The elimination of outdoor dining has crippled many local businesses, but fortunately, you can still help them survive these unprecedented times! If you live in or around Sherman Oaks, there are numerous great local pizzerias to order from, whether you’re craving deep dish, thin crust, or crazy toppings! So give your cooking talents the night off, and order a great pie or two from one of these fine establishments (in no particular order)
1. MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company
MidiCi has been making delicious pizzas for 5 years, featuring chewy, crisp dough and all-natural ingredients. Authentic Neapolitan Pizza is the name of the game here, with pies baked to perfection in 90 seconds. The dough is divine, crafted with just four ingredients: non-GMO double zero flour, water, sea salt, and live yeast. Fans of this joint love “The Devil’s,” which is made with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, housemade spicy sausage, spicy Italian salami, and red chilies. Other notable pies include the White(Bianca), Truffle, and The Forest (a veggie-lovers dream). Also of note, they do offer gluten-free and vegan options, and their dessert menu includes a signature nutella calzone that is potentially life-changing.
2. Antonio’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
Antonio’s has the distinction of being one of the oldest restaurants in the San Fernando Valley (established in 1957). They offer mom-and-pop family-style cooking, with large portions that deliver a taste of Italy. In addition to the standard pies, they carry several speciality pizzas, such as the David Rossa Pizza (chicken, bacon, onion, and the famous rossa sauce), Spicy Margarita, and BBQ Chicken. Antonio’s is a great choice if you crave more with your pizza, such as a tantalizing pasta, chicken, or veal dish. Last but not least, their dessert menu has something for everyone: cannolis, chocolate truffle cheesecake, limoncello cake, and sorbet!
Antonio’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
3. Gino’s East of Chicago
Though Gino’s East is new to Los Angeles, it hails from the mecca of authentic deep dish pizza: Chicago. These substantial pies are mouth-watering, to say the least. Homegrown and fresh ingredients abound, with tomatoes grown in California, dough made from scratch daily, sausage made with high-quality meats in Chicago, and fresh cheese. The menu features off-the-beaten-path hits like Burger and Fries pizza (ground beef, chopped onions, tomato slices, dill pickle chips, shredded lettuce, french fries, thousand island dressing), Chicago Fire (hot and spicy sausage, fire-roasted red peppers, red onions), and Buffalo Chicken (buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, chopped red onion, crispy buffalo chicken, celery and carrot relish). Every pizza is also available as thin crust if you aren’t yet ready to take the deep dive.
4. Ove Pizzeria
Technically Ove Pizzeria is situated in Studio City, but their pizza and other food offerings are simply too good not to make this list! Two short years ago this beloved pizzeria went through a menu overhaul, introducing unique flavors never before seen in its 15-year history. The result? A wide selection of delectable pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and calzones to satisfy even the hangriest of customers. Ove delivers specialty pizzas galore, including Mexican (chorizo and cilantro included!), BBQ Shrimp, and Pesto Chicken. Plus, like any great pizzeria in the City of Angels, they offer delicious vegan and gluten-free pizzas!
5. Leaning Tower Pizza & Pasta
Leaning Tower Pizza is not only a great pizzeria with delicious pies, but they are also on the front lines, fighting against 3rd party websites! In fact, this issue is so important to them, they are offering to mow customers lawns in exchange for not using 3rd party applications and websites. Notable pizzas on the menu include the Tex Mex, Spinach Alfredo Chicken, Philly Cheesesteak, and the Buffalo Chicken & Ranch Pizza. Be sure to also explore their calzones, hot wings, and sandwiches!
6. Napoli’s Pizza Kitchen
For over 10 years the folks at Napoli’s Pizza Kitchen have fed the people of Sherman Oaks and its surrounding cities. In 2014, they were chosen by then-host Ellen Degeneres as the pizza served at the Academy Awards. There are plenty of great pizzas on the menu here, including Brussels Sprouts, Lamb Sausage, and Basturma, among others. Plus, Napoli’s was delivering wine and beer before it was the Covid cool thing to do. So whether you’re hankering for a classic pizza, a tasty pasta, or a delicious sandwich, Napoli’s has a little something for everyone.
7. Marco’s Pizza
Like Gino’s East, Marco’s Pizza did not get its start here in the Golden State. Instead, it was founded in Oregon, Ohio (Yes, a city named Oregon) in 1978. They pride themselves on doing things the Italian way, with authentic quality time and time again. One fun twist on regular pies, Marco’s offers pizza bowls — essentially crustless pizza with all the yummy toppings. Additionally, they offer subs, salads, and an extremely appealing dessert they call a cinnasquare, topped with cinnamon, sugar, and a side of vanilla icing.
Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
