Ghisallo — Restaurant in Santa Monica

Ocean park deserves Ghisallo. First time stepping into ghisallo was when I was walking down ocean park with a coffee in hand on March 28, 2023. What drew me in was the flagrant aroma of fresh pizza dough and the pizza oven, you can smell it from a far distance. Upon entering you’ll be able to see the preparation of pizza dough to the arming of the pizza and finally the placement of the pizza into the pizza oven. I always go with the Margherita pizza to check whether a Neapolitan pizza is decent, good, or great. Why you may ask… because you can really taste the freshness of the ingredients, such as the basil, tomato sauce, and dough, after all it is a staple. I was seated at the back patio, which is chefs kiss. A calm seating area during the early afternoon and in the evening it is lit with lights, furthermore more seating is present outdoors on ocean park Blvd. Once the server placed our pizza on the table, I did not hesitate to take a picture right away, it looked great. The Margherita was made properly, all ingredients stood out. I also ordered the NY style slice to give it a try, was not the best since it lacked flavor imo, I prefer the Neapolitan style pizza. Would I recommend this place? Yes, took some friends here, who prefer Ny pizza over Neapolitan style pizza, but they really liked the pizza, they will be returning. If you had read this far, try their bbq ribs, they are giant and tasty, definitely a sleeper item. I will be returning to Ghisallo to their other tasty Neapolitan style pizzas and sandwiches. Definitely recommend to give it a go, it’s suitable for friends, family, or with a...

I’m gonna say it, Santa Monica is kind of a food desert when it comes to authentic tic dining. I think it’s the pier and that whole touristy ocean area that taints it. Of course there are plenty of great finds, but so much hype. This is not that.

This place is on an island of amazing g eateries, what we’ve coined “Bread Street” bc it has the best bakery and bagel shop all seemingly connected, right next door.

For Ghisallo that means crust with elevated quality like what you’d get at a Michelin 3 star pizzeria in Tokyo.

When you go out to eat you just want a change of pace, but sometimes you’re blown away and this place did that. I can’t wait to delve into the menu, but I’m still stuck on this pizza, it’s so damn good.

We aren’t pizza snobs, not shouty about pizza standards like NY, and after moving to SM we had kinda given up on this side of the 405 having actually good pizza.

There’s gimmicky spots like Great White in Venice that are super crowded and… just alright. But this place kills it just by doing two kinds of pizza, Neapolitan and New York. Really smart for a pizza place in a country divided on what real pizza even is, yet heavily leans to NY.

And sure, it’s said that pizza is good pretty much anywhere you go. But this place does everything on another level.

The radicchio salad with the roasted walnuts, the Caesar with big anchovies, the fennel sausage and marinated onions, the crust on their pizza and the smells. So many details that are little flavor explosions all...

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure at Ghisallo—a recently discovered pizza and Italian treasure that has captivated my taste buds. Nestled in an area often frequented by yuppies, Ghisallo emerges as a beacon of authenticity, offering a truly unique experience that defies expectations.

Stepping into Ghisallo might raise a few eyebrows, especially if you're seeking a sit-down dining experience. The layout can be a bit perplexing, and the confusion might initially cloud your expectations. However, fear not, for beneath this initial uncertainty lies a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be savored.

For me, Ghisallo's allure lies in its takeout offerings. I've found that ordering takeout is my preferred approach, a choice that allows me to fully enjoy the top-notch quality of their food. The confusion I've encountered when stepping in to dine has not deterred me from indulging in their delectable creations. Each takeout order is a reminder of why Ghisallo has become a favorite, as the flavors remain consistently captivating.

The heart of Ghisallo truly lies in its culinary creations. The pizzas are a revelation, with crusts that strike the perfect balance between crisp and chewy, adorned with a harmonious symphony of fresh ingredients. And while the setup might be a bit puzzling, the focus on crafting exceptional dishes...