Pizzanista

When it comes to pizza by the slice in Los Angeles, few places inspire the kind of devotion that makes people drive across the entire city for a single piece. Pizzanista, tucked away on the southern edge of the Arts District, is exactly that kind of place. This compact storefront has built a cult following by doing one thing exceptionally well: crafting slices that rival anything you’d find in New York or Chicago.

The menu hits all the classics with remarkable precision. Their margherita delivers that perfect balance of tangy tomato, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, while the soppressata and mushroom combination offers a more adventurous bite with its salty, earthy flavors. But it’s the white pizza that truly steals the show—a rich, garlic-forward slice that proves tomato sauce isn’t always necessary for pizza perfection. Sunday visitors should plan their trip around the legendary mac and cheese pizza, a once-a-week indulgence that epitomizes comfort food creativity.

The experience here is decidedly casual—this isn’t the place for a lingering dinner date. Instead, Pizzanista excels as a grab-and-go destination perfect for solo diners looking for a quick but exceptional lunch, or anyone assembling a serious takeout spread. The no-frills atmosphere lets the pizza speak for itself, and speak it does.

If you find yourself anywhere near downtown LA with a pizza craving, Pizzanista should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re fueling up during an Arts District gallery crawl or making a special trip just for their slices, this is the kind of neighborhood gem that reminds you why simple food done right never goes out of style.