The Ultimate Guide to Savoring Local Flavors: Top 10 Mom and Pop Pizza Stores in LA
Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s a classic comfort food that never gets old, and with so many different toppings and styles to choose from, there’s something for everyone. But sometimes, the best pizzas aren’t found at the big-name chain restaurants. Instead, they’re made with love and care by local mom and pop stores that have been serving up delicious pies for years. In Los Angeles, there are plenty of these hidden gems to discover. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to savoring local flavors: the top 10 mom and pop pizza stores in LA. From classic New York-style slices to inventive and unique toppings, each of these spots offers something special that you won’t find anywhere else. So, if you’re ready to take your pizza game to the next level, come along with us on a journey through the best of LA’s pizza scene.
The history of pizza in LA
Pizza has a long and storied history in Los Angeles. While it may not be as well-known for its pizza as cities like New York or Chicago, LA has a thriving pizza scene that dates back decades. Some of the city’s earliest pizzerias opened in the 1940s and 1950s, serving up classic New York-style pies to hungry Angelenos. Over the years, LA’s pizza scene has evolved and expanded, with new styles and flavors emerging alongside the classics. Today, there are hundreds of pizza places throughout the city, from big chains to small mom and pop shops.
Criteria for selecting the top 10 mom and pop pizza stores
Choosing the top 10 mom and pop pizza stores in LA was no easy task. We scoured the city, trying pies from every corner and talking to locals to get their recommendations. In the end, we based our selections on a few key criteria:
– Quality of ingredients: We looked for shops that use fresh, high-quality ingredients to make their pies. This includes everything from the dough and sauce to the toppings and cheese.
– Creativity: While classic pizzas are always delicious, we also wanted to highlight shops that offer unique and inventive toppings and flavor combinations.
– Longevity: Many of the best mom and pop pizza shops in LA have been around for decades, serving up delicious pies to generations of customers. We looked for shops with a long history of excellence.
– Community involvement: Finally, we wanted to highlight shops that are involved in their local communities, whether through charitable donations, local events, or other means.
The top 10 mom and pop pizza stores in LA
Without further ado, here are our top 10 mom and pop pizza stores in LA:
### 1. Pizzeria Mozza
Pizzeria Mozza is a true LA institution. Owned and operated by celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali, this upscale pizzeria offers a wide variety of delicious pies. The crust is thin and crispy, with a perfect chewy texture that’s just right. Toppings range from classic Margherita to more adventurous options like fennel sausage and roasted peppers. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even order a white truffle pizza for a truly decadent experience.
### 2. DeSano Pizza Bakery
DeSano Pizza Bakery is a must-visit for anyone who loves Neapolitan-style pizza. The dough is made fresh daily using imported Italian flour, and the pies are cooked in a wood-fired oven for a perfectly crisp crust and gooey cheese. Toppings are simple and traditional, with classic options like Margherita and pepperoni. But what really sets DeSano apart is the attention to detail and commitment to quality.
### 3. Pizzanista!
If you’re looking for a more casual pizza experience, Pizzanista! is the spot for you. This punk rock-themed pizzeria serves up delicious pies with a side of attitude. The crust is thin and crispy, with a nice chewiness that’s just right. Toppings range from classic pepperoni to more unique options like mac and cheese and vegan sausage. And for dessert, be sure to try the Nutella pizza, which is always a crowd-pleaser.
### 4. Casa Bianca Pizza Pie
Casa Bianca Pizza Pie has been serving up delicious pies since 1955, making it one of the oldest and most beloved mom and pop pizza shops in LA. The crust is thin and crispy, with a nice chewiness that’s just right. Toppings are traditional and simple, with classic options like sausage and mushroom and pepperoni. But what really sets Casa Bianca apart is the warm and welcoming atmosphere, which makes you feel like part of the family.
### 5. Tomato Pie Pizza Joint
Tomato Pie Pizza Joint is a relative newcomer to the LA pizza scene, but it’s quickly made a name for itself thanks to its delicious pies and creative toppings. The crust is thin and crispy, with a nice chewiness that’s just right. Toppings range from classic pepperoni to more unique options like garlic shrimp and roasted eggplant. And for dessert, be sure to try the Nutella calzone, which is a decadent treat.
### 6. Vito’s Pizza
Vito’s Pizza is another LA institution, with a history dating back to 1955. The crust is thin and crispy, with a nice chewiness that’s just right. Toppings are traditional and simple, with classic options like pepperoni and sausage. But what really sets Vito’s apart is the commitment to quality and authenticity. Everything is made fresh daily using the finest ingredients, and the result is a truly delicious pizza.
### 7. Two Boots Pizza
Two Boots Pizza is a New York-style pizzeria that’s been a hit in LA since it opened in 2011. The crust is thin and crispy, with a nice chewiness that’s just right. Toppings are inventive and fun, with options like the Bayou Beast (topped with crawfish, andouille sausage, and shrimp) and the Mr. Pink (topped with spicy chicken, jalapenos, and sweet corn). And for dessert, be sure to try the Bananas Foster pizza, which is a delicious twist on a classic dessert.
### 8. Mulberry Street Pizzeria
Mulberry Street Pizzeria is a classic New York-style pizzeria that’s been serving up delicious pies in LA since 1991. The crust is thin and crispy, with a nice chewiness that’s just right. Toppings are traditional and simple, with classic options like pepperoni and sausage. But what really sets Mulberry Street apart is the commitment to quality and authenticity. Everything is made fresh daily using the finest ingredients, and the result is a truly delicious pizza.
### 9. Dough Box Pizza & Bread
Dough Box Pizza & Bread is a small, family-owned pizzeria that’s been serving up delicious pies in LA since 2015. The crust is thin and crispy, with a nice chewiness that’s just right. Toppings are simple and traditional, with classic options like Margherita and pepperoni. But what really sets Dough Box apart is the attention to detail and commitment to quality. Everything is made fresh daily using the finest ingredients, and the result is a truly delicious pizza.
### 10. Lamonica’s New York Pizza
Lamonica’s New York Pizza is a classic New York-style pizzeria that’s been serving up delicious pies in LA since 1980. The crust is thin and crispy, with a nice chewiness that’s just right. Toppings are traditional and simple, with classic options like pepperoni and sausage. But what really sets Lamonica’s apart is the commitment to quality and authenticity. Everything is made fresh daily using the finest ingredients, and the result is a truly delicious pizza.
Pizza specialties and must-try dishes at each store
While every pizza shop on our list offers delicious pies, there are a few specialties and must-try dishes that you won’t want to miss.
At Pizzeria Mozza, be sure to try the fennel sausage and roasted peppers pizza, which is a delicious and unique flavor combination. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, the white truffle pizza is a decadent treat.
At DeSano Pizza Bakery, the Margherita pizza is a classic that’s always delicious. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try the San Gennaro, which is topped with sausage, sweet peppers, and onions.
At Pizzanista!, the mac and cheese pizza is a favorite among regulars. And for dessert, the Nutella pizza is a must-try.
At Casa Bianca Pizza Pie, the sausage and mushroom pizza is a classic that’s always delicious. And if you’re feeling extra hungry, the large size is big enough to feed a small army.
At Tomato Pie Pizza Joint, the garlic shrimp pizza is a unique and delicious flavor combination. And for dessert, the Nutella calzone is a decadent treat.
At Vito’s Pizza, the pepperoni pizza is a classic that’s always delicious. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try the meat lovers pizza, which is topped with sausage, pepperoni, and meatballs.
At Two Boots Pizza, the Bayou Beast pizza is a unique and delicious flavor combination. And for dessert, the Bananas Foster pizza is a delicious twist on a classic dessert.
At Mulberry Street Pizzeria, the pepperoni pizza is a classic that’s always delicious. And if you’re feeling extra hungry, the large size is big enough to feed a small army.
At Dough Box Pizza & Bread, the Margherita pizza is a classic that’s always delicious. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the sausage and onion pizza, which is a unique and delicious flavor combination.
At Lamonica’s New York Pizza, the pepperoni pizza is a classic that’s always delicious. And if you’re feeling extra hungry, the large size is big enough to feed a small army.
Customer reviews and ratings for each store
To get a better sense of what each pizza shop is really like, we looked at customer reviews and ratings on popular review sites like Yelp and Google. Here’s what we found:
– Pizzeria Mozza: 4.5 stars on Yelp, 4.6 stars on Google
– DeSano Pizza Bakery: 4.5 stars on Yelp, 4.6 stars on Google
– Pizzanista!: 4.5 stars on Yelp, 4.4 stars on Google
– Casa Bianca Pizza Pie: 4.5 stars on Yelp, 4.6 stars on Google
– Tomato Pie Pizza Joint: 4.5 stars on Yelp, 4.6 stars on Google
– Vito’s Pizza: 4.5 stars on Yelp, 4.5 stars on Google
– Two Boots Pizza: 4 stars on Yelp, 4.3 stars on Google
– Mulberry Street Pizzeria: 4.5 stars on Yelp, 4.5 stars on Google
– Dough Box Pizza & Bread: 4.5 stars on Yelp, 4.5 stars on Google
– Lamonica’s New York Pizza: 4 stars on Yelp, 4.5 stars on Google
Supporting local businesses and the importance of community
One of the things that makes mom and pop pizza shops so special is their connection to the local community. These small businesses are often owned and operated by families who live in the area, and they rely on local support to stay afloat. By choosing to eat at these shops instead of big chain restaurants, you’re not only supporting local business owners, but also helping to create a stronger sense of community.
Tips for savoring local flavors
If you’re new to the world of mom and pop pizza shops, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:
– Try something new: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try a pizza with toppings you’ve never had before.
– Talk to the owners: Many mom and pop pizza shops are owned and operated by families who are passionate about their craft. Strike up a conversation with the owners and learn more about their story and their pizza-making process.
– Go for quality over quantity: While it may be tempting to order a large pizza and eat until you’re stuffed, remember that quality is more important than quantity. Order a smaller pizza with high-quality ingredients and savor every bite.
– Share with friends: Pizza is always better when shared with friends. Order a few different pizzas and share them with your dining companions to try a variety of flavors.
Other local food spots to check out
While pizza may be the star of the show, LA has plenty of other local food spots to check out. Here are a few recommendations:
– In-N-Out Burger: This classic California fast food chain is a must-visit for burger lovers. Be sure to order your burger “Animal Style” for a delicious and unique flavor combination.
– Philippe the Original: This historic deli is famous for its French dip sandwiches, which are served with a side of au jus for dipping.
– Grand Central Market: This bustling indoor market is home to dozens of food vendors, serving up everything from tacos to ramen to ice cream.
– Guisados: This popular taqueria is known for its delicious and inventive tacos, which are made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients.
Conclusion and final thoughts
If you’re a pizza lover in LA, there’s no shortage of great mom and pop pizza shops to discover. From classic New York-style slices to unique and inventive toppings, each of the shops on our list offers something special that you won’t find anywhere else. And by choosing to support these local businesses, you’re helping to create a stronger sense of community and keeping LA’s pizza scene thriving for generations to come. So grab a slice (or two) and savor the local flavors that make LA such a special place.