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Mario's Pizza
Master Critic Review
Mario's Pizza
7.8
This neighborhood pizzeria crafts New York-style thin crust pies with a chewy outer ring and well-done undercarriage, though the execution leans toward old-school parlor pizza rather than strict NY tradition. Beyond pizza, the pasta menu impresses with house-made options like linguini carbonara and ricotta-spinach ravioli that many locals consider the hidden strength of the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arugula Pizza, Cheese Tortellini, Chicken Marsala
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Unexpectedly strong pasta program beyond the pizza, with house-made options not typical for neighborhood pizzerias
Who should go: Families and locals wanting reliable Italian comfort food
When to visit: Dinner hours for full menu access including pasta entrees
What to order: Arugula pizza, any pasta dish, fettuccine alfredo with salmon
Insider tip: Access via alley off Culver/Stoner makes exit easier than backing into Inglewood Blvd
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot off alley between Culver/Stoner - use alley entrance to avoid backing onto Inglewood Blvd. Street parking on side streets, typically available
Dress code: Casual neighborhood spot - jeans and t-shirt perfectly fine
Noise level: Moderate family pizzeria atmosphere - conversation-friendly but with background chatter
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical for tables, pizza orders 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seat immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza options, pasta primavera, eggplant parmigiana, salads
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza without cheese, pasta with red sauce
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF options - cross-contamination likely in pizza kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual early-relationship spot than a first impression date. The family pizzeria vibe is relaxed and conversation-friendly, but lacks romantic ambiance. If your date values authentic neighborhood spots over scenery, it works.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Weekday dinners and lunch are usually walk-in friendly. Friday/Saturday evenings expect a 15-25 minute wait, but you can order takeout if you don't want to wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - classic family pizzeria with kid-friendly menu, casual atmosphere, and quick service. High chairs available. The pizza-and-pasta combo keeps kids happy while adults can enjoy the better pasta dishes.
Should I get pizza or pasta? Surprisingly, the pasta. While the pizza is solid neighborhood-style, the house-made pasta dishes (carbonara, ricotta-spinach ravioli) are the real strength and what regulars order.
How does this compare to other Culver City pizza? More old-school parlor style than trendy Neapolitan spots. If you want artisanal pizza, hit Bucato or Destroyer. If you want reliable NY-style with a strong pasta backup, Mario's delivers without the pretense or prices.
Best For
Better for: House-made pasta selection that exceeds typical pizzeria standards, reliable neighborhood execution without trendy markup, family-friendly atmosphere with quality food that adults genuinely enjoy
Skip if: You want authentic Neapolitan pizza with proper char and leoparding, need gluten-free options, want romantic date-night ambiance, or expect modern Italian innovation - this is traditional American-Italian comfort food