In the past few years, the build-your-own pizza concept exploded, with several chains competing for the honor of making your gourmet custom pizza. MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company sets itself apart from the rest by using mostly non-GMO ingredients. With its start in Sherman Oaks and quick expansion across the nation (including this spot in Century City), each MidiCi features an open kitchen with two woodfire ovens in the center of the restaurant and an olive tree as their signature design.

Like 800 Degrees (which started the build-your-own pizza craze), MidiCi is a fast-casual restaurant, so you place your order at the counter and seat yourself. However, the ordering process is a little different at MidiCi in that your pizza is not assembled as you move through the line. Rather you wait in line, passing the ingredients, and place your order at the register at the end. It seems a bit inefficient as your pizza will not be made until you’ve paid, making your wait longer. Plus, you’re forced to remember which ingredients you want, which may be somewhat trying for some people.

Inefficiencies aside, MidiCi’s pizzas are cooked perfectly, with an evenly crispy crust – unlike at 800 Degrees where the pizzas tend to be a bit wet and soggy in the middle. In appearance and taste, the classic Margherita pizza was exactly like the version at 800 Degrees.

The house pesto pizza acquitted itself quite nicely as well.

The one specialty pizza we ordered, the Eggs N’ Bacon, contained not only eggs and applewood-smoked bacon, but housemade spicy sausage as an added bonus. The egg was soft-cooked so that the yolk oozed all over the pizza. It was a bit rich and over the top (I failed to finish off my entire pizza) but delicious (seriously, how can you go wrong with bacon).

There are appetizers and salads to pair with your pizzas, should you wish. For dessert, the house specialty is a Nutella calzone, which, sadly, we had not saved room for.

MidiCi’s located in the southeast part of the mall, near Nordstrom, Sunlife Organics and Sweetgreen. It’s usually a little quieter than the other restaurants, so if you’ve got a pizza craving at Westfield, consider MidiCi. You’ll get your food more quickly than the options out there (even with that slight wait), without sacrificing quality.

Location –  10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles 90067. Additional locations throughout the US.
Website – http://www.mymidici.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Vegan Friendly – Yes
Gluten-Free Options – Yes