Posted by Pizza, a subject as divisive as politics. While everyone pretty much loves pizza the pizza camps can be extremely opinionated, each with their own favorite restaurant, and their own favorite style… Chicago-style deep-dish, Sicilian, thin crust, gourmet…. the choices are endless.
One of the most most divisive is the east coast versus west coast pizza battle. Well, maybe it’s not so much a rivalry as a one-sided hate fest, with east coasters proclaiming their dominance and scoffing at the notion that you can find a good slice anywhere near the Pacific ocean.
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Granted, it’s hard to argue the supreme quality of many (most?) New York and Chicago establishments, but that doesn’t preclude the idea that there are actually some quality places out here in L.A. where you can have a truly premium pizza experience.
To that end below you’ll find 12 of the best pizza joints in Los Angeles (in no specific order) that we think even east coasters won’t be able to resist.
Oh, and because we know this list is sure to incite debate, make sure to let us know in the comments what your favorite pizza place in L.A. is. 🙂
Rundown starts after the jump!
1. Stella Barra
Since this pizzeria has a presence in Chicago as well as Los Angeles, it makes it one of the best contenders for best pizza for east coast transplants. Stella Barra serves 400 to 500 artisan pizzas each night, including the Shaved Mushroom with Gruyère pizza topped with Organic Italian Sausage made on site. But Stella Barra also boasts home made pasta, breads and pastries.
2. Hollywood Pies
If you are a fan of the Chicago style pizza variety, this is your spot. Hollywood Pies proudly claims the title “Home of LA’s best Chicago Pizza”. Even looking at these pies will transport you back to Chicago. Try the Capone made with Whole milk mozzarella, house-made meatballs, pepperoni and mild Italian sausage. Take the authenticity further and get your pie Native Style with Crushed whole tomatoes, olive oil and oregano.
3. Mother Dough
The Los Angeles Times considers Mother Dough’s the best Margherita pizza in the city. This Neapolitan pizzeria also offers a delicious Pork Belly pizza that pizza lovers need to try. This sauceless pizza is topped with buffalo mozzarella, smoked pork belly, maple syrup, chives, cayenne pepper, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt. The Baby Clam pizza is also worth the taste. But don’t forget to check out their dessert selections which include the flourless chocolate cake with carmel sauce and lavender sea salt.
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4. Tomato Pie Pizza Joint
Tomato Pie Pizza Joint started when New York transplant Garrett Policastro had a hard time finding a decent slice of “Pie” on the West Coast. One of the best things about Tomato Pie is the pizza by the slice. So you can try several pieces of pie. For the gourmet palette try the Prosciutto Happiness topped with Thin-Sliced Prosciutto, Caramelized Onion, Fresh Fig, Arugula, and a Balsamic Reduction.
5. Cruzer Pizza
For the vegans amongst us, never fear! Cruzer Pizza is the only 100% animal free vegan pizzeria in Los Angeles. And this place does not disappoint. In fact, there are unique pizza combinations on the menu such as The Jamaican topped with vegan chicken and sausage marinated in teriyaki/turmeric sauce and including peppers and onions. Cruzer Pizza also offers gluten free crust options.
6. Masa of Echo Park
Masa of Echo Park is another Chicago style gem. But this spot makes their crust even more authentic to include cornmeal. Every single ingredient is made from scratch and many are imported to contribute to the authentic Chicago style taste. This includes whole pear tomatoes, the cheese under sauce, chunky garlic-filled goodness cooked to perfection with Masa’s secret recipe including sweet italian sausage and Scala’s Giardiniera. For the vegans out there, Masa has a pretty extensive menu just for you!
7. PizzaRev
What Pizzeria allows you to pick out your dough, sauce, cheese and toppings to create a pizza masterpiece? PizzaRev does! PizzaRev can bake your pizza in less than three minutes with their 900 degree stone ovens. But if you would rather try your pizza the PizzaRev way check out the Mediterranean pizza with white sauce, mozzarella, feta, spinach, artichoke hearts, and black olives. Don’t forget to try dessert, PizzaRev has a dessert pizza to die for topped with butter, cinnamon, frosting, powdered sugar, chocolate, caramel, and oreo cookie crumbles
8. Village Pizzeria
This spot makes everything in house including the sausage, meatballs, pesto,marinara sauce, balsamic and Italian dressings. Their dough is made with fresh yeast as well. The owner of Village Pizzeria is a Brooklyn native so he brings the authentic Brooklyn pizza tradition to the West. The best thing about this pizzeria is the create your own pizza options, even for a slice! They will make your pizza anyway you like it whether it’s no cheese, well done or partially done.
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9. Pizzeria Mozza
Pizzeria Mozza is apart of the Osteria Mozza restaurant family. This upscale pizzeria presents out of this world pizza combinations that will please every palette. A few combinations include the goat cheese, keeks, scallions, garlic and bacon pizza as well as the brussels Sprouts, guanciale, red onion and mozzarella pizza. Pizzeria Mozza also has an awesome variety of wines to accompany your pizza selection. Dessert is not to be missed, try the Banana Gelato Pie with hot fudge and candied hazelnuts.
10. Vito’s Pizza
Don’t let the price scare you, these pizzas are HUGE! Vito’s offers 18″ pies that will feed you and a group of hungry friends. Try the Cheri O’ pizza also know as the “Chi Chi” equipped with arugula, gorgonzola, prosciutto di parma, toasted pine nuts on top of a white pie which includes a mixture of several cheeses. This pizza is guaranteed to appease your pizza cravings beyond your expectations. While you are at it, check out their calzones and sandwiches which are equally delicious.
11. Zelo Gourmet Crust Pizza
This pizzeria offers a wonderful cornmeal crust. They also offer pizza by the slice so you can try their tasty pizza creations. Their best selling pizza is the fresh corn pizza including balsamic marinated roasted red onions, both mozzarella and smoked mozzarella topped off with fresh chives. Zelo even offers half baked pizzas for pizza lovers to cook at home.
12. Milo and Olive
Who doesn’t love wood fire pizza? Milo and Olive has an open kitchen to make their pizzeria more inviting. Pizzas include the roasted potato pizza with a rosemary cream sauce topped with caramelized onions and Parmigiano Reggiano. Pizza lovers can add arugula, farm egg, anchovy or prosciutto to any pizza on the menu. Their wine and beer list is hand picked from a group of trusted wineries and breweries.
Oh, and here’s a few more honorable mentions that were just outside our top 12:
Did we miss your favorite pizza spot in L.A.? Share your pick and tell us about your experience in the comments below!
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