DeSano Pizza Bakery

Walk into DeSano Pizza Bakery on Santa Monica Boulevard and you’ll immediately notice the sprawling space that feels more like a beloved neighborhood hangout than a typical LA eatery. The massive back dining area features long communal tables, stacks of imported Italian ingredients on display, and four wood-fired ovens that serve as the heart of the operation. This isn’t a place trying to be trendy—it’s unapologetically old-school Italian in all the best ways.

The pizza here is the real deal. Everything from the San Marzano tomatoes to the flour for the dough gets shipped directly from Italy, and you can taste the difference in every bite. The signature DeSano pie with its sausage, pepperoni, and pecorino is a crowd favorite, but the Bianca—loaded with four different cheeses—gives serious competition. Don’t overlook the Vesuvio calzone either; stuffed with cured meats and garlic, it works brilliantly as a shared appetizer or a meal all on its own.

What makes DeSano special goes beyond the food. This is the kind of spot where Italian regulars gather to passionately watch soccer matches, where you can swing by after work for a quick pie or bring a crowd of fifteen for a birthday celebration without breaking the bank. The counter-service format keeps things casual and efficient, making it equally suited for takeout nights on the couch or lively dinners with friends.

For anyone craving authentic Neapolitan pizza without the reservation hassles and price tags of LA’s more famous Italian spots, DeSano delivers exactly what you need. It’s unpretentious, consistently delicious, and the kind of neighborhood gem that reminds you good pizza doesn’t have to be complicated.