30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Family Friendly Italian in Silver Lake
Best Date Night Italian in Silver Lake
Master Critic Review
Pizza Buona
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Since 1959, this Echo Park original has served authentic family recipes in an unchanged atmosphere where three generations work side-by-side. The cornmeal-crusted pies spend extra time in well-seasoned Chicago pans, while housemade sausage and hand-crushed tomatoes deliver old-school Italian satisfaction that's kept locals coming back for over 60 years.
Must-Try Dishes:
Special Pizza with Sausage & Pepperoni, Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Echo Park's original 1959 pizzeria with recipes unchanged for 65+ years
Who should go: Families seeking authentic old-school Italian without pretension
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quick service, weekends for family dinners
What to order: Special pizza, linguine with clams, chicken parm sandwich
Insider tip: Staff have worked here for decades and know every regular by name
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Sunset Blvd and side streets - typically easy to find except Friday/Saturday evenings. Free after 8pm.
Dress code: Come as you are - jeans, t-shirts, work clothes all welcome. This is neighborhood casual.
Noise level: Conversational - lively family atmosphere but you can easily talk across the table
Weekend wait: 15-30 min wait typical Friday/Saturday 6-8pm, but moves quickly
Weekday lunch: Walk right in - counter service keeps things moving
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, cheese pizza, eggplant parm, and solid salads
Vegan options: Limited - marinara pasta possible, call ahead for pizza without cheese
Gluten-free options: No - traditional Italian recipes use standard dough and pasta
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates when you're past impressing and want authentic vibes. The no-frills atmosphere and communal energy make it great for relaxed conversation, but skip it if you need romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Come before 6pm or after 8pm on weekends for shortest waits. Weekday lunches and dinners are easy walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - this is a multi-generational neighborhood spot where kids are expected. High chairs available, staff patient with young diners, and the pizza/pasta keeps everyone happy.
Best For
Better for: Authentic old-school Italian at prices that don't hurt. Choose Pizza Buona when you want real family recipes, neighborhood character, and value over trendy vibes. The 65-year consistency and three-generation staff create something you can't manufacture.
Skip if: You want modern Italian, craft cocktails, or date-night ambiance. This isn't the spot for impressing with scene or decor - it's about the food and legacy. Also skip if you need reservations or gluten-free options.
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday4pm - 9pm
WednesdayClosed
Thursday4pm - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday1pm - 9pm