More: Pizza Rises in the West
Antica Pizzeria This is the real deal: authentic Neapolitan pizza that sticks strictly to tradition (don’t let the mall location fool you).
Try: The Pizza del Carcerato, or Prisoner, a Margherita with ricotta cheese hidden in the crust. $; 13455 Maxella Ave., Marina del Rey; 310/577-8182. –Katie Tamony
Pizzeria Mozza The fennel sausage is made in-house; the oregano is dried whole-branch from Sicily. But the real secret ingredient is Nancy Silverton, who has created the perfect pizza crust.
Try: Goat cheese, leeks, scallions, and bacon.
Tip: Hit Mozza 2 Go (6610 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; 323/297-1130), which opened in summer ’09. $$; 641 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles; 323/297-0101. –Chris Ryan
Tomato Pie It’s an East Coast– style pizza joint in Silver Lake, where you can buy a premium-quality slice and a soda forless than $5. The crust is crispy-chewy superb.
Try: The Grandma, a version of the classic Margherita, with tomatoes crushed by hand and pecorino romano on the rim. $; 2457 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles; 323/661-6474. –K.T.