Redwood Pie

Tucked just off the Hermosa Beach boardwalk, Redwood Pie is the kind of neighborhood pizza joint everyone wishes they had around the corner. This stripped-down shop keeps things beautifully simple: outstanding sourdough-crust pizzas baked to order in about ten minutes, with charred edges that give way to a chewy, soft center. The aroma of tangy, hand-crushed tomato sauce hits you before you even open the box.

The menu is refreshingly focused—a single arugula salad dressed with lemon and roughly a dozen pizza options available in 12-inch or 16-inch sizes. The toppings stay true to Italian-American traditions, but there are standouts worth seeking out. The Jersey Tomato Pie flips the script with sauce on top, showcasing their bright, pulpy pomodoro in all its glory. For those who like it hot, the D-Fresh brings pickled serranos that’ll make your lips tingle (though you can ask them to dial it back). And the Soppressata delivers exactly what traditionalists crave—salty cured meat and olives in every bite.

This is primarily a grab-and-go operation, though a handful of sidewalk tables let you dig in right away if you can’t wait. The smart move is calling ahead so your pie is ready when you arrive. You’ll be in and out before your parking meter even thinks about expiring.

For anyone in the South Bay craving legitimate New York-style pizza without pretense or fuss, Redwood Pie delivers exactly what you’re after. Keep it casual, order the Jersey Tomato if you’re feeling adventurous, and don’t wait for it to cool down—burned palates are just part of the experience here.