Pizzeria Lola

Since opening in 2010, Pizzeria Lola has remained one of my favorite places for pizza, not only in the Twin Cities but anywhere in the country. This Minneapolis pizzeria stands out because it treats pizza with both precision and personality. Chef Ann Kim approaches the crust with the focus of a perfectionist, creating a foundation that feels just as important as the toppings. The result is the kind of pizza that is memorable from the first bite: balanced, flavorful, and made with a clear point of view. For anyone searching for a standout pizza restaurant in Minneapolis, Pizzeria Lola continues to be an essential stop.

The menu offers a thoughtful mix of familiar favorites and more unexpected combinations. Guests who prefer a classic pie can find options such as house-made fennel sausage or natural-casing pepperoni, both of which highlight the comfort and simplicity of great pizza done well. At the same time, Pizzeria Lola is known for pushing beyond the standard pizza menu. One of the best examples is the Korean-style beef short rib pizza, finished with sesame and soy chili vinaigrette. It brings together savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors in a way that reflects Chef Kim’s ability to blend tradition with creativity without making the food feel forced or overcomplicated.

My personal favorite remains The Sunnyside, a pizza that captures exactly why Pizzeria Lola has earned such a loyal following. It starts with olive oil, then adds guanciale and leeks caramelized in cured pork fat. A touch of cream gives the pizza richness, while Pecorino Romano adds a salty, sharp finish. Two sunnyside up eggs complete the pie, creating a dish that is indulgent, beautifully balanced, and deeply satisfying. It is the kind of pizza that feels both comforting and distinctive, with every ingredient playing a clear role. If you are visiting for the first time and want something that shows the restaurant’s personality, The Sunnyside is an excellent choice.

Dessert is also worth saving room for, especially the vanilla soft serve with olive oil and sea salt. It is a simple idea, but the combination of sweet, creamy, savory, and salty makes it memorable. Like the pizzas, it works because the flavors are carefully chosen and not overdone. Pizzeria Lola’s appeal comes from this same sense of restraint and confidence: the restaurant knows when to honor a classic and when to surprise you with something different. That balance is what keeps it on my top-ten list year after year.

Chef Kim is not a one-trick pony by any means. In addition to Pizzeria Lola, she has built a strong reputation with Hello Pizza, a shop known for big New York-style slices and simple salads that make an easy and satisfying choice for the occasional working lunch. Her more recent project, Young Joni, brings another side of her cooking to the table. The restaurant offers a sleek setting, a “secret” back alley speakeasy, variations on her beloved wood-fired pizzas, and globally inspired small plates such as grilled Thai sausage skewers and charred Japanese sweet potato with bonito. Together, these restaurants show the range of Chef Kim’s cooking while keeping pizza at the center of the story.

For Minneapolis pizza lovers, Pizzeria Lola remains a destination because it offers more than a good slice. It offers a clear culinary identity, a warm sense of creativity, and a menu that rewards both repeat visits and first-time curiosity. Whether you order a traditional pie, try one of the more adventurous combinations, or end with the olive oil and sea salt soft serve, Pizzeria Lola delivers a dining experience that feels distinctive, polished, and genuinely enjoyable.

Contact

5557 Xerxes Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612.424.8338
pizzerialola.com