“If you still think L.A. doesn’t know pizza, you probably haven’t eaten here in a while.”
Los Angeles may not be the first city that comes to mind when you crave a perfect pie. However, things are different in 2025. Not in a gaudy, “reinvent the wheel” manner, but rather as a subtly assured change. Locals are whispering the names of Pizza places like they’re keeping secrets, chefs are trying new things, and queues are gathering around street corners.
From cultish backyard pop-ups to thin-crust odes to the East Coast, L.A.’s pizza scene is surprisingly layered—and way past the point of needing to prove itself. If you’re hungry, curious, and okay with a little grease on your fingers, these five spots are worth your time.
1. The Bee Sting Pizza – Roberta’s, Culver City
Soppressata, hot honey, and a crust that deserves its own headline
Imported from Brooklyn but no longer “just a New York thing,” Roberta’s has carved out serious real estate in L.A.’s food psyche. With cured meat, a hint of sweetness, and a crust that blisters just enough to tell you it’s just off the stove, their Bee Sting pizza strikes that almost-too-perfect balance.
- Taste in a Bite: Sweet, salty, with just enough sting to make your lips tingle
- Vibe: Community tables, independent music selections, and pizza-savvy individuals create a cool yet approachable vibe.
- Pro Tip: Ask for a drizzle of chili oil if you like it hotter than hot honey
- Backstory: This pie started as a staff experiment—now it’s the one everyone orders twice
For anyone who likes their pizza with a bit of personality (and a kick).
2. Cacio e Pepe Pizza – Pizzana, Brentwood & West Hollywood
Basically: Roman pasta on crust, and somehow it works
Pizzana doesn’t mess around with gimmicks. You won’t find pineapple or barbecue chicken here. Rather, they favor exotic cheeses, slow-fermented doughs, and delicate pairings that are more difficult to overlook than you might imagine.. Their Cacio e Pepe pie—black pepper, Pecorino Romano, and fior di latte—may sound simple, but the result is anything but.
- Flavor Notes: Peppery, Buttery, and a lingering, dry-sharp cheese impact
- Origins: Inspired by Chef Daniele Uditi’s childhood pasta memories, now rendered in crust form
- Best Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine or a good sparkling water to cut the richness
- Good to Know: No tomato sauce here—don’t expect red
Best for pasta-lovers who secretly wish pizza was more refined.
3. East Coast Grandma – Prime Pizza, Fairfax & Burbank
Square, saucy, and unapologetically old-school
Walk into Prime Pizza and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a 1980s pizzeria in Queens. But this isn’t some retro cosplay—it’s legit. The East Coast Grandma slice is cut square, with a garlicky tomato sauce layered over melty mozzarella. The dough’s got that perfect bottom crunch, and if you grew up on these, it’ll hit straight in the nostalgia.
- What It Tastes Like: Crispy edges, saucy middle, simple toppings done right
- Ambience: Red vinyl booths, faded Mets posters, and staff who know your order by your third visit
- Insider Move: Grab a garlic knot on the side—they’re not advertised but always worth asking
- History Bite: Inspired by “grandma-style” home pies baked on sheet pans by Italian-American families
Ideal for when you want comfort food without the fanfare.
4. Miso Mushroom – Secret Pizza LA (Pop-Up in Highland Park)
A funky little pie that doesn’t play by the rules
If you’ve never lined up in an alley behind a plant shop for pizza, welcome to Secret Pizza LA. The Miso Mushroom pie is always the highlight of these weekend-only pop-ups, which have a vibe that is a mix of supper club and party. A miso cream foundation supports the shiitake and oyster mushrooms, giving it a richly savory, almost brothy flavor. The crust? Sourdough with attitude.
- Taste Profile: Earthy, umami-heavy, slightly fermented funk (in the best way)
- Access: Instagram-only preorders, and they go fast—follow them for drop times
- Heads Up: It’s BYOB and patio seating only, but that’s part of the charm
- Fun Fact: The dough is fermented for over 48 hours, giving it a unique tang
For curious eaters who like their pizza with a side of unpredictability.
5. Detroit Red Top – Apollonia’s Pizzeria, Wilshire Blvd
Cheese-crowned, sauce-on-top, unapologetically indulgent
Detroit-style pizza has its die-hards, and Apollonia’s is where many of them go to pray. The Red Top starts with a thick, fluffy crust that manages to avoid heaviness. Cheese caramelizes along the edge in the pan, while ladles of tangy red sauce are spooned over the top, not under. Add in crispy pepperoni cups and maybe some hot honey if you’re feeling it—and now you understand the hype.
- Texture Game: Crunchy borders, pillowy middle, no soggy slices here
- Peak Hours: Evenings after 7 PM—grab a beer next door if you have to wait
- Fun Note: Chef Justin De Leon reportedly spent years tweaking the crust before opening
- Allergy Alert: Gluten and dairy are non-negotiable here
Best shared with friends—because after two slices, you’ll want to lie down (in the happiest way).
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
- For pop-ups, have some Cash or Venmo on hand, but most establishments take cards.
- The ideal time to avoid long waits is during off-peak hours, particularly on weekends.
- While vegan pizzas are gradually becoming more popular, like Butter Chicken, there are still few places that provide gluten- and dairy-free versions.
- Parking is available; in places like Fairfax and Highland Park, look for ride-shares or metered street spots.
Tips for Eating Pizza Like an Angeleno
- Don’t overdress. You might eat in an alley or out of a box on the curb. That’s part of the fun.
- Skip the knife and fork. Unless it’s fresh-out-the-oven lava-hot, fold it and dive in.
- Ask the staff. Locals often know off-menu combos or topping swaps you won’t find listed.
- Hydrate. Some pies—especially Detroit-style—pack serious salt. Bring water.
- Bring friends. Because honestly, it’s always more fun sharing slices.
One Last Slice of Advice
Pizza in Los Angeles isn’t about replicating what’s done in New York or Naples. It’s about interpretation—sometimes bold, sometimes weird, often surprisingly soulful. These five pies are just a glimpse into a scene that’s constantly shifting. So explore. Eat with your hands. Try the one that sounds strange.
And if it doesn’t totally blow your mind? No worries—there’s always another slice waiting down the street.