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Master Critic Review
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8.4
Michael McSharry's fermentation-focused pizzeria centers on 20-year-old mother dough from Ireland's Ballymaloe culinary school, creating sourdough pies with distinctive tang and crispy texture. The Michelin-recommended spot pairs wood-fired pizzas with natural wines and seasonal pickled vegetables, showcasing McSharry's philosophy that nearly everything benefits from fermentation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stracciatella & Prosciutto with Coffee Honey, White Pizza with Pistachio Pesto, Mushroom Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Michelin-recommended sourdough pizza using 20-year-old Irish starter with fermentation-forward menu
Who should go: Natural wine enthusiasts and adventurous diners seeking unique flavor profiles
When to visit: Friday-Saturday when kitchen stays open until 11pm
What to order: White pizza with pistachio pesto, any pizza with pickled vegetables, natural wine pairings
Insider tip: The soy-sauce caramel sundae is an unexpected dessert winner
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - challenging after 6pm, arrive early or use rideshare. Nearby public lot on Beverly Blvd (~$8)
Dress code: Casual-chic - think nice jeans and a button-down or flowy top, sneakers fine but keep it polished
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can hear across the table, background buzz adds energy without overwhelming
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm - book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually available, 10-15 min wait at peak (12:30-1pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple white pizzas, seasonal vegetable options, pickled veggie sides
Vegan options: Limited but doable - request red sauce pizzas without cheese, ask about daily vegetable preparations
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust available - fermented sourdough is central to concept
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - intimate but not stuffy, sharing pizzas breaks ice naturally, dimmed lighting and natural wine create romance without pretension. Skip if you need quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends risky. Try bar seating (first-come) or arrive right at 5pm opening. After 7pm Friday/Saturday, expect 60+ min wait or turnaway.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate unique flavors. Tangy sourdough and pickled vegetables may not appeal to picky eaters. No kids menu, but can request simple margherita.
How long should I plan for dinner? 90 minutes comfortably - pizzas arrive quickly but natural wine selection and fermentation-forward menu reward leisurely pacing. Kitchen open until 11pm weekends.
What if I don't like natural wine? Ask servers for 'cleaner' natural wine styles - they're knowledgeable about guiding natural wine newcomers. Some craft beers available as backup.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous eaters seeking distinctive sourdough tang and fermentation-forward flavors, natural wine enthusiasts, dates wanting elevated-casual atmosphere with conversation-starter menu
Skip if: You want classic Neapolitan pizza, need guaranteed kids menu, prefer conventional wines, or seeking quiet romantic ambiance - head to Pizzana or Osteria Mozza instead