What is it about pizza that brings me the ultimate feeling of joy? Is it the warm, gooey cheese that stretches and pops in my mouth? Is it the robust sauce that I lick from my lips? Whatever it is, pizza is one of my favorite things to eat, period! As a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, I’m always looking for the best pies. After searching high and low and eating slice after slice, I’ve stumbled upon two of the best pizzerias L.A. has to offer, Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. and L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. Both spots bring their own flair to traditional pizza and serve pies that are out of this world.
Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co.
Nestled in the historic Boyle Heights section of L.A. sits Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. Named after Cesar E Chavez Avenue (formerly known as Brooklyn Avenue), this fast-casual pizza joint offers a creative and enjoyable menu of Wood Fired Pizzas, Wings, Papas, Beer, Wine, and Cocktails. Throw in a couple of HD flat screen TVs, and you entered a hub for people to connect and have a good time. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite with friends, enjoy a date night, or kick back and watch a game.
“The team works every day to bring you the best pizza, made with the best ingredients and a whole lotta love!” And the pizza is baked to perfection with a chewy yet crunchy crust, perfectly blistered in the in-house wood-fired oven. Highlights include: the Meat Lovers, featuring the restaurant’s signature Discada, flavorful Pepperoni, Hatch Chiles, and Chicken-Pork Sausage. Cherry Bomb with Sopressata Picante, Spicy Piloncillo, Pickled Cherry Bomb Peppers and Mozzarella, the Mole Pizza with Warm Queso Oaxaca, Curtido, Crema and Mozzarella, and my personal favorite, the heavenly Margherita Cansino. Gluten-free crusts are available.
Although known as a ‘Community Pizzeria,’ Brooklyn Ave Pizza Co. also serves Wings and Papas. And let’s talk about the Papas shall we… These aren’t your average fries. Oh no. Brooklyn’s Papas are Classic Thick Cut Fries available in Chicano Gravy, Garlic Parmesan, and their mouthwatering House Fries perfectly seasoned with Brooklyn’s special house blend, salt & pepper. So when asked “If you want fries with that?” Say “Yes!”
Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. is open for indoor and outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery. $12+; Tuesdays – Thursdays and Sundays, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm and Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; 2706 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033; 323.968.1106
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
“I’m in love. I’m having a relationship with my pizza…” Julia Roberts utters these words in the movie Eat Pray Love. Roberts’ character is on a journey around the world to “find herself” and along the way, finds one of the world’s most renowned pizzerias, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. She falls in love with the Neapolitan pizza and I guarantee you will too.
For over 151 years, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has been a favorite of visitors to Naples. The famous pizzeria has restaurants in 4 countries, with the Hollywood location being the first U.S. outpost. The restaurant will transport you to Naples and promises, “An intimate and relaxed dining experience.”
Making pizzas at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is an art itself. Those dining on the outdoor patio can witness their pizzas being made from the outdoor kitchen. Watch as the cooks knead the dough, and then carefully season each pie with imported Italian ingredients, before placing the pizzas in the handmade clay oven. Experience an authentic taste of Naples with these menu highlights: the Montanara (Deep Fried Pizza Dough, Marinara Sauce, Fior di Latte, Parmigiano, Basil), Diavola (Tomato, Fior di Latte, Pecorino, Spicy Salame, Calabrian Chili), and the Truffle (Double Fior di Latte, Pecorino, Basil, Shaved Black Truffle, Truffle Oil.) So is the pizza really that good where you may fall in love with it? Simply put, yes. The pizza is ‘to die for!’
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is open for indoor and outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery. $22+; Mondays – Wednesdays, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, Thursdays – Fridays, 11:00 am – 12:00 am, Saturdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 am and Sundays, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm; 1534 N. McCadden Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90028; 323.366.2408
