Hyperlocal Tokyo

We were able to get a table without waiting during the peak hours on Saturday. The interior was charming with white walls and wooden accents. It seemed popular with groups of women, couples, and families. The complimentary chickpea biscuits had very little flavor, so it was probably best to eat them with the appetizers. The bread didn't seem to be a focus, as it was cold and not particularly delicious. The appetizers, like the five-piece platter, require a minimum order of two people. However, the appetizer assortment is available for one person, and with eight different options, it's more than enough to share between two people. The pizzas don't come in different sizes, but you can get half-and-half with two different toppings. They're quite large, so the 'Acqua Pazza' was honestly a bit too much. The 'Acqua Pazza' was cooked well without any fishy smell. I was looking for a place that offered a risotto made with the 'Acqua Pazza' broth, and they were happy to provide it for an additional charge. However, I would have preferred a cheese risotto instead of a tomato-based one. We wanted to try the dessert, but we were too full. The service wasn't particularly friendly, but the food was delicious for the price.

We arrived at 1:00 PM on Saturday with two people. There were two groups ahead of us, but we were seated in about 10 minutes. We were taken to the second floor, as opposed to the third. We ordered the mozzarella, prosciutto, and mushroom pizza with truffle. The crust and the way it was baked were both incredibly delicious! This is the best pizza I've had in years, I can say with certainty. We also had the ragu pasta. The meat was like a beef stew, and it was very delicious and satisfying. Both dishes were quite substantial, so even we, who eat a lot, were full. Both were so good that we decided to order dessert. They brought out the desserts to show us, as you can see in the photo, and we chose the pastiera, a cake with cheese and lemon zest. It wasn't too sweet and was very filling. It was also very delicious. Next time, I want to try the tomato pizza and the meat dishes.

Today I had some errands in Harajuku, so I came to this restaurant. The exterior of the store has blue painted tiles, giving it an Italian feel. There was a bit of a wait on this day, but while waiting, you can watch the pizza chefs at work. The dough is stretched and the pizza is placed in the oven, which is enough to make your mouth water. After waiting for a while, we were soon seated. In the meantime, I looked at the menu, and there are quite a few pizza varieties. You can also enjoy two different pizzas in half sizes, which is exciting. They also sell olive oil and balsamic vinegar inside the store, making it a must-visit for Italian food lovers. While watching them make the pizza, I was amazed at how soft and stretchy the dough is! It's incredible how it transforms into a chewy, fluffy pizza when placed in the oven. We were seated on the third floor, which has a glass ceiling and a very open feel. This time, I ordered a Boscaiola and a half-size pizza. The mozzarella cheese has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply divine. The combination of seafood and garlic in the Pescatore is also fantastic, and the aroma is simply amazing. Two pizzas were enough to fill me up, so I was very satisfied!

Naple, a renowned pizzeria with four locations across Japan, including one in the Tokyo metropolitan area, has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. While I previously reviewed their Yokohama Takashimaya branch, this time I visited their flagship store in Minami Aoyama. My Taiwanese friend, who was visiting Japan for the first time, had been craving something other than Japanese food after days of indulging in local cuisine. Knowing her desire to experience the high standards of Japanese Neapolitan pizza, I decided to take her to Naple. Located just a short walk from Omotesando Station, the restaurant is tucked away in a quiet alley, offering a welcome respite from the bustling city. The open kitchen, visible through a glass window right by the entrance, adds to the excitement, allowing guests to witness the pizza-making process firsthand. On a busy Saturday night, the restaurant was packed, highlighting the need for reservations. Naple is not just about pizza; it offers a delightful selection of other dishes as well. The ambiance was perfect for a leisurely evening, catching up with my friend over wine and sharing stories. It's no surprise that Naple has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in the city, consistently receiving accolades. Here's what we ordered: **Today's Appetizer Platter - ¥2,400 (per person)** This platter featured a delightful assortment of eight appetizers, including prosciutto, seafood, and caprese salad. It was the perfect accompaniment to a glass of sparkling wine. **Pizza Romana - ¥2,150** I always order the Romana (tomato sauce, mozzarella, anchovies, basil, oregano, and capers) at any Neapolitan pizzeria to gauge the quality. Naple's Romana did not disappoint. I had already enjoyed it at the Yokohama Takashimaya branch, and even with a change in pizza chefs, the quality remained exceptional. The crust, with its signature chewy edges and thin base, was perfectly seasoned. It was a confirmation of Naple's consistent excellence. **Pizza Quattro Formaggi - ¥2,700** My friend, who loves cheese, opted for the Quattro Formaggi, a pizza topped with four cheeses: mozzarella, gorgonzola, taleggio, and pecorino. It was a revelation for me, as I had never tried it before. The combination of cheeses was simply divine, and it paired beautifully with wine. **Today's Fresh Shellfish Linguine - ¥2,950** This dish featured a generous portion of mussels, clams, and cockles, their flavorful broth perfectly absorbed by the flat linguine noodles. The sweetness and acidity of the cherry tomatoes added a delightful touch, making it a perfect match for wine. **Panna Cotta - ¥980** The creamy panna cotta, with its hint of bitterness from the caramel sauce, was delicious. However, considering the price, I felt it could have been elevated with the addition of some fruit or another creative touch. **Cappuccino - ¥700** While cappuccino is traditionally enjoyed in the morning in Italy, I indulged in this frothy delight after our meal. It was the perfect way to end our evening. **Sparkling Wine (Glass) - ¥950** **Soave Classico Pieropan (Italy, Veneto) - ¥6,500 (Bottle)** Pieropan's Soave Classico is considered one of the top three Soaves. I was delighted to revisit this wine after a long time and was reminded of its consistent quality. Soave wines are known for their distinct character, and this one was no exception. Its rich fruitiness and mineral notes, combined with a refreshing finish and a hint of sweetness, made it a perfect pairing for both the pizza and the shellfish linguine. Naple has become a true institution in the world of Neapolitan pizza. Every visit is a delightful experience, and I always leave feeling satisfied. It's a place I highly recommend to anyone looking for a truly exceptional dining experience. I can't wait to return for another taste of their delicious pizzas!

You can order secret off-menu items! If you're looking for lunch in Omotesando, this is the place to go! 👇 『Napre Minami Aoyama Main Store』 This restaurant is located just a 2-minute walk from Omotesando Station, in a stylish building tucked away in a back alley. It's a popular restaurant with a 3.6 rating on Tabelog, with lines forming even before it opens. Here, you can enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven by skilled Neapolitan pizzaiolos.🍕✨ I highly recommend this pizza, which is not on the menu: 【Burrata Cheese Pizza】 It's a tomato-based pizza with plenty of prosciutto and arugula, and the burrata cheese oozes out, making it incredibly delicious.🤤 When ordering this pizza, just ask for "the off-menu pizza." 🙏 This gnocchi is also off-menu! 【Lemon Cream Pasta】with gnocchi instead of pasta. The rich lemon cream sauce pairs perfectly with the soft, chewy gnocchi. Just ask for "gnocchi instead." The appetizer platter is also very diverse, with plenty of seasonal dishes. The 【Charcoal-Grilled Beef Tagliata】 I ordered as my main course was incredibly flavorful, with the aroma of charcoal making my mouth water. The meat was tender and juicy. We each ordered a dessert, and they were all served together on a dessert plate, which was a unique touch. Overall, everything was delicious, and there were so many different pizzas that I wanted to try them all! I can't wait to go back and try something new. The interior is also stylish, and there are many fashionable women there, making it perfect for a girls' lunch. I highly recommend checking it out! 🤩 Reservations are recommended.