Redwood Pie

This no-frills Hermosa Beach pizzeria serves the platonic ideal of a commodity pizza—and I mean that in the best way possible. Then again, if national chain pizza actually tasted this good, we wouldn’t have needed an artisanal pizza movement. The delightfully chewy, not-actually-sour sourdough crust comes courtesy of Erik Vose, previously of now-closed Sotto and Inglewood’s Cadoro Bakery. Familiar toppings like pepperoni, spicy sausage and pickled serranos are well-executed, if not particularly special, but it’s the light and airy texture of the crust that has kept Redwood Pie living rent-free in my mind long after my visit there. Best of all, you can also do half-and-half customization for whole pies. Can’t decide between a red or a white pie? Split the difference with the serrano-laden cheesy white pie (D-Fresh), which provides the perfect counterbalance to Redwood’s standout pepperoni-margherita hybrid (E Money). From 11am to 3pm, the shop also offers a reasonably priced $14 meal deal that includes two slices of your choice (there are normally three on offer), arugula salad and your choice of soft drink.