Pacific Palisades' Best Pizza

Where does a neighborhood go for pizza when the sun drops over the Palisades and the ocean air smells like salt and jacaranda? Usually, it’s a toss-up between a beachside patio and a counter-slice joint, but this stretch of Sunset Boulevard holds its own.

These spots swing from white-tablecloth seafood towers to a no-nonsense fold-and-go slice, and one proof point is the garlic knot that disappears before the pizza arrives. So, here’s the local rundown, straight from the strip.

Spruzzo Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Garlic fries are crispy
Great happy hour prices
Delicious calamari appetizer
Lovely sunset views
Nice Italian family atmosphere

Spruzzo Restaurant & Bar sits right along the Pacific Coast Highway, and the view alone is worth the drive. I stopped in during the golden hour, and the sunset painted the entire dining room in shades of orange and pink. The garlic fries are genuinely crispy, each bite delivering a satisfying crunch with a punch of garlic that lingers just enough. The calamari appetizer is tender, lightly battered, and served with a marinara that has a pleasant brightness. Happy hour here is a steal; the drink specials are generous, and the small plates are easy to share. The atmosphere feels like a large Italian family gathering, with laughter bouncing off the walls and servers who treat you like a cousin. It is casual, lively, and exactly what you want for a relaxed evening by the sea.

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Vittorio’s at Canyon Square

Highlights
Sauce worth savoring
Speedy, friendly service
Garlic knots steal show
Chicken sandwich with salad

Vittorio’s at Canyon Square is a charming contradiction: the space feels old-school, but the energy is thoroughly modern. I ordered the chicken sandwich with a side salad, and the chicken was juicy, the bun toasted just right, and the salad dressed with a light, zesty vinaigrette. But the real star is the garlic knots; they arrive warm, glossy with butter, and dusted with parsley and Parmesan. The sauce, however, deserves its own paragraph. It is rich, slow-simmered, and has a depth that makes you want to ask for a bread basket just to mop up every last drop. Service is speedy and friendly, and even though it was busy, I never felt rushed. This is the kind of neighborhood spot you hope exists everywhere but only seems to exist here.

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All'antico Vinaio

Highlights
Sandwich quality
Delivery pickup
Wait times
Staff effort
BYO lunch idea

All’antico Vinaio, though known for its sandwiches, deserves a mention in any pizza discussion for its dedication to quality ingredients. The line can be daunting, but the wait is part of the experience. The staff moves with a practiced urgency, assembling each sandwich with care, and the bread is the hero: crisp on the outside, chewy within. I recommend the genuine Italian option; the salami is sharp, the pecorino is nutty, and the touch of hot honey adds a sweet kick. Pickup is efficient, and the staff is helpful if you have questions. It is not a sit-down experience, so plan to take your sandwich to the beach or a nearby bench. Simply put, this is a lunch worth braving the queue for.

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Caffé Delfini

Highlights
Landmark West LA Italian staple
Attentive gluten-free accommodation
Friendly, kind service staff
Delicious pastas and salads
Welcoming neighborhood atmosphere

Caffé Delfini is a true landmark in West LA, and it has earned its reputation. The dining room feels like a warm embrace, with old-world charm and a quiet buzz. The staff is genuinely kind and accommodating; I watched them carefully navigate a gluten-free request with a smile and no fuss. The menu is a mix of pastas and salads, all executed with a light hand. The spaghetti pomodoro is simple but perfect, and the caprese salad is a study in freshness. It is the kind of place where the servers remember your name and your usual order. There is a reason it has stood the test of time; it is reliable, comforting, and thoroughly Italian in spirit. A neighborhood staple that feels like home.

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Palisades Garden Cafe

Highlights
Decades of community resilience
Hearty portions, casual comfort
Fresh, crispy onion rings
Juicy Wagyu burger standout
Comfy outdoor seating vibe

Palisades Garden Cafe is a different animal, but it holds its own in this list. It has been around for ages, and you can feel the history in the walls. The portions are hearty, the kind that leave you with a box to take home. The onion rings are a standout: golden, crispy, and not greasy. But the real surprise is the Wagyu burger, a juicy, beefy patty cooked exactly as requested and served on a soft bun. The outdoor seating is comfortable, and the vibe is casual and welcoming. It is not a pizza place, but if you are looking for a solid, familiar meal with a side of nostalgia, this is your spot. It has weathered decades because it delivers, plain and simple.

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Orto Santa Monica

Highlights
Exceptional, personalized service
Dairy-free options handled perfectly
Tableside truffle pasta spectacle
Romantic, cozy atmosphere
Authentic Italian flavors

Orto Santa Monica is an experience, and I mean that in the best way. The staff is exceptional, anticipating needs before you even ask. The dairy-free options are handled with an attention that is rare; my guest, who is lactose intolerant, felt completely taken care of. The pasta is spectacular, especially the truffle pasta, which is prepared tableside in a giant cheese wheel. The theatrics are fun, but the flavor is the real payoff; the pasta is tossed in a creamy, earthy sauce that is rich without being heavy. The atmosphere is romantic, with soft lighting and intimate tables. It is perfect for a special occasion or a date night that feels extra. Yes, it is a splurge, but it is worth it.

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Porta Via Pacific Palisades

Highlights
Impeccable service and elegant ambiance
Fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection
Delicious seafood and quality steaks
Memorable desserts and garden-fresh tea

Porta Via Pacific Palisades is where I go when I want to feel polished. The service is impeccable, attentive without being intrusive. The ingredients are clearly fresh, and the kitchen does not miss a detail. The seafood is cooked with precision; I had the branzino, and it was flaky and delicate, with a lemon butter sauce that was elegant. The steaks are also excellent, cooked to a perfect medium-rare. Do not skip dessert; the tiramisu is light and boozy, and the tea service is a lovely touch. The ambiance is refined but not stuffy, and the patio is a lovely place to while away an afternoon. It is a bit formal, but that is the charm. A place to celebrate, to impress, and to indulge.

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Pazzo Pizzeria

Highlights
Polite phone service
Generous two-slice special
Tasty, satisfying pies
Kind, welcoming owner

Pazzo Pizzeria is a neighborhood gem, and the owner is as welcoming as they come. I called ahead to ask about the two-slice special, and the gentleman on the phone was polite and patient, even with my many questions. The slices are generous, each one folded in that classic New York style. The crust is crisp at the edges and chewy in the center, and the sauce has a nice tang. I tried a pepperoni slice and a margherita, and both were satisfying. The special is a great deal, perfect for a quick lunch. The vibe is unpretentious and friendly, and you can tell there are regulars who come back every week. It is not fancy, but it does not need to be. Sometimes simple is best.

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UOVO Santa Monica

Highlights
Pasta bar perfection
Cheese wheel cacio e pepe
Open kitchen theater
Friendly, knowledgeable servers
Worth the drive

UOVO Santa Monica is worth the drive, and I mean that sincerely. Located in a stunning setting, the restaurant is an all-day affair, but the pizza is the star. The dough is blistered and chewy, with a satisfying char. The pasta bar is fun to watch; you can see your pasta being made fresh in front of you. The cacio e pepe is a must: creamy, peppery, and elegantly simple. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, happy to explain the menu and make recommendations. The space is bright and airy, with an open kitchen that adds energy. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, you leave impressed. It is a destination, not just a meal.

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Lamonica's NY Pizza

Highlights
Authentic New York vibe
Generous, quality ingredients
Perfectly crisp-chewy dough
Friendly, efficient staff
Worth the price tag

Lamonica’s NY Pizza transports you to Brooklyn, if only for the length of a meal. The dough is the real deal: crisp on the outside, with a perfect chew. The toppings are generous and fresh; I had the classic pepperoni, and it was loaded. The sauce is well-balanced, not too sweet, not too tangy. The service is efficient and friendly, and the staff moves with a rhythm that speaks to experience. Prices are fair, especially given the size of the slices. It is a no-nonsense place, but that is precisely what you want from a New York slice. I left full and happy, already planning my next visit to try the white pizza. Simple, honest, and satisfying.

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Bruno's Italian Restaurant

Highlights
Authentic Italian classics done well
Fast, kind, attentive service
Generous portions at fair prices
Fresh bread served with meals

Bruno’s Italian Restaurant is a throwback in the best possible way. The dining room is all red checkered tablecloths and soft lighting, and the waiters are fast, kind, and attentive without hovering. I started with the fresh bread, which is delivered warm and crusty, perfect for dipping into the olive oil that arrives with a sprinkle of herbs. The pasta dishes are classic, done properly: al dente, saucy, and seasoned with a confident hand. Portions are generous, and the prices are fair, especially given the quality. It feels like stepping into a family kitchen that has been perfecting these recipes for decades. Nothing pretentious, nothing overthought, just honest Italian cooking that leaves you satisfied and already planning your next visit.

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Ugo Trattoria

Highlights
Warm, inviting dining room
Fresh, handmade pasta shines
Friendly, fast lunch service
Fair prices for area
Convenient Santa Monica strip spot

Ugo Trattoria sits in a convenient strip in Santa Monica, and it is easy to walk past, but do not make that mistake. The dining room is warm and inviting, with exposed wood and soft lighting that makes you want to linger. The menu focuses on handmade pasta, and the effort shows; the tagliatelle is silky, and the ravioli are delicate pillows of flavor. Lunch service is friendly and fast, which is a godsend if you are on a short break. Prices are fair for the area, and the wine list is thoughtful. I left feeling like I had found a secret, a place that delivers comfort without the pretension. It is a reliable, cozy choice for a midday pause or a relaxed dinner, and I suspect it will become a regular haunt for me.

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