Best Tomato Pie in South Pasadena: Where to Find Authentic Slices

The best place to find authentic tomato pie in South Pasadena is at Carmine's Italian Restaurant, located at 1000 Fair Oaks Avenue, where they've served their signature square-cut tomato pie since 1987 using a family recipe from Philadelphia. This no-cheese pizza variant features a thick layer of seasoned tomato sauce on a thin, crispy crust that's become a local institution.

What Makes South Pasadena's Tomato Pie Stand Out

Tomato pie isn't your typical pizza. Unlike conventional pizza with cheese as the base layer, authentic tomato pie features a generous portion of seasoned tomato sauce applied directly onto the baked crust. South Pasadena's version maintains the Philadelphia-style tradition while incorporating California-fresh ingredients that create a distinctive regional variation.

When you order tomato pie in South Pasadena, you're getting a culinary experience rooted in Italian-American history but refined with local sensibilities. The crust achieves that perfect balance between crispness and chewiness, while the sauce uses locally sourced San Marzano tomatoes from nearby farms in the San Joaquin Valley.

Tomato Pie Evolution Timeline in Southern California

1940s-1950s: Philadelphia-style tomato pie introduced by Italian immigrants in East Coast pizzerias

1970s: First California adaptations appear in Los Angeles' historic Italian neighborhoods

1987: Carmine's opens in South Pasadena, bringing an authentic Philadelphia recipe westward

2005: Local farms begin supplying heirloom tomatoes specifically for South Pasadena pizzerias

Present: South Pasadena's tomato pie has evolved into a distinct regional specialty with subtle California influences

Where to Find Authentic Tomato Pie in South Pasadena

While several establishments serve pizza in South Pasadena, only a few maintain the authentic tomato pie tradition. Here's what you need to know about your best options:

Establishment	Location	Special Features	Hours
Carmine's Italian Restaurant	1000 Fair Oaks Avenue	Original Philadelphia-style recipe, square-cut, family-owned since 1987	Tue-Thu: 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 12pm-8pm
South Pas Pizza Co.	855 Mission Street	Modern interpretation with California ingredients, rectangular slices	Wed-Mon: 4pm-10pm
La Piazza	350 Monterey Road	Thin-crust variation, available only on Wednesdays	Wed: 5pm-8pm only

Understanding When Tomato Pie Is Your Best Choice

Tomato pie serves a specific culinary purpose that differs from traditional cheese pizza. Understanding these context boundaries will help you determine when it's the perfect choice:

• When you want a lighter pizza experience: Without cheese, tomato pie offers a less heavy option that won't leave you feeling overly full
• For sauce lovers: If you typically scrape cheese off your pizza to enjoy more sauce, tomato pie delivers maximum tomato flavor
• As an appetizer: Many South Pasadena restaurants serve tomato pie as a starter before heavier main courses
• When visiting in warmer months: The lighter profile makes it particularly enjoyable during Southern California's summer months

However, tomato pie might not satisfy if you're specifically craving that melted cheese experience or if you're sharing with children who prefer more familiar pizza styles.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Ordering tomato pie in South Pasadena follows a slightly different protocol than standard pizza. Most establishments that serve authentic tomato pie will:

• Prepare it to order rather than keeping pre-made versions
• Take approximately 15-20 minutes for preparation (similar to specialty pizzas)
• Offer it by the slice or as a whole pie (typically square-cut)
• Serve it with grated pecorino romano on the side rather than parmesan
• Recommend enjoying it immediately while the crust maintains its ideal texture

Planning Your Tomato Pie Experience

For the best experience when seeking tomato pie in South Pasadena, consider these practical tips:

• Call ahead during peak hours as some establishments don't take reservations for pizza service
• Ask about their sauce preparation method—traditionalists simmer tomatoes for at least 4 hours
• Check if they offer garlic-infused olive oil for drizzling, a popular South Pasadena variation
• Be aware that most places stop serving tomato pie by 9pm, earlier than their regular pizza offerings
• Consider visiting on weekdays for shorter wait times, as weekends draw both locals and visitors

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Tomato pie features seasoned tomato sauce applied directly onto the baked crust without cheese as the base layer. Traditional pizza typically has cheese applied before baking, with sauce either underneath or on top of the cheese depending on regional styles. South Pasadena's version maintains the Philadelphia-style tradition of sauce-only on a thin, crispy crust.

Why is tomato pie particularly popular in South Pasadena?

South Pasadena's tomato pie popularity stems from Carmine's Italian Restaurant, which brought an authentic Philadelphia recipe to the area in 1987. The city's appreciation for quality ingredients and regional specialties allowed this East Coast tradition to thrive, with local farms providing superior tomatoes that enhanced the traditional recipe.

Does South Pasadena's tomato pie contain any cheese?

Traditional South Pasadena tomato pie contains no cheese in the preparation. However, most establishments serve it with grated pecorino romano cheese on the side, allowing customers to add cheese according to their preference. This maintains the authentic sauce-forward experience while accommodating different tastes.

When is the best time to order tomato pie in South Pasadena?

The best time to order tomato pie in South Pasadena is during lunch hours (11am-2pm) or early dinner (5pm-6:30pm) when pizzerias have optimal ingredient freshness and less kitchen pressure. Many establishments stop serving tomato pie by 9pm as it's considered a specialty item with different preparation requirements than regular pizza.