By Adam Brownstein
Tokyo/Winter 2023 — The day after my wife and I got married at the storied Happo-en in Shirokanedai we were relaxing at my in-laws townhouse. Equally elated and exhausted from the simcha, neither my mother-in-law nor I had the energy to cook.
“I have a great idea!” quipped, Sumiko, my wife’s grandmother. “Why don’t we eat pizza!”
30 minutes later, I found myself gorging on Dominos pies laced with mayonnaise, core and pineapple. It was seriously delicious, and disclaimer, I believe that the worst rating pizza can ever get is “good”.
Luckily, Tokyo has no shortage of GREAT pizza. Here are five places to try!
- Peppe Napoli Sta Ca (in Komazawa) – Naples native Peppe Erricchiello has been making pies since before you were born, and the ricotta-stuffed crust of the house specialy, Don Salvo, is to die for!
- Da Isa (in Nakameguro) – Chef Hisanori Yamamoto paid his dues studying pizza CRAFT at the hallowed “Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente” in Naples. It paid off down the road when he fired up the oven of his wonderful Nakameguro institution.
- Savoy (in Azubajuban and Shimouma) – one of the early pioneers of taking pizza to the next level, Savoy has the dubious distinction of dishing out incredible pasta dishes as well. Marinara or Arrabiatta? Yes, BOTH, please!
- Seirinkan (in Nakmeguro) – the Godmother of all pizzerias in West Tokyo, it is a model of passion x simplicity. Just Marinara and Margherita. Must try.
- Bonta Italia (in Daikanyama) – this is the up-and-comer of the lot. Run by a charming and industrious family with roots in Tokyo and Italy. Bonta Italia features “pinsa” pizzas and “grandma’s treasured side dishes”.
The Tokyo Yenta 