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ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Prime Pizza
7.8
A late-night slice operation on Sawtelle that built its reputation on Sicilian cuts and a spicy pepperoni that regulars order by reflex. The second-floor setup is purely functional—you're here for the crust snap and the fact that it's still slinging at hours when most of the Westside has shut down. Works best when you treat it as a no-frills fuel stop, not a sit-down affair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sicilian Slice, Spicy Pepperoni Slice, Garlic Knots
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: New York-style slices with a cult following, served late into the night on the Westside
Who should go: Late-night crowds and NYC-style pizza loyalists
When to visit: Late night after 10 PM when slices are freshest
What to order: Grab a Sicilian slice and a spicy pepperoni, add garlic knots to share — skip full pies unless feeding a group
Insider tip: The grandma pizza sells out early on weekends — ask when the next one drops
Logistics & Planning
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Dedicated veggie pie plus cheese pies, garlic knots, salads, and meatball sides on the menu
Vegan options: Dedicated Vegan Pies section using Be Hive plant-based vegan cheese and vegan pepperoni
Gluten-free options: Dedicated Gluten Free Pies section with house-made gluten-free dough
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a casual counter-service slice shop, not a date-night spot. The interior is a small V-shaped nook with counter seating for about 6-8 people. There's no table service, no mood lighting, and the vibe is grab-and-go. That said, it's a fun, low-pressure option for a very casual first hang - grab slices and walk the Sawtelle strip together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - this is a walk-up, counter-service pizza shop. You order at the counter and grab a seat if one's open. No reservations needed or expected. Seating is very limited (roughly 6-8 counter spots inside), so during peak hours you may end up eating standing or taking your slices to go. Late-night weekend hours (open until midnight Fri-Sat) tend to get busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for a quick, casual bite - kids love pizza by the slice, and the laid-back counter-service format means no pressure to sit still through a long meal. However, there's no dedicated kids menu, no high chairs confirmed, and the seating is limited counter-style stools rather than booths or tables. Best for older kids who can sit on a stool. For younger children, plan on takeout.
Is it good for groups? Not for dining in - the space is very small with only about 6-8 counter seats total. A group of 4 would feel cramped. For larger groups, consider ordering whole pies to-go or using their catering service, which they actively promote for birthdays, office lunches, and events. Not a sit-down group dining destination.
Is there outdoor seating? Some outdoor seating is listed as available, but specific details on capacity, coverage, or heating are not confirmed online. The location is in a strip mall suite on Santa Monica Blvd, so expect limited sidewalk-style seating rather than a full patio. Call ahead at (310) 330-3222 to confirm current outdoor setup.
Best For
Better for: Quick, quality NY-style slices on the go — counter-service with lunch specials (2 slices + drink $10 daily until 4pm) and late-night eats until midnight Fri-Sat
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 10pm