Best Hidden Gems Heaven Pizza Restaurants in Downtown LA
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Pi La
Detroit-style squares with a playful car theme and crackly, caramelized edges.
Notable Picks
#1
Pi La
8.3
Pi LA builds thick, Detroit-leaning squares with playful, car-themed names in a compact Historic Core space just off 4th Street. The focus is indulgent, crisp-edged slabs with bubbly cheese and creative toppings rather than sceney design, making it a strong value for sharing a couple of pans with friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lil Red Detroit-Style Pizza, Korean-Inspired Detroit Square, Classic Cheese Detroit Square
What Makes it Special: Detroit-style squares with a playful car theme and crackly, caramelized edges.
8.1
Wood-fired artisan pizza operation started during COVID by James Brister, showcasing 12-inch individual pies with unique soft-yet-crispy dough. The outdoor ovens visible from the street create a theatrical element while delivering quality Neapolitan-inspired pizzas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Pepperoni, White Pizza (Alfredo), Margherita
What Makes it Special: Wood-fired artisan pies with distinctively soft, fluffy dough cooked outdoors
8.1
A compact counter-service spot tucked into the Financial District, Los Angeles New York Pizza focuses on big, foldable slices with a crisp base, stretchy cheese, and a sauce regulars swear by. Decades of downtown lunch rushes and late-evening takeout have turned it into an under-the-radar favorite for office workers and nearby hotel guests alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Pizza Slice, Spinach White Pizza, Veggie Delight Pizza
What Makes it Special: Long-running downtown slice shop with true old-school New York character.
8
Chris Bianco's lunch-only counter shop at ROW DTLA builds each sandwich on split focaccia baked to order in a wood-fired oven, filled with house-cured meats and local produce—a format that rewards the single-item visit over a full meal. The patio runs conversational rather than chaotic, and the free two-hour garage parking removes the usual downtown friction. With only 55 reviews it's still proving itself at this location, but the 80% five-star rate and Bianco's James Beard pedigree suggest the Phoenix playbook translates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Beef Sandwich with Green Garlic Aioli, Mortadella Sandwich, Green Slice
What Makes it Special: Chris Bianco's lunch-only sandwich shop where split focaccia is baked to order in a wood-fired oven and served with house-cured meats and local produce.