14 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in Culver City
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Pitfire Pizza - Mar Vista
8.0
Wood-fired pizzas built on hand-stretched dough with seasonal rotations, backed by nearly three decades of refining the same core technique across multiple LA locations. The sprawling dog-friendly patio drives repeat visits from families and groups who treat it as a default neighborhood gathering spot. Sides and pastas—particularly the baked mac and cheese and crispy Brussels sprouts—pull as much weight as the pizza itself.
Must-Try Dishes:
Zoe's Pepperoni, Margherita, Burrata
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Chef-driven, wood-fired pizzas with hand-stretched dough and seasonal toppings that rotate regularly across a sprawling dog-friendly patio setting.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting shareable wood-fired pizza outdoors
When to visit: Weekday lunch for a relaxed, uncrowded patio experience
What to order: Start with the Crispy Brussels Sprouts to share, then split two or three pizzas across the table — Zoe's Pepperoni and the Burrata are the go-to combination, and add the Baked Mac & Cheese for kids or comfort-food fans.
Insider tip: The patio is fully dog-friendly with water bowls — grab a corner table for the most shade on warm afternoons.
Logistics & Planning
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — Margherita ($17), Say Cheese ($16), Field Mushroom ($18.50), and Burrata ($18) pizzas, plus salads and a build-your-own veggie plate
Vegan options: Vegan Margherita ($17) with housemade cashew mozzarella and vegan ricotta, Vegan Little Gem Caesar ($14) with cashew dressing, plus build-your-own pizzas with vegan mozzarella and vegan sausage toppings
Gluten-free options: GF crust available (+$3.50) and house cauliflower crust (+$3.50, contains dairy and nuts) — can be applied to any pizza
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but keep expectations casual. The atmosphere is laid-back and trendy with charming outdoor seating and heaters that create a cozy vibe in the evening. It works well for an early-stage date where you want good food and easy conversation without the pressure of a formal setting. The craft cocktail, beer, and wine list adds a date-worthy touch. Request an outdoor table at dinner for the most intimate feel.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is primarily a walk-in spot. The Mar Vista location does not currently accept reservations through online booking platforms. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for dine-in. Weeknight visits are generally easy. Weekend dinner hours (around 6-8 PM) can get busy given its neighborhood popularity, so arriving a bit early or slightly off-peak helps avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is one of the better kid-friendly pizza spots in the area. There's a dedicated kids menu with cheese pizza ($9), pepperoni pizza ($9.50), mac & cheese ($9), spaghetti & meatballs ($10.50), and plain pasta with marinara or butter ($7). Organic soft serve ice cream and a chocolate chunk cookie make for easy dessert wins. The casual atmosphere means kids won't feel out of place. They also offer kids pizza-making parties where children stretch dough and pick their own toppings — great for birthdays.
Is it good for groups? Yes — well-suited for groups. The restaurant accommodates larger parties and offers a reservation request form for groups up to 8+. For bigger events, they have dedicated large-party coordination — reach out to listening@pitfirepizza.com to arrange space. They also offer full catering and can host fundraiser nights for schools and community groups. Shareable starters like cheesy knots and a broad pizza selection make ordering for a crowd easy. For groups over 8, contact the restaurant directly to arrange seating.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — the Mar Vista location has a heated outdoor patio. The city has approved an outdoor dining setup at this address. The patio is dog-friendly, so you can bring your pet to the outdoor tables. Note that table service may not extend to the patio — you may need to order inside. The heaters make it comfortable for year-round evening dining in LA's cooler months.
Best For