10 Best Pizza Places in Los Angeles

Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most popular foods on the planet. But what constitutes “the best” can mean different things to different people. Some like New York-style thin crust; some like deep-dish Chicago pan-style, and some like the artisan pizzas that are California-fresh. If you’re traveling to the City of Angels and craving some pizza, you can ask a local or consult the list (in no particular order) of our choices for the top spots for 2015.

Pizzeria Mozza

If you’re looking for a gourmet pizza made with the freshest ingredients, this is it. Pizzeria Mozza has a unique crust, which is like a thick and chewy pretzel on the edge and thin and crispy everywhere else. Try distinctive flavor combinations like fennel sausage, caramelized onions and prosciutto, or goat cheese with scallions, leeks, bacon, and garlic. Be sure to sample their weekend brunch pizzas, too. Choose from bacon, egg, onion, and potato, or a luscious gravlax with capers, Bermuda onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill.

DeSano Pizza Bakery

For an authentic Neapolitan pizza with a thin and crispy wood-charred crust, head to DeSano’s. They use fine imported ingredients direct from Italy, still knead the dough by hand, and cook in world-famous Acunto ovens that are so hot, each pizza takes only 90 seconds to cook! Try the Cappricciosa with San Marzano tomato sauce, mushrooms, artichokes, prosciutto, garlic, and Buffalo mozzarella.

Masa of Echo Park

This is the definitive place to go for traditional Chicago deep-dish pan style pizza on the West coast. The owner is a native Chicagoan, so this is the real deal. This style pizza takes 45 minutes to an hour to prepare, so plan accordingly. Grab a classic sweet Italian sausage and mushroom or choose from dozens of ingredients to make your own personal favorite. Vegetarians and vegans love this place because of all the different ingredients offered, including soy cheese. Don’t forget to save room for dessert at this joint, they’ve got a warm croissant bread pudding baked in vanilla custard and drizzled with caramel sauce that is to die for.

Pizza Studio

Within walking distance of USC, Pizza Studio lets you make your own pizza. Pick a crust, traditional, flavored, or gluten-free; choose from several sauces, like tomato or pesto; pick a cheese, mozzarella, feta, or goat, and then the toppings. Just the way you like it, every time.

Prime Pizza

If a New York thin crust is more your style, try Prime Pizza. The crust has just enough chew to it. Order a whole pie or just stop in for a quick slice to go. Try the sausage and kale. They’ve also got free delivery.

Pizzeria Il Fico

On hip and trendy Robertson Boulevard in the Beverly Grove Los Angeles neighborhood, you’ll find Pizzeria Il Fico makes a great wood-fired artisan pizza. Try the garlic shrimp, artichokes, arugula, and lemon pizza with a fresh Caprese salad on the side.

Olio Wood Fired Pizzeria

Olio’s has a great neighborhood hangout vibe about it. They make their own free-range chicken sausage and pair it with fire-roasted red peppers and fresh arugula for an out-of-this-world pizza. Vegetarians love the wild mushroom and three-cheese blend.

Vito’s Pizza

Some consider Vito’s the magic pizza gateway from New York and New Jersey. The pizza comes in one size only—big! The dough is prepared fresh daily and makes an 18-inch pie. A must-try is the “Chi-Chi,” with fresh arugula, prosciutto de parma, gorgonzola, and toasted pine nuts on a white sauce.

Cruzer Pizza

Vegetarians and vegans, rejoice! Cruzer’s is the only 100-percent animal-free vegan pizzeria in LA. Enjoy vegan “meats” like, ham, pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef, on your choice of thin, thick, whole wheat, or gluten-free crust.

The Coop

Grab a slice or a whole pie. The dough is fresh, and the prices are the best you can get. Don’t forget to bring your cash because that’s the only tender that’s good there. Family-owned and operated for over 40 years.