Anytime I can get to Pizza Ananda, I do.
I stumbled upon the pop-up a few months ago when they were at a hotel in Downtown LA, and I’m incredibly grateful for that first visit. It was one of those visits that felt a little lucky, like I was in for something special, but didn’t know how great the discovery would become. And since then, I’ve made every effort to find my way back when they’re in a nearby city.
That’s the thing about pop-ups. They don’t always stay in one place, which means if you want it, you have to go to it. You have to pay attention to their socials in order to keep up with where they may be. For some pop-ups, that may be a stretch and I would understand that. However, Pizza Ananda is worth the effort.
Started in fall of 2023 by photographer and director, Brandon Stanciell, the dream came to fruition almost out of divine timing. After his wife, Maya, went into labor with their daughter Anadamayi (aka Ananda) he found himself on paternity leave balancing new fatherhood and experimenting with baking sourdough bread that grew into sourdough pizza. Once he made the decision to invest in his own outdoor pizza oven, the experimentation turned into continued practice which then turned into Pizza Ananda. Today, you can find his creations (named after his daughter) at pop-ups throughout Los Angeles. With on site support from his wife, twin brother, and the occaisional appearance of his namesake, the restaurant is quickly growing.
There’s something about Pizza Ananda that feels different.
Their contemporary style pizza with a signature thick puffed crust might be it. But it could also be the care behind each pie. Maybe it’s the way each pizza feels like it was made with purpose, and that it’s not just process. Or maybe it’s how each pizza feels like you’re the only one in the world who has it. Sure, I’m fully aware that a handful of customers have a similar pizza, but I choose to believe that no one has a pizza has great as the one I had. Because when you take the first bite of a Pizza Ananda fresh out of the oven, you get hit with a degree of elation and satisfaction that tells you everything you need to know. Which is, this pizza is special.
I’ve ordered a few pizzas, but the one I continue to go back to is the Pepperoni ($22).
The best pizza dough I’ve taste was covered with Bianco DiNapoli Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, hot honey, and Ezzo pepperonis. By description, it sounds simple. It reads like a classic pizza that you had growing up so it’s no groundbreaking by any means. And that’s a fair assumption before you’ve had your first bite. But then you try the pizza and that’s when everything shifts. The thought that the pizza is merely familiar goes out the window when you realize the crust is pillowy, light, soft, and maintains its strength without sinking at any point. It’s perfectly weighted that all of the ingredients are supported effortlessly. Then there’s the sauce. It was layered just right, not overpowering and it didn’t clump in certain areas making the flavor distribution feel off. Add to that, the cheese melted into everything in a way that made each bite feel complete. Whether it was lightly sprinkled on the crust for a little pizzaz or it was blanketed above the sauce but under the pepperonis, it was decadent.
And the pepperoni?
Exactly what you want it to be—slightly crisped at the edges, a bucket shape that held just the right amount of hot honey in each center, and had a good degree of salt and texture to bring the whole slice together.
It’s the kind of pizza that doesn’t need to overcomplicate anything to stand out. It just works. What makes it even better is knowing that behind both the brand and the pizza is someone, and a family team, that built this from the ground up and are making it work every time they open shop. Pizza Ananda is Black-owned pop-up carving out its space in a city full of options and they are doing well enough to not just compete, but stand out.
That matters.
Because great food is one thing. But great food with intention, consistency, and care behind it? That’s what keeps people, like myself, coming back. And I do, every chance I get. At this point, I don’t say this lightly: Pizza Ananda might just be my favorite pizza in Los Angeles.
And if you ever see them pop up near you, don’t think twice. Stop by, say hello, order a pie, give them a try, and maybe they’ll become your favorite pizza too.
Follow Them.
Address: Pop up locations only.
Phone: N/A
Hours: Varies by pop up location.
Social: Instagram.
