Discovering Hidden Slices: The Top 4 Lesser-Known New York-Style Pizza Spots in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a melting pot of culinary delights, and while it’s famous for tacos and sushi, the city’s pizza scene is having a serious moment. New York-style pizza—those gloriously foldable, crispy-yet-chewy slices with just the right sauce-to-cheese ratio—has found a home in LA, and some of the best spots are flying under the radar. As a pizza enthusiast who’s chased the perfect slice from coast to coast, I’ve scoured the city to bring you four lesser-known New York-style pizza joints that deserve a spot on your must-try list. Grab a napkin, because things are about to get deliciously messy!
1. Secret Pizza – El Sereno’s Underground Gem
Tucked away in the unassuming neighborhood of El Sereno, Secret Pizza is the kind of place you’d stumble upon only if you’re in the know—or really good at following pizza-scented breezes. Born during the pandemic as a pop-up in founder Sean Lango’s apartment, this spot has evolved into a cult favorite for its East Coast-inspired pies.
What makes Secret Pizza special? It’s all about the dough. Lango, a New Jersey native, crafts a thin, crackly crust that’s got that perfect foldable flop you’d expect from a Brooklyn corner shop. The menu is simple but stellar, offering classic New York-style rounds and a unique “upside-down” square slice inspired by Brooklyn’s L&B Spumoni Gardens. The sauce is bright and tangy, the cheese is melty perfection, and the vibe feels like a neighborhood hangout straight out of the Bronx. Pro tip: their Sicilian-style square is a must-try for its slightly thicker, chewy base that still keeps things light.
Why You’ll Love It: The nostalgic, no-frills vibe and limited availability (they often sell out!) make every bite feel like a victory. Pre-order online to secure your pie, and don’t skip the garlic knots—they’re fluffy, garlicky heaven. Where to Find It: 4230 Huntington Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90032 Insider Tip: Check their Instagram for pop-up hours, as they’re not open daily.
2. Wallfour – Eagle Rock’s Sourdough Secret
If you thought sourdough was just for crusty loaves, Wallfour in Eagle Rock is here to change your mind. This counter-service pizzeria, which started as a pandemic pop-up, has quietly become a go-to for New York-style pizza lovers who crave a little extra tang in their crust.
Wallfour’s pies are a masterclass in balance: the crust is thin and crispy with a subtle sourdough zing, the sauce is tart and pulpy, and the toppings stay true to classic New York vibes. Their Jersey Pie, loaded with hand-crushed tomato sauce, stringy cheese, and spicy sausage, is a standout for its bold flavors that don’t overwhelm. The space itself is casual and welcoming, with a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a quick slice or a whole pie to share with friends.
Why You’ll Love It: The sourdough crust adds a unique twist without straying too far from New York tradition. Plus, the crispy edges are practically begging to be Instagrammed. Where to Find It: 2131 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041 Insider Tip: Go for a lunchtime slice to avoid the evening rush, and pair it with a craft soda from their curated selection.
3. Redwood Pie – Hermosa Beach’s Coastal Charmer
Who knew the South Bay could churn out New York-style pizza this good? Redwood Pie in Hermosa Beach is a hidden treasure that’s winning over locals with its crispy, nearly burnt edges and chewy centers. This counter-service spot keeps things simple, focusing on quality ingredients and traditional techniques that would make any New Yorker nod in approval.
The star here is the D-Fresh pie, a spicy masterpiece with pickled banana peppers, hot sausage, and a vibrant tomato sauce that sings with every bite. The crust has that perfect balance of crunch and chew, making it ideal for folding (because, let’s be honest, that’s the only way to eat a New York slice). Redwood Pie’s beachy, laid-back vibe makes it a great spot to grab a slice after a day at the shore, and the friendly staff adds to the neighborhood charm.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a taste of New York with a SoCal twist—think classic pizza in a surf-town setting. The bold flavors and crispy crust make every slice a winner. Where to Find It: 609 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Insider Tip: Order a whole pie for a beach picnic; the slices hold up beautifully even when they’re not piping hot.
4. Danny Boy’s Famous Pizza – Downtown’s Daytime Delight
Hidden in the atrium of a Downtown LA office building, Danny Boy’s Famous Pizza is the ultimate lunchtime secret for New York-style pizza fans. Run by Daniel Holzman, co-founder of NYC’s Meatball Shop, this spot serves up no-flop triangles and Sicilian-style squares that rival the best slices in Manhattan.
The crust here is a work of art—crisp, perfectly textured, and sturdy enough to hold generous toppings without collapsing. The classic cheese slice is a crowd-pleaser, with a balanced sauce-to-cheese ratio that hits all the right nostalgic notes. But the real showstopper? The garlic knots. They’re fluffy, golden, and so garlicky you’ll be dreaming about them for days. Danny Boy’s is a daytime-only operation, catering to office workers, but it’s worth a special trip for the quality and the unbeatable parking deal (validated parking for $5 for two hours before 4pm!).
Why You’ll Love It: It’s gourmet New York-style pizza disguised as a casual slice joint, with a side of phenomenal garlic knots that steal the show. Where to Find It: 330 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 Insider Tip: Visit on a Saturday for three hours of free parking, and grab a slice to eat in the sunny atrium for a quick urban escape.
Why These Spots Are LA’s Best-Kept Pizza Secrets
What sets these four pizzerias apart is their dedication to the New York-style ethos—thin, foldable crusts, tangy sauce, and that unmistakable grit and nostalgia—while adding their own LA flair. They’re not the flashy, Instagram-famous spots you’ll see on every foodie list (looking at you, Joe’s Pizza and Prime Pizza). Instead, they’re the underdogs, quietly perfecting their craft in neighborhoods across the city.
Each of these spots captures the spirit of a New York slice joint: unpretentious, community-driven, and focused on quality. Whether it’s Secret Pizza’s cult following, Wallfour’s sourdough innovation, Redwood Pie’s coastal charm, or Danny Boy’s urban hideaway, these pizzerias prove that LA can hold its own against the Big Apple’s pizza legacy.
Your Pizza Adventure Awaits!
Ready to embark on a New York-style pizza pilgrimage in LA? These lesser-known spots are waiting to surprise you with their crispy crusts, gooey cheese, and that foldable magic that makes every bite a little piece of pizza heaven. So, ditch the usual suspects, grab some friends (or don’t—more pizza for you!), and hit up these hidden gems. Which one are you trying first? Let me know in the comments, and happy slicing!
Note: Always check hours and availability, as some of these spots have limited schedules or sell out fast. And if you’re craving more pizza intel, follow me for the latest on LA’s ever-growing pizza scene!
