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Pizzana
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pizzana
8.6
Pizzana brings a polished, chef-driven take on neo-Neapolitan pizza to the Marina, with long-fermented dough, precise toppings, and a strong wine and cocktail program. It’s where locals go when they want serious pizza with a more upscale, sit-down experience than the average slice shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe pizza, Neo-Margherita pizza, Diavola-style spicy salami pizza
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chef-driven neo-Neapolitan pies with long-fermented dough and thoughtful toppings.
Who should go: Pizza lovers wanting a polished, sit-down experience
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the dining room feels buzzy
What to order: Cacio e pepe pie, Neo-Margherita, a seasonal special
Insider tip: Start with a salad and share two different pies to sample the crust.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on surrounding blocks; can be competitive after 6pm. Small shared lot options in the Marina Arts District, but expect limited availability on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and a nice top fit in fine, but many diners lean slightly polished for evening visits.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled; you can hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak 7–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; walk-ins usually seated right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection. Multiple pies, salads, and starters can be made vegetarian or already come that way.
Vegan options: Limited but possible. A couple of pies can be adjusted without cheese, and some starters are naturally vegan—check with staff.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust available; prepared with care but in a shared kitchen environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The polished setting, craft cocktails, and elevated pizza make it a relaxed but impressive spot that feels special without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but waits can stretch on weekend evenings. Arriving early or later in the evening increases walk-in success.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sit-down meals. High chairs and a casual enough environment exist, but the vibe is more adult-leaning during dinner service.
Best For
Better for: Upscale, chef-driven pizza with excellent crust, refined toppings, and a stylish dining room ideal for date nights and special catch-ups.
Skip if: You want quick, inexpensive slices or a super casual grab-and-go experience—other neighborhood shops will better fit that need.
Pizzana
8.7
Master pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi brings his Neo-Neapolitan style to Marina Del Rey with consciously sourced toppings blending traditional and unexpected flavors. The leopard-spotted crusts and elevated ingredients like Cacio e Pepe toppings draw serious pizza enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Neo Margherita, Cacio e Pepe Pizza, Meatball Supreme
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Master pizzaiolo's Neo-Neapolitan technique with creative California toppings
Who should go: Pizza purists and date night diners
When to visit: Outdoor patio during golden hour, happy hour weekdays 3-6pm
What to order: Neo Margherita, Cacio e Pepe, seasonal specials
Insider tip: Happy hour offers 50% off beer, wine, and pizza specials
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking available, plus metered street parking on Admiralty Way - relatively easy compared to most Marina spots
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and sneakers totally fine, but many dress it up for date night
Noise level: Moderate inside, quieter on patio - can definitely hold a conversation without raising your voice
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation on Friday/Saturday nights, book ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pizza options plus appetizers, easily half the menu works
Vegan options: Limited but doable - can customize pizzas with vegan cheese, ask about dairy-free options
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF crust - not the spot if celiac, but salads available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially patio seating at sunset - upscale enough to impress but casual enough to be comfortable, with shareable pizzas as natural conversation starters
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine, but Friday/Saturday nights book up - call ahead or try the bar seats for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for all ages - kids love the pizza, outdoor patio has space for strollers, though evening crowd skews adult/date night so lunch might be more family-comfortable
How long does dinner take? Plan 60-90 minutes - pizzas come out relatively quick (15-20 min) but it's designed for lingering, not rushing
Is it worth the price compared to regular pizza? If you appreciate craft pizza technique and quality ingredients, absolutely - this is artisan-level work. If you just want cheap fuel, hit Costco instead
Best For
Better for: Date nights and serious pizza appreciation - the Neo-Neapolitan technique and creative toppings outclass standard Marina pizza spots, plus the patio ambiance beats most competitors
Skip if: You want traditional NYC-style slices, need lots of GF options, or are feeding a group on a tight budget - this is premium pricing for artisan product