Review: Pizzeria Bianco
It was a busy Thursday, filled with early zoom meetings and phone calls. After handling my most important deadlines, I headed downtown to review a unique art attraction called Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy. CLICK HERE to read my article. I have been wanting to write a Pizzeria Bianco review since it opened. Alas life keeps us all busy. Since the eatery was nearby at the Row DTLA, located at the eastern edge of downtown, this was a perfect time.
Pizzeria Bianco Review
Owner Chris Bianco’s signature pizza was born in the back of a grocery store in Phoenix Arizona in 1988. He now has several locations around the nation, including here in LA. The James Beard Award winning chef has been credited with changing the artisanal pizza movement. So, I popped by to review the popular restaurant on my way to Luna Luna.
Pizzeria Bianco offers a large outdoor dining area.The restaurant has a clean, modern look, yet also earthy due to its raw exposed wood beams. A massive structural column stands towards the front of the restaurant.
ROW DTLA
If you have not been to the 30-acre mixed-use complex dubbed the Row…it is quite a serene urban oasis. Housing businesses as well as retail shops and restaurants, it is becoming a destination. There is a charming courtyard in the midst of six buildings designed in part by the well-known Los Angeles architect John Parkinson. The Row began as a produce distribution center. The historic LA Terminal Market has been preserved. Today it is known as the 7th Street Produce Market and is also open to the public.
We sat in a cheery sunny table by the window. I ordered a glass of Sangiovese (Sesti Monteleccio 2021 Tuscany IT). It was a tasty dry balanced red, with notes of raspberry. We didn’t have a lot of time, so we were going to share one pizza and a salad. I asked about the various options.
Pizzeria Bianco’s signature Pizza
Our server suggested we also try one of Pizzeria Bianco’s signature white pizzas. Although I usually opt for a red sauce pie, I am so glad we took his advice and added this second option. We chose the Wise Guy (wood roasted onion fresh smoked mozzarella, fennel sausage)…which was fantastic. This is not an option I would normally choose. I was absolutely blown away by the fennel sausage and onions. Our server told us that the onions were roasted in the pizza oven. They were so sweet and caramelized – simply magnificent!
I must say, our first selection, the Sonny Boy (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella soppressata gaeta olives) was exceptional as well. This is the style of pizza that I would typically choose, and it was fantastic. The Italian Salami was so flavorful and a little crispy along the edges. It perfectly complimented the gaeta olives, generously scattered across reservoirs of oozing mozzarella cheese.
A Sweet Ending
Dessert arrived at the table. The chef beautifully presented the Panna Cotta with seasonal fruit compote. This was light and delectable. Very much like the consistency of flan and easy on the tastebuds. Hints of vanilla bean and nutmeg mingled with the tang of the citrusy compote. Tiny black seeds created an interesting mouth feel.
Be sure to add Pizza Bianco to your “Must-Try” Restaurant list. As of Jan 2024 (our posting date), there is free 2 hour parking in a structure close by. It’s a great place to eat, when heading downtown to an art experience, music show or business meeting. Reserve a table, as it is busy. Also at Row DTLA is a sister spot (more of a take out). Pane Bianco serves pizza by the slice as well as amazing sandwiches. I have yet to review this one…so stay tuned. Check the website for a menu as well as up-to-date hours, and to make a reservation. Pizzeria Bianco (Entrance off Alameda & Center St. – not 7th street), 1320 E 7th St #100 Los Angeles, CA 90021; https://www.pizzeriabianco.com/los-angeles
