Highland Park, Los Angeles – The vibrant culinary landscape of Los Angeles continues to expand with the highly anticipated opening of Bub and Grandma’s Pizza in Highland Park. This new establishment by Andy Kadin, the acclaimed baker and restaurateur behind the beloved Bub and Grandma’s bakery and restaurant, brings a distinct East Coast-inspired pizza experience, crafted with his signature sourdough expertise, to the heart of Northeast LA. The opening is part of a wave of exciting new restaurant news across the city.
The Artisan Baker’s Next Venture
Andy Kadin’s journey into the culinary world is a compelling narrative of passion and reinvention. After a decade-long career as a writer, Kadin pivoted to his lifelong fascination with food, dedicating himself to the art of baking. His initial success came with Bub and Grandma’s, which began as a wholesale bakery in 2015, famously utilizing the ovens of the very pizza spot it now occupies. Kadin’s commitment to craft and quality quickly gained traction, leading to the opening of his popular Bub and Grandma’s Restaurant & Bakery in Glassell Park in 2022. Now, Kadin channels his extensive knowledge of dough into Bub and Grandma’s Pizza, aiming to recreate the authentic East Coast pies that were a staple of his childhood in New Jersey and New York.
East Coast Flavors on a Sourdough Foundation
Bub and Grandma’s Pizza distinguishes itself with a menu that celebrates classic New York and New Haven-style pizzas, elevated by Kadin’s signature sourdough base. The 18-inch pies feature a crust with characteristic leoparding and a sturdy, foldable structure, a testament to meticulous dough development that incorporates whole grains for added tang and texture. Inspirations drawn from legendary pizzerias like L’Industrie, Scarr’s, Grimaldi’s, and Star Tavern are evident in the thoughtfully curated toppings, which range from traditional pepperoni and fresh basil to more robust offerings like pork-and-beef Bolognese and eggplant parm. Diners can also expect a selection of beloved accompaniments, including savory meatballs, crispy garlic knots, chopped salads, and wings.
A New Chapter in a Beloved Highland Park Location
The new pizzeria has taken up residence at 5101 York Boulevard, the former home of the long-standing Town Pizza, a location Kadin has a personal connection to, having used its ovens early in his baking career. Kadin plans to honor the space’s history, retaining elements like Town Pizza’s iconic photo booth. Currently, Bub and Grandma’s Pizza operates with a walk-up window, offering slices and whole pies for takeout. However, Kadin has ambitious plans for the future: a full dining room is slated to open in Spring 2026, which will feature an expanded menu, a beer and wine program, and a more comprehensive dining experience. The kitchen has undergone significant renovations to accommodate the growing culinary vision.
Highland Park’s Flourishing Food Scene and Beyond
Bub and Grandma’s Pizza arrives at a dynamic time for Highland Park, a neighborhood increasingly recognized for its vibrant and eclectic food scene. This opening is part of a broader trend of exciting restaurant news across Los Angeles. In the neighboring Los Feliz area, Pino’s Sandwiches, a renowned Italian sandwich shop from Florence, has opened its first U.S. location. Santa Monica is also experiencing new culinary additions, with Florence Osteria Pizza e Vino bringing Tuscan flavors and wood-fired pizzas to the area. Further afield, Downtown LA’s Arts District is anticipating the arrival of Berenjak, an award-winning Persian restaurant from London. These diverse openings underscore the thriving and ever-evolving restaurant landscape in Los Angeles.
A Taste of Tradition and Innovation
Bub and Grandma’s Pizza represents more than just a new restaurant; it signifies the fusion of artisan baking expertise with a deep appreciation for classic pizza traditions. Andy Kadin’s dedication to authenticity, quality ingredients, and community connection promises to make this Highland Park eatery a significant new destination for pizza lovers across Los Angeles. The restaurant is currently open for takeout, with future expansions to its dining experience eagerly awaited.
