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La Bella Napoli
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
La Bella Napoli
8.4
La Bella Napoli is a compact, mostly takeout Neapolitan-style spot where a Naples-born owner turns out thin, blistered pies and a short list of pastas and salads. South Bay locals treat it as their go-to for proper Italian pizza, with frequent neighborhood awards backing up the steady stream of regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Diavola pizza with spicy salami, Chicken parmigiana with side salad
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Neapolitan-inspired pizza and Italian takeout run by a Naples-born owner.
Who should go: Pizza obsessives who prioritize flavor over seating
When to visit: Evenings with a phone-ahead order for quicker pickup
What to order: Margherita, Diavola, chicken parm with salad
Insider tip: Call a day ahead for gluten-free or special-order pies when offered.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot out front with limited spaces; easy surrounding street parking on non-peak nights.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—most guests arrive in everyday attire since it's primarily a takeout-focused spot.
Noise level: Low—minimal indoor seating means conversations are easy if you dine in.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes for pizza during peak hours; longer for special-order items.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though call-ahead helps during school pickup rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—Margherita, veggie pies, and several salads.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify certain pies by removing cheese, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Occasionally available by advance request; quality varies and must be ordered ahead.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for a low-key, no-frills pizza date. It's more about excellent takeout than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with limited seating. Arrive early if you want one of the few dine-in spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and casual setup make it easy for families, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Authentic, Napoli-style pies and fast, neighborhood-friendly takeout that’s more artisanal than local chains.
Skip if: You want a full-service Italian dinner, cocktails, or a long, sit-down experience—this is a pizza-first, compact operation.
La Bella Napoli
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Run by Naples-born chef-owner Daniele Casaletta, La Bella Napoli focuses on Neapolitan-style pizzas, pastas, and family-sized pies built on high-quality ingredients. Take-out and casual dine-in service keep it approachable for families, while dishes like gnocchi al tartufo and calzones appeal to parents looking for something beyond basic cheese pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi al Tartufo, Margherita Pizza, Calzone al Forno
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Naples-inspired, family-run pizzeria with personal and family-size pies.
Who should go: Families craving serious pizza with easy take-out.
When to visit: Early evening before peak weekend take-out rush.
What to order: Gnocchi al Tartufo, Margherita, Calzone al Forno.
Insider tip: Order a family-size pizza and split a gnocchi to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking within the Crenshaw Corridor plazas; generally easy on weeknights but can fill during peak take-out hours. Overflow street parking typically available on adjacent side streets.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; families in jeans, tees, and casual dinner wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak dinner hours due to take-out traffic and family groups, but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes for dine-in during peak take-out surges; take-out orders can run slightly longer.
Weekday lunch: No wait for dine-in; take-out orders are usually ready quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage with Margherita, veggie pizzas, salads, and multiple vegetarian pastas.
Vegan options: Limited; can request cheeseless pizza and some salads, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pizza crust available on request; some pasta dishes can be adapted depending on sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for casual, low-pressure dates that revolve around great pizza rather than ambiance. It’s relaxed, friendly, and food-focused, but not ideal for a more polished or intimate vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a casual, walk-in friendly spot. Arrive early during weekend dinner hours to avoid short waits caused by heavy take-out volume.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Family-size pizzas, simple pasta options, and a casual room make it great for kids of all ages. High chairs are typically available, and the service is accommodating.
Best For
Better for: High-quality Neapolitan-style pies, family-size portions, and quick take-out make it a standout for pizza-focused family meals.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a quieter, more upscale Italian dinner with full-service ambiance or extensive wine options, consider somewhere more formal.
La Bella Napoli
8.0
La Bella Napoli is a compact Crenshaw Boulevard pizzeria run by Naples-born owners, known for its airy, blistered pies and straightforward counter-service setup. It works best for low-key pizza dates where quality dough, good toppings, and a casual shared pie matter more than formal ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Zucchini Shrimp Pizza, Lasagna
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Neapolitan-style pizza with carefully crafted dough and friendly owners.
Who should go: Pizza-focused couples fine with a casual strip-mall setting.
When to visit: Early evenings for shorter waits and fresher pie rotation.
What to order: Margherita, Zucchini Shrimp Pizza, side salad or lasagna to share.
Insider tip: Order one classic and one specialty pie to split for more variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot in front with limited spaces; overflow street parking on Crenshaw typically available but can fill during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual date-night appropriate — jeans and a nice top are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate; conversations are easy at most tables, though takeout crowds can create brief bursts of noise.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on takeout volume; counter-service means tables turn quickly.
Weekday lunch: No wait; immediate ordering and seating is typical.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie pies, salads, and simple pastas available.
Vegan options: Limited — can do cheeseless veggie pizza and basic salads.
Gluten-free options: Not guaranteed — occasional gluten-free crust availability but not consistent; no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a casual, low-pressure pizza date with high-quality Neapolitan pies. It’s intimate but not formal, making it ideal for a relaxed first date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate counter-service only, so you order at the counter and grab any open table. Peak weekend evenings may require a short wait for seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for quick meals, though the space is small. Best for older kids who can handle a simple dine-in experience without extras like high chairs or crayons.
Best For
Better for: A high-quality Neapolitan-style pie at a great value, especially for couples who prefer flavor and authenticity over ambiance.
Skip if: You want a full-service, candlelit Italian date night with wine service and a more formal atmosphere.