Ronan

Tucked into a parking lot on Melrose near West Hollywood, Ronan doesn’t scream for attention. The space is comfortable but unassuming—a few booths, a communal table, and a candlelit patio that sets a warm, inviting mood. What sets this spot apart isn’t flashy décor; it’s the effortless way everything comes together once the food starts arriving.

The kitchen turns out Neapolitan-style pizzas with beautifully blistered crusts and perfectly balanced toppings. Start with the burrata swimming in basil oil and studded with pine nuts, then work your way to a margherita pie that showcases how well the fundamentals are executed. For something a little more indulgent, the Sweet Cheeks brings honey, ricotta, and guanciale together in unexpectedly delicious harmony. A thick slab of wood-fired focaccia is practically mandatory—it doubles as the best edible napkin you’ll ever use.

Service here feels genuinely friendly without veering into formality, making it the kind of place where you can show up in jeans and a t-shirt and still feel like you’re being taken care of. Whether you’re planning a candlelit date, catching up with old friends, or treating the folks to a relaxed dinner, Ronan fits the occasion without requiring any fuss.

This is neighborhood restaurant dining at its best: consistently excellent food, easygoing atmosphere, and no need to plan weeks ahead or stress about the bill. It’s the sort of place worth driving across town for, even though it doesn’t demand anything fancy in return.