The opening of One Speed, owned and operated by chef Rick Mahan, was a highly anticipated foodie event in 2009. Mahan, who built his stellar reputation at his much loved midtown restaurant The Waterboy, finally branched out with a more casual concept—built around Italian-style thin crust pizzas—in East Sacramento. A marvelous addition to the neighborhood, this upscale café is open and airy, with Dijon mustard-colored walls, a speckly, forest green wrap-around bar, and low, sturdy wood tables. The most arresting feature of the restaurant is a beautiful, multicolored tile pizza oven located at the back of the space, which looks like a quirky (and enormous) piece of art. The oven, whose interior temperature reaches 650 degrees, cranks out some of the most chewy, flavorful pizzas to be found in the Sacramento region. Don’t miss the “Rick’s” pizza, smothered with teeny yellow potato slices, caramelized onions, bits of salty pancetta and creamy goat cheese, with a satisfyingly bitter pop from arugula leaves; and another winner is the lusty housemade Italian sausage pizza, with mozzarella cheese, peperonata, and broccoli rabe. But One Speed offers more than just pizza. Dig into the lovely frito misto appetizer (battered, deep-fried shrimp, peppers, fennel and anchovy-stuffed olives) or one of Mahan’s delectable salads. There’s also an intriguing selection of housemade pasta, from plump ravioli stuffed with roast chicken, sautéed greens, parmesan cheese and mortadella to gnocchi ala Bolognese with porcini mushrooms. Expect the menu to change frequently. — Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: One Speed will deliver their pizza—via bicycle!—within a 2-mile radius for a $5 charge.

Reservations: Accepted for parties of six or more.

Payment methods: Discover Card, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $10

Hours: Sunday, Tuesday–Wednesday: 4–9pm
Thursday–Saturday: 4–10 p.m.
Closed Monday