L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Walked in at about 5:30pm, and the restaurant was very much empty both inside and on the patio. We were immediately seated at a table that looks like it’s where the staff take their lunch breaks - a random wobbly table that looks nothing like the others and is smack dab in front of a loud squeaky door that leads to their pizza oven (see picture). We had the pleasure of listening to the door squeak open loudly and slam shut right next to us OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER. I also had a lovely view of stacked chairs stored under stairs, trash cans, and the area where employees keep their personal drinks (see picture).

Mind you, the patio is an open space with natural lighting and wooden tables and chairs, plants, etc. instead of being seated literally anywhere else, they crammed us into the employee’s lunch corner by the ovens and storage equipment. I felt so frustrated I wanted to cry. The restaurant was almost completely empty. It felt like we were being put in the corner to be punished for something. It was demeaning. I would have rather been politely turned away instead.

I decided not to engage about the horrible seating (though I know the hostess could tell we were unhappy) and instead just asked to be moved inside, thinking surely they would put us somewhere better. NOPE - we were seated in the bar area right next to a table with about 7 employees, some seeming to be management, some wait staff. A guy with rope for a belt was leading a very disorganized and loud huddle amidst the group shouting, talking over each other, laughing.

Since we were forced to be part of this huddle against our will, now I know that the restaurant is reserved for private events very soon and staff need to let the cooks know it’s gonna be “VIP treatment”. I guess we weren’t VIP enough to even get basic treatment, they have bigger fish to fry huh? I didn’t want to hear ANY of this. But since they insisted on huddling right next to us and talking loudly, over each other, I had no choice but to hear that instead of enjoy my meal.

One of the managers was laughing loudly while sharing drinks behind the bar with other staff (Yes, this really happened - woman with blue cowboy boots and a white linen shirt, tall man with a blue dress shirt, brown cocktail in a tall thin glass, with a straw). She knew she was loud too - belted out a laugh and covered her mouth with her hand like “oh that was loud,” then laughed again the same way. Basically, The management were playing around in the middle of the restaurant with their wait staff. Unprofessional behavior all around. But they don’t care - only the VIPs matter.

Honestly, it felt like watching an episode of Undercover Boss, where you see footage of how poorly restaurant staff behave when they think nobody is looking.

My boyfriend and I came here after an exhausting day at work, wanting to unwind and enjoy a meal together. We left this restaurant feeling 10 times worse than when we entered it. It was harder eating here than spending 9+ hours at work. Hunching over a computer keyboard with a salad is a better experience than spending $80 to feel demeaned and disrespected. We were planning to get more dishes but couldn’t stand the environment they put us in. Couldn’t get out the door fast enough.

This is a great place to hang out if you want to be treated like you’re getting a free meal at a soup kitchen. Actually no - I feel the staff at soup kitchens treat their customers with more dignity than this.

What a miserable experience. Why wouldn’t VIPs go somewhere else? LA is full of places to eat. Is everyone that hard up for an overpriced pizza in a hot greenhouse? I’m not. And I will always remember how we were treated here - when I go eat a better pizza at a better price somewhere that doesn’t seat me in a broom closet.

Please do not give me any excuses about reservations either. The place was empty when we got there and it was 70% empty when we left.

There was just a single positive - the bartender who served us at the table was very...

The majority of the expirience at Da Michele was fantastic – however, it is obvious that the staff on the floor could use some polishing so that the service quality matches the quality of the food.

Food: My party ordered a margherita pizza, spaghetti pomodoro and a few beers – Lagunitas IPA. The pizza was perfection. Bright and flavorful sauce combined with crust that is to dream about. I will be thinking about this pizza for a long time, and I will compare all other Neapolitan style pizza to this one. It really set the bar – and I try pizza everywhere I go. If you are partial to this style of pizza, this is a MUST try. If you are not familiar with this style of pizza, this is where you should try Neapolitan pizza for the first time – you will not be disappointed. Similarly, the spaghetti was incredible. The ingredients were so incredibly fresh – you would swear they picked the tomatoes from a sunny garden immediately before preparation. The pasta was thick and amazingly al dente. Many restaurants cannot find this balance in their pastas and are traditionally overcooked and overly soft. I cannot recommend this simple dish enough. It is absolutely perfect, and I cannot wait to try it again. The wine list is great – with options to support all flavor pallets and price points. The draft beer list is short, but equally well balanced for different preferences.

Ambiance: The restaurant is in a converted home in Hollywood. It is warm, inviting, buzzy, and hip. Most of the tables are spread over several courtyards – it gives you a real indoor-outdoor dining experience. I felt like I was at an energetic dinner party in someone’s beautifully decorated home. I really enjoyed this warm, casual and sheik space.

Service: This was the only miss of the night. We had a reservation from Open Table, and we were seated right away. A hostess seated us at a table that still had the previous diners’ plates and used napkins. Another hostess noticed and asked us to move to another area of the restaurant, so we could have a clean table. From the time we sat at the second table, we waited 27 minutes for our server to take our order. Once he took our drink and food order, the food arrived promptly and fresh. No one checked on us even though our beers were empty before the food arrived. After we had eaten everything, we sat for another 25 minutes before I went to the hostess stand to ask for the check. It was another 17 minutes before our server arrived with the check. It was disappointing to wait 45 minutes with no beverage, no offer of dessert, no water refills and no attention. This restaurant could have easily doubled or tripled the amount we spent had we been offered more beers, wine, or desserts. The lack of service directly impacted the amount we spent which was unfortunate because we were really enjoying the food and the atmosphere.

Overall I will be going back to Da Michele and would absolutely recommend it to my friends, family and coworkers. This is an awesome gem of a space with mouthwatering food you will talk about for months to come. I am hoping that the service is better our next go round – especially since this restaurant has only just opened recently. If the staff can rise to the level of the food – this will become somewhere you will find me several...

L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a culinary gem that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Naples. Nestled in the heart of the city, this renowned pizzeria effortlessly captures the essence of authentic Italian cuisine, making it an absolute must-visit for food enthusiasts.

From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting ambiance creates an atmosphere that is both cozy and lively. The staff, with their genuine Italian hospitality, greets you with a smile and ensures that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the pizza! L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele's pizzas are a true work of art. Each pie is crafted with love and passion, using only the finest ingredients sourced from both local and Italian suppliers. The dough, airy and perfectly charred, creates a delicate balance between chewiness and crispness. Topped with the freshest tomato sauce and carefully selected toppings, every bite is a burst of flavors that will transport your taste buds to new heights.

The menu is simple yet diverse, offering a selection of classic Neapolitan pizzas that cater to all preferences. Whether you're a fan of the traditional Margherita, adorned with fresh basil and mozzarella, or prefer the robust flavors of the Diavola, topped with spicy salami and chili, there is something for everyone. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring that no one is left behind in this pizza paradise.

Beyond the exceptional pizza, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele also offers a range of appetizers and desserts that are equally impressive. The arancini, golden and crispy, and the creamy burrata with sun-ripened tomatoes are just a few examples of the culinary delights that await you. And don't even get me started on the indulgent tiramisu—it's a heavenly delight that will leave you craving for more.

The service at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele is top-notch. The staff is knowledgeable, passionate, and always ready to offer suggestions and recommendations. The wait times can be a bit long, especially during peak hours, but trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it. Besides, it gives you the opportunity to soak in the buzzing atmosphere and enjoy the lively conversations around you.

In terms of value, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable considering the exceptional quality of the food and the overall dining experience. It's a testament to the restaurant's commitment to providing an authentic taste of Naples without compromising on quality.

In conclusion, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a true culinary gem that captures the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. From the warm ambiance to the mouthwatering pizzas and attentive service, every aspect of the dining experience is meticulously crafted. Whether it's a casual dinner with friends or a special occasion, this restaurant will leave an indelible impression on your palate and create memories that will last a lifetime. Without a doubt, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele deserves its reputation as one of the best...