Terra Mia Pizzeria is bringing some East Coast flavor to the USC Village with its New York-style slices.
Co-owner Julio Martinez said discovered his passion for the pies when he worked in a San Diego pizzeria as a teenager alongside his restaurateur uncle, who had just left his taco restaurant behind. Together they founded Terra Mia soon after.
Ten years and three locations later, Martinez said he and his uncle still keep authenticity at the top of their ingredient list.
“We like to keep it like a old school style pizza ... you come in, we’re gonna greet you,” Martinez said. “We’re gonna try to get to know your name, or we’re gonna be friendly enough so that everybody feels comfortable coming in.”
I paid a visit and went for some classic slices of pepperoni pizza and cheese pizza.
My pizza came in a brown cardboard box, and as I opened it up, there were my two big slices, glistening with grease. I let them cool down for a bit because they were really, really hot.
After some time, I was able to try the pizza, and it tasted really, really good. The crust was not too thick, not too too thin, and the flavors of the cheese, the sauce and the pepperoni combined were phenomenal. I rate it an overall eight out of 10, especially for just under $14 for two slices and a drink.
Terra Mia’s menu is limited to pizza and garlic knots while they work on incorporating their complete menu of wings, salad, subs, lasagna and more. They’re located next to City Tacos on the Jefferson Boulevard side of the Village.