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Pizza Kajikarno Miyama [Closed]

Wood fired pizza in an Alpine-like country cabin

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The location on this page has been reported permanently closed.

Last updated: Jul 10, 2020

It is a little known fact that some of the best Italian food in the world is made in Japan. You may not believe it, but there is a restaurant called Cesari’s in nearby Nagoya that won an international prize for the best pizza in the world.

Miyama is a village that is far from the international food capitals in Nagoya and Kyoto, but places like Pizza Kajikarno is their attempt to marry up the best local ingredients with some very special Pizza pastry and cooking knowhow.

The atmosphere here is like a country log cabin. It is the kind of place you would stumble across hiking or camping in the countryside. Wooden stools, plastic plates, non- existent tablecloths create a no nonsense atmosphere, while a bare concrete floor with old school windows complete the picture. So there is very little to distract you as you look longingly outside to the Alpine like mountains as you wait for your food to be made to order. If you do get sick of the stunning scenery outside, take a look at the equally stunning photos and paintings on display inside, it is like a miniature art studio. This place is casual and relaxed, yet delivers in spades when it comes to its high culinary standards. The customer service is prompt and attentive as well, but without the slightly straight jacketed feel of the some of the Michelin or 5 star hotel restaurants. You order as you come in, and while you may feel guilty for holding up the customers behind you, there is a menu board at the entrance with pictures of each of the 5 or 6 pizzas. This isn’t a super extensive menu, but enough to suit most tastes without the decision paralysis that happens if you have more than 20 menu items.

They take cash only and do not have an English menu, but the wood fired pizza oven certainly delivers. Using local cheeses and venison, the dough is crispy with just the right amount of thickness and chewiness. The Margherita is a standout using mozzarella and two other kinds of cheese from local Miyama milk, a snip at just 750 yen. Other highlights include the duck or venison sausage and mushroom pizza at 950 yen, or if you are adventurous, try the local herb pizza, with seasonal mountain vegetables that are freshly picked from nearby forests (850yen).

The drink menus is quite limited, from coca cola to beer and locally made Tanba wine, but just like camping, you wouldn’t expect them to heave twenty different cocktails all the way into the woods. It is a great way to experience the countryside, short of setting up your own tent.

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Iain Stanley 9 years ago
I love how thin they tend to keep pizzas here, as opposed to giant pan crusts
Mandy Bartok 9 years ago
I couldn't quite tell from the map, but is this restaurant in the actual Miyama Kayabuki-no-sato village? The one that looks like a mini Shirakawa-go? I was in Tamba last year and spent a wet but enjoyable morning there.
Bonson Lam Author 9 years ago
This restaurant is a short drive from Miyama Kayabuki-no-sato village. Yes it is the one that looks like a mini Shirakawa-go. Definitely a very picturesque spot. Look out for more articles on Miyama this year !

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