Flame Pizzeria

Checked out Flame. What to say…
Eh.
To be clear – 2 stars for the food and 1 star for the service. Didn’t want you to think I was giving the food 3 stars.
I mean, how could I NOT check it out after that chef bio: «…chef to the stars», «…five years of trying to perfect the perfect pie…». Dude was more committed than a Tibetan monk.
The bread that came in the beginning was hot, chewy and tasty. That dang bread was like ten thousand degrees since it came hot out of the oven, and I burned my fingers trying to eat it. The 1,000 layer potato hoo-​ha appetizer was ok. It was tiny and not worth the $$$. Lower the price by a few bucks bubba. It ain’t a dish to fall on your sword over for like these idiot reviewers are saying. It’s like they’ve not had a meal in over ten years the way they are DYING over this potato-​au-​gratin in their reviews. Grab a mandolin, set on thin, slice potatoes, then layer on top of each other, add cheese, butter, salt, and milk, and stick in oven.
Now for the main course: pizza. I hate to say this (homeboy spent five years perfecting it) but…, um, not… THAT…good. The dough was ok – the crust had that gummy, chewy kinda pull when biting it. Some of you may not like your pizza like that. I sometimes do depending on if I want to fight with my pizza or not. The pizza was… what’s the word… GOOPY. Well? How else would you describe the liquid left on the pizza plate after grabbing a slice? (and yes, I waited for it to cool). Also, too much crust. There was a lot of pizza «real estate», if you will, left unused. What I mean by that is that the crust was TOO thick and TOO much… could have been pulled back a bit (smaller crust) giving some more space – «real estate” – to spread the sauce and add more cheese and toppings. After two bites of each slice, my teeth were already hitting the crust. I had so much leftover crusts on my plate that I could have made another pizza out of them. Don’t get me wrong: the crust wasn’t THAT bad (a little raw too) but I got tired of chewing gummy, raw crusts after four bites of pizza (that’s two slices). Don’t believe me? Just look at all the pictures of the pizzas people took on this Flame Unilocal review – check out all of that damn crust! If you want to pay $ 18 for crust, then go for it. Gotta drop the prices on them pizzas too by a few bucks unless you are going to drizzle truffle oil on them. I hate most of the reviewers who reviewed the place giving it 5 stars – especially the dummies who say they are from NY and they’ve not had ANYTHING like the pizza at this establishment. Clearly, most of the reviewers are friends or close associates because this pizza is NOTHING LIKE New York pizza.
Our server was very attentive and friendly as were the bus boys and hostess. I should have taken ear plugs with me though because homeboy was blasting like ‘80s guitar solo music the entire time. Not sure if it was one of his buddy musician’s music but seriously – switch it up. Finally, not sure how all y’all feel, but calling celebrity friends to lure customers is a desperate move in my book. Good food… sorry, GREAT food, speaks for itself. Period. No celebrities are needed to bring customers through da doors. Your food will do that for you.
Beer list: lame. Dessert list: lame-​er.
With another five years trying to perfect the pizza, more craft beers and dessert selections, better music and no old, White male celebrities, Flame may achieve the level of perfection it thinks it has achieved now. Until then, I’ll stick to my other pizza joints.

My first time here thanks to my sister who recently discovered it. Outstanding pizza, décor, and service! What a find! Can’t wait to go back!!! As a foodie who owns a home décor store I am impressed!!!

I absolutely love Chef Richard and his passion for pizza! He has mastered his craft and he is now sharing it with us. I heard about Flame from my boss and had to go immediately. I went with a couple friends and we had the Thousand Layer Potatoes, Lemon Garlic Chicken appetizers, the rocket arugula salad and shared two pizzas — The Richie and a Margherita with shaved fennel sausage and oven roasted mushrooms. It was my birthday and the whole staff including Chef Richard came out and sang Happy Birthday to me and we shared a giant piece of toasted almond cream cake — what a fabulous non-​pretentious evening out in LA.

Thank you lord! We now have another restaurant for the foodies in Reseda! Huzzah! Great wine list, love the bar, of course the pizza is great. So are the desserts. They could use another salad on the menu but I also appreciate the simplicity. Decent ambiance too! Definitely going back!

A very nice new pizza place in the neighborhood. I was very excited to try this place out. I wasn’t disappointed. Everything here was pretty good and the ambiance was very nice dark lit very romantic perfect for a nice dinner date. Started off the meal with the lemon chicken was my favorite part of the meal. I guess I’m biased since I love lemon everything. They were very friendly and brought us complimentary bread.
On to the pizza. I forgot what the pizza was called but it had potatoes, truffle and dill. It was ok I wished I would have ordered a pizza with meat on it. I like that they have a pizza oven really gives the place an authentic pizzeria feel. For dessert we got the almond cake. I really liked it. I would come back here to try more from the menu.

Really enjoyed my meal, GREAT pizza dough (and that used to be impossible to find in the Valley, though less so recently), and good service. The place is very new and there are a few kinks to be worked out, which is no big deal, — but I worry that Flame will suffer the fate so many restaurants suffer after a write-​up in the LA Times (RIP Red Balls Pizza). If you go, do try to adjust your expectations, because honestly the worst thing that can happen to a new restaurant is to get too much press.
Usually after an LA Times write-​up, a restaurant gets DELUGED with business, and customers expect the place to be running like a well-​oiled machine, not a fairly new operation. The restaurant struggles to keep up with demand (Flame is still saying no carry-​out on their website, which isn’t the best for a pizza place), customers swear they’ll never come back, and the business withers and dies. I would hate to see that happen here, because God knows Reseda is not a fine dining hub and really needs Flame.
The menu could use maybe one or two other pizzas (while I appreciate being to pick my own toppings, when it’s primo pizza I like to feel the chef has come up with something awesome), and the starters are a little weird for a highbrow pizza place — meatball sliders and lemon chicken? That would work on a longer menu, but flatbreads or vegetable side dishes might make more thematic sense. Service was enthusiastic but the place was DEAD at 5:15 on a weekend night — not prime dinner hour, but at one point we were the only customers.
The music was also a major misfire — Creedence Clearwater Revival and Motown. The chef may love it, but I felt like I was at a Ruby’s Diner. Also, too loud — maybe Baby Boomers are deaf, but it was distracting and honestly annoying AF. If there were customers over 60, fine, but there weren’t — even when there were other customers. Also — if the goal of having twinkle lights all over the ceiling is to create a romantic, intimate ambiance, the musty soundtrack played at full blast pretty much kills it.
Parking isn’t great, and I think it’s not entirely unfair that some people are a little put out that prices are on par with, say, Medici in Sherman Oaks (nicer restaurant, similar pizza, better neighborhood) without the experience being as posh. If the restaurant were larger or if there were some other awesome perk, it would make a world of difference (this is where above and beyond service would come in, or a menu item that can’t be found elsewhere, etc.). If the only competition was Mozza, yes, this place would be a hole-​in-​one just because it’s over the hill (though I will still drive there for budino, OMG). But it’s not — really good gourmet pizza is having a moment. I hope Flame finds its groove soon (it’s so close!) to avoid the sad fate of most LA Times discoveries. Also, someone promote that bus boy! He was so excited to explain the menu and was clearly a people person! And the pizzas with arrabiata sauce were excellent!

Oh yes. Pleasantly surprised. This place is rather new and in a strip mall but we loved the food. Sliders eh. But lemon chicken yes, arugula salad yes and pizza dough is amaze-​balls. Highly recommend. We will be back. Only one dessert. Some almond cake. Was super good. Come here. Fast.

I really don’t understand why this place has almost 5 stars. Really over rated. I was excited to eat here but ended up disappointed. I am a pizza lover. I also love good food. I cook great food all the time so when I go out to eat I want something yummy and that will impress my taste buds.
We ordered the Nana pizza, added sausage, was disappointed. Even the cheese pizza wasn’t that great. For the price you pay makes it even more of a disappointment.
The service was good but folks, just order Guido pizza and make your own awesome salad. I would say stick with drinking at the bar if you decide to go here.

Gourmet Pizza in an unlikely location… a strip mall on Vanowen St. in Reseda. Some friends of ours have been raving about Flame Pizzeria since they opened, so I finally had to go and see what the hype was all about. Made a spur of the moment decision to take my daughter and her friend for a Saturday evening dinner. I heard they get very busy so we went really early to make sure that we got a table.
We arrived just after 5pm and it was already busy. The hostess asked if we had a reservation, which we did not. She told us that they were booked for the night, but luckily there were seats available at the bar, which was fine for us. I really like the room. Brick walls, lots of wood, and cool holiday style lights hanging from the ceiling throughout the restaurant. I actually enjoyed sitting at the bar. The bartender was super cool, as were the servers when they came to fill their drink orders. The bar itself is also nice, with fancy beer taps, and a couple of TVs showing sports. They have an eclectic selection of craft beers on tap. I went with the Golden Road IPA and was very happy with it. It actually drank kind of light and paired very nicely with my pizza. It was a 1 beer kinda night so I didn’t look at the wine list.
The menu is surprisingly simple. There are 5 starters, 2 salads, and 7 pizza’s to choose from. You can also work from the basic Margherita and customize your pizza with a number of gourmet toppings… or add toppings to any of the other 6 pizzas on the menu. I should also note that all of the pizzas are all individual size and run between $ 16 and $ 19. I think the sides and salads were all $ 10. Additional toppings were $ 2 — $ 3. Not cheap… but this really is gourmet pizza.
I ordered the Lily which has a Red Pepper /​Sundried Tomato Tapenade for sauce, along with Feta, Kalamata Olives, and fresh Oregeno. Then for $ 3, I added the Fennel Sausage. First thing I noticed was the sausage. This isn’t your run of the mill ground sausage topping. It was big, thick shavings of salted goodness… and it took my pizza to the next level for sure! The sauce was really good and it worked well with the feta and olives. Being from New York… I love thin crust pizza that gets fat around the perimeter edge and that’s exactly how this was. Thin in the center, but not soggy at all… then nice and doughey (is that a word???) at the edge. It is soooo good… AND super filling. For a little guy, I can eat and this personal pizza worked me over!
Another cool note about this place… My daughter is highly allergic to milk products (ie cheese) so we brought a package of Daiya vegan cheese and they made her a custom dairy-​free pizza. That was much appreciated! I did call ahead to make sure and the owner said no problem at all. My daughter called her pizza, «heaven.»
Very happy with this place, overall. The people working there all seem to be friendly and proud of the restaurant. The chef keeps it simple… and gourmet. Nice to see the West-​818 getting more and more cool food options. The room is small so make reservations! They have a parking lot in front that can get a bit tight at times, but there is also street parking.

I am a real Italian not an import… Richard’s pizza is actually better than overrated Mozza! The dough is tasty and thick yet thin in the center but not soggy with the toppings juices … The Nana is out of this world and remind me of old times in Milano and Dee service is exceptionally nice and classy for this unusually located Reseda joint. Glad the the Valley vibe is going to keep away the snobbish crowd of the westisders … Richard keep up the good work and this will be known as the new best pizza in Los Angeles (sorry Olio still love you…) not to be missed as starter the Thousand Layer Potatoes !!!

This was disappointing. Heard about this place on Prager show. The owner was portrayed as an acclaimed chef but the variety of the food and the scant sized restaurant didn’t meet our expectations.
The meatball sliders (apps) were good and probably the best item we sampled. The arugula salad was only one of two salad options was «OK,» as well as the lemon chicken. The potato item they offered is like an au gratin that is tasty but uninspiring.
When it came to the pizza… we were extremely let down for such an artisan centerpiece that came with so much hype. The pizza dough was not well pressed and you would get mixed up with crispy crust and thick dough. It didn’t offer consistency that one comes to expect with pizza. Moreover, the cheese is minimal and the tomato sauce is average. Then, after the pizza sits it gets oddly soggy in the center which turned to unappetizing.
Lastly, the service was weak. The waiter seemed inattentive but mildly engaged. We were not properly described the variety and way this menu worked. The attending server (bus boy) was very helpful and he seemed more of an ambassador to the kitchen than the waiter.
I hate giving bad reviews but for the price and location and hype — this place is too expensive and likely facing a short existence. There are two other pizza joints on the corner and I bet their product is more consistent, tasty, and far less expensive.

Omg, the 1000 layer potato dish is AMAZING!!!
Cute place to unwind and have a delicious dinner we tried the Nana pizza. It was great but I wish I would have read it had no meat, that was my mistake. But it was still very tasty!
Will definitely be returning!

The name of this restaurant could not be more unassuming.
The experience dining here, however, is anything but run of the mill.
The ambience is perfect for date or a casual dinner with friends after work.
The food is extraordinary. I say this with little hesitation considering how many pizza places there are in the San Fernando Valley. We had a good sampling of the menu to back this statement:
— The 1000 layer potatoes is the perfect savory treat for spud lovers as it mixes a tender texture with perfectly sharp parmesan cheese that has just the right amount of stinkiness. As others note, the slices are razor thin. Do not skip these on your first visit
— Caesar salad was perfectly flavorful with crisp lettuce and dressing that wasn’t overpowering. The croutons are obviously made in house.
— The lemon garlic chicken sits in the perfect mixture of lemon and garlic. I was tempted to sip this juice with a straw before letting the server take it away. The chicken was also cooked to perfection and it’s sliced into perfect portions for a table of 2 or 4. The bread that comes with it is perfect for soaking up that lemon garlic sauce and is a perfect preview of what’s to come if you order a pizza
— We ordered a margherita pizza with arrabiata sauce. The tomato sauce was perfectly sweet and spicy. It’s not like a tomato sauce that has a squeeze of sriracha. It’s full of fresh tomato flavor and won’t make your sinuses run. The cheese is certainly fresh and top shelf quality.
I challenge anyone who discards pizza crust to take a bite of this pizza and not consume the whole slice.
Everything is served at the right temperature and relatively fast. The service is friendly. The owner came by and even gave us a complimentary almond cake slice, which I highly recommend you try too if you have a sweet tooth.
Soda lovers should note that drinks are not bottomless.
Parking is easy.

YUM! This pizza deserves the hype. They have mastered the dough so that it is crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside.
Started with the insane 1000 layer potatoes — worth it. Not dry, not soggy — just the perfect texture of paper thin potato layered with cheese.
Got the margherita pizza with added soppressata and roasted red bell peppers. Everything about it was perfect. The peppers were soft and cooked down to caramely perfection. There was just the right amount of cheese.
Had to try the almond cake dessert. It was light and airy but had a hint of amaretto liquor taste, which I am not personally a fan of.
Will definitley be back to try more pizzas.
Ample parking. Beer and wine only.

Saw a post about this place on Facebook — it mentioned that it was comparable to Mozza pizza I had to go!
From the Caesar salad to the chicken appetizer to the Ritchie Pizza!
If you are looking for An awesome artisan pizza in the valley — come on thru.
Great service, great food!
You’ll probably see me!!!

They make you feel like you are at a friends house.
I am Italian and just can’t stand those so called Pizza they sell around my area. I am very happy i found this spot so I can finally enjoy some Pizza that taste like back home, the dough is great, It is not one of these sweet dough, nor it was oversalted, perfect softness, on the Pizza he uses real good ingredients.
The owner is very picky about the food he makes, I could tell that he want you to enjoy the best he can offer.
Also the staff was extremely friendly, and professional, it changes from those arrogant LA waiters and owners who think they are better than their customers.
If you want a taste of what an Italian Pizza actually taste like, you might want to try it.

Great pizza, great beer and wine selection, and family-​run.
Ate at Flame Pizzeria before a show at Guitar Merchant and was impressed!
I searched Unilocal for restaurants in the area and the reviews were spot on for this place — table service for pizza/​beer/​wine. The pre-​dinner bread and post-​dinner dessert were excellent as well.
One pizza was a little too much for me with the bread and shared app — next time I might skip the app or share a pizza.

Came here for a birthday party and the staff and atmosphere were pretty fantastic. They were very accommodating to guests and attentive and friendly. Couldn’t ask for better service.
Tried the Lemon Garlic Chicken breast appetizer was a juicy chicken breast sliced with a buttery lemon garlic sauce. It was fantastic. In case anyone is Paleo or low carb — this was juicy and cooked perfectly and I would highly recommend!
The pizza was very artisan and they had one of those fancy 800° ovens but was not a favorite of mine. We had the Richie and the Lindsey. Take that with a grain a salt, cuz all of my friends seemed to like the pizza.
IMO very humble opinion, however thought the pizza dough seemed a lil too gummy for my taste and slightly overpriced in general as they were about $ 16 and $ 19 each and in comparison, Medici on Ventura in Sherman Oaks is very similar, but you can build your own (and include Vegan options) at a fraction of the cost.
They also only had soda’s by the bottle as opposed to tap. So $ 3 and no free refills.
But they did have a pretty amazing Toasted Almond Cream Cake that you MUST try.
Overall — the staff makes this a very cool local spot and was a nice place to celebrate with friends.

Great spot for a nice sit down dinner. Home made pizza and fresh ingredients. Nice atmosphere as well. I came here with my girlfriend and two friends for the first time and was very impressed by the service and the selection of different dishes.
Wine by the glass, beers on tap and for a great price.
This is a great family owned restaurant. I would highly recommend this spot. I will definitely be back.
Aaron J. Singer
Bank of America
Assistant VP. Business Banking
818.912.9185

This place was so incredible because of the experience and the food ordered!!! This chefs story is so amazing and you can truly taste all of the love and his passion in his pizzas. The chef also cooks his food in front of you. He also came to chat with us to see how we liked the food and also gave us this amazing almond cake!!! We got 3 pizzas.
1. The Nadia– super amazing!!! Probably the best pizza we ate. What was bad that it was SO fresh all the toppings slipped off the pizza… After I waited 5 minutes to let it solidify it was like heaven in my mouth!!!
2. The Lily– supppppper olivey tasting but was really good!!! The crust was amazing and the sauce was so flavorful.
3. The nana– unfortunately I didn’t like this one :(it was really bland. I loved the potatoes but the sauce didn’t go well with this one.
The almond cake WAS TO DIE FOORRRR so please save some room for dessert! See all my amazing photos from this trip :)