While in the neighborhood for an appointment, The Astronomer and I tucked into Desano Pizza Bakery for a bite to eat, avoiding rush hour traffic and getting in some quality face time. As a bonus, we ate some damn good pizza too.

I have heard nothing but positive things about DeSano ever since it opened early last year. Here, pizzas are made the old school Italian way, following the strict guidelines of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN). Ingredients, ovens, and quite possibly even some of the pizza makers are imported from Italy.

After placing our orders at the front counter, we grabbed a table in the spacious dining room. The Astronomer watched MLS and La Liga on the flat screens, while I watched the pizzaiolos making our pies in the open kitchen. 

Soon enough, our two pizzas arrived. First up was the Lasagna ($14.50), which was topped with San Marzano tomato sauce, meatballs, ricotta, garlic, scamorza, mozzarella di bufala, and pecorino romano.

From the delicate puddles of ricotta to the fantastic crust and fresh basil, there was a lot to like about this well-constructed pie.

Even better was the Diavola ($15.50) with San Marzano tomato sauce, soppressata, pepperoni, Calabrian peppers, scamorza, mozzarella di bufala, and pecorino romano. I also added some fresh minced garlic from DeSano’s condiment bar, which took an already incredible pie to a whole ‘nother level.

To finish, we shared a house-made cannoli with fresh ricotta and plenty of mini chocolate chips ($4.50). We loved how it was just sweet enough.

I want to have a pizza party here. Who’s in?

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DeSano Pizza Bakery
4959 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone: (323) 913-7000

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