You’re walking down Melrose, dodging the influencers and the hype-beast lines, and you see a floral mural. That’s Ronan. It’s got this industrial, dark-wood vibe that feels very "old-school LA meets modern Milan," and honestly, it’s one of the few places in the city where the food actually lives up to the aesthetic.
People call it a pizza place. They aren't wrong, but they're definitely missing the bigger picture.
Chef Daniel Cutler and his wife Caitlin have built something that feels like a neighborhood haunt but cooks like a Michelin-starred laboratory. The Ronan Los Angeles menu is a weird, beautiful mix of high-end seasonal plates and pizzas that have names like they were titled by a sarcastic teenager. It works. It works really well.
The Pizza Paradox
Let’s talk about the dough. It’s 100% sourdough, which means it has that slight tang and a structural integrity that holds up under pressure. You won’t find a soggy center here. The Spicy Chomper ($28.99) is basically the celebrity of the menu. It’s got soppressata, a four-cheese blend, and enough chili oil to make you reach for your water, but not so much that you lose the flavor of the crust.
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But the real "if you know, you know" move? The Sweet Cheeks.
It’s a bizarre combination on paper: guanciale (pork cheek), ricotta forté, and cacio e pepe honey. It’s sweet, it’s funky, and it’s salty. It costs about $31.99, and it will probably ruin other pizzas for you. Most people think honey on pizza is a gimmick. Here, it’s a necessity.
Small Plates That Aren't Actually "Small"
You’ve been to those places where a "small plate" is three peas and a smear of foam. Ronan isn't that. The Pork Meatballs ($21.99) are three-ounce monsters served with a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering since the restaurant opened in 2018.
Then there’s the Señor Carrots.
- Spiced yogurt base.
- Drizzled with honeycomb.
- Topped with coriander.
- Roasted until they’re almost caramelized.
It’s $20.99 for a vegetable dish, which sounds steep until you actually taste the contrast between the char and the honey. If you're feeling fancy, the Caviar Focaccia ($40.99) is the ultimate flex. It’s sourdough focaccia with cultured butter and a generous heap of caviar. It’s ridiculous. It’s delicious. You should probably order it.
The Calzone That Thinks It’s a Sandwich
We have to talk about The Philippe. It’s a French Dip calzone. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s an "ode to Philippe"—the legendary LA institution—stuffed with rare roast beef and served with onion jus and hot mustard.
It’s $33.99 and it shouldn't work. A calzone dipped in jus sounds like a structural nightmare, but the crust is so blistered and tough (in a good way) that it holds together. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why more pizzerias aren't doing "sandwiches" inside of dough.
What to Drink While You Wait
The bar program, run by Jeremy Wade, is just as playful as the food. The Lone Warrior ($19.99) uses Suntory Toki and Baller single malt with a bit of Amaro Angeleno. It’s smoky and stiff. If you want something lighter, the Melona ($20.99) is a gin-based drink with midori and lime that tastes like the best version of those melon ice cream bars you find at H-Mart.
Caitlin handles the wine, and it’s heavily focused on natural and biodynamic bottles. They have a "Surprise Me" option for bottles to-go, ranging from $28 to $40, which is honestly a great way to try something you’d never pick yourself.
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Survival Tips for Your Visit
Don't just show up on a Friday night and expect to sit down. You’ve gotta book. The patio is great for people-watching, but the interior—with the wood-fired oven crackling in the back—is where the soul is.
- Order the Focaccia first. It’s $10.99 and essential for mopping up the leftover sauce from the meatballs or the burrata genovese.
- Look at the "Daily Specials." They do a Spaghetti Special that often hovers around $51.99. It’s pricey, but they usually load it with seasonal seafood or truffles.
- The Kids Menu is actually good. It’s not an afterthought. They have a "nothing green" pizza for $16.99 that keeps the toddlers happy while you drink your orange wine.
Real Insights for Your Table
Most diners overlook the Brooklyn pizza ($27.99) because it seems "simple" with just mushrooms and parm. Don't do that. The Sicilian oregano they use is incredibly fragrant, and the red pepper flakes give it a slow burn that builds over the meal.
If you’re ending the night, the Basque-style Cheesecake with passionfruit ($17.99) is the only correct choice. It’s got that burnt, bitter top that cuts right through the creamy center.
Next Steps for Your Visit
Check their current Instagram for the "Market Vegetable" of the week, as it changes based on what's fresh at the Hollywood Farmers Market. If you’re coming with a group of four or more, aim for at least three pizzas and four small plates to truly experience the range of the kitchen.