De La Nonna

Step through the front gate at De La Nonna and you’ll immediately understand why this Arts District gem has become a neighborhood favorite. The string-lit patio buzzes with energy—groups of friends sharing laughs, glasses clinking, and the irresistible aroma of pepperoni wafting through the air. A DJ spins house tracks in the corner while buttery Sicilian-style pizzas take center stage at every table. This is the kind of place where reservations are optional and showing up with a few extra friends is never a problem.

The rectangular, focaccia-style pies here strike the perfect balance between substantial and light. Each slice features a soft center with delightfully crispy edges that practically beg you to keep eating. The White Pie stands out as a must-order, piled high with roasted fennel, pools of pesto, and creamy mozzarella. For something more adventurous, the Market Pie delivers a rotating selection of seasonal ingredients over garlicky white sauce. And if you’re a pepperoni purist, prepare yourself for perfectly cupped, crispy pepperoni finished with a generous drizzle of hot honey.

On weekends, the dining room transforms into an impromptu dance floor where guests groove between pizza rounds to bass-heavy beats. There’s no cover charge, the vibe is effortlessly cool, and the whole experience feels more like a backyard party than a restaurant. Plus, the Tuesday through Thursday “Nonna Pack” special—two pizzas, a Caesar salad, and a bottle of wine for $75—makes feeding a crowd remarkably easy on the wallet.

De La Nonna proves that a great night out doesn’t require weeks of planning or impossible reservations. Whether your dinner companions show up on time or stroll in fashionably late with unexpected plus-ones in tow, this place rolls with it. It’s the antidote to LA’s often-intimidating dining scene—just good pizza, good music, and a guaranteed good time.