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Caioti Pizza Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Caioti Pizza Cafe
8.1
Founded by the late Ed LaDou who invented California-style pizza for Wolfgang Puck, this Tujunga Village gem continues his legacy with creative designer pies featuring unexpected combinations. The famous maternity salad reportedly induces labor, making this a Studio City institution for pregnant locals and adventurous pizza lovers alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Chicken Pizza, Spinach Truffle Oil Pizza, The 'The' Salad
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: California pizza pioneer Ed LaDou's legacy with innovative toppings
Who should go: Creative eaters wanting non-traditional pizza combinations
When to visit: Weekday lunch or weekend brunch for quieter experience
What to order: BBQ chicken (he invented it), designer specials, garlic knots
Insider tip: BYOB with no corkage fee; try the labor-inducing salad
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Tujunga Ave and side streets, usually easy to find
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, come as you are neighborhood spot
Noise level: Moderate to lively - family-friendly buzz but conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 15-30 min typical, longer during peak brunch hours
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - creative veggie pizzas with California-style toppings beyond basic cheese
Vegan options: Yes - vegan cheese available, multiple vegetable-forward designer pies work without cheese
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust available for all pizzas
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date - the casual neighborhood vibe and innovative pizza make great conversation starters, but it's not intimate or polished enough for a first impression dinner
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for most meals - reservations recommended only for weekend brunch (11am-2pm) when the maternity salad crowd peaks, otherwise walk-ins work fine
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - locals bring babies through teens, crayons provided, relaxed atmosphere where noise doesn't matter, and familiar pizza keeps picky eaters happy
What's the deal with the maternity salad? The famous salad allegedly induces labor in overdue pregnant women - it's a Studio City legend with enough anecdotal evidence that OB-GYNs mention it. Order at your own risk if you're 39+ weeks.
How does this compare to Massa in Echo Park? Caioti offers creative California-style combinations from the genre's inventor, while Massa does Detroit-style with simpler toppings. Come here for innovative flavor adventures, Massa for thick crispy crust satisfaction.
Best For
Better for: Creative pizza combinations you won't find elsewhere (BBQ chicken, Thai chicken, Caribbean jerk), BYOB flexibility, and casual neighborhood warmth where kids and pregnant women are embraced
Skip if: You want traditional Neapolitan pizza, a date-night atmosphere, or you're seeking the trendy LA pizza scene - this is a low-key Valley institution, not a scene
Caioti Pizza Cafe
8.2
This Tujunga Village fixture has earned a devoted following for creative California-style pizzas like the BBQ Chicken with smoked Gouda and the Pizza Alfredo with grilled chicken. Known locally for the 'Salad Pizza' that allegedly induces labor, this family-friendly spot delivers both traditional and inventive combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Alfredo, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Baby Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Creative California-style pizzas with legendary baby-inducing salad reputation
Who should go: Families wanting diverse menu beyond traditional pizza
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early weeknight dinners
What to order: Pizza Alfredo, BBQ chicken, garlic knots, baby salad
Insider tip: The 'Salad Pizza' is famous among expectant mothers
Caioti Pizza Cafe
8.1
Creator Ed LaDou's legacy lives on with designer pizzas including his original barbecue chicken invention, plus the famous labor-inducing salad that draws expectant mothers valley-wide. The casual Tujunga Village cafe balances California pizza innovation with old-world Italian traditions across three distinct crust styles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbecue Chicken Pizza, The Salad, Lobster Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Ed LaDou invented BBQ chicken pizza here before CPK fame
Who should go: Families, brunch crowds, creative pizza lovers, expectant mothers
When to visit: Weekend brunch or mid-afternoon to avoid parking hassles
What to order: BBQ chicken pizza, bison meat pizza, famous pregnancy salad
Insider tip: Check the wall of salad babies and sign the labor notebook
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in Tujunga Village - easier during weekdays, competitive on weekends. Arrive early for brunch or aim for mid-afternoon.
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, athleisure all welcome. This is a neighborhood spot.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - family-friendly buzz makes conversation easy but not intimate. Fine for casual dates and groups.
Weekend wait: 20-40 min peak hours (6-8pm) without reservation, call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seat immediately except peak brunch hours (10am-12pm weekends)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple veggie pizzas plus pasta options. Strong selection given the pizza focus.
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pizzas with no cheese, but no vegan cheese substitute. Better options elsewhere for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF crust available for pizzas. Note: shared kitchen so not celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd dates or casual meetups. The family-friendly vibe and noise level work against romance, but the unique pizza history gives you conversation starters. Choose patio seating for slightly more intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for most times - walk-ins welcome. Weekend brunch (9am-1pm) is the exception where you'll face waits. Weekday lunches and mid-afternoon visits are your safest bet for immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - one of the most kid-welcoming spots in the Valley. High chairs available, staff patient with little ones, and the 'salad babies' wall makes kids feel part of the restaurant's story. All ages comfortable.
How does this compare to other Studio City pizza spots? More authentic pizza history than Mulberry Street, more casual than Firefly, and more creative toppings than Vitello's. Come here for the Ed LaDou legacy and California pizza innovation, not NYC-style pies.
Is the pregnancy salad real or just a gimmick? Legitimately famous - the wall of baby photos from mothers who went into labor after eating it spans decades. Whether it's the balsamic dressing or placebo effect, expectant mothers swear by it. Worth trying even if you're not pregnant - it's a solid salad.
Best For
Better for: Creative California-style pizza with actual culinary history, relaxed family dining where kids are genuinely welcome, brunch crowds wanting something beyond basic breakfast spots, and experiencing the birthplace of BBQ chicken pizza before it went mainstream.
Skip if: You want romantic ambiance, need authentic Neapolitan pizza, prefer upscale Italian dining, or require extensive vegan options. Also skip if you're chasing trendy food scenes - this is neighborhood legacy, not Instagram bait.