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Tomato Pie Pizza Joint
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Tomato Pie Pizza Joint
8.4
Since 2008, this Silver Lake spot brings authentic East Coast flavors to LA as the first pizzeria to serve Grandma Pie and Central New York staples like Chicken Riggies. Their five-hour Sunday sauce and crispy-yet-chewy NY-style slices deliver the fold-and-hold experience that transports diners to the streets of New York.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Pie, Tomato Pie, Chicken Riggies
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: LA's first Grandma Pie and authentic Central NY pizza traditions
Who should go: East Coast transplants craving authentic NY-style pizza
When to visit: Lunch for quick slices or dinner for full pies
What to order: Grandma Pie is a must-try; gluten-free options available
Insider tip: Their Sunday sauce takes five hours to make—taste the difference
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset Blvd and side streets - easier before 6pm, challenging during peak dinner hours. Small lot adjacent to restaurant with limited spaces
Dress code: Casual neighborhood spot - jeans and t-shirt perfectly fine, families and groups common
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly but gets energetic during dinner rush with families
Weekend wait: 20-30 min for tables during peak hours (6-8pm), counter seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins typically seated immediately, quick slice service at counter
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza options including Margherita, veggie-loaded pies, and pasta dishes with marinara
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara-based pizzas without cheese, request vegan-friendly options
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated gluten-free crust available for all pizzas, prepared with care to minimize cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid casual first date option if you both appreciate authentic pizza in a relaxed setting. The family-friendly vibe keeps it low-pressure, though it won't be romantic or quiet. Better for second/third dates when you want good food and easy conversation without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. It's first-come, first-served. Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) are your best bet for immediate seating. Weekend evenings expect 20-30 min waits, but you can grab slices at the counter while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - this is a family neighborhood staple. High chairs available, casual atmosphere where kids can be kids, and classic pizza options that appeal to all ages. Perfect for families with children of any age.
Do they deliver or have takeout? Yes to both - full menu available for takeout, and they partner with delivery services. Pizza travels well, though eating fresh in-house gives you the optimal crispy-chewy texture on NY-style slices.
How's the slice situation? Authentic NY-style by-the-slice service at the counter - order, pay, eat. Slices are reheated to order so they're hot and crispy. Perfect for quick lunch or casual solo dining. Full pies available if you're dining in with a group.
Best For
Better for: Authentic East Coast pizza experience - this is your spot if you're craving real NY-style fold-and-hold slices or want to try the rare Grandma Pie and Central NY specialties like Chicken Riggies. Better than most LA pizzerias for that specific regional authenticity and nostalgic East Coast flavors.
Skip if: You want Neapolitan-style pizza, upscale date-night ambiance, or California-creative pizza innovations. Also skip if you prefer quiet, intimate dining - the family-friendly energy here is part of the charm but won't suit romantic occasions.
Tomato Pie Pizza Joint
8.6
Former New Yorker Garrett Policastro brings authentic East Coast pizza to Silver Lake since 2008, specializing in crispy-yet-chewy NY-style slices and Central New York specialties like Grandma Pie. The five-hour Sunday sauce and high-protein flour create distinctly transportive pies that locals rave about.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Pizza, Joe P. Pizza, Tomato Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Authentic NY-style pizza with Central New York specialties unavailable elsewhere in LA
Who should go: East Coast transplants and slice-by-slice pizza purists
When to visit: Lunch for fresh pies, early dinner before crowds
What to order: Joe P with sausage and peppers, classic Grandma Pie, garlic knots
Insider tip: Parking lot is tight, arrive early or use street parking
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small dedicated lot with ~8 spaces, fills quickly. Street parking on Sunset Blvd and side streets - arrive 10 min early or use nearby public lot on Micheltorena
Dress code: Ultra casual - tank tops and flip flops are the norm. This is a slice joint
Noise level: Moderate to lively - counter service bustle but outdoor patio offers quieter seating
Weekend wait: 15-20 min for slices during peak (6-8pm), 25-35 min for whole pies
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min typical, walk right up to counter most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Margherita, Grandma Pie, Veggie Supreme, plus build-your-own options with quality ingredients
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza without cheese, but this is fundamentally a cheese-focused spot
Gluten-free options: No - the high-protein flour and NY-style technique are core to the product. Not the place for GF needs
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for casual early-stage dates where you want to keep it low-pressure. The outdoor patio has charm, prices won't stress anyone's budget, and the food is a conversation starter if you're both pizza people. Skip if you need quiet intimacy or want to impress with upscale ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's counter service with first-come seating. Grab your slices, snag a table (indoor or patio), and you're set. Weekday lunches and early dinners are easiest for seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - casual vibe means no stress about noise, slices come fast, garlic knots are kid crack, and outdoor seating lets them move around. Perfect for ages 3+ who can handle pizza. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Authentic NY-style slices and Central NY specialties like Grandma Pie that you won't find at Pizzana or Roberta's. Better price-to-quality ratio for East Coast nostalgia than most LA spots. Nails the crispy-chewy crust texture that trendy Neapolitan places can't replicate.
Skip if: You want Roman-style or Neapolitan pizza (go Pizzana or Apollonia's). Need full table service and wine pairings (this is counter service beer/soda). Want LA-style innovation over East Coast tradition. Have celiac disease or serious dietary restrictions.