There are a lot of great pizza places here in Los Angeles, but where can you find a gourmet Neapolitan-style pizza that makes you feel like a true culinary globetrotter? 786 Degrees, a restaurant that proudly declares itself to be “for pizza addicts only,” is exactly the place you’ve been looking for. Today I’m joined by 786 Degrees’ founder and pizzaiolo, Chef Ali Haider, to learn more about what this wonderful local establishment has to offer.
First of all, where did the oddly specific number 786 come from? As Chef Ali explained, 786 has a very special meaning in his culture’s numerology: “May God shower blessing upon you.” It also happened to align practically with the pizzamaker’s craft; when Chef Ali was first starting out with his own oven, he needed to work with temperatures that were between 750 and 800 degrees. In addition to being a lucky name, 786 is the exact temperature at which Chef Ali and his staff bake their pizzas.
786 Degrees uses rare ovens that were made with lava ashes from Mt. Vesuvius and imported straight from Naples, Italy. There are only 14 such ovens in the United States, and 786 Degrees owns two of them. If you think that sounds authentic, then consider the fact that Chef Ali’s mozzarella comes from the Campania region in Italy; his olive oil comes from Tunisia, Argentina, and Sicily; his special flour comes from Naples; and the restaurant grows their own basil here in California!
At 3:51 in the video above, you can see the Korean BBQ pizza that earned 786 Degrees the top honor—best pizza in the entire nation—at a competition in Chicago last year. “I was humbled, because imagine a half-Indian, half-Italian guy making a Korean-inspired pizza and winning first place in a country such as America.”
“786 Degrees uses rare ovens that were made with lava ashes from Mt. Vesuvius.”
As Chef Ali said (and as my tastebuds agree), the Korean BBQ pizza is a little sweet but has enough spices to give it the right kick. It’s topped with steak, corn, spinach, and a fruit-based sauce that has been left to marinate for three days. From the dough to the toppings, there’s just so many mergings with every bite you take!
You absolutely have to try this pizza for yourself. 786 Degrees is located in Sun Valley, off of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, right off the 5 South Sheldon exit. Come support this great local pizzeria and, as always, reach out via phone or email if you have any real estate needs in the meantime! 786 Degrees is available to order online only visiting their website www.786degrees.com.
