The O.G. of Pizza | 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, Santa Monica & Westwood

Home / FOOD (+ BEVERAGE) / The O.G. of Pizza | 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, Santa Monica & Westwood

Every major city has their mandatory, infamous, must-have pizza joints and Los Angeles should be no different story but I’ve found it difficult to decipher where Angelenos pizza allegiances lie heaviest. I hear a lot about a lot of pizza places like Stella Barra, Pizzanista!, Joe’s, Village Pizzeria, and more, but there’s one spot everyone seems to mention: 800 Degrees. Somethings tells me when you have not one but two Uber drivers mention their undying love for 800 Degrees Pizzeria you must find out why. It was about damn time I got my ass in there to experience this true, authentic Neapolitan style pizza to decide for myself if the taste lived up to the hype.

Well, seeing as how I did just refer to 80o Degrees as the “original gangster” of pizza so you tell me how you think I felt about that meal. Sublime… perfection… beautiful… seriously authentic… those are a few descriptions that come to mind, but perhaps you’re wondering what makes this place all that special? How is it different from any other pizza place? First of all, have you ever been to a pizza place that pumps out pizzas the same way Chipotle pumps out burritos? Not unless you’ve been to 800 Degrees!! Yes: it starts at one end of the counter with balls of dough. How ever many balls you order are then stretched into pizza form in front of you. Shuffle a couple of steps forward to pick your pizza/toppings that are then instantly added and  your creation is then taken down to the other end of the counter. Follow that pizza to the oven/cashier area and while you’re paying for your meal, zoning out over which gelato you’d like get 100 scoops of, your pizza is ready.

800 Degrees is instant gratification at its finest. Seriously… so fine. But of course this isn’t the only thing that makes this pizzeria magical; the most important part of this whole operation id that the pizza is thankfully incredibly delicious. It’s not your average thin crust and it’s a far cry from deep dish, New York style, or California Pizza Kitchen: it’s some legit ass Italian/Neapolitan pizza. The only pie I’ve ever had that tasted like the pies from 800 degrees was pie IN Italy and (interestingly enough) Ugo located in Culver City (they use the same kind of oven and dough). It was mandatory I try the classic Margarita are a sure taste test and as I hoped, it was pure, simple Neapolitan perfection. Of course the ideal compliment to a simple pizza is another pizza piled with meat; the Carni pizza was the perfect choice and equally as satisfying.

Neapolitan pizza has unique attributes that set it apart from the mainstream. It’s a thin crust, made with just flour, salt, water and wild yeast. Traditionally the sauce is simply crushed tomatoes, although we add a few more goodies to ours. All pies are topped with fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. The completed pies are baked in a wood-burning oven and cook in about one minute. Coming hot from the ovens, the crust is characteristically soft and chewy, and with a little bit of char from the intense heat.

I’ve been on the hunt for the best pizza places in Los Angeles and 800 Degrees has most certainly made my favorites list. From prices, taste, choices in alcoholic beverages and gelato flavors, to the overall dining experience this place is awesome. My fellow Angelenos have spoken and I concur: that’s some of the best damn pizza I’ve ever had and there’s two locations right here in Los Angeles AND even more will be popping up soon! Go and check it out, I love when people tell me I’m right.

800 Degrees Pizza

800 Degrees Pizza

800 Degrees Pizzeria

800 Degrees Pizzeria

800 Degrees Pizza Gelato

800 Degrees Margarita Pizza

800 Degrees Carni Pizza

800 Degrees Pizza Chopped Salad

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