Since I moved from New Jersey to Los Angeles ten years ago, I’ve been on a mission to find the best pizza in the city. As a Jersey native, my standards are high, so I’ve become pretty picky about crust, sauce, and overall balance.
Over the years we’ve settled on several reliable favorites that cover a range of styles—from true New Jersey and New York–style slices to deep dish and creative specialty pies. Below are the places we keep returning to and what makes each one stand out.
Village Pizzeria
Larchmont Village
Village Pizzeria is the closest I’ve found in Los Angeles to authentic New Jersey pizza, and our East Coast friends agree. If I were handing out a “best pizza in Los Angeles” award, Village would be a top contender. We usually stick to a classic cheese or pepperoni, sometimes adding garlic for an extra kick. Simple, familiar, and reliably satisfying.
Masa of Echo Park
Echo Park
For deep dish lovers, Masa of Echo Park is a must-try. My husband favors their pie because of the bright, acidic tomato sauce—exactly his kind of flavor. If you appreciate a pronounced tomato sauce and a hearty, well-structured deep dish, Masa won’t disappoint.
Triple Beam Pizza
Echo Park, Highland Park
Triple Beam Pizza stands out for its flexibility and creativity. Their “pick your own” sizing and rotating daily combinations let you try a variety of inventive pies without committing to a whole large pizza. Their vegetable-forward specials are especially impressive—this is a place to order something adventurous rather than a plain cheese slice. They also offer solid vegan options.
Weirdoughs
North Hollywood
Weirdoughs caught my attention online and quickly became a favorite. Run by a former New Jersey Italian restaurant owner, the brick oven pizzas are made with real attention to technique and flavor. It feels like a proper East Coast pizzeria transplanted into the Valley. They rotate weekly specials, but we usually stick with classic cheese and pepperoni—both excellent.
Hollywood Pies
Carthay
Hollywood Pies is my personal pick for the best deep dish in Los Angeles. While I’m not from Chicago, I’ve tried deep dish there and honestly preferred Hollywood Pies. Their balance of crust, cheese, and sauce impressed me—if you enjoy a substantial, well-made deep dish, this is worth trying.
Spicy Pepperoni Square Pie at Prime Pizza
Fairfax, Little Tokyo, Burbank, West LA
One standout pie in the city is the spicy pepperoni square at Prime Pizza. Topped with Calabrian chiles, it brings serious heat and great flavor. The crust is also notable—crispy yet tender—which is something many LA pies miss. A strong caveat: this is the one item I consistently recommend at Prime. Other menu items vary, but the spicy square is a must-try. Their gluten-free option has been solid as well.
Mulberry Street Pizza
Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, Encino
Mulberry Street Pizza earns an honorable mention. It’s a crowd-pleaser with solid New York–style pies—consistent and reliable even if it doesn’t top my personal list. If it’s the most convenient option, you’ll be satisfied.
More Pizza Spots for Families with Kids
If you’re dining with children and need space for them to move around, two family-friendly options are worth considering. The pizza quality is good, and both spots offer roomy seating or outdoor areas that make dining with kids easier.
Pitfire Pizza – The NoHo location has a large outdoor area with picnic tables and activities for kids, such as small clay packs. Their burrata pizza is enjoyable and their salads are fresh. Multiple locations make it a convenient choice.
Desano’s – Known for a very large indoor seating area, Desano’s is ideal for big groups and families. They serve Napoli-style pizza, which is best enjoyed fresh in-house rather than reheated.
Do you have any favorites I should try? I’ll keep adding places that earn a spot on my list of the best pizza in Los Angeles.