Nestled in the vibrant Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, Casa Bianca Pizza stands as a culinary landmark, drawing locals and visitors alike to its celebrated, unpretentious Italian-American fare. Located at 1650 Colorado Boulevard, Casa Bianca finds itself in good company amidst a burgeoning food scene, sharing the street with noted eateries like Milk Farm, Lemongrass Café, and Oinkster. For those unfamiliar with the area, Eagle Rock is a charming enclave just west of Pasadena, home to the esteemed Occidental College. It’s worth noting before you go: Casa Bianca operates as a cash-only establishment, though an ATM is conveniently available inside.
Stepping into Casa Bianca is like stepping into a classic neighborhood eatery reminiscent of South Philadelphia or a Little Italy in any East Coast city. Forget fine dining pretenses; here, the focus is squarely on exceptional pizza and comforting Italian dishes served in a relaxed, convivial setting. The décor is straightforward and nostalgic, featuring red and white checkered tablecloths layered over placemats and glass tabletops, while naugahyde booths line the dining room’s perimeter, enhancing the retro, welcoming atmosphere.
Casa Bianca earns an unequivocal recommendation. From appetizers to pasta and, of course, their signature pizzas, the consistent quality and heartwarming flavors make it a standout dining destination in Eagle Rock.
The culinary journey at Casa Bianca begins strong with their Caprese salad. This is not a fussy, minimalist presentation, but a generous, flavorful salad featuring ripe, fresh, room-temperature tomatoes and creamy, fresh mozzarella with a pleasant tang. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds a classic touch. While the basil could be more prominent and less integrated with the bed of lettuce and red onion, the overall impression remains of a fresh and satisfying start to the meal.
For a truly special treat, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, the Arancini are a must-try. These Sicilian-inspired fried risotto balls are executed with finesse. The sausage arancini is particularly noteworthy, boasting a delightful crunchy exterior yielding to saffron-infused risotto, subtle cheese, and flavorful homemade sausage with a hint of anise. Its pesto counterpart, while good, is slightly overshadowed by the sausage version’s robust flavors. The accompanying basic tomato sauce is a perfect match for the sausage arancini, enhancing without overpowering its nuanced taste.
The Fettuccine Alfredo at Casa Bianca defies expectations. Often, this dish can be a heavy, overly rich affair, but Casa Bianca’s rendition strikes an excellent balance. The fettuccine is perfectly cooked, each strand distinct and al dente, coated in a smooth, flavorful, yet surprisingly light Alfredo sauce. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes is a masterstroke, providing bursts of acidity that elevate the dish beyond the ordinary.
The pizzas are, undoubtedly, the stars of the show. Sampling both a white pizza and a traditional red sauce pizza with sun-dried tomatoes reveals the breadth of Casa Bianca’s pizza prowess. The white pizza is a vibrant, visually appealing pie, adorned with generous portions of ricotta cheese, fresh tomato slices, and basil, mirroring the colors of the Italian flag. While already rich and satisfying, the addition of fresh spinach could further enhance this white pizza with another layer of flavor and texture.
However, the traditional red sauce pizza with a New York-style crust is where Casa Bianca truly shines. The crust is nothing short of spectacular. Expertly hand-formed, it possesses a slightly irregular bottom that contributes to an exceptional texture. This nuanced crust offers a delightful crunch throughout, with subtly raised ridges providing an extra delicate crispness. The mozzarella cheese is perfectly melted and boasts appealing browned spots, while the tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes achieve a harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity, complementing the rich, slightly salty cheese. The crust’s edge also varies between the pizzas, with the white pizza featuring a more pronounced outer ring, while the red pizza’s toppings extend almost to the very edge, showcasing the kitchen’s attention to detail in every pie.
Casa Bianca Pizza in Eagle Rock offers more than just a meal; it’s a warm, inviting experience reminiscent of a cherished neighborhood pizza joint. With reasonable prices, consistently delicious food, and friendly service, a visit to Casa Bianca is highly recommended. And while their desserts are tempting, for a classic Los Angeles treat to round out the experience, consider a trip to Foster’s Freeze just around the corner for a vanilla frozen custard cone dipped in hard chocolate – the perfect ending, assuming you haven’t indulged too much in Casa Bianca’s exceptional pizza.
