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Triple Beam Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Triple Beam Pizza
8.4
James Beard Award-winning chefs Nancy Silverton and Matt Molina bring Roman-style pizza with creative seasonal toppings to Santa Monica's Main Street. Rectangular slices feature inventive combinations like pastrami pickle with calabrian chiles or roasted corn esquite with cotija and tajín, plus traditional, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Acorn Squash Pizza, Roasted Corn Esquite, Pepperoni
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: James Beard pedigree meets Roman technique with California seasonal ingredients
Who should go: Pizza purists and adventurous eaters seeking chef-driven slices
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for freshest selections
What to order: Acorn squash with honey, roasted corn esquite, classic pepperoni
Insider tip: Newer location means fewer crowds than their Highland Park original
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets, metered until 8pm. Small public lot one block east on Ashland. Easier than Highland Park location.
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, sneakers all fine. It's counter-service pizza.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - open space with hard surfaces, but manageable conversation at most times
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for pizza during peak (6-8pm), counter-service so no table wait
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min for pizza, quick turnover
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including seasonal veggie pizzas and multiple meat-free combinations
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan pizzas with cashew cheese, clearly marked on menu
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust available for all pizzas, prepared separately
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but casual vibes only - counter-service format is relaxed and takes pressure off, but it's not romantic. Better for 'let's grab a slice' than 'let me take you to dinner.'
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter-service. Order at counter, grab a table if available, or take slices to go. Weekday afternoons are easiest for snagging seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual counter format, shareable rectangular slices, and kids love the creative toppings. High chairs available. Can get loud but nobody minds.
How much should I budget per person? $18-25 per person for 2-3 slices and a drink. Slices are $6-8 each and they're substantial.
Is it worth the hype? Yes if you appreciate chef-driven pizza innovation. The Roman-style technique and seasonal California ingredients justify the premium over standard slice shops.
Best For
Better for: Chef-driven creativity with seasonal ingredients, Roman-style technique, accommodating dietary restrictions with quality options (not afterthoughts), and less crowded than their cult-favorite Highland Park location
Skip if: You want traditional round NYC-style pizza, need full table service, or are looking for the cheapest slice in town. Also skip if you prefer simple pepperoni-only menus without adventurous toppings.
Triple Beam Pizza
8.5
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Quick Bites Champions
James Beard Award-winning chefs Nancy Silverton and Matt Molina bring Roman-style rectangular pizza with 48-hour fermented dough baked in golden deck ovens. Executive Chef Juan Robles creates elevated seasonal combinations that prove pizza can be refined while remaining approachable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom and Shallot Pizza, Salami Pizza, Margherita
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Celebrity chef pedigree meets accessible Roman-style pizza cut to order
Who should go: Foodies seeking elevated pizza in casual setting
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the after-school special deal
What to order: Mushroom and shallot, salami pizza, brookie dessert
Insider tip: Order by weight—they cut pieces to your desired size with scissors
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets, metered until 8pm. Public lot on 5th Street (2 blocks) charges $8 flat rate after 5pm
Dress code: Casual LA style - jeans and sneakers totally fine, though the crowd skews stylish
Noise level: Lively but conversational - open space with high ceilings creates buzz without overwhelming
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation, peak time 7-8pm. Walk-ins often seated at bar immediately
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 10 minutes. After-school rush 3-4pm can add 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - half the pizza menu is vegetarian, including standout mushroom and seasonal veggie options
Vegan options: Limited but doable - can build custom pizzas without cheese, better to call ahead for dairy-free options
Gluten-free options: Not available - the 48-hour fermented dough is integral to the concept, no GF crust offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially early dates. Casual enough to feel low-pressure, impressive enough to show you have taste. The by-the-slice ordering means you can share without committing to full pies. Noise level allows conversation but isn't so quiet it feels awkward.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6:30pm) usually fine for walk-ins. Friday-Saturday dinner highly recommend reservations. Bar seating is first-come and often available - great for solo diners or couples willing to eat at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids 12 and under eat free weekdays 3-5pm with adult purchase. High chairs available, casual vibe means kid noise isn't an issue. Simple cheese and pepperoni options alongside the fancy stuff. Gets crowded with families during after-school hours.
How much should I budget per person? $25-35 per person for pizza and a drink. Two people typically split 3-4 slices ($18-24 total) plus apps or dessert. Full pies run $22-28 but feed 2-3 people easily.
Do they deliver or have takeout? Yes to both. Takeout is popular and pizza travels well in their boxes. Delivery through major apps but quality best when picked up fresh - the crispy crust softens in transit.
Best For
Better for: Best on Main Street for: elevated pizza that's still approachable, families wanting quality food (not just kid tolerance), weekday lunch deals, Instagram-worthy food that actually tastes as good as it looks, ordering flexibility (buy exactly the amount you want)
Skip if: You want Neapolitan-style round pies, need gluten-free options, prefer old-school red sauce joints, are on a tight budget (this is premium pricing), want a quiet romantic dinner (it's buzzy), or are looking for extensive vegan options