30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in Santa Monica
Best Family Friendly Pizza in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
SaMo Pizza
7.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Brick oven pizzeria serving late-night slices and pies until 4 AM on weekends. Established in 2018, this counter-service spot draws Santa Monica College students and locals with affordable prices, quick service, and specialty options including vegan, gluten-free, and creative toppings like their signature SaMo pizza with egg and jalapeño.
Must-Try Dishes:
SaMo Pizza, Margherita, BBQ Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Open until 4 AM on weekends with brick oven quality at student-friendly prices
Who should go: Late-night crowds, students, and budget-conscious pizza lovers
When to visit: After midnight when craving quality beats price consciousness
What to order: Signature SaMo with egg and jalapeño, classic margherita, caesar salad
Insider tip: Staff treats regulars like family and occasionally surprises kids with free ice cream
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pico and side streets - usually available after 8pm. Lot behind building has limited evening spots.
Dress code: Come as you are - t-shirts, hoodies, gym clothes all fine. This is a counter-service slice joint.
Noise level: Lively but manageable - upbeat music and college crowd energy, conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for slices, 15-20 min for whole pies during peak hours (10pm-2am)
Weekday lunch: No wait - walk up and order, food ready in 5-7 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including margherita, veggie combos, and build-your-own
Vegan options: Yes - vegan cheese available, multiple veggie topping combinations
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual late-night stop after drinks or an activity. The counter-service format and college crowd vibe make it fun but not intimate - save for 2nd or 3rd dates when you're past formalities.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's counter service with bar seating and a few tables. Grab what's available or take your pizza to go. Busiest midnight-2am on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - all ages welcome, especially before 10pm. Simple menu kids love, quick service keeps little ones happy, and staff occasionally surprises children with free ice cream. After midnight it's mostly college crowd.
Do they deliver? Yes - available through major delivery apps. But brick oven pizza travels better when picked up fresh, and you'll save $8-12 in fees for a 10-minute drive.
How's the slice selection? Solid rotation of 6-8 varieties ready to grab, including classics and specialty options. Full menu available for whole pies with 15-20 minute wait. Slices reheated quickly in the brick oven.
Best For
Better for: Late-night brick oven quality without the wait or premium pricing - perfect when you want real pizza, not Domino's, after bars close. Also wins for family-friendly quick dinners under $40 and accommodating dietary restrictions without upcharges.
Skip if: You want sit-down service with cocktails, romantic ambiance, or artisanal sourdough crusts with heirloom tomatoes. For that experience, head to Bay Cities or Rustic Canyon. Also skip if you need guaranteed parking within 50 feet.
Hours
Monday12am - 4am, 9:30am - 11:45pm
Tuesday12am - 2am, 9:30am - 11:45pm
Wednesday12am - 12:30am, 9:30am - 11:45pm
Thursday12am - 3am, 9:30am - 11:45pm
Friday12am - 4am, 9:30am - 11:45pm
Saturday12am - 5am, 9:30am - 11:45pm
Sunday12am - 5am, 9:30am - 11:45pm