Pilcrow

The best pizzas in Tokyo

Over the past year and a half, I've been on a journey to find the best pizzas in Tokyo. After eating at over 30 different places, I've picked 6 of my favorite pizzas. These are what I consider the very best in Tokyo and on-par (or even better) than the ones I've had in Naples.

If you're interested in any of these places, I would strongly recommend making a reservation in advance!

Diavola Rossa ¥1,430 ($9), Pizzeria Chrocchio (Fuchu, Japan)

Some ramblings

First, here is a list of the 27 Neapolitan-style pizza places I've visited, in the order I first visited them.

I also visited 5 New York-style pizza places in the city. Unfortunately, not a lot of places do New York-style pizza.

I've also eaten at some of the most highly-rated pizzerias in Naples and the Campania region, including 10 Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria, Starita, Gino Sorbillo, and Pepe in Grani. I hope you can believe me when I claim a place is really good. Unfortunately, I haven't visited New York City in over 10 years so you just have to trust me on New York-style pizzas.

As for my preference on Neapolitan-style pizza, the crust shouldn't be too big or small. The outside should be thin and a little crispy, while the inside should be soft and airy. The dough overall shouldn't be too dense or hard, and have a satisfying bite and chew. There should be a certain depth in flavor from fermentation. The pizza as a whole shouldn't be too soggy or greasy. I'm not the biggest fan of the modern Neapolitan pizza with big, puffy crust.

As for New York-style pizza, the bottom of the slice should crispy. The dough should have a similar depth in flavor from fermentation, and it should be chewy with a decent airiness. The tomato sauce should not be sweet and the pizza should have a good amount of toppings.

Note that I've focused on the pizza itself and the quality of service or the appetizers doesn't have a big impact.

Also, apologies for the poor photo quality. I didn't bring my camera and most of these were taken on an iPhone SE under poor lighting.

#1 Seirinkan

Margherita ¥2,800 ($18), Seirinkan (Nakameguro, Japan)

At the top of my list is Seirinkan in Nakameguro, just southwest of Shibuya. This is probably the most famous pizzeria in Tokyo. The owner played a big part in bringing Neapolitan-style pizza to Japan and trained many pizza makers who now run their own pizzerias around the city. Of all the pizzas I've had, this one surprised me the most. It made me laugh with how delightful and new it was. It might be hard to call the pizzas authentic Neapolitan-style. I'm not even sure if they follow a traditional recipe. It's also one of the few highly-rated places that doesn't use ingredients from Italy, and instead focusing on local ingredients. Yet, it checks everything you want out of a Neapolitan-style pizza. The curst is chewy, airy, and crispy with a good punch of salt. The tomato sauce is divine. This pizza is so unique that I would even recommend going here even if you're from Italy.

As for the negatives, it can be crowded and you feel a bit rushed by the waiters. They also only serve 2 types of pizza - the Margherita and Mariana (plus a secret third Bianca pizza).

Still, I'd consider this the best pizza in Japan.

#2 Pizzeria GG

Margherita ¥1,900 ($12), Pizzeria GG (Kichijoji, Japan)

At a close second place is Pizzeria GG in Kichijoji, west of Shinjuku. I would say that is the best authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in Tokyo. I might even say it's the perfect Neapolitan-style pizza, both in appearance and taste. I really don't have much to say here. The crust has a great chewy and flavor, and the pizza overall is very well-balanced.

#3 Nim's Pizza

Pepperoni & Jalapeno slice ¥726 ($5), Nim's Pizza (Azabujuban, Japan)

Nim's Pizza, located in Azabujuban near Roppongi, is the sole New York-style pizza place in my list. It is by far the best New York-style pizza in Tokyo. It's not even close. Like with GG and Neapolitan-style pizza, this place serves the perfect New York-style pizza. The crust is great and actually enjoyable, unlike what you get at most other places. They don't skimp on the toppings either. They are also some of the few places in Japan that serve buffalo wings alongside Hooters, and I'd say they're pretty good.

If you hate sweat tomato sauce like I do, avoid the Sicilian Pep. Everything else is great. Unfortunately they don't have any pizza with Italian sausage and for that you have to go to Rocco's in Oji.

On Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open past midnight, making it a great spot for a late-night snack. This is a highly underrated place and the only one on the list that you don't have to worry about reservations, though I'd still play safe if you're going with a larger group. A slice of pepperoni costs 726 yen ($5) so it's definitely on the higher-end but it's not outrageously expensive in Tokyo.

#4 Da Giorgio

Margherita DOC ¥3,500 ($22), Da Giorgio (Ueno, Japan)

Next on my list is Da Giorgio in Ueno. This is the best variation of the modern Neapolitan-style pizza, where the crust is large and soft. The crust is still small enough that it doesn't feel like you're just eating bread, and it has a nice crispy edge that balances the airy, soft interior. It also just looks really pretty.

It is also on the expensive side with a regular Margherita costing 2,400 yen ($15). They don't cut the pizza for you either. I know using a fork and knife is the traditional way of eating pizza, but I think using your hands is superior.

#5 La Tripletta

Margherita STG ¥1,800 ($11), La Tripletta (Musashikoyama, Japan)

La Tripletta is my 5th pick. It's located in Musashikoyama, west of Shinagawa. The crust here focuses on chewiness and crispiness, and has a very satisfying bite. The pizza here is awesome but I would avoid the gelato. The mango gelato I had was without a doubt the worst gelato I've had in my life.

#6 Pizza Marumo

Margherita ¥1,980 ($12), Pizza Marumo (Ebisu, Japan)

At the end of my list is Pizza Marumo in Ebisu, just south of Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. This place serves Savoy-style pizza. This style is the closest thing to a Tokyo-style pizza. It originates in the restaurant Savoy, one of the earliest Neapolitan-style pizzeria in Japan. The dough is pale and soft, and it's stretched by pinching the edges. I personally find that it's often bland in taste and lacks the satisfying chew I want from a pizza. Among Savoy-style pizzas, however, Pizza Marumo does it best. The dough on its own might be a bit boring, but the pizza as a whole is refined and really high quality.

Getting a reservation here is really tough. Expect to reserve a table a month in advance. It's possible to line up half an hour before opening and get a seat, but it's not guaranteed. If you want something similar, maybe try Pizza da Vinci Tokyo in Shirokane instead. Pizza Marumo's dough is a step ahead, but it's still great and the non-pizza menu is also solid (maybe better than the pizzas). Pizza Studio Tamaki is another famous place with Savoy-style pizza, but I've had terrible service and the pizzas are way too salty.

Final comments

Margherita ¥1,700 ($11), Pizzeria e Braceria L'Insieme (Kameido, Japan)

Some that just missed the list were Pizzeria Chrocchio, Pizzeria e Braceria L'Insieme, and Pizzeria Gtalia Da Filippo. I'll update this blog post if I find something better or get better photos.

If I missed your favorite spot or you went to one of these places, let me know! You can find me on Twitter and Bluesky.