ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Pizza in Upper East Side
Best Pizza in Midtown East
Best Late Night Pizza in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
La Pizza Italia
7.6
La Pizza Italia is a newer, compact counter spot that leans on late-night hours, value deals, and customizable slices. It’s more of a practical neighborhood workhorse than a destination, but the burrata-topped slices and pasta promos make it a useful option in the area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrata basil slice, Vodka pasta BOGO special, Pepperoni slice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Late hours and frequent deals on slices and pasta near 2nd Avenue.
Who should go: Night owls and nearby residents wanting inexpensive slices.
When to visit: Late evenings when other nearby spots are closing.
What to order: Burrata basil slice, vodka pasta deal, classic pepperoni slice.
Insider tip: Ask about current pasta or slice specials before ordering at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Typical Midtown East challenges — mostly metered street parking; expect difficulty during peak hours. Garages along 2nd Ave are available but pricey ($20–$30+).
Dress code: Completely casual. Streetwear, office attire, or gym clothes all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate. Counter-service bustle and late-night foot traffic mean it’s not quiet, but you can still hold quick conversations.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait; brief lines of 5–10 minutes during late-night rush.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; fast turnover due to grab-and-go flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection — cheese, burrata basil, and customizable veggie toppings are readily available.
Vegan options: Limited — standard slices aren’t dairy-free, but you can request a cheeseless custom slice if they’re running whole-pie orders.
Gluten-free options: Not reliably available; no dedicated gluten-free dough or cross-contact precautions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down date. It’s counter-service, tight on seating, and geared toward quick, inexpensive bites — better suited for a casual meetup or post-drinks snack.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. Seating is limited, though, so expect to stand or take items to-go during peak late-night hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for quick, inexpensive meals. Best for older kids who can manage counter-service setups; no high chairs or kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, cheap, customizable slices and late-night reliability in an area where many kitchens close early.
Skip if: You want artisanal pies, sit-down comfort, or a quieter meal — nearby full-service pizzerias or Italian spots will better fit that need.