L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Walking into L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Hollywood feels like stepping into a sprawling hillside estate rather than a pizzeria. The spacious brick courtyard houses a wood-fired oven that turns out some of the most celebrated pies in Los Angeles—a far cry from the humble three-pizza menu that made the original Naples location famous over 150 years ago.

The star attraction here is undoubtedly the pizza. These Neapolitan beauties emerge from an 800-degree oven with gorgeously charred, blistered crusts that practically dissolve after a couple of bites. The margherita is the essential order—a masterful balance of sharp pecorino, squeaky fior di latte, and the thinnest veil of tangy marinara that lets those signature air bubbles peek through. The bianca offers a richer alternative, trading tomato sauce for an extra dose of creamy mozzarella.

This isn’t a casual slice joint where you can roll in after a pickup basketball game. Valet parking is the only option, and the crowd skews toward the Hollywood set discussing industry business over bottles of wine. The menu has expanded well beyond pizza to include pastas and appetizers, though these additions don’t quite match the magic happening in that wood-fired oven. Stick to what they do best.

For a memorable date night where the pizza is genuinely worth the splurge, L’Antica delivers. Just remember: you’re here for those impossibly thin, beautifully charred pies. Order one (or two) margheritas, maybe a bianca to share, and leave the rest of the menu for another restaurant.