Hidden in a modest strip mall on Wilshire Boulevard, Apollonia’s Pizzeria has been quietly revolutionizing LA’s pizza scene since 2012 🍕.
Owner Justin De Leon, a former professional photographer turned pizza artist, created this tiny cash-only shop that now attracts pizza lovers from across the city who brave limited parking and unusual hours for what many consider the best pizza in Los Angeles.
How Apollonia’s won local’s hearts
When Justin De Leon opened Apollonia’s in 2012, Los Angeles was considered a pizza wasteland by many.
The city had precious few quality pizza shops, and De Leon heard constant criticism that “LA pizza sucks.” But he remained focused on his vision: creating authentic, artisanal pizza in a simple neighborhood setting.
The game-changing moment came in 2018 when De Leon introduced his now-legendary square pizza.
These Detroit-style pies feature impossibly crispy cheese crowns that rise an inch above the crust, creating what food critics call “Jack Nance’s hair from Eraserhead”.
The viral sensation of these photogenic square slices on Instagram helped build a cult following, with food enthusiasts driving across town specifically for these off-menu specialties.
Word spread organically through social media and customer recommendations.
The shop’s unique aesthetic – featuring neon signs, a vintage jukebox, and street art – combined with exceptional quality created an experience that locals couldn’t stop talking about.
Despite operating only Wednesday through Sunday with split hours (12-2:30pm and 5-8pm), the shop consistently sells out.
The exclusivity factor of the limited square pizza availability (originally only Fridays and weekends after 4pm) made each visit feel special. Today, Apollonia’s has earned international recognition, ranking #58 in the world at the 2025 Best Pizza Awards in Milan.
Food Highlights
- Acapulco Gold Square: This signature slice features garlic, olive oil, ricotta, mozzarella, pecorino romano, oregano, grape tomatoes, arugula, and truffle oil – a garlicky, creamy masterpiece that customers consistently rave about
- Pepperoni Square with Burrata and Hot Honey: The most popular add-on combination transforms already excellent pepperoni squares into absolute perfection with creamy burrata and Mike’s Hot Honey drizzle
- Vodka Slice: Features their signature spicy vodka sauce on both round and square formats – customers describe it as “heaven on earth” with perfect crispiness and foldability
- Pancetta Square: Packed with intense bacon flavor and generous toppings, this hearty option satisfies even the most demanding carnivores
- Burning Sycamores Wings: These unique hot wings topped with roasted garlic, jalapeño, and pineapple create a tropical salsa effect that perfectly complements the tender chicken
Atmosphere
Apollonia’s embodies the true hole-in-the-wall experience 🎵. The tiny space features no seating – only standing counter space where customers eat their slices while jamming to the vintage jukebox.
The interior showcases vibrant street art, neon signs, and a fridge full of classic bottled sodas that transport visitors back in time. The cash-only policy and limited hours add to the authentic, old-school vibe.
Customers often eat in the parking lot or take their pizza to nearby LACMA or Pan Pacific Park. The atmosphere is deliberately unpretentious and focused – this isn’t about fancy dining but about exceptional pizza in its purest form.
Bottom Line
Visit Apollonia’s for the world-class square pizza that’s redefined Detroit-style in LA, experience the authentic hole-in-the-wall charm complete with jukebox and neon signs, taste the viral-worthy cheese crowns that Instagram can’t stop posting about, and enjoy artisanal quality from a former photographer who treats each pizza like art.
Address: 5176 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
📞 (323) 937-2823
🕔 Wed-Sun: 12 PM–2:30 PM, 5 PM–8 PM (closed Mon-Tue)