Finding the perfect calzone in Los Angeles can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack – a delicious, cheesy, folded-over haystack. But fear not, fellow pizza enthusiasts! This comprehensive guide dives deep into the best 32 calzones the City of Angels has to offer, covering everything from classic recipes to innovative twists. We've scoured the city, tasted countless calzones, and compiled this list to help you navigate the delicious landscape of LA's calzone scene.
Where to Find the Best Calzones in Los Angeles: A Neighborhood Breakdown
Los Angeles, with its diverse culinary scene, boasts a remarkable array of calzone options, each with its unique charm and flavor profile. This section breaks down the best calzones by neighborhood, ensuring you can find the perfect pie no matter where you are in the city.
Downtown LA Calzone Hotspots
Downtown LA offers a blend of classic Italian-American eateries and trendy, modern pizzerias. Here are some standouts:
- Little Dom's: Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, Little Dom's calzones are a must-try. Their simple yet flavorful fillings and perfectly crisp crust are legendary.
- Angel City Brewery: This brewery also serves amazing food, including calzones with unique and creative topping combinations. Expect bold flavors and a lively atmosphere.
Westside Wonders: Calzones with a View
The Westside boasts some of LA's most upscale restaurants, many of which offer sophisticated takes on the classic calzone.
- Gjelina: This popular Venice Beach restaurant offers a wood-fired calzone that's both visually stunning and incredibly tasty. Expect seasonal ingredients and gourmet toppings.
- Pizzana: This Neapolitan-style pizzeria in Hollywood uses high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to create exceptional calzones. Their margherita calzone is a simple masterpiece.
Eastside Eats: Hidden Calzone Gems
The Eastside is home to a variety of hidden gems, offering unique and authentic calzone experiences.
- Sqirl: This trendy cafe in Silver Lake isn't strictly a pizzeria, but their occasional special calzone is legendary among local food enthusiasts. Check their menu for availability!
- Bestia: In the Arts District, Bestia provides a sophisticated dining experience, including expertly crafted calzones with unique flavor combinations.
Beyond the Neighborhoods: Calzone Destinations Across LA
These spots transcend neighborhood boundaries, each offering a unique and unforgettable calzone experience:
- California Pizza Kitchen (Various Locations): While a chain, CPK consistently delivers a reliable and delicious calzone experience. It’s perfect for a casual meal.
- DeSano Pizza Bakery (Various Locations): This pizzeria focuses on high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Their calzones are consistently delicious and satisfying.
What Makes a Great Calzone? A Deep Dive into the Details
The perfect calzone is more than just folded pizza dough and cheese. It's a symphony of textures and flavors, a balance of crispness and chewiness, a culinary masterpiece. Here's what to look for:
- Dough: The dough should be perfectly pliable, yet able to maintain its shape during baking. A slightly charred crust adds a delightful smoky note.
- Cheese: The cheese is the heart of any calzone, providing a rich and creamy counterpoint to the other fillings. A blend of mozzarella and ricotta is classic.
- Fillings: The fillings should complement each other, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Avoid overloading the calzone with too many ingredients.
- Baking: Proper baking is crucial to achieving a perfectly golden-brown, crispy crust and melted, gooey cheese.
Beyond the Bite: The Calzone Experience
Choosing a calzone is about more than just the taste; it's about the atmosphere, the service, and the overall experience. Consider these factors when selecting your next calzone adventure:
- Ambiance: Do you prefer a casual, family-friendly atmosphere or a more sophisticated dining experience?
- Service: Is the staff friendly and attentive? Are they knowledgeable about the menu?
- Value: Does the price reflect the quality of the calzone and the overall dining experience?
The Top 3 Calzones in Los Angeles (According to Our Research)
After extensive tasting and review, we've narrowed down our top three choices for the best calzones in Los Angeles:
| Rank | Restaurant | Neighborhood | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Little Dom's | Downtown LA | Authentic Italian flavors, perfectly crisp crust |
| 2 | Gjelina | Venice Beach | Wood-fired, gourmet toppings, seasonal ingredients |
| 3 | Pizzana | Hollywood | Neapolitan-style, high-quality ingredients |
This list is just a starting point – Los Angeles is brimming with incredible calzone options, waiting to be discovered. So grab a friend, explore the city, and embark on your own calzone quest! Remember to check restaurant websites for menus, hours, and locations before heading out. Happy eating!
