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The L.A. Guide to Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

The L.A. Guide to Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

Photo: Hannah Whitaker, New York Magazine

The specifics of Neapolitan pizzas are "subject to much Talmudic debate," writes Michael Idov in New York Magazine this week. But there are a few rules that all aspiring Neapolitan pizzas must follow: A twelve-inch round pie, often unsliced; a thin, soft, and chewy crust; bubbles on the rim; simple but quality sauces; a modest amount of mozzarella di bufala; and a few stingy drops of olive oil. Though New York is currently in the midst of a Neapolitan revolution, it's not the only city turning away from the familiar gloppy sauce and slithering cheese. A solid handful of L.A. slice-slingers are obsessed with proving to the world that we have edible pizza, importing water from Brooklyn or Naples itself, but those in the Neapolitan business are content to keep a low-profile while pumping out some excellent versions of the form. Below, eleven spots in L.A. that craft an authentic Neapolitan, from those with handmade mozzarella to certified pies.

Antica Pizzeria
Even other pizza makers come to this Marina pizzeria for verified Neapolitan training.

Pizzeria Ortica
David Myers strikes again, using a 300-year old biga from Naples just to start the dough.

The Good Pizza
This Westchester pizzeria is under-the-radar, proudly claiming their Naples heritage and authentic pies.

Bollini's Pizzeria Napolitana
A woodfire oven and recipes passed down through the Bollini family.

Zucca Ristorante
High end Neapolitan uses Caputo flour, handmade flor di latte fresh mozarella made by hand, San Marzano tomatoes, and local spring water.

Naples Ristorante & Pizzeria
This Downtown Disney upscale Italian uses water "with the same mineral content" as that found in Naples.

Bottega Louie
Crisp rustic crust covered sparsely with patches of mozzarella, light sauce, and fresh chopped basil.

Rush Street
Culver City's pizza party restaurant promises real Neapolitan every Tuesday this summer in their brick oven.

Da Pasquale Restaurant
Chef Pasquale hails from Naples and brings with him a delightful thin crust pizza that is Beverly Hill's best example of Neapolitan.

Riva
It hasn't taken long for Santa Monica to recognize the talent in Jason Travi's thin-crust wood-fired Neapolitan pies whose bottoms get a little burned like we like it.

Madeo's
Paper-thin and sporting more whole leaves of fresh basil than it does its delicious sauce and cheese.

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10 Comments - Add yours

  • I went to Pitfire Pizza, it was good, but their ingredients are not great. I asked where they got their mozz, to which the manager replied "it comes off some truck." I'd like the place better if they put more care into the entire pie. They've got the ovens, they might as well try harder. Antica is good, but not incredible, the same with Riva (although I'd rank Antica above Riva) I have yet to try Ortica, but from the photos it looks like a worthwhile trip South.

    By Danny Cohen on 07/21/2009 at 12:21 PM

  • FWIW since you are getting your feet wet, listing Disney restaurants as part of Los Angeles is not going to fly either. Also, Naples Ristorante and Pizzeria doesn't serve anything resembling Naples style pizza, at least when I've been there. Just because it says Naples in the name doesn't mean it's authentic. It's in Disneyland for christ sake!

    By bill on 07/15/2009 at 11:41 AM

  • BTW also had Bottega Louie this weekend . . . yuck! It might have been the blandest margherita pizza I've ever had. If you grew up, live, and eat here then why list Ortica as an LA eatery. Also, is Mozza and Terroni not Neopolitan? These two should be on any pizza list for LA. Are you avoiding them so that you can have the one list that doesn't list them or have you been under a rock for the last 2 years?

    By bill on 07/15/2009 at 11:36 AM

  • Yes, I have actually been to Antica a few times. I am not saying whether or not it's my favorite but they have certified Neapolitan. I do live in Los Angeles and grew up in Southern California, and have been eating in L.A. since I was a wee lad.

    By Hadley on 07/15/2009 at 10:50 AM

  • Umm, did you actually go to Antica Pizzeria? that place sucks and should be closed down. Also, pizzeria ortica is in Costa Mesa which the last time I checked is in Orange County, not Los Angeles. Do you live here or just connect the dots with internet searches?

    By bill on 07/15/2009 at 10:16 AM

  • Neapolitan pizza in LA? None! The only good (I go there often) imitation is Antica in MdR.

    By chichi on 07/15/2009 at 9:27 AM

  • Pitfire has amazing crust, great sauces and excellent pies. Their margherita is sublime, the burratta pie refreshing!

    By st8knyf on 07/15/2009 at 6:40 AM

  • What about Pitfire Pizza???

    By rally on 07/14/2009 at 5:58 PM

  • I think Antica has a very authentic Neopolitan pie. Bollini's, not so much.

    By mattatouille on 07/14/2009 at 10:12 AM

  • Yes, but Riva is going to stop serving pizza. And it's Travi, not Trevi.

    By thatgirl on 07/14/2009 at 10:11 AM

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