There are other stores within range of the MdR neighborhood that list NY as their style (Fat Tomato) or even in their name (Johnnie's), but so far as I'm aware, Angel City is the only actual NY style pizza in range (Loyola maybe just). At least they aggressively claim to be NY style, actually "Brooklyn", with NY stuff on the walls and on the shirt of the owner. I'm excluding all the gourmet-authentic-artisan-wood fired places, not my style, and not NY anyway.
And NY isn't my style either, I prefer a more substantial pizza, with a goodly layer of cheese and sauce, and a soft, chewy crust ring, which happens to describe Johnnie's and FT, my two favorite local shops. But every now and then I like a NY as a change of pace, and it's certainly easier on the tummy. With that in mind, let's see what we have here.
As you can see by the picture, it doesn't really look the type, especially on the left, where the crust ring is puffy and soft, with only a little crunch (caveat below). The cheese and sauce are rather heavy, comparable to a standard conventional oven parlor type. But the crust is definitely NY thin at the point, too thin, there is a pronounced flop. In fact, the picture was the second attempt, the first slice tore in half and jettisoned its cheese. You can imagine what Evil Corp tube's DP would have to say about that, it wouldn't be nice. You might compare his review of Di Fara in Brooklyn, this pizza does not resemble that at all.
It's neither fish nor fowl, and in that regard, it reminds me of Mario's up in Culver City, which was lighter on the cheese and sauce, but had a similar crust ring and flavor. So how the heck to rate this? On a NY scale, a 3, to be kind? On a standard parlor scale, maybe a 4, but it was rather oily on parts of the top, and the interior crust was thinner than I would expect (or like) from that type. I should also say there were too many mushrooms with too much stem, but a NY fanatic would probably murder me for putting mushrooms on it in the first place.
On the other hand, it ate well, I liked the crust ring, soft with a little crisp works for me. The sauce was tomato bright, rather like Mario's. The cheese was kind of odd, a bit chewy, kind of like Lenzini's on Culver. Parts tasted of sharp cheese, but that's okay with me. I mopped up the oil, removed some mushrooms and stems, and enjoyed eating it. So I think I'll go 4, but if there was the option, 3.5.
It's not like there's some kind of analogue to the German beer purity laws that define what a NY (or a Brooklyn) must be, and this guy is from NY, so arguably it must be. But there is a general consensus online, and this doesn't really fit. For good or ill, the one-bite dude (no one knows his rules), sets the stage, east cost parlors have been mobbed on a positive rating from him. I assume he would probably see this as not crispy enough, with too much sauce and cheese (and the flop). I'm not saying this should look like a New Haven, all burnt up, but I think you have to ask for a crispy crust ring, it should hold the point for the fold, and the interior crust should have some crunch to it.
Here's the caveat, DP likes Prince Street, and that looks a lot like this pizza, it even drooped in his video, with cheese sliding off. So NY (or Boston) gurus can't agree with their own criteria. I've dismissed Prince Street, as it's not the kind of NY I want, and it's out of range. But if DP says that's NY, why wouldn't this be? He gave that a 3.75 (halved). He does allow for a NY flop, sometimes, but usually such pizzas don't rate above the 7's.
The price is not something anyone paying MdR rents will complain about, and I'm not taking that into account in the rating.
Access is easy, right up Venice, plenty of parking in the rear, and a back door entrance. You can't turn left, but Beethoven to Washington will get you back to MdR easy enough. This might be a bit out of range for the endless Playa...
Read moreI am beyond thrilled to write this raving review for our local pizza shop! As someone who moved from New Jersey/New York to LA, I know how hard it can be to find a good pizza joint, but this place has absolutely nailed it. The fact that the owner is from New York explains why their pizza is truly authentic and reminiscent of the perfect NYC-style pie.
Let's talk about the crust - it's outstanding! Thin, crispy, and never soggy. It's exactly how a true New York pizza should be, and this place has mastered the art. And oh, the red sauce! It's simply out of this world with the perfect blend of seasoning. The combination of the perfect crust and the incredible sauce makes every bite an absolute delight.
I must mention the exceptional customer service too. The owner went above and beyond by opening a little earlier to accommodate my large order for my son's birthday. That kind of thoughtfulness is heartwarming. The mouthwatering margarita pie – is a true standout!
The location is also a big plus. It's a fantastic addition to the Mar Vista neighborhood, and the atmosphere is so low-key and family-friendly. It's the perfect spot for gatherings with loved ones or to grab a quick slice to go. Everything I have tried is fantastic and the prices are reasonable.
Honestly, this local pizza shop has won over my heart, and it has easily become my go-to pizza spot - and it's not hard to understand why! With their impeccable NYC-style pizza, top-notch service, and warm family atmosphere, it's no surprise that this pizza joint has become a beloved gem in LA. I want to give a big shoutout to the owner and the team for delivering such a fantastic pizza...
Read moreAs a Queens native raised on NY pizza, I'm always skeptical of LA pizzerias. But Angel City Pizza? They stole a slice of my heart (and stomach) with their Brooklyn-style pies.
Let's start with the wings. Their honey garlic cilantro wings are a revelation. The sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze is addictive, and forget the ranch or blue cheese - you won't need it. The parmesan wings were classic and delicious too, with a perfectly crispy skin and generous parmesan coating.
Next up, the cheesy goodness. We tried the garlic knots pizza, which is basically a dream come true. Pillowy soft garlic knots as the crust, topped with cups of pepperoni and extra cheese? Divine. But my absolute favorite was the tie-dye pizza. Imagine a masterpiece with swirls of house-made vodka sauce, pesto, and marinara, all on a perfectly thin crust. Each bite was an explosion of flavor - tangy, creamy, and bursting with fresh herbs. A true work of art!
To finish it off, we couldn't resist their cannoli. Crispy shell, creamy ricotta filling, and just the right amount of sweetness - it was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal.
If you're looking for a taste of Brooklyn in Venice, look no further than Angel City Pizza. They understand the magic of a good pie, and their dedication to fresh ingredients and bold flavors shines through. They're a welcome addition to the LA...
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