Discover the newest New York-style pizzeria in Westwood: Danny Boy’s Famous Original

Since August 2021, chef pizzaiolo Daniel Holzman has been serving New York City-style pizza at Danny Boy’s Famous Original pizzeria, located in the food court of an office building in Downtown Los Angeles. On Wednesday, July 17, Holzman debuted Danny Boy’s Pizza in Westwood, taking over the former 800 Degrees location on Lindbrook and Westwood. This expansion is significant as it brings a taste of New York to the Westwood area, known for its heavy slice culture.

A Culinary Journey from New York to Los Angeles

Daniel Holzman, co-founder of the Meatball Shop in New York City, has a rich culinary background. Before establishing the Meatball Shop with Michael Chernow in 2010, Holzman worked in some of New York’s top kitchens. The Meatball Shop, a casual Italian American restaurant, expanded to multiple outlets and now operates in Hell’s Kitchen. Holzman grew up eating at Ray’s Famous Original in New York and conducted years of research to perfect the quintessential New York slice.

In 2022, Holzman co-wrote Food IQ: 100 Questions, Answers, and Recipes to Raise Your Cooking Smarts with Matt Rodbard and launched a podcast with Amanda Freitag called On the Line. His dedication to culinary excellence is evident in the three-day cold fermented dough used for his pizzas, which results in a wide, thin-crust pizza that is both crispy and flavorful.

The Westwood Expansion

The new Danny Boy’s Pizza in Westwood seats 56 people and offers beer and wine, catering to students, locals, and office workers. The menu features a variety of New York-style pizzas, including standard options like cheese, pepperoni, and white pie with mushrooms, as well as specialty whole pies such as the hot supreme with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and hot pickled peppers, and the veggie buffalo chicken.

Danny Boy’s also offers Sicilian square slices and pies, which are available gluten-free and can be customized with toppings like cheese and pepperoni. In addition to pizza, the menu includes Holzman’s famous beef and pork meatballs, garlic knots, buffalo hot wings, and classic salads like Greek, Caesar, and Italian combo. Two sandwiches, meatball Parmesan and chicken Parmesan, are also available, along with grab-and-go sandwiches and spaghetti with meatballs.

Joining the Slice Scene in Westwood

Danny Boy’s joins other notable pizzerias in the UCLA campus-adjacent area, such as Lamonica’s and Enzo’s, which are known for their New York City slices. The addition of Danny Boy’s Famous Original brings more variety and competition to the local pizza scene, providing residents and visitors with another high-quality option for their pizza cravings.

Danny Boy’s Famous Original in Westwood is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with plans for expanded hours. The new location is situated at 10899 Lindbrook Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, making it easily accessible for those in the area.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to visit Los Angeles, the Eater Guide to LA is an invaluable resource. It offers recommendations on the best places to eat in the city, from world-class tacos and Korean barbecue spots to fine dining destinations. Danny Boy’s Famous Original Pizza in Westwood is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a slice of New York nostalgia in the heart of Los Angeles.

In conclusion, whether you are an occasional traveler or an expert globetrotter, exploring the diverse culinary landscape of Los Angeles is a rewarding experience. For occasional travelers, we recommend taking a food tour to sample the city’s rich and varied cuisine. For expert travelers, consider diving deeper into the local food culture by visiting neighborhood markets and lesser-known eateries to discover hidden gems.

Los Angeles is a city that constantly evolves, and its food scene is no exception. By staying curious and open to new experiences, you can uncover the unique flavors and stories that make this city a culinary destination.