OUR STORY

Shortly thereafter, Gene purchased a mobile wood-fired oven and trailer and began catering on weekends. Gene, Landon, Taylor (the eldest of the Pietrini boys), along with Blair, Kendrika (Landon’s wife), and other friends volunteered their services for various events. Spaghettini Cucina in Seal Beach graciously offered to host four Pizza Pop-Ups to help the Pietrinis gain some much needed experience with higher volume pizza making.

DINNER PARTIES + WOOD FIRES

Gene + Jo,
Gene Pietrini's
folks c. 1950

For their 7th wedding anniversary, Blair gave Gene a pizza baking stone. He soon began making pizzas in their home oven and started tinkering with various recipes he found. His new-found hobby soon grew into an obsession and he ordered a wood fire pizza oven for their backyard.

They began to host pizza dinner parties for friends and family at their home on a monthly basis. In 2017, Gene took the next step and registered for Tony Gemignani’s International Pizza School in San Francisco. Unfortunately, the constant pain he was experiencing in his back made it difficult to stand for long periods of time. As a result, he sent his youngest son Landon in his place. Landon completed the program, earning the distinction of a Certified Pizzaiolo, and a new pizza chef was born!

PIETRINI
PIZZA IS BORN

In 2019, Gene and Blair signed the lease for the future home of what would become Pietrini Pizza Napoletana on Katella Avenue in Los Alamitos, Ca. Once again, a family member (daughter / designer Nicole Pietrini Ingram) was enlisted to help with the process of finish, furniture, and material selection. Nicole was also responsible for creating the restaurant logo, menus, and signage.

2020 came and Covid hit. Gene and Blair made the decision to move forward with the restaurant plans despite the risk. The grand opening of Pietrini Pizza was on January 21, 2021 while Covid restrictions were still very much in full force with no indoor or outdoor dining. Gene and Landon worked in tandem cooking Neapolitan pizzas while other chefs tended to the New York pies, and nephew Chris Pietrini was on the line making meatball sandwiches and salads. On opening day, we ran out of sauce, cheese, and pizza boxes...we closed our doors early that day (and remained closed for 5 days to reorder, recover, and strategize).

Gene + Blair
in San Diego, CA
c. 1978

On December 1, 2021, Gene underwent back surgery and tragically, did not survive. Despite this devastating loss, the Pietrini family felt that the best way to honor Gene’s legacy was to try and keep his “Pizza Dream” alive. As a result, Pietrini Pizza Napoletana is currently open five nights a week for indoor dining and takeout service. In March of 2023, Landon participated in his very first international competition, the World Pizza Games at the Las Vegas Pizza Expo, competing against many of his “pizza heroes” in the STG-Traditional Neapolitan Pizza division. Out of 71 competitors, he placed 5th. It was no Dodger game, but we are pretty sure his dad was cheering wildly from above.

CATERING + EVENTS

THE BAR

Our bar is the perfect place to unwind with a cold drink, a fresh salad, and a perfect pizza after a long day. We've got a wide selection of craft beers, hand-selected wines, and yummy cocktails. Plus, we've prob got the Dodgers game on too so come on down!

PATIO DINING

Our patio is open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays and it is the perfect place for furry friends to hang out too. We also offer reservations for larger parties, so reach out to us at

hello@pietrinipizza.com for inquiries.