The restauranteurs behind Milo & Olive are opening a to-go pizza parlor on Pico Boulevard this Thursday.
Milo SRO, which stands for Standing Room Only, bills itself as the laid-back little sister to the ever-popular bakery and pizzeria Milo & Olive. It will specialize in delivery and take-out 18” New York-style pies, shouldering the demand for large carry-away pizzas at its sister restaurant, said co-owner Josh Loeb. Milo SRO will be Rustic Canyon restaurant group’s eighth eatery, with another, Birdie G’s, set to open in Santa Monica this summer.
Milo & Olive’s chef and partner Erin Eastland, head baker Zoe Nathan, chef de cuisine Jen Toomey developed the menu, which will include mini garlic knots, eggplant parmesan and salads in addition to pizza. Like its sister establishment, the pizzeria will use organic flour and tomatoes, non-GMO mozzarella and locally sourced meats, along with gluten-free and vegan options.
“The idea for Milo SRO naturally came to life when Erin and Zoe began experimenting with things that were often requested at Milo & Olive, but just couldn’t be done in the space, like larger pizzas and gluten-free dough,” Loeb said. “We also do a high volume of to-go business, so we saw a fun way to expand with something different, where we could do these bigger pies for parties, let people customize their toppings or come in and just get a slice.”
On the dessert side, Sweet Rose Creamery kitchen manager Jen Bolbat will be serving up tiramisu, cookies and Sweet Rose Creamery ice cream. The ice cream parlor, another Rustic Canyon offering, previously occupied the storefront at 826 Pico Blvd., just off Lincoln Boulevard.
The space has been transformed since Sweet Rose Creamery closed last month, featuring a blue striped façade and a red neon “Pizza” sign in the front window. A counter with five stools line the inside windows and orange benches sit on the sidewalk, offering some seating room but making it clear that the restaurant is geared for takeout or a quick bite.
“There are so many families, students and visitors in the neighborhood, so we’re really excited to be that casual destination where you can grab a quick lunch, nighttime bite, or pick up dinner for friends,” Eastland said. “Plus, I can’t wait to bring a bunch of massive pizzas to my son’s next baseball game.”
Customers can choose from nine topping combinations for the pizzas and the restaurant will offer a rotating selection of slices, as well as a build-your-own pizza option. Combinations include a Fancy White Pie with mozzarella, taleggio, raclette, ricotta, housemade giardiniera, fresh basil and garlic oil; Tangy BBQ with organic BBQ chicken, Beeler’s bacon, mozzarella, shaved red onion, green onion and cilantro; and Vegan Veggie with tomato sauce, balsamic-roasted veggies and spinach. A limited number of thick-crust Silician pizzas will also be baked every day.
Initial opening hours for Milo SRO are Ap. 25-May 5 from 4:00-10:00 p.m. Starting May 6, the pizza parlor is open every day from 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
For delivery, the whole menu is available on Uber Eats, Postmates, Doordash and Caviar, and for pick-up via ChowNow and Slice. Catering orders can be placed for pick-up by calling 310-392-0706 or e-mailing info@milosro.com.
madeleine@smdp.com
