagine a crew of little old Italian grandmothers in the back making them by hand. Thu Jan 22 14:57:48 -0800 2009 302483 259583 ohdaylay 1 4349088 Alphafemale, after 5 years of reading through this topic, have you tried the recs of CHers? If so, which do you think is the best? Thu Jan 22 16:18:44 -0800 2009 302483 200344 selfportrait93 1 4596988 I can only speak for the east and north east side, but Tarantino's in pasadena on green street 1 block west of lake is the greatest pizza Ive had in los angeles. I tried casa bianca and wasnt all that impressed. I found the bread to have very little taste. Tue Apr 14 23:55:44 -0700 2009 302483 282830 nile272 1 4885474 Baroni in the Valley is the best. For something different and fun order the smoked salmon or duck saussage pizza to go from Spago in BH. Thu Jul 23 16:53:51 -0700 2009 302483 324143 BSW6490 1 4908933 For me, the answer is Zelo by a landslide. Possibly my favorite restaurant around. Sat Aug 01 10:39:59 -0700 2009 302483 105839 aventinus 1 4909467 Best pizza is at PIZZERIA MOZZA but for a neighborhood by the slice place TOMATO PIE. Sat Aug 01 15:43:06 -0700 2009 302483 60993 bruinike 2 4909834 I second these. Sat Aug 01 19:26:13 -0700 2009 4909467 105839 aventinus 1 4943919 the best pizza in town by far in Pizza Mozza on Melrose and Highland.. worth the wait. Thu Aug 13 12:12:40 -0700 2009 302483 1101259 jfdoug 2 4944188 Now you don't even have to wait, and can either pick it up or have it delivered. I stopped by last night (called the order in at 9) and my Bianca was ready when I rolled in, along with the Budino and the Fresca I had ordered too. Got it home, popped it in the oven at 350 for 6 minutes to reheat, and it was outstanding! And don't even get me started on the Budino ... so delicious! Thu Aug 13 13:23:17 -0700 2009 4943919 198245 a213b 3 4944782 Oh that budino... I don't even have that much of a sweet tooth but I would hook an IV of that stuff straight into my bloodstream if I could. Pizza's great too (heh) Thu Aug 13 16:35:19 -0700 2009 4944188 1097478 pinkspexx 4 4946297 Yeah it's great, isn't it! I was at MILK last night and tried their version, and while good it pales in comparison to Mozza's. But I can never pass up a chance to grab MILK's Blue Velvet cake, so I grabbed a slice of that too. Fri Aug 14 08:53:12 -0700 2009 4944782 198245 a213b 1 4944832 I too think Mozza is the best but I also love the pizza at Costco!! The take out window is really good but I have bought their "raw" fresh pizzas & cooked them in a 550 degree oven (i have to slice into quarters as it is too big to fit in my oven!!) & it crisps up beautifully!. Thu Aug 13 16:52:55 -0700 2009 302483 1099702 sparkareno 2 4947182 Oranges and Red Delicious apples. Costco pizza???? Horrendous. Also it is an especially unhealthy pizza. Fri Aug 14 14:10:30 -0700 2009 4944832 15114 epop 3 4947416 of course it's an unhealthy pizza!!!! that's why it's good! jeez--who wants to eat a healthy pizza? Fri Aug 14 15:44:34 -0700 2009 4947182 1099702 sparkareno 4 4947453 Yes, pizza is not exactly diet food, but a slice of Costco pizza is 775 calories, and 38g of fat (17g saturated). That is significantly worse than the same amount (1/6 pizza) of, say, a Domino's pizza. Fri Aug 14 15:57:40 -0700 2009 4947416 10811 Das Ubergeek 5 4947552 Thank goodness someone came to the rescue. I can't believe Costco now shows up on the boards. What a joke. Like I said, they're great for paper towels and televisions. Fri Aug 14 16:44:38 -0700 2009 4947453 15114 epop 6 4947570 Actually Costco's fresh lamb is very good and I have had good experiences with their beef too Fri Aug 14 16:52:02 -0700 2009 4947552 14558 Ernie 5 4947565 When you buy a "slice" of pizza at most anyplace that I can think of the size is at least double, if not larger, than when you get a whole pie that is pre-sliced. So that probably accounts for any calorie discrepancy you see. Fri Aug 14 16:50:53 -0700 2009 4947453 108169 Servorg 6 4947773 I read somewhere that Costco's pizza is double the calories of any other for the same size of pie... Yes, the lamb is fine there but that's a raw product. Lately they've gotten prime beef. Totally different. The OP is looking for the best pizza in LA. Costco's is an unhealthy joke. Fri Aug 14 18:47:46 -0700 2009 4947565 15114 epop 7 4948103 My mom loves Costco pizza. I don't get it myself. At all. Fri Aug 14 21:53:32 -0700 2009 4947773 110491 odub 8 4948479 I like it as well - it's just a different animal all together. It probably belongs more in that other thread about guilty nasty pleasures... Sat Aug 15 07:19:46 -0700 2009 4948103 64003 bulavinaka 6 4952757 Yes, but I'm talking about 1/6th of an 18" pizza. Ach, du lieber HDL, HDL, HDL. Ach, du lieber pizza, sodden mit fat. Mon Aug 17 08:53:09 -0700 2009 4947565 10811 Das Ubergeek 7 4953958 as if any pizza is considered a "health food" .heh Eating one of these once a month won't kill you..unless you are walking thru Costco's parking lot & are run over by someone trying to get the closest possible parking space to avoid actually having to walk. Mon Aug 17 14:46:30 -0700 2009 4952757 293874 christoofat 8 4955930 Well, regardless of the deleterious nature of pizza, the best pizza in LA is CERTAINLY not at Costco. Not even close. Tue Aug 18 09:35:56 -0700 2009 4953958 10811 Das Ubergeek 9 4955972 Agreed. But it still won't kill yah, and sometimes the convenience factor weighs heavily. $10 for 18"......and you don't have to dress nice. =) Tue Aug 18 09:46:52 -0700 2009 4955930 293874 christoofat 10 4956013 I've never been to P. Mozza, but I never dress nice for Vito's. :) Tue Aug 18 09:57:49 -0700 2009 4955972 10811 Das Ubergeek 11 4956905 ah YOU'RE the one, eh? : -) Tue Aug 18 14:07:42 -0700 2009 4956013 293874 christoofat 10 4956219 And for best burger Burger King and best chicken KFC and tacos sure are great and convenient at Taco Bell and so forth. I still can't believe this is being discussed on CH. Tue Aug 18 11:06:09 -0700 2009 4955972 15114 epop 11 4957032 The dog and drink deal at Costco's has been mentioned many times over the years and rightly so. Tue Aug 18 14:44:36 -0700 2009 4956219 108169 Servorg 1 4967919 Pizza Cucina in La Crescenta - Choose the San Francisco for a perfect blend of bacon and spinach. Sat Aug 22 08:16:24 -0700 2009 302483 1103624 Bajadenny 1 5154238 Those looking for some NY style might find a slight stop of their whining at Vito's, Mulberry St, and Two Boots. Now, for something different, try Zelo Pizzeria in Arcadia. A deep dish experience. The white pizza at Bottega Louie is solid, but for me, white pizza isn't much a representation of pizza, as it is cheesebread. Wed Nov 04 01:24:36 -0800 2009 302483 233427 tenxtone76 2 5155108 Two Boots isn't NY-style pizza. Wed Nov 04 09:14:33 -0800 2009 5154238 18466 a_and_w 1 5155008 Has Pavich's Brick Oven Pizzeria been mentioned yet? It's my favorite place to get pizza right now. I love the Croatian pizza. Wed Nov 04 08:48:38 -0800 2009 302483 235517 annapurna7 1 5155967 Pizzeria Mozza Wed Nov 04 13:09:47 -0800 2009 302483 1086716 mmjgam 1 5157099 VITO'S PIZZA. THE BEST. ON LACIENEGA/ BETWEEN S.MONICA AND MELROSE. TRY THE GARIBALDI - MEATBALL + JALAPENO. THE BEST AND TASTIEST COMBO. AND THE CHEESE SLICE IS SCRUMPTIOUS. Wed Nov 04 20:17:31 -0800 2009 302483 1121854 mvsevm 1 5157664 Since this thread says LA and surroundings, I'll say that in OC, the best I've had so far is at Pizza e Vino, in Rancho Santa Margarita of all places. Very good. Thu Nov 05 06:41:16 -0800 2009 302483 10246 choctastic