Restaurant Review | Pizzeria Mozza in Newport Beach

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Mussels appetizer. YUM

MOZZArella. Didn't think about that until I actually dined in the restaurants. Having dined at Pizzeria Mozza and Osteria Mozza in LA, I can say that they are consistent in quality. They definitely take pizza to a whole other level.

But let's start with the parking situation. It's like they sought out locations with ridiculously limited parking options so you HAVE to do valet. But if you're lucky you could snag one of the 2 or 3 meter parking spots right in front of the restaurant!

I think valet for valentine's day was ~$5-7?

Ambience: The tables are fairly close together and on a busy night, which is practically any night, you can hear your neighbor's conversation. The dark wall colors and warm oak tones create a dim, romantic atmosphere but there is adequate lighting for you to actually see your food and dining companions.

What to wear: It's one of those restaurants that you can come casually to but also dress up and no one will look at you like you're trying too hard.

I'll have to admit that I am no cheese connoisseur. I can't stand the smell or taste of parmesan and can only tolerate the milder cheeses. But Mozza, you have opened my eyes...or taste buds...to the complexity/enjoyability of cheese!

A must try appetizer that presents their mozzarella at its finest (at least to me):

Mozza Caprese Insalate $13

also a great spread for Pane bianco with extra virgin olive oil $4

And an amazing pizza:

Squash blossoms, tomato & burrata $24

- such great textures with a very subtly sweet tomato sauce, interesting squash blossom flavor, a heavenly bite into the pillowy burrata, and the crust! the thin, wood-oven baked bread with a fat chewy crust handle. yummy!

NOTE TO SELF: don't plan on doing anything mentally taxing after, come on an empty stomach or post workout. lots of carbs and CHEESE. but so worth it.