Pizza City Fest Returns to Downtown Los Angeles
This weekend, Downtown Los Angeles will become a cheese lover’s paradise as the Pizza City Fest makes its highly anticipated return for a fourth year, running Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.
The festival, started by Steve Dolinsky—a well-known food reporter with multiple Emmy and James Beard awards—has expanded to include locations in Chicago, Nashville, and Los Angeles.
This year, the LA edition features 40 different pizzerias all in one spot, offering unlimited tastings to attendees.
General admission tickets cost $99, while VIP tickets are available for $199 at the LA LIVE event deck.
Pizzerias from all across Southern California will be represented, including those from Orange County, the Inland Empire, the San Fernando Valley, Westside, and Santa Barbara. Notably, 11 pizzerias will be showing up for the first time this year.
The menu on Saturday highlights favorites like Angel City Pizza from Venice, Emmy Squared from DTLA, and Joe’s Pizza from Southern California, along with newcomers like Bub & Grandma’s Pizza from Highland Park and Thunderbolt Pizza from Long Beach.
Dessert options will include treats from Lei’d Cookies (Culver City) and Uli’s Gelato (Los Angeles).
On Sunday, participants can enjoy offerings from well-known spots such as Bettina (Santa Barbara) and Pizzana (Southern California). New participants include PiiZaa, a mobile truck from Torrance, and Detroit Pizza Depot from Hollywood.
Desserts Sunday will be provided by Wanderlust Creamery and Levain Bakery in Los Angeles.
What really sets Pizza City Fest apart is the range of styles available—everything from Detroit and New York to Neapolitan pizzas, grandma-style slices, and unique artisan creations coexist in the same venue.
Southern California’s pizza scene is diverse, unlike places where a single style often dominates. This year’s lineup truly reflects that. You’ll find New York-style contenders like Esco’s and Detroit Pizza Depot, alongside more unconventional spots like Bub & Grandma’s.
One standout, Colossus—based in Long Beach and San Pedro—has received accolades for its 100% sourdough crust, aligning with a broader artisanal pizza trend in the area.
Another rising star is PiiZaa, a mobile vendor focusing on banh xeo-style pizzas, featuring ingredients like shrimp and turmeric.
The festival isn’t just about food; it also includes live events. Saturday’s schedule features discussions on fabric craftsmanship and a home baker’s masterclass, wrapping up with a book signing by Nancy Silverton.
On Sunday, a demonstration on backyard pizza ovens will be led by Daniele Wooditi from Pizzana, followed by a panel discussion about New York-style pizza in suburban settings.
Pizza City Fest is set to unfold at the LA LIVE event deck in downtown Los Angeles over the weekend. Tickets can be purchased on the event website.
