0 Followers
Sampa's Pizza Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sampa's Pizza Cafe
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Sampa's leans into Brazilian-influenced and classic pizzas, earning strong ratings on both Yelp and Google with nearly a thousand combined reviews. The menu runs from familiar combos to specialty pies, and the relaxed counter-service setup works for takeout, delivery, or a quick sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Greek pizza, Portuguesa-style Brazilian pizza, Classic pepperoni pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Brazilian-accented pies and creative toppings backed by high review volume.
Who should go: Fans of creative, hearty pizzas and big flavors
When to visit: Evenings and game nights for hot pies and easy parking
What to order: Greek pizza, a Brazilian-style specialty pie, garlic knots
Insider tip: Order half-and-half specialty pies to sample more of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza parking lot with generally reliable availability; street parking nearby is usually manageable, especially in the evenings.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; anything from tees and shorts to simple weekend wear fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate; lively counter-service energy but still easy enough to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically little to no wait; occasional short delays during major sports events.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait with quick counter ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options, including veggie combos and customizable pies.
Vegan options: Limited; requires customization, though some toppings and sauces can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust available on request, though selection may be more limited than standard pies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a low-key, casual first date where the focus is easy conversation and comfort food rather than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; it's counter-service and almost always first-come, first-served with high turnover, so walk-ins are the norm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; it’s great for families thanks to straightforward pizza options, quick service, and seating that accommodates younger kids easily.
Best For
Better for: Creative, hearty pies at fair prices, fast service, and reliable takeout compared to more upscale pizza spots in the area.
Skip if: You’re looking for a date-night ambiance, craft cocktails, or chef-driven, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza.
Sampa's Pizza Cafe
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Sampa’s Pizza Cafe is a Brazilian-influenced pizzeria on Washington that quietly turns out solid fried and boneless wings alongside its pies, pastas, and salads. It’s more of a neighborhood all-rounder than a pure wing shop, but the wings are reliably crisp and pair well with delivery pizza nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings, Boneless chicken wings, Brazilian bites with wing combo
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Pizza-first neighborhood spot where fried and boneless wings are built into game-day combos.
Who should go: Families and roommates ordering pizza, wings, and salads together
When to visit: Weeknights and game days for easy pickup or delivery
What to order: Buffalo wings, boneless wings, Brazilian bites with pizza
Insider tip: Use online ordering to bundle wings, Brazilian bites, and a couple of specialty pizzas for better value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Washington is usually available on weeknights but tight during peak dinner hours; neighborhood side streets open up after 8pm.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; beachwear, hoodies, and everyday outfits all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy for conversation inside, with occasional bustle from takeout traffic.
Weekend wait: Typically 10–20 minutes for dine-in; pickup orders move steadily even during game nights.
Weekday lunch: No wait and fast counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, pizzas with customizable toppings, and sides make it friendly for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few pizza configurations and salads can be made vegan, but wings and most specialties are not.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pizza crust is available; wings are naturally gluten-lean but not prepared in a dedicated GF fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More practical than romantic — great if you want a laid-back, no-frills, pizza-and-wings meetup without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t typically needed; walk in or order at the counter, and seating is usually available except during big game nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families frequent it, and the menu (pizza, wings, pasta, simple sides) is easy for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Bundling wings with pizza and Brazilian-leaning sides for casual group meals and family delivery nights.
Skip if: You want specialty wings, craft sauces, or a bar-driven sports atmosphere; nearby dedicated wing and sports spots will scratch that itch better.
Sampa's Pizza Cafe
8.1
Award-winning chef Marcus Roberto blends Brazilian, Italian, and American pizza traditions at this strip mall gem. The unique Brazilian-style pizzas with catupiry cheese and the festive toppings set it apart from typical Marina spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Five Formaggi Pizza, Napolitana Pizza, Portuguese Sausage Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Brazilian pizza tradition with catupiry cheese and creative international toppings
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking unique Brazilian-Italian fusion
When to visit: Lunch for two-slice-and-salad special, weekend evenings
What to order: Five formaggi, dessert pizzas, cucumber water
Insider tip: Try the dessert pizzas with Nutella-strawberry or guava-cheese
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free strip mall parking lot with ample spaces - one of the easiest parking situations on the Westside
Dress code: Super casual - beach attire, gym clothes, whatever you're wearing is fine
Noise level: Low to moderate - casual pizzeria vibe where conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 15-20 minutes typical, peak hours 6-8pm may reach 30 minutes
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, great for quick lunch runs
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple cheese pizzas, veggie combinations, and Brazilian-style options without meat
Vegan options: Limited but doable - can customize pizzas with no cheese, marinara base, vegetable toppings
Gluten-free options: Not available - traditional dough only, focus is on authentic Brazilian-Italian pizza traditions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual vibes - the strip mall setting keeps it low-pressure, and the unique Brazilian pizzas give you interesting conversation topics. Skip if you want romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Come before 6pm on weekends for immediate seating, or expect a short 15-20 minute wait during prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, approachable pizza menu, and the dessert pizzas make it a hit with children. All ages welcome and comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Unique Brazilian-style pizza experience you won't find at typical Marina del Rey spots - the catupiry cheese, creative international toppings, and award-winning chef credentials at budget prices make this a hidden gem for adventurous eaters
Skip if: You want traditional NY-style or Neapolitan pizza, need a scene-y atmosphere, require gluten-free options, or want an Instagram-worthy dining room - this is strip mall authenticity over aesthetics