Ghisallo

Brought to you by the owners behind The Tasting Kitchen in Venice, Ghisallo is a great representation of Ocean Park’s burgeoning dining scene. Often overlooked in favor of more well-known Santa Monica neighborhoods, this area is less touristy and more of a draw for locals, who will surely flock to this brand-new pizza kitchen helmed by executive chef David Rodriguez (his resume includes a key role in the opening of Pizzana Brentwood, where he worked under LA’s pizza guru chef Daniele Uditi). Although the restaurant had a false start, briefly opening last year before closing due to city issues, Rodriguez is now turning out fast-casual, wood-fired pies, featuring a selection of eight seasonal flavors like squash blossom with ‘nduja and fermented honey, and a meaty combo of house-ground fennel sausage and pepperoni. A collection of starters, salads, and shared plates—such as ribs smoked in-house for four hours and arancini with slow-braised oxtail ragu—round out the solid menu. Even better, the restaurant shares a space with Jyan Isaac Bread, which shills excellent loaves in the morning before Ghisallo starts dinner service.
How to book: Walk in or order pickup via Toast.