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Pizzeria Principe
Master Critic Review
Pizzeria Principe
7.9
Tucked just west of the 110, Pizzeria Principe serves Latin-inflected pizzas like carne asada and chorizo asado in a cozy, evening-only dining room. It’s more of a relaxed sit-down dinner play than a grab-and-go slice shop, but stays open late enough to catch a proper nightcap pie.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Pizza, Chorizo Asado Pizza, Donair-Style Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A low-key, evening-only pizzeria layering Latin flavors onto classic pies for a neighborhood crowd.
Who should go: Friends craving carne asada pizza and relaxed late nights.
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 p.m. when it’s mellow but still lively.
What to order: Start with carne asada pizza, add chorizo asado and donair slices.
Insider tip: Call ahead for later-evening tables—kitchen hours can fluctuate with demand, especially toward closing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates in Pico-Union; expect limited spots on residential blocks, especially after 7 p.m. No valet. Aim for side streets north of Pico for the best luck.
Dress code: Casual to casual-nice. Hoodies and jeans fit right in, but most groups lean slightly polished for a night out.
Noise level: Moderate. There’s a steady late-night buzz, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes if you walk in after 8:30 p.m.; earlier slots move quicker.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Principe opens evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid—several pies can be made vegetarian, and they’ll happily customize toppings.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but you can request veggie-heavy pies sans cheese.
Gluten-free options: Not guaranteed—no gluten-free dough advertised, and cross-contact risk is high.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, relaxed pacing, and shareable pies make it feel intimate without being too formal. Ideal for a low-pressure, late-night date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Principe is walk-in-friendly, but calling ahead helps on busy weekends—especially near closing when the kitchen may slow or stop early.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids or teens are fine, but the late-night hours and cozy layout aren’t ideal for younger children. No high chairs or kid-specific menu.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sit-down pizza with Latin twists—especially for groups who want something more atmospheric than a grab-and-go slice shop.
Skip if: You want quick counter service, vegan cheese, or guaranteed gluten-free dough; or if you need an early dinner option.