Pizzeria Sei Named One of the World’s Best Pizzas
Pizzeria Sei, a small Los Angeles pizzeria opened in 2022, has climbed to the top five in the world’s best pizza rankings announced in Naples. Chef William Joo’s Tokyo‑style Neapolitan pies blend Italian tradition with Japanese precision, earning acclaim and a loyal following that has driven rapid…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In 2022, a modest storefront in Los Angeles’ Pico‑Robertson neighborhood opened with just eight seats, a single high‑heat oven, and an ambitious goal: to create the best pizza in the City of Angels. The venture, founded by Chef William Joo and partner Jennifer So, has grown into a global phenomenon, earning a coveted fifth‑place spot in the 2024 Global Pizza Rankings announced in Naples, Italy.
From a Tiny Counter to a Global Accolade
When Joo and So first opened Pizzeria Sei, they were operating in a cramped space that could only accommodate a handful of diners. The kitchen was powered by a single, scorching‑hot oven that produced blistered, leopard‑spotted crusts with a distinctive sea‑salt crunch. Their vision was simple yet bold: combine the time‑tested techniques of Neapolitan pizza with the meticulous precision of Japanese culinary arts.
Four years later, the pizzeria’s reputation has outstripped its physical size. At the Global Pizza Rankings ceremony held in Naples, the judges—comprising seasoned professionals from the Boot and other renowned establishments—handed out awards to a select few. Pizzeria Sei, alongside Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco, tied for fifth place on the world list, surpassing many celebrated Italian pizzerias.
Signature Style and Expanding Demand
Joo’s pizzas are a testament to the marriage of cultures. The dough undergoes a long fermentation process that develops depth and texture. Before baking, the dough’s rim is pinched and crimped, a technique borrowed from Tokyo‑style Neapolitan pizza, resulting in a thin, airy base that crisps beautifully in the oven.
Takeout from the original location, now branded as Sei Pizza Bar, is the easiest way for locals to sample the phenomenon. Small‑sized pies start at $21 and feature classic toppings such as a marinara base—tomato, garlic, basil, oregano, extra‑virgin olive oil, and Sicilian sea salt—without cheese. The flagship Palms location, opened in the summer of 2024, has pushed the menu further with inventive offerings like the Culture Diavola, a $38 ultra‑thin pie topped with gochujang, candied guanciale, and stracciatella. Diners have described it as “one of the most complex and unique pizzas I’ve ever had.”
Community Response and Future Plans
Reservations at the Palms spot fill up almost instantly, and walk‑ins often line up before doors open. Despite the high demand, the team has remained committed to quality, with So noting on social media, “So proud of William and all of our team at both locations working tirelessly to keep up with demand while retaining the highest quality possible.”
The new menu also introduces two distinct pizza forms: Montanara, a Neapolitan specialty where the dough is fried before finishing as a pizza, and Scrocchiarell, a Roman‑style thin crust baked until it’s audibly crunchy. These additions showcase Joo’s willingness to experiment while staying true to his roots.
While some patrons have criticized the price point, many agree that the experience is worth the investment, especially for special occasions or date nights. One diner on Reddit called the pizza “bomb as hell,” acknowledging the cramped dining conditions but praising the flavor.
What’s Next for Pizzeria Sei?
With the Palms location already proving popular, Joo and So are exploring further expansion. They are looking into additional flagship sites and potentially franchising the concept while maintaining strict quality controls. The goal remains clear: keep delivering world‑class pizza that blends Italian tradition with Japanese precision.
As Los Angeles continues to face restaurant closures, rising costs, and shifting consumer habits, Pizzeria Sei stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence, proving that a small, ambitious team can achieve global recognition.
For now, the pizzeria’s success story serves as an inspiration to chefs and entrepreneurs alike, demonstrating that passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality can elevate a local eatery to international acclaim.
Key facts
- Pizzeria Sei ranked 5th in the 2024 Global Pizza Rankings
- Chef William Joo blends Neapolitan and Japanese pizza techniques
- The flagship Palms location offers unique pies like Culture Diavola
- Reservations fill quickly, indicating high demand
- The team plans further expansion while maintaining quality
Why it matters
Pizzeria Sei’s rise to a top‑five global ranking showcases how innovative culinary fusion and dedication to quality can elevate a local restaurant to international prominence, inspiring chefs worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Pizzeria Sei located?
The original location is in Los Angeles’ Pico‑Robertson neighborhood, and the flagship Palms location is in the Palms district.
What makes Pizzeria Sei’s pizza unique?
The pizzas combine Neapolitan dough fermentation with Japanese precision, resulting in a thin, airy crust with a distinctive sea‑salt crunch.
How can I get a reservation?
Reservations can be made online through the restaurant’s website or via phone; walk‑ins are also accepted but may need to wait.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “How a tiny LA mom-and-pop pizza joint skyrocketed to ‘best’ in the world”
