Service and food were great! We've had the big 3 in Chicago (Lou, Giordano, and Pequods) and this pizza is very comparable! Same with the Italian beef, very similar to Portillo's!! We will def be back! Also, bonus, lots of TVs to watch sports! read more

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We were in the area and decided to stop by. The waitstaff was great and so was the pizza. This LA location tastes a bit better than in Chicago from what I remember (I'm a Lou's guy). That being said, the gentleman demeanor at the front counter was passive aggressive. When we arrived he asked us for our reservation, understandable. He checked if they could accommodate my three adult and one child party, returned and stated we could only sit outside. The indoor seating area was 60% empty during our entire visit. read more

Gino’s East - Pep, shroom and Patty sausage. - Pizza Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

I've never actually eaten at Gino's East, and I've only been to the restaurant once for pickup before Postmates and Uber Eats delivered to our area. The place is located on Riverside Dr., and I found parking on the street. I don't think it gets too busy to the point where you can't park on the street, and I'm not sure if they have a parking lot in the back, but you should be fine on Riverside Dr. I was greeted by a man up front who asked for my order and checked to see if it was ready. As he went to check on my order, I got a glimpse of the restaurant, and straight to the left is a bar area with a tv and the place has that old school pizza parlor vibe with dark tones that really set the mood. I'll definitely have to come back and eat there to get the full experience. When the guy came back, I paid and went back to my car, where you'll find most people who come here. Once my order was received, I rushed back home to get these bad boys cut up for the fights! I usually go with a few 12" pies, including the option of spinach margaritas for the vegetarians, Gino's Supreme, and the Meaty Legend. Sometimes we'll get the hot wings, French fries, and mozzarella sticks for the kids because I noticed they don't really like this style of deep dish pizza. It's sauce-heavy with a lot of mozzarella cheese, and the crust is a bit different from what they are used to. However, we love it, and I must admit, I'm a huge meat person, but I think the spinach margarita may be the tastiest one out of the bunch! Anyway, these are a bit expensive, but they're the real deal. Overall, if you're looking for some Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Gino's will get you there. I haven't had a bad experience yet, and it's our go-to for our fight night parties. OOOOC 4.5 out of 5 Afros read more

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Ended April with a return visit to Gino's so my wife, who's never been, could try the Italian Beef Sandwich. With so many playoff games happening, the place was buzzing with people eating, drinking, and watching sports on the multiple TVs lining the walls. The bar was empty, so we decided to sit there, and the bartender quickly tended to our bar needs: Diet Pepsi for my wife, Peroni in an iced-cold glass for me. My wife ordered the Italian Beef Sandwich, adding melted mozzarella. The sandwich came out looking great, with a side of very crispy, very tasty fries. But alas, the beef was intensely salty. I've eaten this sandwich several times, and I've never had the meat be this over-the-top salty. She had to send it back, then replaced it with the Hand-Rolled Mozzarella Sticks. These crispy, house-made sticks were terrific: crispy & crunchy on the outside, melty and tasty inside. The marinara on the side was also top-notch; chunky and herbaceous. For myself, I switched things up and ordered the Italian Hero. Sliced meats on a crispy roll with veggies, mayo, red vinegar and spicy giardinara. This was a great sandwich, with meats, cheese and veggies all fresh and flavorful, the bread pleasingly crunchy. My only complaint is that the presentation was a bit of a mess, making the sandwich a bit unnecessarily difficult to manage. There are many places around town that serve sandwiches much larger in a much neater, more easily-handled manner, so it would be great if the folks here gave things a little more attention. In the end, it was a good, casual, weeknight dinner out, and we'll definitely be back; I just wish they'd be a little more detailed. read more

Gino’s East - Italian Hero - Pizza Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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I suddenly had a craving for Chicago deep pizza and found the well known spot in Southern California. It definitely did not disappoint. I was so happy to finally satisfy my craving to deep dish pizza. The restaurant has a classic American style vibe, and the food was delicious. Both the thin crust pizza and the deep dish pizza were really good. The service was also friendly and attentive. The only downside is that it's pretty far from where I live., but it was definitely worth the trip. read more

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I love deep dish so of course I liked this place. The crust is very interesting and unlike other places. It definitely isn't doughy. I felt like it has a pie like crust. Most people think it has cornmeal but Google says it isn't cornmeal. I enjoyed it more than Patxi's and Masa but then again, I prefer Numero Uno's crust compared to these two places as well. If you like Chicago style deep dish, definitely check them out. read more

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My husband and I heard Gino's was good, so we decide to give it a try. Service was great and the staff were very friendly. We started with the mozzarella sticks and jumbo buffalo wings. Seriously, those mozzarella sticks were probably the best I've ever had. Crispy with so much flavor they were delicious. The wings were good and the fried crispy. The spinach margherita deep dish pizza was not quite what we expected. It was a soggy mess. With no meat to cut through all the cheese it just sagged. The taste was good but we definitely should have gone with a different pizza. Overall I gave Gino's 4 because of the mozzarella sticks and the friendly staff. read more

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My guy and I went last night for Dinela. Loved the mozzarella sticks! Fun place. I'd return.

Finally a good spot that has Chicago style pizza! We don't have very many out here other than regular pizza chains so the change of pace is nice. We just got a simple cheese topping to enjoy at home and it was perfect. Super delicious, flavorful, and the crust was exactly how I like it! Definitely want to try their other toppings! IG: @ammysalamii read more

Gino’s East - Chicago Style Cheese Pizza IG: @ammysalamii - Pizza Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

pub chips tasted great and had good texture. sausage dog was good but bare. I didn't understand the options online. the warm welcome from the owners it appeared was very open and inviting. parking in back is limited but available. the pizzas could have had more cheese I'll admit. not a fan of the cornmeal crust (it appears) I did like the sauce and pie itself. I may have to come back to try other things. read more

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Had a pizza delivered and the top slid off in the box. It was a cold mess. Love this brand in Chicago...not sure why the decline in quality....or why the retaurant didn't even reach out or offer to make this right after I submitted an issue ticket. read more

Gino’s East - Not the best pizza I ever had delivered to my home. - Pizza Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

It has been a long time since I returned to this restaurant. I came when it was newly opened, and I had been to the original in Chicago. I am a low carb, thin crust pizza girlie, but once I tasted the Chicago deep dish I was hooked. I saw they also have Chicago style thin crust with toppings from end to end. I definitely want to try that next time. What I like about it is the amount of Chicago native customers. Everyone seems happy to be around each other and reminiscing about Chicago. It is such a warm vibe. We also got to chat with the owner there who was super welcoming. They have wonderful lunch specials and the DineLA deal was so generous. My friend and I ate to our hearts' content and still had a slice each to take home and enjoy the next day. The crust is made with some cornmeal and has a firm texture. We got sausage and onion flavor deep dish, with the sausage baked under the cheese. The Chicago style hot dog was on point and the cheesecake dessert was just the right ending to a decadent meal - not too heavy. I believe it comes from another specialty cheesecake maker from Chicago. read more

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I used to live in the suburbs of Chicago, and frequently going to Gino's on weekends with family or friends--especially when we had visitors--was always one of my favorite things to do. So when they opened a location in Sherman Oaks, it honestly meant a lot to me and my family. It brings back a strong sense of nostalgia every time. The food quality has never disappointed. Even when they change up the menu, it still delivers--and sometimes they'll even make items from the old menu depending on the kitchen, which I appreciate. If you're going with a group, I highly recommend the Sticks and Dips as an appetizer. I also love their mozzarella sticks. I've personally only ordered their deep dish pizzas so far, and they've been consistently great. I'd love to try their chicken sandwiches at some point, but the deep dish alone keeps me coming back. The service has always been warm and welcoming. The staff is friendly, and when the owner is around, he even comes by to check on you personally, which says a lot. It was honestly really upsetting to hear they were recently robbed--you've got to be a real jerk to go after a local business like this. read more

So glad I came across this place! Came in for dinner with the fam. They had a great family deal that came with either a 12in deep dish or 16 in thin crust, salad and deep dish brownie for dessert for $30. They also offer a great happy hour. We also ordered the sticks and dip's appetizers. Our waitress was super nice and helpful and the menu. Felt so welcome as soon as we walked in. Had many tv's with different sport channels on each one. A very cozy, chill place to eat. read more

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Service here is friendly and on point! I had no choice but to select the 22% higher option on the tip menu. It's a small hole in the wall place with a few tables but it can accommodate your family and friends. It has a sports dive bar feel to it, could use some updating on the inside, but still feels welcoming. We ordered quite a bit since we were stuck in the area for a little bit after being rear ended in a hit and run. The first thing to come out is my kids apple juice which he chugged followed by the cheese sticks which were the best cheese sticks I've ever had. I would come back just for the cheese sticks, that's how good they were, especially with the marinara sauce. I also ordered 9 jumbo wings, tossed in buffalo sauce with a side of ranch. It's a perfect side of ranch for 9 wings, didn't have to order extra and the wings were a good size with a tasty buffalo flavor. They had a slight crunch to the outside, not too hard not too soft, wings done right. Then came the spinach Margherita deep dish pizza pie. I ordered this and instantly wished I had ordered the meaty one. It was good, but tasted more like a good spinach dip rather than a good deep dish pizza. I want to come back to order something with some type of meat as I feel like I deprived myself of the proper experience by going meatless. For dessert we had the deep dish brownie bake, topped with ice cream. This gooey goodness was more devils food cake meets molten lava cake than brownie to me, but delicious nonetheless. That's this critic's review, until next time, I'll be eating. read more

We loved Gino's East pizza the last time we had it and so, of course, were looking forward to a wonderful dinner here last night. We arrived right on time for our reservation with another couple. Even though there were regular tables available, (the host and later on we would learn, our server as well-Tony G.) wanted to sit us at a high top table. My friend has back issues and said that we needed a regular table. Begrudgingly, we were seated at a half booth table. Our server unfortunately had an attitude from the beginning. We ordered some iced teas, Arnold Palmers, and a glass of wine. My friend had some questions about the menu and politely asked Tony and he seemed to be genuinely annoyed at a patron asking a server questions, which I'm pretty sure is part of the job. We ordered the Legendary Hand-Rolled Spinach Mozzarella sticks which arrived lukewarm. Our server never checked to see if we were enjoying them. We weren't. My friend asked specifically for the Antipasti Salad for the table with no pepperoncini because one of us doesn't eat spicy food. Of, course the salad came with tons of pepperoncini but our server never checked back to see if we were enjoying it. When we were ordering and specifying what to omit, our server was basically berating my friend saying, "Wait, give me a second, I have to put in all of your requests by hand." He could have said that in a much nicer way. We had questions about the pizza and those were answered in the same rude manner, like we were wasting his precious time. We ended up ordering a pepperoni and sausage pizza-deep dish. When it arrived at the table, the bottom was burnt and the toppings were all running off the pizza because he cut it immediately before letting it set for even a minute. We were never offered dessert while the owner sat at the table next to us seemingly with friends who our server kept bringing dish after dish and dessert after dessert. I was very disappointed in the lack of service and the food. On the way out, my friend told the owner about the events of the evening and while he listened, he didn't really seem to care. This experience was a far cry from what I would expect at Gino's East and we will not be returning. read more

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Had it in Chicago and I thought it was pretty good, but was not impressed this time. The crust is tough, the sauce was too oregano forward and tasted undercooked. The place felt dark and dingy, and not the most inviting. The frozen Lou Malnati's I fly in from Chicago taste better by far. Decent service, though. Their caesar salad is made with kale, with dressing on the side. As you know, kale is dryer than dirt until it's dressed. Putting it into a tiny bowl made dressing it and tossing it impossible. Yeah, that's a little thing. But add in enough little things and the experience goes down the tube. read more

Beat pizza this side of Chicago! Service is great too! They were closed for a private event but still seated us on their outside tables and we were able to eat and enjoy our food! Denise was our server and she was so friendly! Todd, the owner, took time to chat with us. He's super nice too! The place is small but feels like home! We will be back! Worth the 45 minute drive! read more

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The food is excellent, but what sets Gino's East apart from any other place is the people. The service is excellent. The restaurant inside is intimate, but also fun and has a great menu. It's a slice of what makes Chicago great without having to leave Southern California. Also, everyone is lovely, but should out to Michael B who is the kindest and most considerate person I think I've ever met. Gino's East has it all. But if you go, remember good pizza can take some time so manage your expectations and be nice to the staff. Everyone is hardworking and dedicated to making your experience great! read more

Gino's East came highly recommended by 2 of my wife's coworkers. Since we were out in Century City, decided to finally head over to check it out. A 45 minute drive from Century City (hella traffic up Beverly Glen). Believe there is only street parking which was challenging as we had to circle around 2x before we found a spot. We did call in our order and all 4 pies were ready once I arrived. Deep supreme - I absolutely loved the sausage patty that they use in this deep dish. Honestly, wasn't a huge fan of the dough they use as it is different than other deep dish pizzas I've had. Now I can't say whether the other deep dish pizzas I've had were truly authentic Chicago style but I think I do prefer the deep dish pizzas at Masa of Echo Park. I just think the crust is a bit more flavorful. Deep diavola - Of the 2 deep dish pizzas we ordered tonight, this was my favorite. The spicy pepperoni paired perfectly with the red sauce, basil and truffle oil. I think the truffle oil added more flavor to the pizza crust so this was the better of the 2 for me. I think I'll see if I can customize this by adding sausage patty and some fresh garlic next time. Deep custom (artichokes, mushroom, garlic, spinach and olives) - Wife enjoyed the pizza but like me wasn't a fan of the crust. They did warn her about the number of toppings as it would make the pizza too "wet." I think we should've stuck with 2-3 toppings max on her pizza. She did mention there didn't seem to be much cheese so that was a negative. The guys running the front were friendly and efficient. Will head back if ever in the area. read more

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Gino's East is a must- visit for anyone craving authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza! We ordered garlic bread sticks and a 9" deep dish. The 9" can easily feed two people. The crust is buttery and perfectly crisp, the layers of cheese are wonderfully gooey. It's indulgent, filling, and everything you want from a classic deep dish pizza. Deep-dish pizzas take 45 minutes so plan accordingly . The breadsticks were ok, nothing special. The marinara sauce that came with it was really good. Service// Quick and easy to order. Nice front desk The ambiance was cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for a fun and satisfying meal. Definitely a must- try if you're a pizza lover read more

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I've been here a couple of times about four or five years ago and honestly forgot this place existed. Came back for the Super Bowl and was seriously impressed. We had pizza and beer, tried the calamari, and even sampled their brownie dessert. The calamari was amazing and had a nice spicy kick that I loved, which totally surprised me. The brownie was also delicious and definitely tempted me to order a full one. I haven't given this place enough credit in the past, but I really enjoyed everything. Great spot for pizza, food, drinks, and a fun time. I'll definitely be back. read more

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We are big fans of the city of Chicago and its food, so discovering Gino's East in Sherman Oaks felt like striking gold. We live in Encino and have now been a handful of times, and every single visit has been consistently delicious. From the Italian Beef Sandwiches to the Chicago Dogs to the legendary Deep Dish pizza, everything tastes authentic and satisfying. It truly feels like a little slice of Chicago right here in the Valley. Somehow it has even become our Valentine's Day tradition. We went again last night to celebrate, and it reminded us why we love it so much. The vibe is casual but cool, laid back yet still special enough for a date night. It is the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy amazing comfort food, and make memories. Even after many great visits, this was the night that made me finally sit down and write this review. Our service was exceptional. Thais was our server, and I was honestly blown away by how efficient, attentive, and kind she was, especially on such a busy holiday evening. She handled everything with ease and professionalism while still making us feel taken care of. I even found Dan, the owner, to personally share how impressed we were with her. Dan was incredibly gracious and warm, and it was so nice to finally meet him after being loyal customers for so long. It is clear that this place is run with pride and heart. Gino's East is a wonderful spot with great food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you ever get a hankering for true Chicago grub, this is the place to go. Thank you for the food, the traditions, and the memories. We will absolutely be back. read more

Gino’s East - Chicago Dog - Pizza Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Great value for great food. Came here with 4 guys and got a salad, wings, hot dogs, and a large deep dish pizza for less than $30 per person, and everyone was stuffed. Pizza had a great crust and the right proportion of sauce, cheese, and toppings. We got the Diavola, and it had just the right hint of white truffle. Parking can be a bit difficult but there's plenty of street parking if you're willing to walk a little bit. read more

I've been wanting to check Gino's East out since they opened several years ago so thank goodness for Father's Day where I got to pick where we would eat. Perfect opportunity to drive down the 101 to check it out. What I should have checked ahead of time was if you could make reservations. I assumed you couldn't and we showed up with a party of 5 to find out it would be a 45 minute wait to get seated inside (considering it was mid 90s outside that was a must for our kids). However, we completely lucked out and were able to get seated in about 15 minutes or so. The interior dining area is very small. One whole side is high bar tables (where we sat) crammed somewhat close to each other, but it never felt like we were uncomfortably close to the party behind us. It just meant we had to play a bit of musical chairs if/when our kids needed to use the restroom. The other side has some more spacious booths so, if you make a reservation, perhaps you can request one of those for a bit less cramped dining experience. Everyone working there was so wonderful. It seems like everyone was there helping each other out no matter if it was their section or table. I really appreciated that. Everyone also took a second to wish me a happy Father's Day which was a nice touch (& they offered me a free beer of my choice which was a great and welcomed surprise!) The food was just as good as I remembered it on my trip to Chicago over a decade ago. That is to say: it was great! Their appetizers were flavorful and well portioned and their pizza is just top notch. There are lots of imitators of deep dish out in Los Angeles, but Gino's, as expected, knocks it out of the park. It's thick, cheesy, flavorful, and with a great crispy crust. We got a large for 2 adults and 2 kids and left stuffed beyond belief and with about 60% of the pizza left for future meals. It's definitely a meal you can expect to have leftovers of. I will say parking's not that great. There's a small lot behind the business, but it fills up fast (and I think we picked a screw up in our tire there if I'm being honest, but I'm not faulting Gino's for that). Beyond that it's street parking. So, just be aware that you might need to walk a bit or circle around a few times. But you know what? It's absolutely worth it. This was my kids' first experience with deep dish. And they both loved it. So I'm happy to say this will not be our last time eating at Gino's. Thank you for bringing a little bit of Chicago to the City of Angeles! read more

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Excited for this classic option. I always enjoy Gino's in Chicago and I have to say this was satisfying. The deep dish crust had a nice buttery flavor and the thin was crispy to the bite. I really like the crumbled sausage too. It's not cheap but it's a good pizza . Deep dish requires 36 - 40 min to bake so plan accordingly. read more

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Had a thin crust pizza and half buffalo/half bbq wings. Perfectly crispy crust, overflowing with toppings, meaty a** wings, piping hot and incredibly delicious! Ordered for pick-up, girl on the phone was so lovely, hostess that gave us the food was the sweetest. You can tell the place and the food are full of love, definitely a new favorite neighborhood spot! Big thanks to the whole team for the heart-shaped pizza for our anniversary Would add a picture but there isn't much more than crumbs and bones left.. read more

So rare that I would find myself on this side of the LA county tracks, but! Met some girlfriends for lunch even further north, and with that info in Hubbers' head, he asked if I could stop by this spot to get some goodies. It was on the way home and when he mentioned "Italian beef sandwich," it was a no brainer. Came through on a late afternoon Sunday. I noticed that most of their tables were occupied, so they're popular, eh? I was greeted immediately and just as quickly, I informed the host I was ordering to go: Italian beef sausage sandwich with giardiniera (for Hubbers) and Italian combos sandwich with giardiniera (for me). Both came with sides of either fries or pub chips so I got both. (Salad was also an option, but hard pass on that.) I also asked for the au jus on the side for both. (I had about an hour drive to do and didn't want those sammiches soggy!) It didn't take long considering they were made to order. And I didn't mind waiting since it gave me the chance to look around. It's not that big of a place, but it might be a good one to hangout at the bar and watch sports! (I'm sure they get busy during peak seasons!) Food was still slightly warm by the time I got home. Hubbers practically snarfed his, so that tells me how amazing it was. I waited a bit longer to have mine, and I understand: it was delicious! The beef was packed with savory flavors, ditto the sausage except it had different seasonings, and dipping each bite to the au jus made it even better. The giardiniera was slightly spicy for my taste but didn't really take away from the overall taste. (NOTE TO SELF: sweet peppers next time - and yes, there will be a next time.) The fries were great, but the pub chips were out of this world! They were also generous with the sides! FOOD: 5. SERVICE: 4. As busy as they were, they didn't fail to acknowledge my presence. Very friendly staff. VALUE: 5. You get a lot more than what you pay for. PARKING: There are spaces behind them, but can get full. Street parking mostly. Plan accordingly. OVERALL: 4.5 SIDE NOTE: I wondered how he knew about this place. He mentioned he has been to a Chicago location and learned about a location in SoCal. He only remembered when he learned I was driving through. TIPS: 1) If ordering a sandwich to go (like yours truly) and you have a long drive, have the au jus on the side. I overheard the staff telling a customer to do exactly this when customer mentioned he had a 40 mile drive. 2) If ordering a deep dish, it's about a 25 minute wait. I have Hubbers to thank for this discovery. There will be stops here for every rare occasion I find myself in the area. read more

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Thanks for being our steady for tavern-style pizza in LA. Personally, I only get deep dish, which is decadent and delicious, if I'm with someone who is new to Chicago pizza. Perhaps I had too much of it when I served thousands of those 10lb pies in college at another legendary spot. In Chicagoland, your typical pizza is thin, square-cut, and takeout is served on a cardboard round in a pitched bag, piping hot. Gino's East is a Chicago icon, and while they don't serve takeout pizza in flat bags, and you can't sign the walls, I'm not complaining. It's fun to stop in for a beer and a Chicago conversation while you wait for an order. Debating Chicago sports, weather, neighborhoods, and PIZZA never gets old. I appreciate that they show a range of sports at the bar, including WNBA games. They have parking out back (but not an entrance), and street parking is generally available nearby. read more

Gino's East is an incredible reminder of how good dining can be - grateful for this little slice of Chicago in LA, because they truly deliver top notch food and service. Their classic deep dish pizza does well even with takeout. Their sauce and dough are out of this world, always bright and fresh. Their customer service is unrivaled, the staff goes above and beyond to check in and make sure everything is perfect. The ambiance is warm and nostalgic. Today we came in for their Matzah Pizza Passover special and genuinely were so blown away at a) how freaking good it was and b) the beautiful show of community inclusivity. I highly recommend the OMG toppings, the classic cheese is killer as well. Thank you Gino's East for another phenomenal meal and an experience where you truly feel like family. You make your Nonnas and Bubbes proud read more

Gino’s East - Passover Matzah Pizza Special - Pizza Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

GINO'S EAST serves the best Chicago-style deep-dish pizza in SoCal that I've tasted so far. Warning: This is NOT fast food. Even if they're busy, you need to give them at least 30 minutes to prepare your pizza. Make sure you call ahead if you're picking up. Or if you're dining in, be prepared. I really liked the GINO'S WESTERN PIZZA: The crispy buffalo chicken pieces added texture and the pickles helped break the overload of flavors. The crust for their pizza's are very good. The sauce is delicious and balanced, not too tart and not too salty. The cheese is generous. Everyone loved the MEATY LEGEND PIZZA especially the kids, saying this was the "plainer" one, which I was surprised to hear because it's supposed to have 4 different meats on it. Not cheap. Portions are substantial and super dense though so really, a tiny slice of each would definitely satisfy the hunger of someone with a small appetite (someone on a diet or a child). Solid bar inside. Guy who took my order was friendly and helpful. Parking on the surrounding streets. read more

It was our first time , my son and I we order Gino's western deep dish everyone do not pass up this place. The flavor of the deep dish. Oh, my God. read more

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Just moved into the neighborhood and already been here about 3 times haha. The staff is so friendly and the prices are good for what you get! Took my parents here the second time to try the pizza and they swear it's the best Chicago pizza they have had and I think I might agree especially because I'm not the biggest Chicago style pizza fan. The Chicago dogs are pretty great as well and they have great lunch specials ! Definitely my go to spot when I have guests over. read more

Gino’s East - 9" Deep-Cheese Build Your Own - Pizza Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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I'm from the Chicagoland area. I've eaten at the real Gino's East on Superior. When my girlfriend found out there was one in Sherman Oaks, she surprised me with it. I was genuinely touched. What they served us was an embarrassment to that name. The deep dish was thin. Not "LA interpretation" thin - just thin. Sparse toppings. And before the pizza had any chance to set, the server ignored our request and sliced it anyway. Sauce puddle. We watched it firm up on its own five minutes later. Other staff kept hovering over our table trying to clear our plates and drinks while we were still eating - we had to wave them off multiple times. And when we had leftovers, our server disappeared to box them up herself despite us both saying we'd prefer to do it ourselves. Nonetheless, because we always make the best of any situation, despite the disappointments, we were actually having a lovely time until the bill arrived: Nearly $16 in topping charges we never saw coming. $3.50 a topping, on top of a $26.95 bare bones pizza, with nothing on the menu making that clear. California's SB 478 exists for exactly this kind of move. The owners had been working the room all afternoon - doing their best "We are from Chicago" warmth, that Midwestern make-you-feel-at-home thing. The second we questioned the bill, they vanished. Suddenly nowhere to be found. The whole thing had obviously been a performance. They were rude, dismissive, and cowardly - leaving their server to absorb what they should have handled themselves. Nothing. Not a word. Not a gesture. They did absolutely nothing while we were there. Only after multiple emails did the coward owner finally respond - with a $20 gift card. That you have to pick up in person. At the place that just burned you. Through an additional email and a follow up after no response, a full credit for the whole bad experience was requested again - the reasonable and obvious resolution? No reply. Silence. Worth noting - the place was nearly empty on a Sunday afternoon. And it's not hard to see why. When you operate like this, when you nickel-and-dime customers with hidden charges and then treat them with contempt for noticing, the empty tables aren't bad luck. They're the result. The 100% misdirected animosity they unleashed on us has clearly been misdirected at other patrons too (see other reviews), and was obviously caused 100% by the frustration of the owners watching their own business fail. My girlfriend had planned this for me. She was in tears. That's what these guys did with that. They should be ashamed to put Chicago's name on this place. read more

Gino’s East - Pizza Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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My wife and I wanted to eat a Chicago style deep dish pizza and Gino's came up in our search. We got the 12" OMG pizza and man, it was sinfully delicious! The crust and the sauce were absolutely perfect and the cheese was generous. It's cool that they give you specific instructions on how to re-heat if you do take out, which of course we followed to a t. Can't wait to try other pizzas! read more

Gino’s East - OMG Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Calling all Chicago natives and non-Chicago natives! I've been homesick for some good Chicago food for a while. A friend of mine, from the city, told me about Gino's East. I didn't realize there was one in the Valley and when I was in the area, I didn't hesitate to stop in. Dan, one of the owners, cheerfully greeted me at the door and walked me to one of the tables. I ordered an Italian beef with extra spicy giardiniera and wet. I hadn't had a legit Italian beef in years. The sandwich comes with either fries or a salad. I chose the kale caesar with spicy dressing. It was outstanding! They don't skimp out on the beef and the bread they use was perfect. My server, Thais C., was attentive and helpful. Definitely ask for her when you go there. I talked to Dan a bit and he explained that he wanted to create a restaurant that reminded one of Lincoln Park (a beloved Chicago neighborhood). I have to say, he succeeded. It had the cool, Chicago vibe and the owners know their food. I was so impressed, I decided to get a 12" Deep Dish Pizza Supreme with Pepperoni to go. Guys, that deep dish is outstanding and the sauce they used was perfect! The flavors took me back to my beloved hometown. My family inhaled it. If you ever want to try true, Chicago style food, this is the place to be. The atmosphere is friendly and casual. The food is outstanding and the service is attentive. They have a great Happy Hour menu to boot. If you're ever in Sherman Oaks, and want a delicious, comforting meal with good company, this is the place to me. Come here, support a local business, eat and enjoy. Mangia! read more

Gino’s East - Deep Dish Supreme with 12" Deep-Supreme Pepperoni. It was outstanding! - Pizza Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

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The real deal. Authentic Chicago thin crust. And deep dish. You'll feel like you're back at home. read more

I have gone to Gino's in Chicago. It was a nice treat in Sherman Oaks. It's about an hour from us so that's why we've not gone frequently. We had the calamari and I admit the rings were very small as I've even made calamari before and never had such small pieces. Not a fan really of their calamari. We ordered the spinach margarita pizza adding Italian sausage and pepperoni on half. It was phenomenal. Just like in Chicago! My son went once in Chicago and told me how much he enjoyed it. The server was good. He could have told us the pizza takes 45 minutes as I forgot how long it takes to bake. It was definitely worth the wait. When we got there we were the only table. It was a nice and quiet experience. Towards the end of our stay others joined but it still felt very comfortable. I wish I had taken a photo but by the time I remembered I was on the last bite! So worth the visit! read more

Such an amazing spot that makes you feel like you're back home. Incredible friendly service and nicest owner. Lot of great memories of visiting Chicago and the authentic Deep Dish takes you right back. I normally don't frequent a spot as there's so many good eats in LA, but this place is a must. read more

Mozzarella sticks were insanely good. Loved the pizza so much. Literally leaving a review so there is no chance I will forget this place. Can't wait to come back. read more