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PIZZANISTA! DTLA Arts District
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
PIZZANISTA! DTLA Arts District
8.0
Pizzanista’s Downtown outpost is a loud, skate-influenced slice shop where thin-crust pies, vegan options, and occasional specials like Sunday Macaroni & Cheese pizza draw a steady stream of fans. Huge slices, late hours, and a relaxed, slightly divey room make it a go-to for casual hangs before or after nights out in the Arts District.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meat Jesus pizza, Vegan 3 Meat pizza, Sunday Macaroni & Cheese Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Skate-punk slice shop slinging creative, vegan-friendly pies late into night.
Who should go: Friends craving loud music, big slices, and vegan choices.
When to visit: Late-night weekends after shows or bars in the Arts District.
What to order: Meat Jesus pizza, Vegan 3 Meat slice, Sunday Mac & Cheese.
Insider tip: $2 slice Tuesdays are ideal for sampling several styles at once.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates; meters along 7th and Mateo turn over quickly but fill up on weekends. Nearby paid lots are available after 6pm, typically $6–$12 depending on event traffic.
Dress code: Totally casual—tees, hoodies, and skatewear fit right in. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud. Music, foot traffic, and late-night energy make conversations possible but not private.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for slices, longer (20–30 minutes) for whole pies during peak bar hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service moves fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie slices and whole-pie builds are available daily.
Vegan options: Strong options—vegan cheese, vegan meats, and rotating vegan specials.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust; best suited for diners without strict gluten restrictions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, high-energy hang. It’s fun and unpretentious but too loud and chaotic for a more intimate first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with communal seating. Tables rotate quickly, though prime late-night windows can get crowded.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours are fine for older kids (7+). Evenings and late nights skew loud, adult, and rowdy, making it less ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night slices, vegan-friendly options, and a relaxed, punk-skate atmosphere that other DTLA slice shops don’t match.
Skip if: You want quieter dining, gluten-free crusts, or a polished sit-down experience—look elsewhere for comfort, ambiance, or dietary accommodation.
PIZZANISTA! DTLA Arts District
7.9
Pizzanista! spins out New York–style slices from a compact corner space that helped cement the Arts District’s skater-punk energy. Lines form for creative weekly specials and vegan options, but the appeal is as much about the crowd outside at picnic tables as the foldable slices themselves.
Must-Try Dishes:
White pizza slice, Pepperoni slice, Sunday mac and cheese pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A skate-culture slice shop that’s become a long-running Arts District hangout.
Who should go: Pizza fans chasing creative slices without sit-down formality.
When to visit: Evenings and Sundays when specials and people-watching peak.
What to order: White slice, pepperoni, any rotating mac and cheese pizza.
Insider tip: Order whole pies well-done and grab an outside table to linger.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 7th St. and Santa Fe Ave. is the main option; it’s generally manageable on weeknights but tight on weekends. No valet or lot.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — hoodies, tees, and skatewear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate outdoors; expect lively sidewalk energy but still easy to chat.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for slices; whole pies can run 20–30 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though popular pies may sell out briefly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian slices and rotating specials.
Vegan options: Strong options — vegan slices are regularly available and well-regarded.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, playful vibe — the skater-energy patio is fun but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — all seating is walk-up. Picnic tables turn over quickly, but expect to hover briefly during peak nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who like pizza and outdoor seating; limited space makes it less ideal for strollers or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Creative slices, vegan options, and a gritty, authentic Arts District vibe that feels like part of the neighborhood’s skate culture.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, full bar, or quieter environment — pick a nearby trattoria or bistro instead.