30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Eats Pizza in Studio City
Best Family Friendly Pizza in Studio City
Best Family Friendly Italian in Studio City
Master Critic Review
Caioti Pizza Cafe
8.1
Founded by the late Ed LaDou who invented California-style pizza for Wolfgang Puck, this Tujunga Village gem continues his legacy with creative designer pies featuring unexpected combinations. The famous maternity salad reportedly induces labor, making this a Studio City institution for pregnant locals and adventurous pizza lovers alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Chicken Pizza, Spinach Truffle Oil Pizza, The 'The' Salad
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: California pizza pioneer Ed LaDou's legacy with innovative toppings
Who should go: Creative eaters wanting non-traditional pizza combinations
When to visit: Weekday lunch or weekend brunch for quieter experience
What to order: BBQ chicken (he invented it), designer specials, garlic knots
Insider tip: BYOB with no corkage fee; try the labor-inducing salad
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Tujunga Ave and side streets, usually easy to find
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, come as you are neighborhood spot
Noise level: Moderate to lively - family-friendly buzz but conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 15-30 min typical, longer during peak brunch hours
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - creative veggie pizzas with California-style toppings beyond basic cheese
Vegan options: Yes - vegan cheese available, multiple vegetable-forward designer pies work without cheese
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free crust available for all pizzas
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date - the casual neighborhood vibe and innovative pizza make great conversation starters, but it's not intimate or polished enough for a first impression dinner
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for most meals - reservations recommended only for weekend brunch (11am-2pm) when the maternity salad crowd peaks, otherwise walk-ins work fine
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - locals bring babies through teens, crayons provided, relaxed atmosphere where noise doesn't matter, and familiar pizza keeps picky eaters happy
What's the deal with the maternity salad? The famous salad allegedly induces labor in overdue pregnant women - it's a Studio City legend with enough anecdotal evidence that OB-GYNs mention it. Order at your own risk if you're 39+ weeks.
How does this compare to Massa in Echo Park? Caioti offers creative California-style combinations from the genre's inventor, while Massa does Detroit-style with simpler toppings. Come here for innovative flavor adventures, Massa for thick crispy crust satisfaction.
Best For
Better for: Creative pizza combinations you won't find elsewhere (BBQ chicken, Thai chicken, Caribbean jerk), BYOB flexibility, and casual neighborhood warmth where kids and pregnant women are embraced
Skip if: You want traditional Neapolitan pizza, a date-night atmosphere, or you're seeking the trendy LA pizza scene - this is a low-key Valley institution, not a scene
Hours
Monday9:30am - 8:30pm
Tuesday9:30am - 8:30pm
Wednesday9:30am - 8:30pm
Thursday9:30am - 8:30pm
Friday9am - 9:30pm
Saturday9am - 9:30pm
Sunday9am - 9:30pm