Today I took my car in to be serviced and instead of waiting around in the dealership, I decided to hop a bus to Downtown L.A.
Although I have no problem taking the bus or train in other cities, there’s something about being on the bus in L.A. that makes you feel like you’re losing at life (#realtalk). Unlike other cities where everybody proudly hops on public transportation, taking the bus here is looked down upon. Nevertheless, I hopped aboard the L.A. Dash, paid my 50 cents (!!), and headed downtown.
I got off in the financial district and wandered around for a bit before trying to find an interesting place (read: not a chain) to have a quick lunch. Because I only had two hours, I needed something fast, relatively affordable, and most importantly, TASTY.
After walking for a few minutes, I spotted a pizza joint just a block from the Central Library on 6th and Flower that caught my eye.
Urbano Pizza Bar looked pretty cool from the outside, it wasn’t especially crowded, and it seemed laid back enough that I wouldn’t feel self-conscious sitting in there alone (I’m still getting used to eating out at restaurants solo, don’t judge me).
As soon as I stepped in the door, Urbano reminded me of Pizza Express in London. Although it sounds like a nondescript fast food joint, Pizza Express serves up gourmet pizzas, wines, and beers in a laid back (yet somehow upscale) atmosphere. Urbano does the same.
At Urbano I was greeted by the bartender/server who let me know I could sit anywhere. The restaurant has several tables both inside and out, but I chose to sit at the diner-style, center table that accommodates several people.
I searched the menu and settled on the PROSCIUTTO DI PARMA pizza which was a delicious mix of thinly-sliced prosciutto, mushrooms, pecorino romano, and arugula all on a crispy thin crust. Yum! Although it was slightly salty, it was sooooooo tasty! It was definitely enough to share with someone and CHEAP ($12).
LOVE the water bottles. It's the little things, really 🙂
Yummo!
Even though I could have done without the ’50s soundtrack pumping through the place (just isn’t my style), the atmosphere, the food, and the beer and wine list (that I didn’t try, but they had several interesting choices), are DEFINITELY enough for me to head back downtown for a slice.
Have you ever been to Urbano Pizza Bar in LA? What’s your favorite pizza place in the world?
Trippin' On the Weekend 