Pizza Strada (Tokyo, Japan)

Pizza Strada, located in the upscale district of Azabu-Juban, Tokyo, is one of the city’s most beloved pizzerias. It blends the best of traditional Italian craftsmanship with a deep respect for Japanese precision and attention to detail. Pizza Strada has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the competitive Tokyo food scene, where authenticity and innovation go hand-in-hand.

In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating story of how Pizza Strada began, why it is widely considered one of the best pizza spots in Tokyo, how it gained popularity, and its journey to international fame. We will also explore some of the top pizzas you must try here, as well as provide a breakdown of prices. By the time you finish this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what makes Pizza Strada so special, and you’ll be eager to visit.

How Pizza Strada Started: A Passion for Neapolitan Pizza

Pizza Strada was founded in 2011 by a group of passionate Japanese pizza enthusiasts who were inspired by the classic Neapolitan style of pizza. At the helm of the pizzeria is Chef Takuya Kondo, a Tokyo native who traveled extensively in Italy to learn the authentic techniques of making Neapolitan pizza. During his travels, Kondo became captivated by the art of pizza-making and spent years honing his craft in various Italian pizzerias, particularly in Naples, the birthplace of pizza.

Kondo returned to Japan with a vision to bring the essence of Neapolitan pizza to Tokyo, but with his own unique twist. He wanted to create a place where pizza lovers could enjoy the simplicity and beauty of traditional pizza, made with the finest ingredients and meticulous care. Pizza Strada was born out of this desire to offer an authentic Neapolitan experience while incorporating Japanese hospitality and craftsmanship.

The Birth of Pizza Strada’s Concept

Pizza Strada was not intended to be just another pizzeria. Kondo wanted it to be a space where people could come together to enjoy not only the food but also the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Inspired by the Italian tradition of communal dining, Kondo designed Pizza Strada to be a friendly, casual pizzeria where guests can watch their pizzas being made in the open kitchen, interact with the chefs, and experience the art of pizza-making firsthand.

The centerpiece of the restaurant is its wood-fired oven, imported directly from Italy, which reaches temperatures of up to 900°F (480°C), cooking pizzas in just 60 to 90 seconds. This oven, along with the use of high-quality ingredients, is what sets Pizza Strada apart and allows it to replicate the authentic Neapolitan style of pizza in the heart of Tokyo.

Why Pizza Strada is the Best: The Ingredients, Techniques, and Experience

Several factors contribute to Pizza Strada’s reputation as one of the best pizzerias in Tokyo. The restaurant has perfected the art of Neapolitan pizza by focusing on three core elements: the dough, the ingredients, and the cooking process.

1. The Dough: Perfectly Fermented and Hand-Stretched

The dough at Pizza Strada is made using traditional Italian techniques, with a focus on long fermentation to develop the perfect texture and flavor. Kondo and his team use a blend of imported Italian flour and high-quality Japanese flour, ensuring the dough has the right balance of elasticity and flavor.

The dough undergoes a 24-hour fermentation process, which allows it to rise slowly, resulting in a light, airy crust with a slightly chewy texture. This long fermentation also makes the dough more digestible, giving the pizza a distinctive texture that is crispy on the outside but soft and tender on the inside.

The pizzas are hand-stretched by the chefs, a skill that requires precision and practice to ensure the perfect thickness. The focus on hand-stretching, rather than using machines, allows for more control over the dough and results in a pizza that has an artisanal, homemade quality.

2. High-Quality Ingredients: Sourced from Italy and Japan

At Pizza Strada, the ingredients are sourced from both Italy and Japan, ensuring the freshest and highest-quality products are used. For instance, the tomatoes used in their signature Margherita pizza are San Marzano tomatoes, imported from Italy’s Campania region, known for their rich, sweet flavor. The mozzarella is made from Italian buffalo milk, providing the perfect creaminess and melt for the pizza.

However, the team at Pizza Strada is also committed to showcasing the best of Japan’s produce. They use seasonal vegetables and locally sourced herbs, which complement the imported Italian ingredients, creating pizzas that are both Italian in spirit and Japanese in execution. This blend of cultures adds to the uniqueness of Pizza Strada’s offerings.

3. Wood-Fired Perfection: The Cooking Process

The wood-fired oven at Pizza Strada is the heart of the pizzeria. Imported from Italy and built using traditional Neapolitan methods, this oven can reach extremely high temperatures, which is essential for cooking Neapolitan pizza. The pizzas cook for just 60 to 90 seconds, which helps preserve the flavor and moisture of the ingredients while giving the crust a perfectly crisp exterior and a tender, chewy center.

The use of wood adds a subtle smokiness to the pizza, enhancing its overall flavor. The chefs at Pizza Strada are highly trained in managing the oven’s heat and timing, ensuring that each pizza is cooked to perfection.

4. The Dining Experience: A Blend of Italy and Japan

One of the things that sets Pizza Strada apart is its atmosphere. The pizzeria is designed to feel like a cozy Italian trattoria, but with the meticulous attention to detail that is characteristic of Japanese hospitality. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the open kitchen allows diners to watch the pizzas being made, adding to the interactive experience.

The restaurant has a relaxed and casual vibe, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite with friends or enjoying a leisurely meal with family, Pizza Strada offers a warm and inviting environment that makes you feel at home.

How Pizza Strada Became Popular

Pizza Strada’s rise to fame in Tokyo and beyond is a result of its dedication to quality, consistency, and authenticity. Several factors contributed to its growing popularity over the years.

1. Word of Mouth and Local Support

In its early days, Pizza Strada relied heavily on word of mouth to attract customers. Tokyo is a city with a strong food culture, and locals are always on the lookout for new and exciting dining experiences. Pizza Strada’s commitment to authenticity and quality quickly caught the attention of pizza lovers, who began spreading the word about this hidden gem in Azabu-Juban.

The local community embraced Pizza Strada, and it soon became a favorite spot for those seeking an authentic Neapolitan pizza experience without having to leave Tokyo. As more people discovered the pizzeria, it gained a loyal following, with regular customers returning week after week.

2. Media Attention and Food Critics

It didn’t take long for food critics and media outlets to take notice of Pizza Strada’s exceptional pizzas. The restaurant has been featured in numerous Japanese and international food publications, including Time Out Tokyo, Gastronomy Japan, and Eater. These positive reviews helped to cement Pizza Strada’s reputation as one of the best pizzerias in the city.

In 2015, Pizza Strada was included in OAD’s Top 100 Pizzerias in Asia, further elevating its status and drawing even more attention from food enthusiasts and pizza aficionados around the world.

3. International Recognition and Tourism

As Pizza Strada’s reputation grew, it began attracting tourists from around the world who were eager to experience Tokyo’s diverse food scene. Many visitors to Tokyo are surprised to find such a high-quality Neapolitan pizzeria in the heart of Japan, and Pizza Strada has become a must-visit destination for food tourists.

The restaurant’s success has also been fueled by its proximity to popular tourist spots such as Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Tower, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the city.

4. Social Media and Online Reviews

In today’s digital age, social media has played a significant role in Pizza Strada’s popularity. The visually stunning pizzas, with their vibrant toppings and perfectly charred crusts, are often shared on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Food bloggers and influencers who visit Pizza Strada frequently share their experiences online, helping to spread the word to a global audience.

Online review platforms such as TripAdvisor and Google Reviews are also filled with glowing reviews from satisfied customers, many of whom praise the quality of the food, the friendly service, and the cozy atmosphere.

The Story Behind Pizza Strada: A Chef’s Dedication to Pizza Craft

The story of Pizza Strada is, in many ways, the story of its founder, Takuya Kondo. Kondo’s journey to becoming a pizza master began when he traveled to Italy in his early twenties. Fascinated by Italian cuisine and culture, he spent years working in various pizzerias, learning the intricacies of dough-making, fermentation, and pizza-tossing from seasoned Italian chefs.

After returning to Japan, Kondo knew he wanted to bring the magic of Neapolitan pizza to Tokyo. However, he didn’t just want to replicate what he had learned in Italy—he wanted to create something that was uniquely his own, blending the best of both Italian and Japanese traditions. This desire to innovate while staying true to the roots of pizza-making is what led to the creation of Pizza Strada.

Kondo’s dedication to his craft is evident in every aspect of Pizza Strada, from the meticulous attention

to detail in the dough-making process to the careful selection of ingredients. Over the years, he has continued to refine his techniques and explore new flavor combinations, always striving to improve and innovate.

Pizza Strada’s success is a testament to Kondo’s passion, hard work, and commitment to excellence. Today, the pizzeria stands as a shining example of how one man’s dedication to his craft can create something truly extraordinary.

Must-Try Pizzas at Pizza Strada

While the menu at Pizza Strada is constantly evolving to incorporate seasonal ingredients and new ideas, there are a few pizzas that have become iconic and are highly recommended for first-time visitors. Here are some of the must-try pizzas at Pizza Strada:

1. Margherita

The classic Margherita is a staple of any Neapolitan pizzeria, and Pizza Strada’s version is one of the best in Tokyo. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil, this pizza is a perfect example of how simplicity and high-quality ingredients can create a masterpiece.

2. Marinara

Another Neapolitan classic, the Marinara is a pizza that lets the flavors of the dough and tomato sauce shine. Topped with garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil, this pizza is a must-try for those who appreciate the beauty of simple, unadorned flavors.

3. Prosciutto e Rucola

For those who prefer a more indulgent pizza, the Prosciutto e Rucola is a popular choice. Topped with thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh arugula, and shavings of Parmesan cheese, this pizza offers a perfect balance of salty, savory, and slightly bitter flavors.

4. Tartufo

If you’re a fan of truffles, the Tartufo pizza is a must-try. This pizza is topped with a generous helping of black truffle shavings, wild mushrooms, and a drizzle of truffle oil, creating an earthy and aromatic flavor profile that is both luxurious and comforting.

5. Pizza Strada Special

For a unique and memorable experience, try the Pizza Strada Special, which changes regularly based on the freshest ingredients available. This pizza often features seasonal vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and other carefully selected toppings, making it a true reflection of Kondo’s creativity and passion for pizza-making.

Prices at Pizza Strada

Despite the high quality of the ingredients and the craftsmanship that goes into each pizza, the prices at Pizza Strada are very reasonable. Most pizzas on the menu are priced between ¥1,500 to ¥2,500 (approximately $13 to $23 USD), making it an affordable option for those looking to enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza in Tokyo.

For those who want to experience a more extensive meal, Pizza Strada also offers a tasting menu that includes a selection of pizzas, appetizers, and desserts. The tasting menu is priced at around ¥4,000 to ¥5,500 (approximately $35 to $50 USD) per person, depending on the season and the availability of ingredients.

In addition to the pizzas, Pizza Strada offers a variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts, all of which are made with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality. The restaurant also has a carefully curated wine list featuring both Italian and Japanese wines, as well as a selection of craft beers and soft drinks.

Conclusion: A Slice of Naples in the Heart of Tokyo

Pizza Strada has earned its place as one of Tokyo’s top pizzerias by staying true to the traditions of Neapolitan pizza-making while embracing the unique culinary culture of Japan. From the perfectly fermented dough to the high-quality ingredients and the wood-fired cooking process, every aspect of Pizza Strada reflects the passion and dedication of Chef Takuya Kondo and his team.

For those who are looking to experience the best of both Italian and Japanese cuisine, Pizza Strada is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist exploring the vibrant food scene of Tokyo, this pizzeria offers an unforgettable dining experience that combines the warmth of Italian hospitality with the precision and artistry of Japanese craftsmanship.

Next time you’re in Tokyo, make sure to stop by Pizza Strada for a slice of pizza that will transport you straight to the streets of Naples. With its welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and outstanding food, it’s no wonder that Pizza Strada has become a favorite among pizza lovers in Japan and beyond.

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