Before the 1920s, Winnetka was just a stretch of open countryside to the northwest of Los Angeles that was sandwiched between what is now the Topanga State Park and the Rocky Peak Park. Because of food shortages in that era a plan was hatched to convert part of the land into one acre chicken farms for the much needed production of eggs. That was the start of the settlement that would eventually become Winnetka. Winnetka would probably have remained a rural farming community if it wasn't for the severe shortage and high price of housing in Los Angeles. The chicken farms became a thing of the past as the land was purchased and built on. Many people of all nationalities moved out of the big city and made their homes in Winnetka and the community grew from less than a hundred to number in the tens of thousands. Among those families that relocated from LA were some of Italian descent and rather than continue to commute for work, they started their own restaurant and baked pizza for the Winnetka residents.

Winnetka in California is known for thin crust pizza

Winnetka is known for thin crust pizza and two types of thin crust pizza in particular. One is a traditional Italian bake called Neapolitan-style and the other is New York-style.While it may be difficult to imagine that there could be much difference between two thin crust pizzas in this case there certainly is. Neapolitan-style pizza is the pie that inspired the creation of New York-style pizzas in the early decades of the 20th century. After being stretched out to almost three times the size of a regular pizza, the dough base of a New York-style pie stays soft and pliable when cooked and is mostly eaten folded over. When a Neapolitan-style pizza is cooked the base goes a lot crispier. It's always baked in normal sizes too so don't expect a giant-sized pizza if you order one from the pizzerias in Winnetka.

Best Delivery Pizza in Winnetka, California

To get the best delivery pizza in Winnetka you need to order from a pizzeria whose clients rate them as great. You'll find the Winnetka pizzeria that customers love and are totally loyal to is Guido's Pizza and Pasta. Guido's Pizza and Pasta has a premises in the shopping complex on Sherman Way. It's not a huge pizza joint by any means nor does it have a sophisticated décor, but it's homely, the staff are friendly and the pies they make are superb. They don't have an extensive pizza menu at Guido's either, but there's something to suit everyone's taste and what they bake is prepared with care. They like to think about their customer's special requirements too so have gluten-free and a special weightwatchers pizza that's finished off with a light cheese.

Best Takeout Pizza in Winnetka, California

If you've been having an exercise blow-out at the Winnetka Recreation Center that's left you craving a slice of pie, don't take your sneakers off. You're within walking distance of Ameci Pizza and Pasta which is where you can pick up the best take-out pizza in Winnetka. Ameci Pizza and Pasta has a premises on Roscoe Boulevard in a small mall with a convenient parking lot if you drove rather than jogged there. It's a basic pizzeria that, while it does have a dining area, focuses on take-out and delivery so you can expect some pretty swift service here. Two minutes after you've placed your order, it'll be prepped and in the oven baking. Before you know it, you'll be biting into a slice while considering if your level of fitness is good enough for the next local half marathon.

Best Pizza near Winnetka, California

Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks is a must-visit for any keen gardener or flower fan living in Winnetka. Thousand Oaks is only around a twenty mile drive west of Winnetka so not far to go although it would take longer if you stop off at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve on the way. In Thousand Oaks itself, you'll find two superior examples of horticulture. The first is Gardens of the World where there are manicured gardens full of plants from around the globe. The second is the Conejo Valley Botanical Gardens where the hillside location means you get super views of the surrounding countryside as well as a look at some beautiful flowers. If all the plant gazing makes you hungry, you can get a decent pizza from The Original Pizza Cookery on Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita, twenty miles north of Winnetka, is surrounded by incredible natural open spaces, woodlands and regional parks, but they're not the reason most people make the trip to there. Santa Clarita's main attractions are the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park and the Hurricane Harbor water park. After a hike through the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, liven your day up with a few thrill rides on some of the hair-raising roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain. If you're there in the summer you can follow that with diving down the water chutes at Hurricane Harbor. If it's not summer then you can end the day with a pizza at Toppers Pizza on Valencia Boulevard instead.

Santa Monica

One of the best places to head to from Winnetka if you want to feel those beach vibes is Santa Monica. As a coastal resort, Santa Monica has it all and the drive there from Winnetka takes less than half an hour. Once you've parked up, take an exploratory stroll around Downtown Santa Monica before heading for the seafront. Santa Monica beach is over three miles long so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding somewhere to spread your towel. If you love the cling-clang of the slots and other amusements you need to head for the pier where you'll find plenty to keep you entertained. If that's not your style then try a visit to the Bergamot Arts Center before getting a pizza from Joe's Pizza on Broadway.