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Pizzeria Mozza
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pizzeria Mozza
8.8
Nancy Silverton’s Highland Avenue hotspot is known for pizza, but the baked lasagne with Bolognese, Parmigiano, and bechamel has developed its own following. Between the James Beard pedigree, massive review volume, and regulars who treat the lasagna like a Sunday ritual, it’s a destination for rich, oven-baked pasta.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagne, Pasta Alla Vodka, Gnocchi Alla Romana
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume, chef-driven pizzeria where the lasagne is cult-worthy.
Who should go: Pasta lovers who also want serious pizza and wine.
When to visit: Book ahead for weekend dinners or late weeknights.
What to order: Lasagne, a signature pizza, and Gnocchi Alla Romana.
Insider tip: Treat the lasagne as a shared course before the pizzas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available on Highland; limited metered street parking fills early, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; diners lean slightly dressy, but polished jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but the room hums during peak dinner service.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait, with light to moderate crowds depending on season.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options—several antipasti, salads, pizzas, and vegetable sides fit comfortably.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be modified, but core pasta and pizza offerings skew dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust and select dishes are available, but cross-contact is possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm lighting, polished service, and consistently excellent food make a strong first impression without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-ins are accepted at off-peak times or at the bar, but your best shot is early weekday evenings or late night. Weekends almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—families come earlier in the evening and the staff is accommodating, but the space gets crowded and loud after 7pm; best for ages 7+.
Best For
Better for: Chef-driven Italian with standout lasagne and pizza, high consistency, and a lively dining room that still feels refined.
Skip if: You want quiet, minimalist pasta-focused dining or fully vegan/gluten-free comfort dishes—this is a high-energy space built around pizza and classic dairy-forward pastas.
Pizzeria Mozza
8.8
Pizzeria Mozza is Nancy Silverton’s famed Highland Avenue pizzeria where a chef-driven menu and an open kitchen blur the line between pizza joint and informal chef’s counter. Long-running specials, a focused wine list, and private family-style dinners in the Jack Warner Room make it a more casual, affordable take on the chef’s table idea.
Must-Try Dishes:
Squash blossom and burrata pizza, Fennel sausage pizza, Butterscotch budino
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A chef-driven pizzeria where counter seats feel like a casual chef’s table.
Who should go: Pizza fans who still want chef-level cooking and wine.
When to visit: Early evenings or late slots to avoid peak waits.
What to order: Squash blossom pizza, fennel sausage pizza, budino.
Insider tip: Ask about private family-style menus in the Jack Warner Room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Highland and side streets; valet typically available during peak dinner hours for around $12. Street spots fill quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished—button-downs, nice tops, and clean sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate. The open kitchen adds energy, but you can comfortably hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30pm–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the dining room starts filling by 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—several pizzas and antipasti are vegetarian, and staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—certain salads and vegetable dishes can be adapted; pizzas require significant modification.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust is available on request; the kitchen is not fully celiac-safe but handles dietary needs carefully.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's lively, not overly formal, and counter seating gives a fun chef’s-table edge without pressure. Great for a casual but memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially if you’re flexible with counter seating. Walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during peak weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for kids 6+ who enjoy pizza and a bustling room. High chairs are limited, and the energy skews toward adults in the evenings.
Best For
Better for: Best for chef-driven pizzas, counter energy, and a casual chef’s-table feel without fine-dining pricing.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, romantic environment, or if you need extensive vegan options—other spots in the neighborhood serve those needs better.