Little Oven Pizza Merced Ca

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Nestled in the heart of downtown Merced, Little Oven Pizza stands as a testament to authentic New York-style pizzeria craftsmanship. Founded in 2016 by two Philadelphia natives, Dan and Thad, this local gem has become a beloved culinary destination that brings East Coast pizza traditions to California’s Central Valley. The pizzeria, now owned by Adrian Gonzales since 2022, continues to delight locals and visitors with its commitment to handcrafted, high-quality pizzas.

The Artisan Approach to Pizza Making

What sets Little Oven Pizza apart is their unwavering dedication to creating everything from scratch. Each batch of dough is meticulously prepared using an original recipe and hand-tossed with care. From the sauce to the sausage, every ingredient is carefully sourced from California’s Central Valley, ensuring a fresh and authentic dining experience.

A Slice of New York in Merced

The pizzeria specializes in New York-style pizza that captures the essence of traditional East Coast pies. Their signature style features a thick yet crispy bottom crust that’s perfect for folding – just like the classic New York slice. Customers can enjoy both whole pies and individual slices, making it easy to sample their diverse and creative menu.

Signature Specials That Wow

Little Oven Pizza boasts an impressive array of specialty pizzas that rotate regularly. Some fan favorites include:

  • Bee Thousand: A red pie featuring salami, fresh mozzarella, honey, chile oil, and fresh oregano
  • Bandito: A white pie with salami, roasted garlic, dates, and jalapeños
  • Brooklyn’s Best: A white pie with caramelized onions and ricotta

Customization and Creativity

Pizza lovers can create their own masterpiece with a variety of toppings. The restaurant offers three base options:

  • Red Base: Housemade pizza sauce, grated Parmesan, and diced mozzarella
  • White Base: Fresh mozzarella, diced mozzarella, and cream
  • Tomato Pie: Housemade pizza sauce and extra virgin olive oil (vegan-friendly)

🍕 Note: The restaurant recommends limiting toppings to 4 per pie to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.

Little Oven Pizza has truly become a staple in the Merced dining scene. Located at 433 W Main St, the small but mighty pizzeria continues to impress with its commitment to quality, creativity, and authentic East Coast pizza-making traditions. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this downtown gem offers a slice of culinary excellence that's sure to satisfy any pizza craving.

What are the operating hours of Little Oven Pizza?

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Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday-Thursday: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Do they offer vegetarian pizza options?

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Yes! They offer several vegetarian specialty pizzas like the Green Machine (white pie with spinach, capers, ricotta, and San Joaquin Gold cheese), Forager (white pie with shiitake, chives, and Lionza cheese), and a vegan-friendly Tomato Pie.

Can I order pizza by the slice?

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Yes, Little Oven Pizza allows customers to order individual slices, making it easy to try different flavors without committing to a full pie.