The best pizza in Los Angeles

What is it? A spartan storefront along Pico Boulevard serving impeccable Tokyo-style Neapolitan pie. In my humble opinion, after trying 70 different leading pizzas across L.A., it’s also the best pizza in Los Angeles. (And yes, before you can even ask: I’ve tried the famous Pizzeria Bianco in the Arts District.)

Why we love it: Made with San Marzano DOP and other high-quality ingredients, pizzaiolo William Joo’s heavenly circles of thin, blistered dough possess crusts with an addictingly mochi-like consistency. 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 Pizzeria Sei 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. Soon, Joo plans to move Pizzeria Sei to a larger space in Palms, which just might help meet the restaurant’s overwhelming demand. 

Time Out tip: Do you really, really love pizza? Sei is the home of the city’s very first Tokyo-style pizza omakase, which began last summer. After going on hiatus this winter, Joo has resumed his “omakasei” nights, now as a monthly pop-up on Tuesday evenings. The next one hasn’t been announced, but keep an eye on their Instagram for more updates. Priced at $150 per head, Resy bookings for this one-of-a-kind experience are typically released a week in advance and usually sell out within seconds. 

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

Opening hours: Mon, Wed–Fri 4–10pm; Sat, Sun noon–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, but it’s far easier to score a table at lunch these days.

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

Hours of operation: Mon–Sat 11am–9pm, Sun 11am–4pm

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—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.

Hours of operation: Tue–Sun 5–9pm

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

Why we love it: I hate to give credit to anything from New York City, but Roberta’s almost leopard-like blistered crusts are just that good. Here in L.A., you’ll find the Brooklyn pizzeria's famous wood-fired sourdough pies within the yuppie-chic confines of Culver City's Platform outdoor mall, plus a more takeout-oriented outpost at the Shops at Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City. 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, the Culver outpost boasts a spacious outdoor patio, a selection of housemade pastas, a tasty cheeseburger (!) and the convenience of Platform’s adjacent paid parking lot.

Time Out tip: Roberta’s signature, honey-drizzled Bee Sting pizza isn’t always on the menu, but you can typically order it by asking your server. 

Address: Culver City: 8810 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232; Studio City: 4220 Coldwater Canyon Ave, Studio City, CA 91604

Hours of operation: Culver City: Daily noon–10pm; Studio City: Daily noon–9pm

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

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: $5 for the first two hours before 4pm on weekdays and three hours free afterwards, 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

Hours of operation: Downtown: Mon–Tue 10:30am–4:30pm; Wed–Fri 10:30am–8:30pm; Sat, Sun 11am–8:30pm; Westwood: Daily 11am–9pm

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

Why we love it: If you’re the type of person who turns up your nose at soft-centered Neapolitan pies, Ozzy’s just might make your ideal pizza. Crunchy, light and extremely crushable, the whole pies at Ozzy’s Apizza (pronounced “abeetz”) are a breath of fresh air in L.A.’s new-school pizza scene, which is dominated by Detroit-style squares and various styles of wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. The classic tomato pie (the Liotta), sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, is a must-order for first-timers. Still, meatier, cheesier creations by Connecticut natives Chris Wallace and Craig Taylor are just as delicious for those seeking more oomph to their pizza. The duo has also added New Haven’s iconic clam pizza (cheekily titled “You’re Welcome”) to their menu—a white pie dotted with littleneck clams, pecorino, oregano and olive oil. For those who care about what Dave Portnoy thinks, the controversial pizza-rating founder of Barstool Sports even gave Ozzy’s an 8.4 out of 10. 

Time Out tip: Order ahead on weekend evenings, when Ozzy’s tends to sell out early. 

Address: 5300 Lankershim Blvd, Ste 103, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Hours of operation: Tue–Sat noon–9pm, Sun noon–8pm

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

Hours of operation: Varies by location

What is it? A modern Neapolitan chain with locations in Brentwood, West Hollywood, Silver Lake and Sherman Oaks. (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 and Silver Lake

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 4–9pm, Fri 4–10pm, Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–9pm

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

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

Hours of operation: Wed–Sun noon–2:30pm, 5–8pm

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

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri 5–10pm; Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–9pm

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

Hours of operation: 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

Hours of operation: 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

Hours of operation: Daily 10:30am–11pm

What is it? A Neapolitan-style chain in Hollywood and Long Beach that happens to be one of the oldest pizzerias in the world.

Why we love it: L’Antica (known in Italy simply as “da Michele”) has brought its traditional recipe dating back to 1870 right to the congested, tourist-laden streets of Hollywood; Long Beach’s busy, pedestrian-friendly Belmont Shore; and, further afield, in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. All three locations have a much larger menu than the original in Naples, plus nicer, sit-down digs. The pizza here was first made famous stateside by Eat, Pray, Love, and L’Antica is now a staple among Angelenos searching for an “authentic” (what is authenticity, anyway?) Neapolitan pizza that’s gooey in the center, blistered around the edges and best eaten right on the spot. The brick-lined outdoor patio, expanded during the pandemic, is the perfect backdrop for one of these wood-fired pies. 

Time Out tip: Don’t get distracted by the rest of the menu. Most of the small plates and pastas tread quickly into tourist-pleasing territory—and I wouldn’t recommend ordering those, to be quite frank. 

Address: Hollywood: 1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028; Long Beach: 4621 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803

Hours of operation: Hollywood: Mon–Thu 11am–11pm, Fri 11am–midnight, Sat 10am–midnight, Sun 10am–11pm; Long Beach: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri 11am–11pm, Sat 10am–11pm, Sun 10am–9pm

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

Hours of operation: Mon–Thu 10am–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 10am–10:30pm; 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 unfussy 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—now 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

Hours of operation: Mon, Wed, Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri 5–10:30pm; Sat noon–10:30pm; Sun noon–9:30pm

What is it? A New York City import known for its excellent square slices, inflexible zero-ranch-dressing policy and maximalist approach to pepperoni. 

Why we love it: Overflowing with tiny pepperoni cups, the legendary squares sold by the slice at Prince Street Pizza drip with melted cheese, mouthwatering red sauce and a certain je ne sais quoi we have yet to completely identify. Try the Spicy Vodka for an unforgettable pasta-pizza mash-up—and while the thick-cut square slices are the reason to pay this pizza shop in West Hollywood, the Arts District, Studio City, Venice, Pasadena, Westlake Village and Malibu a visit, the regular New York-style triangles are also almost as good as anything you’ll find in Manhattan. For whole pies, you can order ahead and pick up, and Prince Street even offers local delivery.

Time Out tip: Prince Street Pizza also serves a supersized cake version of an Italian rainbow cookie, plus other desserts by the slice. 

Address: Multiple venues incl. West Hollywood, Pasadena and Downtown

Hours of operation: Varies by location

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

Hours of operation: Tue–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–8pm

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.

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

Hours of operation: Daily noon–9:30pm

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 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

Hours of operation: Silver Lake: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 10am–9pm; Chinatown: Mon–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11am–1am; Sun 10am–10pm

This no-frills Hermosa Beach pizzeria serves the platonic ideal of a commodity pizza—and I mean that in the best way possible. Then again, if national chain pizza actually tasted this good, we wouldn’t have needed an artisanal pizza movement. 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 provides the perfect counterbalance to Redwood’s standout pepperoni-margherita hybrid (E Money). 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.

What is it? A pandemic pizza pop-up turned Eagle Rock brick-and-mortar.

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. Originally known as Quarantine Pizza, owners Brandon Conaway and Carolina Pedroza-Conaway changed their business name to Wallfour Pizzeria when they opened last spring. Since then, 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 9am to 1pm on the weekends, for which it also makes sourdough doughnuts. 

Address: 2128 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Hours of operation: Wed–Sun 1–8:30pm

What is it? A New York-style pizza with locations across the city.

Why we love it: Looking for a no-frills, better-than-average slice? Joe’s has you covered. Dig into a slice at Joe’s in Hollywood, Downtown, Beverly Hills, Mid-City, Sherman Oaks and the Sunset Strip. Thin-crusted, loaded with toppings and garnished with Joe’s special pizza sauce—the Grandma Pizza with house-made marinara is something else, topped with a healthy smattering of fresh basil—this pizza is your old-school antidote to the fancy-schmancy pizzas around town. Order by the slice or a whole pie, and just try to say no to the garlic knots.

Time Out tip: I wouldn’t go out of the way for a Joe’s slice, but I’d be happy with it if I were in the area.

Address: Multiple, incl. West Hollywood, Santa Monica and Downtown

Hours of operation: Varies by location