Mozza

I’ve been hearing about Mozza for about three years now. Everyone who went raved and insisted that I go. So when I was down to just a couple weeks with Roman in L.A. I wanted to try Mozza with him. In an effort to be slightly more frugal, I opted for the Pizzeria instead of the Osteria. I also couldn’t get a reservation so last minute (and by last minute I mean two weeks prior) at a normal time for the Osteria. I heard plenty of good things about the Pizzeria, so I was happy with my choice.

We were seated promptly and the tables had Mozza envelopes with silverware inside. The service was excellent and although the wine list was very tempting, we decided to skip the wine and splurge on dessert instead. To start we had the Mussels al forno with Salsa Calabrese and the Fried potatoes ceci with herbs. The Salsa Calabrese from the mussels was to die for. I could have dipped bread in that and called it a night. The potatoes were good too, but I’m told I should have picked the fried squash blossoms. Next time…

Roman ordered the Coach farm goat cheese, leeks, scallions, garlic & bacon pizza, which lived up to the hype. He gave me bites without bacon, but I can see how this would be an excellent combination. As soon as I saw burrata on the menu, I knew which pizza I wanted. My pizza had squash blossoms, tomato & burrata. While the blossoms made for a beautiful pie and the burrata was tasty, I don’t think I’ll get this pizza if I return to Mozza.

Dessert was the best part of dinner in my opinion. Roman got the Espresso granita with espresso gelato & chocolate dipped honeycomb and I got the Butterscotch budino, Maldon sea salt & rosemary pine nut cookies. I often use the word complex when describing wine and beer and on occasion for exceptional food, but never for dessert. This dessert was complex. Each bite was sweet, then salty and had a creamy finish. The rosemary pine nut cookies offered a break from the decadent texture of the budino. I think Roman got two bites before I polished off the entire thing.

Overall, I was impressed with Pizzeria Mozza and glad we ended on such wonderful desserts. Their pizza is much prettier than this picture. We were told by a seasoned Mozza diner that pictures are not allowed…we had to sneak one by phone.

Pizzeria Mozza (Open Noon - Midnight)
641 N. Highland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
1.323.297.0101