Meet Anna Pizza, the red-sauce joint drawing lines in Valley Village - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Stephanie BreijoMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Anna Pizza, a newly opened Italian-American eatery in Valley Village, has quickly become a hotspot for pizza and pasta enthusiasts. Chef-owner Thomas DeSantis, known for his mobile pizza catering service Fire & Wood, brings his passion for authentic recipes rooted in his East Coast upbringing to this brick-and-mortar restaurant. Anna Pizza offers a menu featuring classic dishes like rigatoni alla vodka, meatballs in marinara sauce, and even Armenian-spiced spaghetti named after DeSantis’ mother-in-law. The restaurant, located in the former Gorilla Pies space, reflects DeSantis’ deep connection to his family and culinary heritage, with walls adorned with family photos that tell his story. Anna Pizza is open Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours on weekends.
DeSantis’ journey from a teenager folding pizza boxes to becoming a successful restaurateur is a testament to his dedication to the craft. After moving to Los Angeles, he worked his way up in various kitchens before launching Fire & Wood as a mobile
Verticals
newscalifornia
Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 3/2/2026