Jon and Vinny's Slauson — **6 Dine-In, Pie Spots to Try in Los Angeles - Pizza City**

In my early days (circa 2007), newly in LA - I was sad to find that LA pizza was largely lacking. I would dream of east coast pizza, which had an abundance of good, cheap-eats pizza — available at all hours (convenient for college-student-me who stayed up late!). East Coast did pizza right and they did it well!

However, in the 10+ years, there’s been an evolution in LA pizza culture. Partly due to the explosion of bread, fermentation, and quality food. There are now more chefs than ever [IMHO] opening up traditional, modern, and a wide variety of pizza styles (from Neapolitan to Detroit style). Currently, is no lack of GOOD LA pizza shows - so now is the time to crown the top-LA pizza favorites and shout it from the rooftop: LA has good pizza! And we do it the Cali-centric way, with lots of seasonal product (note the California style pizza wiki page)! So let us drool a little, as we deep dive into the flavor-bursting pizza of LA:

Jon & Vinny’s - Slauson

Jon and Vinny’s Slauson is my neighborhood staple for high quality pizzas, thinner crust ranging from with Cali-inspired toppings (like a full-on Italian, red gem salad tossed and gathered on top of a saucy-red pie — “Salad Days” ) to traditional Margarita. We recently did a lunchtime field trip and did not regret order one pie and their most popular pasta the Spicy Fusilli (with red vodka sauce, basil and a ton of creamy parmigiano); it was the perfect blend of al dente chewiness and right flavor. My partner was sweating at the end of the meal from the spice; but I barely noticed (to each their own). This is the kind of place you go for a casual business lunch, an elevated date night, or when you have a hankering for pizza that’s 10x better than Domino’s but minus the bougie-ness of Mozza. With 3 additional locations in Brentwood, Fairfax, and the newest one - Beverly Hills; they make it easy to get your J&V fix. Next time, I’m definitely leaving room for their warm, Strawberry Bread Pudding which looked like a slice of home.

*Outdoor dining at Jon and Vinny’s Slauson*

Jon & Vinny’s - Slauson , 4400 W Slauson Ave Los Angeles CA 90043 (Baldwin Hills / South LA)

Quarter Sheets Pizza

Perhaps most memorable as the pizza place with the Amazon Parrot as their mascot (the owners have a pet parrot who they made their emblem!!), Quarter Slices has been selling out of their luscious, Detroit-esque, square pizzas and slices! It’s a husband and wife team with a love of food (both worked in the restaurant industry in NorCal) and morphed their love into making the best pizza, opening a pizza and dessert pop-up during covid. I love a good backstory! Their love of bread shines - as they offer three different crust styles: thick, chewy Silician style, and fluffy focaccia. I’m in carb heaven! They also partnered with the renown Hannah Ziskin, who had previous stints at Chez Panisse - who makes extravagant desserts by the slice like a mandarin semifreddo with creme fraiche, strawberry jam & olive oil. It’s enough to make your heart melt with happiness.

Quarter Sheets Pizza, 1305 Portia St Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Echo Park)

Danny Boy’s Pizza

The name screams it: traditional, New York-style pizza with the oversized slices and ultra melty cheesiness; right here in LA. // "As a classically trained chef, I approach pizza with reverence. Pizza isn't fast food; it's one of America's most important dishes,” says Chef Daniel Holzman, formerly of the Michelin starred Le Bernardin. The Meatball Pizza is the most popular followed by the thicker-crusted Sicilian with the classically broiled pepperoni, perfectly upturned at the edges. As a vegetarian myself, I definitely go towards the rich, White Schroom and the classic Cheese pie. Grab a few slices then view the nearby museums and cultural institutions like The Broad, MOCA or see a performance at Disney Hall or Ahmanson Theater.

Danny Boy’s Pizza, 330 S. Hope St.,LA, CA 90071. (Downtown)

Pizzeria Sei

A husband and wife team, both well-known in the LA restaurant scene saved up and opened their very own pizzeria with the ambitious goals to be the best. Traditional neapolitan style pizzas with a light and fully crust. Yelp reviewers rave, an Italian escape; a high-end experience without a crazy price tag. It is said they use three kinds of flours to get that type of chewy yet light dough - so come and savour the magic.

Pizzeria Sei, 8781 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035,(Pico-Robertson)

Bacetti

The relative newcomer Bacetti in Echo Park is the essential Roman-fare trattoria plus Cali-seasonal ingredients. High celing, large windows give this reclaimed warehouse an open, sleek feel. Highlights include the olive foccaccia with honey butter, any of their pastas (all handmade, and cooked to al dente — and yes, the pizza.

Bacetti, 1509 Echo Park Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026

De La Nonna

De La Nonna means from the grandmother; so their entire concept is around serving Italian food as if it were straight from your grandma’s place; approachable, hearty, and genuine. Experienced LA talent join forces from the bar at Felix and the cook from Tartine. They first came together during the pandemic with pop-ups and now have evolved into their brick-and-mortar, Arts District locale. Go here if you want your pizza crusty and focaccia-y. The most unique pizzas are the Market Pizza (chef’s choice of the latest, seasonal ingredients) and the White Pizza with Japanese sweet potato, pesto, fennel and mozzarella. You’ll feel right at home with the bold checkered tiles, vintage plates, and stringed patio lights. I’ll drink to that.

De La Nonna, 710 E 4th Pl Los Angeles, CA 90013 (Downtown LA, Arts District)

More Pizza Places To Eat

Pizzeria Mozza / Osteria Mozza - Perhaps the longest running, classic Italian pizza joint in LA with a history of celebrities who are long-time fans. Helmed by the ever-present Nancy Silverton who helped popularized sourdough bread in America. Californian ingredients plus an irresistible crust equals a category all on its own. Margherita is a crowd pleaser, and the Bianca a standard for those craving a white, saucless slice.

Milo & Olive - One of my favorite and most underrated Italian restaurants in LA. It started as a small venue - but as its popularity grew, they rented out more space and doubled in size. Breakfast and brunch is not to be missed, and if you’re for a wow-factor appetizer, order the garlic knot and have fun untying it and digging into the decadent olive oil.

Pizzana - Brentwood - Have your pick of one of three Pizzana, California locations. Known for the new Neapolitan, slow dough process (the dough is fermented for 48 hours) which results in crust that is light and yet just crispy enough.

Gra - Organic sourdough pizzas served at this pizza slash organic wine bar. It strikes a higher-end note; yet continues to garner LA-foodie hype. Haven’t been but dying to go.

Little Coyote (Long Beach) - their promise: No Fuss, New York pizza. My out of town friend, heard about this place and drove all the way from LA to Long Beach on her brief 3 days in LA and had no regrets. Thus, I pay it forward. A pizza place worthy of the drive. If you go, let me know :)