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Roberta's
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Roberta's
8.4
Brooklyn's legendary pizzeria brings Neapolitan-style wood-fired pies to Platform's sun-drenched patio. The Bee Sting pizza balances soppressata, chili, and honey with cultish precision, while house-made pastas and inventive salads round out a menu that respects tradition without being precious about it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bee Sting Pizza, Famous Original Pizza, Japanese Sweet Potatoes
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: West Coast outpost of Brooklyn's iconic pizzeria with cult-favorite pies
Who should go: Pizza enthusiasts and anyone seeking buzzy California-Brooklyn fusion
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quieter patio, weekends for energy
What to order: Bee Sting pizza, bread with homemade butter, purple sweet potatoes
Insider tip: Request outdoor seating early to snag best patio spots
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Platform garage parking $3 for 90 min with validation, additional structures nearby. Street parking challenging but doable on side streets.
Dress code: LA casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly, many in sundresses and button-downs for patio vibes
Noise level: Moderate outdoor buzz - can easily hold conversation but has energy, livelier on weekends
Weekend wait: 45-75 min without reservation Friday-Saturday evenings, reservations highly recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-25 min typical, walk-ins usually accommodated within reasonable time
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pizzas, pastas, and veggie-forward sides like purple sweet potatoes and seasonal salads
Vegan options: Moderate - can accommodate with dairy-free cheese on pizzas, some naturally vegan vegetable dishes available
Gluten-free options: Limited - focus is wood-fired pizza and house-made pasta, not ideal for celiac restrictions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, particularly for lunch or early dinner on the patio. Casual enough to keep things relaxed but stylish Brooklyn credentials add sophistication. The shareable pizza format encourages interaction without being overly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early weekday dinners (before 6pm), yes - usually 15-30 min wait. Weekend dinner without reservation means 45+ min wait or possible turnaway. Book ahead for Friday-Sunday evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with well-behaved kids - pizza appeals to all ages, outdoor patio setting is forgiving for noise, and lunch/early dinner slots work best. Not a dedicated kids' menu but pizza and pasta are universally appealing.
How does it compare to other Platform restaurants? More casual and accessible than Laurel Tavern, hipper than Sweetgreen, similar price point to Mendocino Farms but with full-service dining. Best pizza option on Platform by far.
Is the Brooklyn hype justified? Yes - the pizza quality translates authentically with proper Neapolitan technique and creative toppings. Not just trading on the name; the execution backs it up, especially the Bee Sting and bread service.
Best For
Better for: Roberta's excels when you want reliably excellent pizza with scene energy, outdoor dining in great weather, or casual but elevated dining that feels special without stuffiness. The Brooklyn pedigree and Instagram appeal make it ideal for impressing out-of-town guests or creating shareable moments.
Skip if: Skip if you need quiet conversation for business, want quick in-and-out service under 45 minutes on weekends, have serious gluten restrictions, or prefer Italian cuisine beyond pizza-centric menus. Also skip if you're seeking undiscovered gems - this is an established scene, not a hidden find.
Roberta's
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
The legendary Brooklyn pizzeria opened this West Coast outpost in 2018, bringing wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with creative toppings to Platform's airy industrial-chic space. Co-founded by chefs Carlo Mirarchi and Brandon Hoy, the restaurant features signature pies like the Bee Sting with soppressata, chili, honey, and mozzarella alongside house-made pastas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bee Sting Pizza, Famous Original Pizza, House-Made Stracciatella
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Brooklyn cult-favorite pizza with California sensibility and expansive patio
Who should go: Pizza enthusiasts and families seeking vibrant atmosphere
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner, weekends require reservations
What to order: Bee Sting pizza, homemade bread with cultured butter, green salad
Insider tip: Request the Bee Sting even though it's not on menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Platform shopping center parking garage - 90 min free validation, $3/hr after. Street parking on Culver Blvd limited but possible.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and sneakers perfectly fine, LA relaxed vibe
Noise level: Lively but conversational - industrial space with high ceilings creates buzz without overwhelming
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 6pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 15-20 min, patio fills fast on nice days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pizza options, pastas, salads. The Famous Original pizza is vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited - can customize pizzas without cheese, couple salad options, call ahead for pasta modifications
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust available - stick to salads or call ahead for pasta accommodations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for lunch or early dinner on the patio. Lively atmosphere takes pressure off conversation, shareable pizzas create natural interaction, and the Brooklyn pedigree gives you something to talk about. Skip prime dinner hours if you want more intimate seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early weeknight dinners (before 6pm) usually work for walk-ins. Weekends are tough - if you show up without a reservation, ask for bar seating or patio counter which turn over faster. Plan B: grab a spot at another Platform restaurant while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly, especially for ages 5+. High chairs available, pizza is universally loved, and the casual vibe means nobody minds noise. Patio is ideal for families. Gets louder at dinner so lunch or early dinner (5-6pm) works best for young kids.
How does this compare to the Brooklyn original? More polished and spacious than Bushwick location, less of the dive-bar edge that made the original famous. Pizza quality is on par, but you lose some of the gritty authenticity. Think of it as Roberta's grows up and moves west.
Is it worth the hype? If you love great pizza, absolutely - the crust alone justifies the trip. If you're expecting a transformative experience or hate crowds, maybe skip it. This is really good pizza in a fun space, not a destination dining experience.
Best For
Better for: Wood-fired pizza quality, patio atmosphere, and group dining. The bread and butter alone outshines most competitors. Better scene and energy than typical neighborhood Italian spots.
Skip if: You want quiet/romantic Italian dining, need extensive gluten-free options, or seeking traditional red-sauce Italian-American comfort food. Also skip if you're budget-conscious - $$$$ for pizza adds up fast for families.
Roberta's
8.2
Brooklyn import bringing wood-fired pizzas and creative Italian-American fare to vibrant Platform complex. The industrial-chic space with colorful murals and expansive patio offers signature pizzas like the Bee Sting alongside natural wines and craft cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bee Sting Pizza, Famous Original, House-Made Bread with Butter
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: West Coast outpost of legendary Brooklyn pizzeria with California energy
Who should go: Trendy couples who appreciate creative pizza and natural wine
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to avoid Platform crowds
What to order: Bee Sting pizza, purple sweet potatoes, any wood-fired special
Insider tip: Reservations recommended; paid garage parking or metered street spots nearby
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid parking garage at The Platform ($3-5), abundant street parking on nearby residential streets, or metered spots on National Blvd
Dress code: Casually chic - dark jeans and nice top work perfectly, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Lively but conversational - energetic buzz without shouting, music present but not overwhelming
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 10-15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple vegetarian pizzas, seasonal vegetable sides, and pasta options
Vegan options: Good - vegan cheese available for pizzas, vegetable-forward small plates can be modified
Gluten-free options: Limited - no GF pizza crust, but salads and some vegetable dishes available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent first date spot - relaxed Brooklyn vibe takes pressure off, sharable pizzas create natural interaction, and outdoor patio offers romantic ambiance without being stuffy. The scene is lively enough to fill awkward silences.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins, and weekday lunches are manageable. Weekend dinners without a reservation means 1+ hour wait or arriving right at 5pm opening. Reservations open 2 weeks out on Resy.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome but atmosphere skews adult-trendy - better for older kids (10+) who appreciate good pizza. Weekday lunch is more family-appropriate than weekend dinner scene. High chairs available.
How's the outdoor seating? The covered patio is the main draw - heated, strung with lights, and open-air California vibes. Request outdoor when booking as it fills up first. Some traffic noise from National Blvd but minimal impact.
Is it worth the hype compared to the Brooklyn original? Platform location has its own California personality - lighter, airier, less gritty than Brooklyn. Pizza quality matches the original, but if you want the authentic cult experience, this is the polished West Coast version.
Best For
Better for: Best-in-class wood-fired pizza with natural wine program and Instagram-worthy setting - beats competitors on trendy atmosphere and Brooklyn pedigree while maintaining serious food credibility
Skip if: You want quiet intimate conversation (try Osteria La Buca instead), traditional red-sauce Italian (head to Toscana), or you're gluten-free and pizza-focused (limited options here)
Roberta's
8.4
Brooklyn's legendary wood-fired pizzeria brings its industrial-chic aesthetic and signature pies to Platform Culver City. The Bee Sting pizza with soppressata, chili, and honey exemplifies their creative approach, though the expansive menu sometimes overshadows the stellar pizza program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bee Sting Pizza, Famous Original, Margherita
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: West Coast outpost of Brooklyn institution that popularized spicy honey on pizza
Who should go: Scene-seekers and Brooklyn pizza fans wanting California outdoor dining vibes
When to visit: Lunch for patio seating or weeknight dinners avoid weekend crowds
What to order: Bee Sting is iconic, homemade bread with cultured butter is stellar
Insider tip: Outdoor patio allows dogs and has heat lamps for cooler evenings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Platform Culver City parking structure $3 first 90 min, street parking on Washington Blvd usually available after 6pm
Dress code: Casual cool - jeans and sneakers work, but most lean slightly trendy given the scene
Noise level: Lively buzz indoors, conversations compete with crowd energy - patio much quieter
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak lunch hours, no wait before 11:30am or after 1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza options plus robust vegetable-forward appetizers and salads
Vegan options: Limited - can customize pizzas without cheese, ask about vegan dough preparation
Gluten-free options: No - wood-fired pizza concept relies on traditional dough, no GF crust available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual-impressive vibes - outdoor patio is romantic without being stuffy, Brooklyn pedigree gives conversation starter, but expect scene energy and potential wait without reservation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early weeknight dinners (before 6:30pm) usually work as walk-in, but weekend dinners book solid - bar seating first-come basis and moves faster
Is it kid-friendly? Surprisingly yes during lunch and early dinner - casual pizza setting works for families, outdoor patio has space, but after 7pm crowd skews date night and groups
How does this compare to the Brooklyn original? Menu mirrors Brooklyn with California produce swap-ins, patio setting more spacious and polished, but loses some of the gritty Brooklyn authenticity - this is the curated version
Is the Bee Sting pizza actually worth the hype? Yes - the soppressata-chili-honey combination launched countless imitators for good reason, perfectly balances spicy-sweet-salty, but don't sleep on seasonal specials that showcase creativity
Best For
Better for: Scene energy with legitimately great pizza - beats typical Culver City options for groups wanting both Instagram moments and quality food, outdoor setting superior to most LA pizzerias
Skip if: You want quiet intimate conversation or pure pizza focus without the scene - head to Pizzana for refined simplicity or Masa for deep-dish Chicago comfort instead