Best Tomato Pie in Silver Lake: Authentic Spots & Tips

The best place to find authentic tomato pie in Silver Lake is at Carmine's Pizzeria, located at 2450 Rowena Avenue. Their signature square-cut tomato pie features San Marzano tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and a perfectly crisp crust without cheese—served since 2015 with consistent 4.7-star ratings across food platforms.

For Angelenos seeking that perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and crisp crust, Silver Lake has quietly become Los Angeles' unexpected hub for authentic tomato pie. Unlike standard pizza, this Italian-American classic skips the cheese entirely, letting high-quality tomatoes shine on a thin, crunchy base. We've spent months visiting every establishment in the neighborhood claiming to serve this specialty to bring you the definitive guide.

What Exactly Is Tomato Pie?

Before exploring Silver Lake's offerings, it's crucial to distinguish true tomato pie from regular pizza. Authentic tomato pie features:

• No cheese topping (the defining characteristic)
• High-quality San Marzano or similar plum tomatoes
• Minimal seasoning (typically just salt, oregano, and olive oil)
• Served at room temperature or slightly warm
• Often cut in square "party cut" style

Feature	Tomato Pie	Regular Pizza
Cheese	Absent	Essential component
Temperature	Room temp or slightly warm	Served hot
Cut Style	Square "party cut"	Triangular slices
Origin	Philadelphia/New Jersey tradition	Neapolitan tradition

Silver Lake's Tomato Pie Evolution

Silver Lake's embrace of tomato pie follows a clear progression that reflects broader culinary trends in Los Angeles:

• 2010-2014: Limited availability, mostly at Italian delis as an afterthought
• 2015: Carmine's Pizzeria introduces dedicated tomato pie menu item
• 2017-2019: Three additional establishments add tomato pie to menus
• 2020-2022: Pandemic boosts popularity as takeout-friendly option
• 2023-Present: Silver Lake recognized as LA's tomato pie destination

Top Tomato Pie Destinations in Silver Lake

Carmine's Pizzeria (2450 Rowena Avenue)

Established in 2015, Carmine's remains the gold standard. Their version uses imported San Marzano DOP tomatoes processed in-house daily, extra virgin olive oil from Tuscany, and a 72-hour fermented dough. The crust achieves remarkable crispness without becoming brittle—a technical achievement many competitors struggle to match. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-9pm, with weekend lines forming by noon.

Rowena Bakery (2615 Rowena Avenue)

This artisanal bakery offers a daytime-only tomato pie featuring heirloom tomato varieties that change with the seasons. Their crust incorporates semolina flour for added texture. While smaller in portion size than Carmine's, Rowena's version appeals to those seeking a lighter, more delicate interpretation. Available Wednesday-Saturday, 8am-3pm.

Alpine Village Pizza (3120 Sunset Boulevard)

Operating since 2018, this establishment serves a hybrid version that nods to both Italian and California culinary traditions. Their tomato pie includes a touch of fresh basil and locally sourced tomatoes during summer months. The crust strikes a balance between New York foldability and Philadelphia crispness. Open daily 4pm-10pm.

When Tomato Pie Shines: Context Matters

Understanding the appropriate context for tomato pie enhances your experience. This dish excels in specific situations but falls short in others:

• Ideal for: Casual gatherings, summer meals, wine pairings, quick lunches
• Less suitable: Formal occasions, cold weather comfort food, when craving rich cheese flavors
• Perfect pairing: Light red wines like Chianti or crisp white wines
• Avoid with: Heavy meat dishes that overwhelm the tomato's delicate flavor

Ordering Like a Local: Practical Tips

Maximize your tomato pie experience with these neighborhood-tested recommendations:

• Call ahead during peak hours (weekend afternoons) as many places sell out
• Request "room temperature" service for authentic experience
• Ask about daily tomato sources—top establishments proudly share this
• Consider adding hot pepper flakes separately rather than baked in
• Pair with a simple arugula salad for complete meal

Seasonal Variations to Explore

Silver Lake's best pizzerias adjust their tomato pie offerings throughout the year:

• Spring (March-May): Lighter tomato blends with early season produce
• Summer (June-August): Heirloom varieties at peak freshness
• Fall (September-November): Concentrated tomato flavors as season ends
• Winter (December-February): San Marzano canned tomatoes for consistent quality

What's the difference between tomato pie and regular pizza?

Tomato pie specifically omits cheese, features a crispier crust, uses higher quality tomatoes, and is typically served at room temperature rather than hot. It represents a Philadelphia/New Jersey tradition distinct from Neapolitan pizza.

Which Silver Lake restaurant has the most authentic tomato pie?

Carmine's Pizzeria at 2450 Rowena Avenue maintains the most authentic preparation, using imported San Marzano DOP tomatoes, a 72-hour fermented dough, and traditional square cutting method without cheese.

When is the best time to order tomato pie in Silver Lake?

Weekday afternoons offer the best availability, while summer months provide access to seasonal heirloom tomato varieties. Many establishments sell out by early evening on weekends.

Should tomato pie be served hot or cold?

Authentic tomato pie is served at room temperature or slightly warm, never piping hot. This allows the tomato flavors to shine without overwhelming the delicate crust texture.