L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

This Neapolitan-style chain happens to be one of the oldest pizzerias in the world. Now, 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.