A pizza craving abides no hour or situation.
It can strike during movie night. It can strike at 2 a.m. It can strike the morning after.
Unless you’re in high school or a Ninja Turtle, though, pizza is rarely a go-to date-night option.
But that’s changing thanks to a brigade of new high-end pizzerias that have cropped up in LA in recent months. We’re talking doughy goodness and funky vino served up with a mellow, dimly lit, dare we say romantic ambience.
You’ll find five such pizza joints below, most of which are brand spanking new, though we threw in two classics should you prefer something tried and true. Bon appètit.
Roberta’s
Culver City
The situation: When you’re on a more casual date or need a food pit stop on a Culver City Art Walk, go to Roberta’s. The Brooklyn transplant is known for burnt crusts, pungent cured meats and funky wines and ciders.
Your order: The Speckenwolf pie is salty, earthy and pairs well with a Grenache.
8810 Washington Blvd. (map)
Images via Roberta’s
Élephante
Santa Monica
The situation: Here, the classic wood-burned pizzas come with awe-inspiring views of the Pacific. The pizza is solid, but you’re here for the see-and-be-seen crowd.
Your order: The cherry tomato confit with anchovies suits the salty air. If it’s day time, grab a bottle of the Ramato Pinot Gris, a skin-contact wine with some funk on it. Night? The Floodgate Pinot Noir won’t overpower the freshness of the ingredients.
1332 2nd St. (map)
Photos via Jakob Layman
Ronan
West Hollywood
The situation: The hip-hop is on point and the lighting is low, not to mention the excellent patio for dining en plein aire. Added bonus: you’re a few blocks to Melrose Umbrella Co. for post-prandial drinking and dancing.
Your order: The Siciliana comes steaming hot and loaded with Castelvetrano olives that burst with salty flavor. The speckled romain will provide your ruffage. Order some syrah from Morocco will keep the conversation flowing.
7315 Melrose (map)
Images via Stan Lee
Pizzana
Brentwood
The situation: These are true-to-form Neapolitan pies from Daniel Uti, whose Naples restaurant attracts lines down the block. And his L.A. iteration doesn’t disappoint: its modern, clean aesthetic feels more like a hotel cocktail bar than a place you leave with a cardboard pizza box under your arm.
Your order: Seeing as Pizzana has been open a minute, now’s a good time try new things on the menu, like the Corbarina. Uti somehow manages to keep the squash blossoms from getting overpowered under the delicious mother dough, burrata and San Marzano tomatoes.
11712 San Vicente Blvd. (map)
Images via Pizzana/Facebook
Jon & Vinny’s
Fairfax
The situation: Three years running, Jon & Vinny’s remains straight up cool. The minimalist decor and intimate seating are worth the wait (even when you have a res).
Your order: Another instance in which you can branch out. This time go for the Ham and Yeezy; ham and pickled fresno chilis are a killer combo. For wine, roll with a Chardonnay from Bourgogne.
412 N. Fairfax (map)
Images via Jon & Vinny’s/Facebook
Main image via Jakob Layman/Élephante.
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