Cheese Theory

If you are from Boston and environs like Rosemary and I am, or from New York City, you know what…read morepizza is supposed to be like. Thin crust that is very flavorful, good sauce, not too much cheese, just enough, not that deep dish stuff that midwestern people think is pizza but is something else entirely. When I first moved here, you could not get the real deal, it was disappointing. Then the grandson of Regina's Pizza in the north End opened up the Pizza Connection is Canoga Park and it was really good. He opened a bunch of other locations but over time, not sure why, the pizza just wasn't as good. My child Emily Asher Kellis disagrees, still loves it, but she was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, so what does she really know about pizza. After trying a bunch of different "New York City" pizza joints that were just ok, we found Santino's NY Pizza in Sherman Oaks and were very happy with it, authentic East Coast pizza. Well last week I discovered they went out of business. Oh no, what were we going to do? So I researched and found there was a place in Sherman Oaks called The Pizza Wagon of Brooklyn, only two locations, here and in Brooklyn and people said it was the real deal. Tonight we tried it, and you know what, it might just be even better. Santino's sauce had a slight sweetness to it that we liked that this doesn't but the sauce is good, and the crust is even more flavorful and they are a bit more liberal with the olive oil usage, which true East Coasters love while I am told that most health conscious Southern Californians do not. Anyway, we are quite happy that we can continue to get our pizza craving satisfied when we just gotta have some slices.

Pizza Wagon of Brooklyn is a solid pizza shop. They're not the best pizza in town and they're not…read moretrying to be. There's always space for shops like this that keep things simple and stay in their lane. Today I tried a slice of their Eggplant and one of their Pesto. The eggplant was good, but the Pesto was great. The eggplant needed a bit more flavor, whereas the pesto was rich and paired perfectly with the ricotta. The staff here is awesome. They're always ready to help and since it's a small space inside, they'll keep to themselves if you eat in there. If the weather is good, I prefer to eat out front. Despite the busy street, it's surprisingly peaceful with a slice in hand. Pizza Wagon of Brooklyn is a great option if you're close by and looking for a solid, cheap slice!

Inside

Pizza by the Slice- Cheese Pizza, Eggplant Pizza, and Pesto Pizza

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Outside

MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza - Sherman Oaks

4.1(4.3k reviews)

1.0 mi•Sherman Oaks

Great atmosphere! Great service! Beautiful vibes! Supper attentive! Such a great place to come…read moreenjoy with friends and family! Totally recommend!

I came by about Noon on a Thursday. I was the only customer…read more Ordered a double order of meatballs and the MidCi side salad. Salad was tasty and fresh. Some tomatoes, spinach, arugula, balsamic etc. Meatballs came w/ three pieces of bread with Balsamic drizzled on them. Medium sized not big or small, kind of like Goldilocks, just right lol. I was surprisingly stuffed! Bill came to $26... meh a buck or two pricey for an impromptu lunch but it's not back in the day folks, things just cost more now... Service was super fast and friendly. And I found free neighborhood parking. All good :)

High ceilings - bar area looks like a good spot for meet ups

The Signature Nutella Calzone!!!

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Italian salad

Wozny

5.0(8 reviews)

8.3 mi•Pacific Palisades

They've got a Lasagna Pizza, a Baked Potato Pizza, and even a Dubai Chocolate Pizza!! All of their…read morepizza is incredible. The owner is warm and welcoming, which adds to the experience. They started as a hidden gem in Sherman Oaks tucked in the Sherman Oaks Lutheran Children's Center parking lot with a beautiful cart that lights up at night ! The pizza crust is one like no other !!

Honestly one of the best pizzas i've ever had. Premium pepperoni and cheese with sesame seed on…read morethe crust and the dough was chewy and crispy at the bottom. It was absolutely delicious.Must try. I will be back soon. Big thumbs up to Karen!!!!

Karine provided the best service -- she's so sweet and made the whole experience even better.

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Pizzana

4.1(431 reviews)

2.0 mi•Sherman Oaks

As a Sicilian-American, I'm incredibly picky about pizza. Pizzana is one of the very few places in…read moreLos Angeles that consistently lives up to the hype. The secret is the dough. Light, airy, flavorful, and somehow indulgent without leaving you feeling weighed down. Every pizza tastes thoughtfully crafted, with high-quality ingredients that let the flavors shine. Their signature slow-fermented dough has earned a devoted following for good reason. IT IS AWESOME. And for awesome you pay the price and shut your trap. This is a neighborhood place and I am thankful that it is not overrun with a fake crowd. But I feel like some of you are sleeping on this place. You travel all the way to Italy to take pasta and pizza classes and they do workshops here! The Cacio e Pepe pizza deserves its cult status, but honestly, I've never had a bad meal here. The service is always warm, the atmosphere is buzzing, and every time I leave I find myself planning what I'm ordering on my next visit. In a city full of pizza options, Pizzana remains one of the few that actually feels worth the calories. Sherman Oaks is lucky to have Pizzana right on Ventura Boulevard. And join the Cacio club and get a free pizza every month!

The pizza was delicious! Go and see it your self…read more You wont regret or your family hhhhhhhhhjjj

Caesar salad

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Polpette al Forno

Marco's Pizza

4.1(337 reviews)

1.3 mi•Sherman Oaks

Such nice customer service! The young man on the phone was so helpful... as I had several…read morequestions. He was patient and kind. The pizza arrived quickly. Delivered by another nice person. The pizza I ordered was delicious! I'll definitely be getting another pizza from Marco's soon!

I thought I would give them another try. Since the last time I got the New York style Pizza, which…read morewas horrible. Bad crust, bad sauce, bad texture. Already left a review for that. Haven't heard back. It don't seem to really want to take care of their customers. Very disappointing. The last Pizza I got was curled, pepperoni, large extra pepperoni. It was so greasy, we had to throw it out. The crust was not even tolerable, and there was way too much sauce. Bad experience. Hope they can improve in the future. But I won't be going back anytime soon. I'd like to hear from them

Counter and menu

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Entrance

On The Thirty

3.8(1.8k reviews)

0.9 mi•Sherman Oaks

10/10 best spot in Sherman oaks ask for Emily if you are at…read morethe bar, she has the best recommendations and is a total sweetheart! Great for date nights or work events highly recommended! Lastly love the tacos

I wish I had read my last review from 9 yrs ago before revisiting this place today…read more Let me tell you about the good things first... this won't take long. Kelley, our server, was a sweetheart. And the glass of wine was a nice pour and a decent wine. I like that they let you in for something to drink before officially opening for the day. Cue record scratch... now about that food. No, we did not order the wrong thing and no, IMO, they were not just having a bad day. Look at these Huevos Rancheros with "house hash, tostadas and 3 eggs"... those are chips (I think from a bag of tortilla chips) so not really a tostada, no way there were three eggs in that thing (from what I could see)... not sure what the "house hash" is but nothing I could identify on the plate. I know a lot of people might leave a restaurant and say "I could have made that at home" but there is no way I would make something this crappy at home. LOOK at this Avocado Toast with "avocado spread"... that is some thin smear of something green but when you are calling something "Avocado Toast" there should be a substantial amount of the hero ingredient (and maybe not call it "avocado spread" on your menu description. To me, that says, "Look we don't want to call this a "rustic mash of avocado" or "Hass smash" or "hand-crushed ripe avocado" because we know you are actually going to SEE it in front of you in about 15 minutes and "avocado spread" won't lead to a major disappointment." But it did. And this slab of dry plywood that they were calling toast. I turned to my wife and in my best Sebastian Manascalco said, "Why would you do that??" This place mostly failed on food. The food at the other tables looked equally pathetic. Gotta say... all of the cooked egg components of each dish were decent but the rest of the items were like WTF? Ambiance? It's OK... I mean it was a bar with a ton of TVs going. Semi-nice vibe for a sports bar... lots of room. Just can't get over the food. We ate about half of our sodium bombs and left. But parts of the eggs were lovely... as was Kelley.

Pizza

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Daniele's Wood Fired Pizza

4.4(1k reviews)

4.1 mi•Valley Village

18 years in business

Gluten-free friendly

Just had a dozen Woodfired Wings for dinner and they were outstanding! Pro tip go with the BBQ…read moresauce and Buffalo on side for dipping, so good!

The good reviews are misleading. Food tasted ok…read more Toppings and cheese kept on the Pizza was falling and melting off the bread. Not very appetizing. Difficult to eat. Expensive if you add 3 toppings came out to $45 dollars for a 14". Small space. I'd pass on it.

Seating

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Mulberry Street Pizzeria

3.5(493 reviews)

0.3 mi•Sherman Oaks

Stopped into Mulberry Street for the first time in a long time, and it felt like I was being…read morewelcomed home. Yes, the atmosphere is dark and spare, and this location could use a paint job, but the staff is friendly, and the pizza just can't be beat. I also love the option of sitting at a counter, because it's just more comfortable when doing the slice thing alone. They had quite a few pie options on display, including a Chicken Ranch pizza, which may require a call to the boss: combined with the BBQ Chicken and Hawaiian Pizzas below it, Mulberry may be committing a 3-strikes foodie felony. That said, I ordered a slice with sausage and a Coke Zero. The great thing about Mulberry Street is that their slices are on the larger size while still maintaining a thin and crispy crust. You definitely feel like you're getting far more bang for your buck here, and that's before you even take a bite -- that's the closer. The pizza here is top notch, with good quality cheese that melts perfectly and retains both its chew and flavor. The tomato sauce is nicely balanced between sweet and acid, and the sausage on top was richly flavored. Drizzle the slice with a touch of their signature chili oil, and you really have a terrific bite. I have to say, while the excitement around Mulberry may have diminished after so many years, and after the arrival of so many other places now doing what once was only being done by Mulberry, the quality of their food has remained first-rate, and they continue to top the list of places serving slices in this city. The proof: with Joe's pizza just steps away, Mulberry had far more people eating there at Friday lunchtime, and their pizza was much fresher (the pies at Joe's always seem to have been sitting for quite some time). While this outpost really needs to invest in some paint and a rethinking of the lighting, Mulberry definitely takes the crown when it comes to the food.

I grew up in Encino, and my family has been going to Mulberry for as long as I can remember. It…read moreused to be one of our go-to spots. Unfortunately, it's just not what it used to be. Every time we order it lately, I find myself wondering why. The pizza has become incredibly salty, and the quality seems to have gone downhill. Today really took the cake. Instead of ordering a whole pie, we got a few slices. I ordered pepperoni with onions, olives, and extra cheese, which doesn't seem like an unusual request. When I opened the box, I was genuinely put off. It looked like they had taken a premade pepperoni slice, laid what appeared to be slices of sandwich cheese on top, and sprinkled raw onions over it. I understand that by-the-slice pizza is premade, but this felt lazy and unappetizing. Mulberry used to be great, and it's disappointing to say this as someone who grew up eating there. At this point, I'd honestly rather have Domino's.

Inside

BBQ Chicken Pizza

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Outside

Napoli's Pizza Kitchen

4.3(937 reviews)

1.3 mi•Van Nuys

Excellent pastas and pizza. Always delicious and a go to for a hidden valley spot…read more Employees are always sweet and courteous. A few tables and outside, there is parking in the back but street parking can be available depending on the time of day. For pick up orders (may be obvious), just vall ahead instead of ordering there and waiting.

Overdue review - I need to catch up been eating my way through the valley and im so late on this…read more I was looking for Italian style pizza and found this place in Yelp and surprised that I didn't know about it being that I always frequent the nearby Thai place. Ordered a whole meat pizza a few months back and recently ordered from DoorDash their steak sandwich and the Alfredo pasta. I never dined in but the first visit was for the to-go pizza. Dining area is not that big but it's in a nice corner location so lots of window space and they have TVs if you ever want to watch sports. Since this is close to work - DoorDash delivery is good I got my orders (did it 2x) still warm. My pasta was hot and still creamy when I got it. Pretty good serving. I split it in 2 so i have a left over for the next day. It comes with a huge Italian garlic bread! Solid choice for Italian pizza, subs and pasta.

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Burrata Caprese

Joe's Pizza Sherman Oaks

3.6(358 reviews)

0.4 mi•Sherman Oaks

I ordered the BBQ chicken pizza and it was HUGE for $33! It was absolutely delicious and definitely…read moreworth it. I usually just grab a slice after a night out in WeHo, but this time we decided to order a whole pizza, and I'm so glad we did. The pizza was flavorful, fresh, and the portion was more than enough. Definitely a great option when you're hungry after a night out. I'll be ordering it again!

Great service with very friendly people behind the counter and own. The person was so nice to this…read morekid who was excited to have some pizza. The place is small in size but has couple of table and chairs to sit outside. This is considered a New Your Style pizza and it is but it still does not taste like New York which is expected. I figured in n out won't taste like California in n out :). I recommend coming and trying the place. For home cul people it may hit the spot and the taste is not that far from the New York Joes Pizza.

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Itamar T.

Elite 25

99

240

478

3 months ago

This pizza place absolutely deserves 5 stars. From the food to the service to the overall ambiance, everything hit the mark. We started with the Cajun wings and buffalo wings, and both were packed with flavor. The Cajun wings had that perfect smoky, zesty kick without being overwhelming, while the buffalo wings were saucy, tangy, and exactly what you want when you're craving classic wings. Both were cooked beautifully and came out hot, fresh, and full of flavor. The fries were another standout. They were incredibly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and had that rich, savory taste that made them impossible to stop eating. We later found out they're cooked in beef tallow, which explains why they were so delicious and had that extra depth of flavor you don't get from ordinary fries. For pizza, I got the Cheese Theory pizza, and it was amazing. Super cheesy, gooey, rich, and satisfying in the best way. Every bite had that perfect balance of crispy crust, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese. We also tried the jalapeño pepperoni pizza, and it was incredible. The pepperoni was savory and slightly crisp, and the jalapeños added the perfect spicy kick without overpowering the pizza. It was bold, flavorful, and seriously memorable. The service was friendly, attentive, and welcoming. You can tell they care about the food and the experience they're giving customers. The ambiance was also great -- comfortable, lively, and perfect for enjoying a casual meal with really good food. It had that fun neighborhood pizza spot feel, but with food that tastes like it was made with real attention to quality. Overall, this place was a total win. Great wings, amazing fries, delicious pizza, friendly service, and a great atmosphere. Definitely a 5-star experience, and I'll absolutely be back!! Food was so good I ordered another pizza. Check out the cheese pull! read more

Ruzanna Y.

0

36

3

18 days ago

Cheese Theory has quickly become a favorite. Walked in on a whim and the space immediately felt welcoming -- modern but not stuffy, the kind of place that works whether you're grabbing a casual dinner or bringing friends for a longer hang. The food is where they really shine. You can taste the difference with the dough -- made fresh daily, no shortcuts, with a great chew and char. The cheese is rich and clearly premium, not an afterthought. We tried lots foods (lol, I guess we were really hungry) the pizzas salads, French fries made with tallow and one of their sandwiches ("hugs" -- cute touch) and all the foods were packed with flavor, fresh ingredients you could actually taste. Service was warm and attentive without hovering -- the staff seemed genuinely proud of the food, which always elevates the experience. If you're in the Encino/Sherman Oaks area near Sepulveda and Ventura, this is worth the stop. Already planning my next visit to work through more of the menu. Highly recommend! read more

George A.

0

1

0

3 months ago

Everything was amazing, from the customer service to the taste and quality of the food. I got an extra large pizza, a cheesesteak hug and some fries. The ingredients on the pizza were so fresh, the sausage was really flavorful, but for me the best part was hands down the dough. The flavor and texture was incredible. My cousin and I sat down by the bar and watched some sports while enjoying our meal also had a couple beers. The ambiance was a pleasant refresher. Combining old school pizza shop with modern sports bar. 10/10 will definitely be back. read more

Robert I.

7

34

3

4 months ago

Tried this new pizza spot toda and wow... absolutely blown away. The pizza was incredible. Perfectly crunchy, fresh crust, amazing cheese, and every bite just hit right. The staff was also very friendly, felt at home. But the real surprise was the Yolakadini. Fresh bread stuffed with cheese and eggs and it was honestly BOMB. You can tell everything is made fresh and with care. Definitely one of the best new spots I've tried in a long time. Can't wait to come back already. read more

Liudmila M.

30

4

3

3 months ago

Hi! I visited your pizzeria for the first time today, and I just wanted to say how much I loved it. Everything was absolutely amazing -- the food, the atmosphere, and the service. I was genuinely impressed and will definitely be coming back. Thank you for such a wonderful experience! read more

Diana M.

10

14

13

3 months ago

Wow the food is soooo good I came back twice this week. Has to be the best pizza I've had in LA. The fries cooked with beef tallow are soooo good and crispy. Mozzarella sticks to die for. But the best of all is the FETA HUG!!! Soooo good read more

J C.

0

1

0

2 months ago

Wow!! The food was spectacular and the service was super friendly. 100% recommend if you are a fan of pizza and wings! The atmosphere was really nice, great spot to watch sporting events or sit down with family. Highly recommend! read more

Bradley S.

0

12

0

3 months ago

This place is awesome ! Great find in the Sherman Oaks Galleria . Pizza is freshly made and sandwiches were great . Family friendly for sure , and plenty of seating . We will be back ! read more

Donna C.

1

5

0

2 months ago

My new favorite spot! Crispy pepperoni pizza, amazing wings, seasoned fries, friendly staff, and a great vibe. Highly recommend!

Raffi B.

0

1

0

3 months ago

Best pizza, wings and fries! Their service is the best service! Will definitely be back!

Cheese Theory - pizza - Updated September 2026

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Napoli's Pizza Kitchen

4.3

(937 reviews)

Excellent pastas and pizza. Always delicious and a go to for a hidden valley spot…read more Employees are always sweet and courteous. A few tables and outside, there is parking in the back but street parking can be available depending on the time of day. For pick up orders (may be obvious), just vall ahead instead of ordering there and waiting.

Overdue review - I need to catch up been eating my way through the valley and im so late on this…read more I was looking for Italian style pizza and found this place in Yelp and surprised that I didn't know about it being that I always frequent the nearby Thai place. Ordered a whole meat pizza a few months back and recently ordered from DoorDash their steak sandwich and the Alfredo pasta. I never dined in but the first visit was for the to-go pizza. Dining area is not that big but it's in a nice corner location so lots of window space and they have TVs if you ever want to watch sports. Since this is close to work - DoorDash delivery is good I got my orders (did it 2x) still warm. My pasta was hot and still creamy when I got it. Pretty good serving. I split it in 2 so i have a left over for the next day. It comes with a huge Italian garlic bread! Solid choice for Italian pizza, subs and pasta.

Mr. Pizza

4.6

(358 reviews)

Came in at after midnight, first time here. Owner is very friendly. Probably one of the best Greek…read moresalads I've ever had. Lots of Kalamata olives, and plenty of the best feta cheese. He even brought out the container when I asked the brand. Hawaiian pizza is excellent. Generous toppings, and a very rich sauce. But it's the crust that makes a pizza, and this one doesn't disappoint: crispy, light; and chewy. Too bad I don't live close, but I will definitely be back.

Really solid pizza spot. I went with the Chicago style crust, so it was a little thicker, which is…read moreexactly what I was in the mood for. The pizza itself was great. Nothing that completely blew me away, but it's definitely a step above the big chain pizza places and I'd take this over those any day. They have a ton of different styles and options on the menu too, so I'm definitely interested in trying a few more next time. I had it delivered, so I can't really comment on the restaurant itself, but everything showed up on time and was still warm when it got here. It wasn't piping hot, but the driver only took about 10 minutes, so I can't really complain. Overall, a solid spot that I'll definitely order from again.

Antonio's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

3.9

(731 reviews)

GLUTEN FREE!!! This place is absolutely amazing! My mom is borderline celiac and it can be really…read moredifficult to find restaurants, but ESPECIALLY Italian restaurants that she can eat at and be safe from gluten. She was in the mood for Italian when we were driving through the area and once we saw the menu at this place we had to try it out. Wow, such delicious food! The fried mozzarella was so cheesy and the marinara was super flavorful, you could actually chew on pieces of garlic. Every dish was fresh, tasty and even better than we imagined! We were so pleased with the service as well, very attentive and friendly staff. It really had the feeling of a great little neighborhood hidden gem and the decor made us feel comfortable and right at home. We can't wait to go back and try more dishes! 10/10 recommend!

Been here more times than I can count since moving to Sherman Oaks in 2015…read more I'll be back more. My family loves it.

Trattoria del Sole

4.3

(369 reviews)

I'm embarrassed to say that this gem has been sitting in my neighborhood for years, merely 5…read moreminutes from my house, and we've only just tried it tonight. What a crazy number of days, weeks, months we've spent without enjoying the good food and friendly service at this comfy, homestyle Italian eatery with a full bar and even fuller menu of properly prepared, seriously tasty dishes. The room is cheery and bright, while remaining welcoming. Not a sign of anything corporate here -- just homespun hospitality and good vibes from start to finish. Our server, Chris, was attentive and most accommodating, explaining various options to us newbies, and making my wife an offer she couldn't refuse: she was trying to decide between Chicken Parm and Cacio E Pepe, so Chris offered to swap the plain pasta side of the parm with Cacio E Pepe, giving her both dishes in one. Sold. You pretty much never see that kind of thing happening nowadays. And it was a great thing, to be sure. The generous portion of chicken was lightly fried and topped with an equally light tomato sauce that complimented the chicken and cheese rather than overwhelming them. The flavor and texture were spot on, and the robust Cacio E Pepe made for a very nice pairing. Me? I ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara, once Chris assured me it was made the traditional way rather than doused in cream as so many places now do. And indeed, the spaghetti was textbook al dente, dressed with with egg yolk and cheese that combined into a richly satisfying sauce. The pancetta brought a touch of salt and plenty of smoky accents, making this about as top notch a version of this dish as you're likely to find in the Valley. Cannoli were sweet and rich; a wonderful palate cleanser at the end of our meal. A Pepperoni Pizza taken to go for our kids at home looked absolutely first rate. Did I mention my martini? Properly made, cool and crisp, and only $15. Quite the bargain for this side of town. Yes, Trattoria Del Sole came as a surprise, but it should be no surprise to anyone reading this that we'll be making this our regular haunt from now-on. I think you should, too.

Our family loves this place! Eat in, if you can. The ambiance is right out of Italy itself -…read morecomplete with an Italian market. I think we've tried everything on the menu through catering, delivery and in-person. Every dish is a well thought out delight and never lets us down!

Bougie Burger

4.7

(149 reviews)

Unreal burger. Great service. Great guys. So juciyyyyyy. I can't explain the way this burger felt…read morein my mouth. Chills

Very solid smash burger . Fry portions are generous …read more Staff and owner are super cool .

Sloppy Buns

4.9

(114 reviews)

WTF!!!! I don't even know where to start with this Sloppy…read moreJoe. I've had a lot of sandwiches in my life, but this might be the best thing I've ever eaten on a bun. There's a burst of flavor in there that I genuinely can't explain -- whoever's back there cooking needs a statue erected in their honor. Absolutely epic. The beef tallow tater tots are the perfect sidekick -- crispy, rich, exactly what you want alongside that sandwich. Don't sleep on the banana pudding either. It's on a whole 'nother level of delicious. On top of the food, the two guys working the booth were outgoing, friendly, and clearly happy to be there. You can tell this crew puts genuine love and care into every meal they serve -- that's what makes a pop-up special. Only complaint: I wish they had a location in Arcadia so I didn't have to travel for it. Until then, I'll keep coming back. Highly recommend.

My first time there last night the best sloppy Joe and smash burger spot!…read more Firstly the service was amazing Alex made some amazing recommendations and the food was 10/10, my favorite burger joint from now on and using wagyu beef is a massive plus. You gotta try the big Joe a wagyu smashburger sloppy Joe is a must try!!! Don't forget to snag some dank pudding too They have a huge parking lot and some tables set up for some good vibes and that classic feel. Most definitely will return. Wishing them the greatest success!

Spumoni Restaurant

4.7

(1.4k reviews)

Truly awesome from every perspective. Easy parking in back, super friendly owner and staff and…read moreoutstanding food. Had carbonara light on the sauce and salmon limone pasta (enough for lunch the next day). House wines were fine, friendly prices all around. Definite "go to" spot in the neighborhood.

My son and I have been talking about trying this place for about 2 weeks now and we finally came in…read morefor dinner tonight. We parked in one of their 3 parking spots in the back and entered through the rear entrance. We were greeted by Aya who mentioned they were having some plumbing problems so we needed to sit in the front section of the restaurant. The place is pretty small and compact, with about 10 tables. It's family owned and been around for 25 years. The prices are pretty affordable for the portion sizes. Not much ambiance or decorations, but there was some nice Italian music playing overhead and some Christmas decorations that are apparently hung up year-round. Both Thomas and Aya waited on us and they were both pleasant and kind with nice smiles. Thomas quickly brought out some waters along with their complimentary focaccia that came with olive tapenade. The bread tasted old and stale and wasn't warm, but I liked the tapenade. Surprisingly, we were never asked if we wanted anything else to drink and also never got refills on our waters until I had to ask for one. I ordered the Italian salad with dressing on the side and I asked if the carrots that came in the salad were cooked or raw, since I don't like raw carrots. Aya happily suggested that they can cook me some carrots separately and bring them on the side, which is what they did. Even though the carrots were not really cooked that well, the gesture was still greatly appreciated. Other than that, all the ingredients were very fresh and the dressing was LIGHT, just how I like it. For our entrèes, I got the Pollo Della Cassa which came with chicken breast and mushrooms baked with mozzarella cheese, served on pasta with Alfredo sauce. ($24.95), with an add-on of shrimp (+$3.00 for 3 shrimps). I also asked for light sauce, not too soupy, and that's exactly how it was prepared. The food was piping hot, very fresh, and delicious. My son ordered the Pollo Limone ($24.95) that came with grilled chicken breast with lemon sauce on mushroom risotto. He was not the biggest fan of his food but still ate all of it. He also asked if he could get a side of veggies and they gladly brought out a medley of sautéed broccoli, zucchini, and carrots. We were not charged for the side of veggies and also the salad, which was very generous of them. To end the meal, you get a small complimentary square of Tiramisu which is a nice little treat. The customer service is truly the best part of this restaurant and you can tell that there is a lot of love involved here. They really care about their guests and want you to feel happy and satisfied. Due to some minor ticks here and there, I think I am going to stick with 4 stars overall. The restaurant was clean but just kind of unpleasant. You could also smell the bleach right when you walk in and sometimes the smell would waft through the air. It was also really hot in the restaurant and I don't think the A/C was working. They have one bathroom for each gender and they were very clean. I also asked for some change to leave cash for the tip, but Thomas told me they didn't have any cash in the restaurant. How can that be? Thank you Spumoni, Aya, Thomas, and the chefs. Will I return? Maybe, maybe not.

Nat's Early Bite Coffee Shop

4.4

(1.7k reviews)

Outstanding friendly service Homemade muffins- melt in your…read moremouth good Usually need to park on side streets- not good but not sucky Great selection of different types of sausage - I had the the Louisiana Red Hots with eggs and perfectly cooked breakfast potatoes

Had breakfast for lunch at Nat's, and was very glad I made that choice. This old-timey coffee shop…read morein Van Nuys has been a steady presence in the area for decades, famous for house-made muffins and jams, and really high quality diner fare served by a friendly, warm and welcoming staff. The decor is exactly what you'd expect (and exactly what you want) from a neighborhood coffee shop: formica tables, padded chairs and booths, aging photos on the walls, and lively music playing on the radio. It was bustling at lunchtime on a Thursday, but not crazy busy (as on many weekend mornings), so I was seated immediately. The menu boasts a fairly large selection of options, from the usual breakfast items to sandwiches and burgers, daily specials, and those aforementioned muffins (which you can get instead of toast with your breakfast if you like). Today, I opted for their Spicy Louisiana Hot Link with eggs, grits and toast. It was a very generous portion of food for $16.95, and I appreciate how they've manage to keep their prices reasonable. The eggs were a proper over-medium, and the grits were both hot and creamy. The side of butter melted easily into the porridge, which, when salted and peppered, made for a satisfying and savory bite. The sausage was split and grilled, showing off a nice char; they were spicy, as advertised, but not overly powerful, and they paired very well with the warm, creamy egg yolk. Rye toast was full of caraway flavor, and really shone when topped with butter and a generous slather of Nat's house-made Apricot Jam (packed with fruit flavor without being too sweet). Yes, Nat's remains a solid, satisfying spot for breakfast and lunch. And though parking can sometimes be a challenge, I find the food is well worth the effort.

Hank’s Bagels

4.4

(363 reviews)

Hank's Bagel absolutely delivered this morning. We stopped in when it was not busy, and our order…read morecame out in about two minutes. My youngest said it felt like bagel magic. I grabbed an onion bialy with cream cheese, and I am still thinking about it hours later. The flavor was unreal. It tasted like the best part of French onion soup, just without the soup. Rich, savory, and perfect with the cream cheese. Blissful is the only word that fits. My youngest went with an everything bagel, plain, and she lit up after the first bite. Soft, squishy, exactly how she likes it. She looked at me and said, "Dad, how come you haven't brought me here before?" I told her that sometimes, for great things, you have to wait in life. We also grabbed the nectar of the gods (Diet Coke) and an apple juice. Everything was packaged neatly, easy to grab and go, and the whole experience felt effortless and the people there are wicked nice! Hank's is officially in our rotation now.

The bagels from this place are amazing. The toppings are always fresh... If they make it onto your…read morebagel. Out of the five times I have picked up bagels here (ordered online and in person), only two have been correct. Three times I have brought home my orders open them up to find a missing topping. Today it was cream cheese. Last time it was avocado (a pricey loss). The people putting together the bagels need to be more conscientious about what they're doing and double-checking their accuracy. Also, the manager should be checking the order before it goes out. This is happening far too frequently for a To-Go food shop.

Joe's Pizza Sherman Oaks

3.6

(358 reviews)