Damiano's / Mr. Pizza
412 N. Fairfax Ave.
L.A., CA
323-658-7611
There's a small ledge directly below the ceiling inside Damiano's. On top of this ledge at the rear of the restaurant, just above the last table, sits a crumpled napkin. This napkin has been there for at least six months, and will likely sit there for another six. Damiano's is a dive.
So maybe the place doesn't have a sparkly clean shine, and maybe there's some unidentifiable guck on the wall next to the tables, but Damiano's has personality. The extreme darkness of the restaurant, which is lit by candlelight, hides most crumbs and stains, and manages to create a cozy sort of familiarity. It's not a place to impress a date. It's a place to hang out. And since it's open all night, it's not uncommon to find people sitting for hours, periodically struggling to fold the steaming hot large thin slices, which attract a crowd of Hollywood hipsters, transplanted New Yorkers and anyone in need of some guilty grease after the bars close.
Damiano's also serves a thicker Sicilian pizza, but stick with a cheese slice like they do back in Brooklyn. For those not looking for pizza, the restaurant offers a selection of Italian pastas and sandwiches.
-- Todd Martens
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-6 a.m.
Venue Details
