For years, detractors said Los Angeles didn’t have good pizza. How wrong they were. Los Angeles, and especially Downtown and close-in neighborhoods, has incredible hot, cheesy pies.
If you’re looking for the perfect floppy thin-crust slice or a bubbly and charred Neapolitan-style pizza, the city has it in spades. There are square pies, loaded pizzas, and even some topped with hot honey. (If you haven’t tried it, it’s all delicious!). Here’s where to find the best pizza for takeout, delivery or dine-in, all super close to your DTLA digs. Be sure to check websites for possible change in hours, in-person dining status, and menu specials.
Superfine Pizza
Steve Samson, one of the best chefs of Italian cuisine in the city today, also owns this little side-hustle pizza shop around the corner from Rossoblu in the Fashion District. While the takeout window is still closed due to COVID, you can still get 12-inch pies at its Italian restaurant sibling for delivery, pickup or to eat on the gorgeous patio. Hard to pick a favorite, but the spicy salami with buckwheat honey is a real winner. Order here.
Pizzanista!
When it comes to vegan and gluten-free options, the Arts District mainstay is here to please. Currently open for takeout and delivery only — instead of dining in or getting a slice served through the window at Tony’s Saloon — Pizzanista! range from traditional toppings to some more adventurous creations. Think: A supreme pizza with cheese, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, peppers, olives, mushrooms, the works — all plant-based. (Of course there’s a fully loaded meat-filled version, too.) On Tuesdays, get a slice of cheese or pepperoni for $2. Order here.
Prime Pizza
The really good pizza joint from the Fairfax District expanded to Little Tokyo, making its whole pies — both round and square — plus salads, wings and more available for DTLA takeout and delivery. Everything is good here, but especially the Sicilian square pizza topped with mozzarella, ricotta, pesto and crushed tomatoes. It’s a delicious, fresh flavor bomb in every bite. It’s best right out of the oven, but we won’t lie: It tastes great cold too. Find ordering info here.
Olio
The stand at the Grand Central Market has some of the best wood-fired pies in the neighborhood. Get everything from a traditional margherita to ones topped with meatballs, wild mushroom and crispy prosciutto, or the classic Hawaiian. Order for pickup and delivery here.
Bestia
Chef Ori Menashe is known for his handmade pastas and charcuterie at Bestia (and wife/pastry chef Genevieve Gergis for her desserts), but what comes out of the big red wood-burning oven that anchors the open kitchen is just as memorable and good. The secret’s in the dough, in the time spent in the fire, and in the ingredients on top, which are simple — housemade ‘nduja (similar to spicy sausage), San Marzano tomatoes, good burrata, Castelvetrano olives, Maldon sea salt and more. The restaurant is open for in-person dining again, but also for takeout; make reservations or order for pickup here.
Sixth + Mill and Brera Ristorante
The team behind Factory Kitchen has combined its Brera and Sixth + Mill Pizzeria operations, which makes it super easy to order pizza along with pastas, salads, cocktails, beer, wine and more. The beautifully bubbly Neapolitan-style pizzas are divine — try the Diavolina topped with spicy salami and scallions, or the Coppia topped with sausage, speck, and arugula. Ordering info can be found here.
Bonus: Nearby Pizzas That Deliver to DTLA
Triple Beam Pizza
A former Mozza chef, along with a little help from his mentor Nancy Silvertion, opened this pizza-by-the-pound place in Highland Park a few years ago, and it just keeps getting better. The pies are long and narrow, so you order by a whole (feeds 3 to 4 people) or half. You’ll find unique toppings like vegan chorizo, which is made in-house, and roasted squash romesco sauce to traditional ones like pepperoni. You’ll want to try them all, trust. Order from Highland Park or Echo Park locations for pickup or delivery.
Grá
Sourdough pizza specialist in Echo Park that also features unique fermented foods and natural wines. Think: Kimchi-topped pizza and a bottle of earthy red wine from Italy. There are also pizza kits, feast packages, and pantry staples available. Order for pickup or delivery here.
Dough Box
This hidden gem in El Sereno is one of the best deep-dish pizza handlers around. Order for pickup or delivery, although time slots fill up fast. And keep in mind: Pizzas take at least an hour to make. Watch Instagram for info.