Tokyo Guide Part 6: The Best Pizza in Tokyo
Tokyo's pizza scene is in a league of it's own...
When you think of Japan, pizza probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Sushi, ramen, yakiniku, tempura – of course. But pizza? Believe it or not, Tokyo is home to an incredible pizza scene. I like to think of it as a scene that respects pizza in it’s most traditional form, but one that hones in on Japanese refinement and poise. With an obsessive attention to detail, a deep respect for tradition, and access to some of the finest ingredients on earth, Tokyo’s pizza scene is in a league of its own.
Whether it's Neapolitan-style classics made with local Japanese flour or inventive one-offs topped with sea urchin and Japanese root vegetables, Tokyo has a pizzeria for every kind of pizza lover. In this week’s guide, I’m diving into five spots that you shouldn’t miss on you’re trip. Just wait till you see how they slice their garlic. Masters of the craft.
As always, be sure to check current opening hours and reservation details before heading out.
Pizza Bar on 38th – Mandarin Oriental Hotel
My first pizza in Tokyo was here. Perched high above the city on the 38th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel, Pizza Bar on 38th offers a uniquely luxurious take on the pizza experience. A pizza omakase that comprises 10 courses, 1 delicate slice per course.
Seating is limited to just a few counter spots, where the chefs prepare and serve you slices one by one in a multi-course format. The menu is seasonal and entirely ingredient-driven, showcasing the best of Japanese produce through an Italian lens. The team here goes far and wide across Japan to select the very best, ultra ripe, peak-of-season ingredients. It’s a really cool approach to pizza and it’s the kind of place where a simple margherita becomes a revelation.
Expect things like sea urchin and seasonal root vegetables, to small-batch cheese made in Japan and locally sourced flour. It's elegant, inventive, and absolutely worth booking in advance. The dough itself, chewy, perfectly seasoned, supple and wonderfully blistered.
📍 Location: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo City
🕒 Opening Hours: Tues–Sun, 5:30pm–9:30pm (Closed Mondays)
Marumo
Marumo, until more recently, flew a little more under the radar - but it might just be Tokyo’s most creative pizzeria. Chef Marumo doesn’t just replicate Neapolitan pies, he reinvents them. Sure, the classics are served here too and they’re solid, but what you really need to be coming here for are the ever-changing specials.
You can get the classic marinara and marg’s at places like savoy, PST and Sierenkan, so for me, Marumo is a place to experiment.
The Teriyaki Boys pizza was one of my favourites – smokey, sweet, and unlike anything I had tried before. Beautiful char on the dough. Other favourites include the Bismarck 2.0, with lots of prosciutto and a runny egg in the centre. The Japanese Umami was great too, featuring mozz, pecorino, dried shiitake mushroom cream, Katsuobushi, kombu, sesame and soy.
Chef Marumo is constantly experimenting, drawing inspiration from global flavours and putting his signature spin on them. There are a few tables but sit at the counter if you can. It’s the best way to get a feel for the place and watch the magic happen. A must.
📍 Location: 3 Chome-15-7 Nishiazabu, Minato City
🕒 Opening Hours: Wed–Sun, 5:00pm–10:00pm (Closed Mon & Tues)
Savoy
Savoy has become a go-to for both locals and tourists, and for good reason. This no-frills, casual pizzeria has perfected the art of simplicity. The menu is minimal, offering just two types of pizza: marinara and "tomato cheese". That’s it. And they nail both.
The dough is beautifully soft and charred, the sauce bright and zingy (super tomato-forward), and the mozzarella is delicate and creamy. For me, their chilli powder was the game-changing ingredient that elevated both. Grab it and give it a good sprinkle. It gives everything an addictive heat and depth that takes things to another level. Pair it with their homemade iced tea – sweet, slightly spiced, and the perfect cooldown.
Queues are common, but they move quickly. I waited 15 minutes on a weekday.
📍 Location: Multiple, but the Azabujuban location is a favourite – 2 Chome-3-12 Azabujuban, Minato City
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30am–2:00pm / 5:00pm–10:00pm
Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST)
PST has achieved cult status among Tokyo’s pizza fanatics, and one bite will show you why. Chef Tsubasa Tamaki brings serious passion to every element of the pie, from the custom-made ovens to the imported flour blends.
What to order? Start with the white pizza topped with house sausage and a gooey, golden egg yolk. It’s rich, savoury, and perfectly balanced. Their margherita is also a standout – smokey from the wood-fired oven and made with smoked mozzarella that adds a deep umami punch.
The vibe here is relaxed but focused, just like the pizza. It’s the kind of place you’ll end up thinking about long after you’ve left.
📍 Location: 1 Chome-14-1 Higashiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo
🕒 Opening Hours: Tues–Sun, 11:30am–2:00pm / 5:30pm–9:00pm (Closed Mondays)
Seirinkan
Rounding out the list is Seirinkan, another classic that is often compared to Savoy given the ownership history. It’s another Tokyo classic with a strong following, known for doing simple pizzas extremely well. But Seirinkan has a vibe of its own.
The interior feels more like a jazz club than a pizzeria, with dim lighting and an almost industrial aesthetic. The menu again sticks to the basics: a margherita and marinara. But they’re executed with such precision, you won’t want anything else. The marinara is tomato heavy and utilises both a sauce and freshly scorched cherry tomatoes that are so sweet and delicious.
It’s a great place to grab a quick, tasty bite at any time of the day.
📍 Location: 2 Chome-6-4 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo
🕒 Opening Hours: Tues–Sun, 12:00pm–2:00pm / 6:00pm–9:00pm (Closed Mondays)
From luxury high-rise tasting menus to street-level classics, Tokyo proves once again that it can take a global concept and elevate it to something truly special. Pizza in this city is thoughtful, passionate, and absolutely delicious. If you want pizza in Kyoto, DM me on here and I’ll tell you where to go.
Next week: we get into tempura, so stay tuned.
Do I have to subscribe to access. the recipes?
Savoy offers multiple specials beyond the two described as well as dessert pies. It’s divine.