SoCal chain determined to provide a near-Big Apple pizza experience.

by Contributor

In Short
For those accustomed to authentic New York pizzerias, entering Johnnie's induces an excruciating sense of déjà vu: black-and-white prints, checkerboard tablecloths, raucous music and, most notably, a heady waft of garlic and Romano cheese. New Yorkers swear it's the water that gives their pizza crusts that special "something," so Johnnie's has installed an exclusive water-filtration system. Specialty pizzas like the "white pie"--topped with garlic sauce, spinach, whole-milk mozzarella and ricotta--mimic East Coast counterparts. Caesar salad makes for a simple, lighter dish.