If you’re on the hunt for the best pizza in Long Beach, let us introduce you to your new favorite spot: Pizza Parlor LB. This isn’t your average slice—the magic here starts with a sourdough crust that’s baked fresh every day, giving each bite that perfect balance of chew and crunch. And let’s talk about those ingredients—Chef Mike Ortiz keeps it local and fresh, with farm-to-table toppings and all sauces made in-house (yes, even the ranch!). Top it all off with desserts baked fresh each morning, and you’ve got a place that’s as much about quality as it is about flavor. Trust me, once you’ve had a taste, you’ll be planning your next visit before you even finish the first slice.
Chef Mike Ortiz
From the moment we walked into Pizza Parlor LB, we could feel the energy. This isn’t just a pizza joint; it’s a place with heart, passion, and some of the best sourdough crust we’ve ever tasted. We met Chef Mike Ortiz himself—a warm, down-to-earth guy who’s clearly as passionate about people as he is about pizza. As he prepared our pizza, he shared stories about learning to cook with his Panamanian grandmother, who taught him the importance of using the best ingredients and the power of cooking with love.
Growing up in a vibrant South Los Angeles community, Mike’s earliest memories revolve around the flavors and aromas of his Panamanian heritage. His grandmother’s meals were not just food—they were family rituals, expressions of love, and ultimately the foundation of his deep respect for gastronomy. Inspired by these roots, he didn’t take the conventional path through culinary school but instead embarked on a journey of hands-on experience, grit, and determination.
Mike’s career started humbly in bustling kitchens, where he worked his way up, learning everything he could along the way. Eventually, he found himself honing his skills in some of the Bay Area’s top kitchens, like the legendary Bar Tartine, T.B.D., and Lodge Bread Company. These experiences shaped his approach to food, but it was his discovery of sourdough that changed everything. The slow, natural process of sourdough fermentation drew him in, and he became captivated by the alchemy of flour, water, and time—a craft that requires patience and precision. This dedication led him to perfect his sourdough pizza, each crust a testament to his love for bread making.
Today, Mike brings all this expertise and passion to Pizza Parlor LB, where he creates a dining experience that’s as soulful as it is delicious. For him, making pizza is about more than food; it’s about community, culture, and connection. His philosophy? “Good ingredients, good people, good vibes.” Chef Mike puts everything he has into every pie, and it shows—from the handmade sauces to the fresh, locally sourced toppings, to the carefully nurtured sourdough starter that’s at the heart of his pizza.
What Pizza Should You Choose?
The menu at Pizza Parlor LB is a delicious testament to Chef Mike Ortiz’s love for gastronomy and dedication to quality. Every pizza starts with a naturally leavened sourdough crust, a labor of love that’s baked fresh each day and brings a subtle tang and perfect chew to each slice. This sourdough base isn’t just about flavor, though—it’s packed with nutritional benefits that come from the careful fermentation process Mike has perfected over the years. The result? A pizza crust that’s both flavorful and easier to digest, setting the stage for some truly creative toppings.
Each pizza on the menu is a reflection of Chef Mike’s culinary journey, blending his Panamanian roots with influences from his time in some of California’s best kitchens. For the purists, there’s the OG Margherita, a classic topped with house-made tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. The Pepperoni and Sausage options elevate traditional flavors with the addition of Mike’s signature, house-made sauces and fresh mozzarella, while the Spicy Vodka Sausage takes it up a notch with a unique blend of sausage, vodka sauce, pickled red onion, and basil.
For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, there’s the Chef Mike pizza, a vibrant, seasonal creation that’s loaded with fresh organic veggies, pickled red onions, and a colorful assortment of peppers and olives. Then there’s The TJ Panther, a bold, tangy combination of jalapeño, Fresno chilies, pineapple, Nueske’s bacon, and pickled red onion, offering a satisfying sweet-and-spicy kick. And let’s not forget the La Taco, a crowd-pleaser featuring birria, queso fresco, pickled red onion, and fresh cilantro on a sourdough crust—a perfect fusion of taco and pizza flavors.
Aside from pizza, Pizza Parlor LB also offers Sammies—sandwiches made with their signature sourdough. The Burrata Sammie is a creamy delight, filled with fresh burrata cheese, basil, dehydrated Roma tomato, and chimichurri, while the Meatball Sammie satisfies with house-made pork meatballs, rich marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan, all wrapped in sourdough flatbread.
And, of course, dessert is no afterthought here. Every morning, the team whips up fresh Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, and cookies to end your meal on a sweet note. To wash it all down, Pizza Parlor LB serves a variety of classic bottled sodas made in Mexico with pure cane sugar, or you can try one of their mixed sodas, like the Creamsicle Soda—a creamy, fizzy treat that pairs perfectly with a savory slice.
With so many unique options, every visit to Pizza Parlor LB offers a chance to try something new, while tasting the heart and soul Chef Mike puts into every dish. Whether you’re here for a classic Margherita, a bold flavor combo, or one of their unforgettable Sammies, each bite is a celebration of quality ingredients and a dedication to the craft.
Get Your Event Catered with the Best Pizza in Long Beach
Just in time for the holiday season, Pizza Parlor LB is ready to make your gatherings and celebrations extra special with their convenient delivery and catering options. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a festive office party, or a casual get-together with friends, you can bring the taste of Chef Mike’s sourdough pizza right to your doorstep. Their catering menu features all the favorites, from classic pizzas to adventurous seasonal creations, along with fresh-made Sammies and desserts that will please any crowd. Each catering order is crafted with the same dedication to quality and flavor, so you can share the love of locally sourced, handcrafted food with everyone at your event. For delivery, you can order directly from their website, ensuring that each slice arrives fresh and delicious.
Want to Open a Restaurant in Long Beach?
Alongside running Pizza Parlor LB, Chef Mike Ortiz shares his culinary expertise through Crumbshot Consulting, a business born from his passion for helping others succeed in the restaurant industry. With over 15 years of experience working in some of the best kitchens and a deep knowledge of breadmaking and fermentation, Chef Mike provides aspiring restaurateurs with guidance through every step of opening and operating a restaurant. From the first spark of an idea to the doors opening on a fully realized vision, Crumbshot Consulting is there to help clients navigate the complexities of restaurant ownership.
Chef Mike knows the challenges firsthand, having built his career from the ground up. He offers his clients a comprehensive approach, covering everything from sourcing high-quality ingredients to designing a menu that customers will love, establishing smooth kitchen operations, and creating a unique, community-focused brand. Through Crumbshot Consulting, he shares insights into budgeting, vendor relationships, and staff training, setting up new businesses for long-term success. His approach centers around creating authentic, quality-driven dining experiences, a philosophy he has made a reality at Pizza Parlor LB.
Mike’s leadership is also reflected in the loyalty of his team; many of his employees have been with him for over a decade. This is rare in the restaurant industry, but it’s a testament to the work environment he fosters. Known for his hands-on, lead-by-example approach, Chef Mike invests time and resources in training and empowering his team, treating each member with the same respect and dedication that he pours into his food. His guiding principle, “good people, good vibes,” has built a workplace where employees feel valued and inspired to grow.
Chef Mike’s consulting approach is grounded in his belief that “you get out what you put in.” Through Crumbshot, he instills in his clients the importance of quality ingredients, consistency, and a commitment to their staff and community. Whether they’re opening a neighborhood café or a high-end restaurant, Chef Mike helps his clients build a foundation that will not only serve them in the short term but also leave a lasting legacy.
Are You Craving Pizza in Long Beach Now?
Ready to experience the best Long Beach pizza? Whether you’re craving a fresh slice, a full catering menu for your next event, or simply want to support a local spot with heart, head over to Pizza Parlor LB. With every dish crafted by Chef Mike Ortiz and his team, you’re not just getting incredible flavors—you’re tasting a commitment to quality and community that’s hard to find.
You can find them at 2936 Clark Ave in Long Beach. They’re open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open a bit later until 9 PM, making it easy to grab a slice for lunch, dinner, or a weekend treat. For those days when you’d rather enjoy a cozy night in, Pizza Parlor LB also offers delivery—just order directly from their website to have fresh, handmade pizza brought straight to your door.
