Seemor

GhisalloB+Worth Trying

Name: Ghisallo
Address: 1622 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, Santa Monica, United States
Rating: 4.4

1622 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 · Pizza restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (333 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Destination-worthy pizza with artisan sourdough crust and a charming patio, but service inconsistencies and occasional soggy centers mean best results when dining in fresh.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Ghisallo delivers excellent sourdough-style crust with balanced, market-fresh toppings and a charming back patio that elevates the casual dining experience, earning solid neighborhood standing. However, inconsistent execution between whole pies and slices, plus service delays during busy periods, prevents the higher tier. Best experienced ordering whole pies fresh from the oven on the patio rather than relying on delivery or slice service.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling without being loud, centered on a glowing oven and a leafy patio where neighbors linger over pies. Reviewers gush that the crust is "airy and blistered" and the patio is a hidden gem for casual dates and friend meetups. Expect occasional operational kinks in the hybrid setup, but when a pie hits the table hot, the flavors sing with market-fresh toppings. The cooking is Italian at heart with California flair: Neapolitan-style dough meets seasonal touches like nduja heat, romanesco, and bright herbs. It is an elevated traditional approach rather than culinary theater, leaning on excellent ingredients and careful bakes. Go for whole pies fresh from the oven on the patio; slices work best at lunch when turnover is high. Heavier toppings can soften the center, so consider classic builds if you want that firm undercarriage. Families do well here thanks to friendly favorites like Margherita and pepperoni, crisp truffle fries, simple salads, and a relaxed patio. There is no dedicated kids menu, but plenty that children actually eat. Prices are premium Santa Monica levels, so set expectations and share a couple of pies for best value.

At a Glance

Outstanding sourdough-style Neapolitan crust with balanced toppings
Charming back patio that elevates the experience
Service can be slow or disorganized during rush
Slices and delivery risk soggy or cold results
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

artisan_sourdough_crust
charming_back_patio
dual_service_model_slices_and_pies

What People Love

Airy, blistered crust that feels handcrafted
Vibrant toppings with seasonal California produce
Relaxed, twinkly-light patio atmosphere
Option for slices at lunch and whole pies at dinner
Neighborhood vibe with a quality-first approach

Points of Concern

Service inconsistencies: ordering flow and wait times vary by shift and crowd
Delivery/takeout quality drops; slices can arrive cold or undercarriage soft
Reservation mix-ups and limited phone support frustrate some guests
Pricing is genuinely expensive ($25+ pizzas) which may surprise casual diners
Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (not detected in this case)

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleHybrid Average Cost$48-66 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose Margherita or Diavola for best crust integrity
Pair a $12-18 salad with a $25-28 pie to share; add one $15-21 starter for variety

Perfect For

Easygoing patio date night with wine and a shared pie
Neighborhood hang with friends after work
Solo lunch slice stop when turnover is high
Out-of-town visitors seeking artisan pizza on the Westside

Location Insights

Area: Relaxed coastal neighborhood with a local, creative vibe and strong cafe-bakery culture near Santa Monica College.

Safety: Generally safe, walkable, well-lit in evenings with steady foot traffic on Ocean Park Blvd.

Nearby: Adjacent to Jyan Issac Bakery; near Bob's Market and small independent shops; residential side streets nearby.

Ocean ParkOcean Park is a residential and commercial neighborhood in Santa Monica characterized by a mix of beachside homes, local shops, and casual dining spots. The dining scene here is diverse, with an emphasis on fresh, health-conscious, and artisanal offerings, catering to a community that values quality and sustainability.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–21:30 Tuesday17:00–21:30 Wednesday17:00–21:30 Thursday17:00–21:30 Friday17:00–22:00 Saturday17:00–22:00 Sunday17:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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