800 Degrees

800 Degrees Westwood Village
10889 Lindbrook Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90024
424-239-5010

Hours:
11am-2am 7 days a week

I've been wanting to come here since I read about this place late last year....    Customizable Neapolitan pizza's that cook in 60 seconds and that are actually good?      Well, I figured I'd try them out....

My wife and I were in the area about a month ago, and decided to come here for dinner.  Not only was parking scarce, the line was out the door and down the block to the corner!    At the time we were going to a show in Hollywood, so we decided we didn't have time to wait in line.     But today, my work sent me close to this area so I figured I'd give it a shot again during lunch time.

I arrived at 11am sharp, found parking on the street just a couple doors down... and guess what?  Somebody left an hour on the parking meter!   My lucky day...  I knew this was a good idea...

I walked into the restaurant and it was empty...  There was one lady ordering in front of me and I believe I was just the second customer of the day...    By the time I left after eating, there were about 15 people eating and  another 15 in line to order...  I came at the right time!




First off, I walk up to this "Chipotle" style ordering counter where you meet a guy tossing pizza dough...   He hands the freshly tossed dough to the guy next to him who asks which pizza would I like..   I could just make my own creation, but I figured for a first timer - I'd order one of their specialty pizza's..

Being that spicy always calls my name, I opt for the pizza titled Piccante.  This pie is topped with soppressata, garlic & Calabrian chilies...   Soppressata is spicy air-dried salami...     Sounds right up my alley...

I walk with my pizza down the line as they make it, and was offered to add a salad when I was towards the end of the food line..   I opted for a small caesar salad.....        Including a fountain drink, my pizza and the salad it was about $15 including tax.   Not too bad...

I watched my pizza get placed into a wood burning oven...   Supposedly heated to 800 degrees (doh?) so your pizza is fully cooked in about 60 seconds...   I thought mine was closer to 2 minutes, but I really wasn't watching the clock..   Maybe it was my hunger that was slowing time down for me...

First - the caesar salad.   It was really fresh..   The lettuce was dark green and the croutons tasted and had the texture of home made.   Like they baked them in their own 800 degree oven.  Really tasty.    The caesar dressing wasn't over powering.  For me, it was probably just right.  I couldn't really taste it unless I stopped to think about it.   I know it was tossed with the salad, but it was just so light..     Thumbs up for their caesar salad.

Now - What you've been waiting for....  The pizza...   The pie comes sliced into 6 slices.   With the salad, I'd say it would easily pass for two people - but I was by myself and being that I'm not a leftovers guy - I did eat the whole thing..

I picked up a slice and noted how flimsy the bottom crust was.   If you're not careful, the toppings could easily slide off on to your plate.  It seemed a little greasy, maybe that's the olive oil they layer onto the dough before they add any toppings?    The first bite.....  has a nice spiciness to it..    For those who aren't into spicy, this wasn't jalapeno or serrano chile spicy.   Think what the next step up from a pepperoni would be.. That's about where it was.    And there was plenty of fresh tomato sauce...  They make their own sauce here with fresh tomatoes and seasonings, and it was good!      The chile's on the pizza seemed no spicer than red pepper flakes.. They worked really nice with the soppressata...    The end crust was crispy on the outside and nice and chewy on the inside...

Greasy

Well - I'd say this would be worthy of another visit!    I'd definitely come back here if I was in the area..  I'm eager to try some of their other pizza's they have..