Tokyo meets Naples at Pizza Studio Tamaki

Author & Photographer: Katelyn Wang

I could tell you about all the magnificent, fresh sushi spots around Tokyo. Or maybe where to find my favorite homemade ramen noodles or basement izakaya, but we’re not here for that. This is a raving review of pizza in Japan. Yes, pizza. 

It’s hard to put into words the experience of biting into a slice of Chef Tsubasa Tamaki’s Neapolitan-style pizza—it’s simultaneously foreign and familiar, undeniably thrilling but without any unnecessary pomp or extravagance. The splendor lies in the delicate, wood-fired dough and the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. In this slightly cramped restaurant on a quiet street in Tokyo’s Minato-ku district, diners sit front row as Chef Tamaki rolls the dough, sprinkles on toppings, and flames the pie to perfection. 

Pizza Studio Tamaki’s menu has something for everyone, from a classic margherita to a white four cheese pizza with honey, and I’ve never left feeling anything besides total, utter satisfaction. Since my first visit in 2018, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I’ve started planning trips to Tokyo for the sake of this pizza. I guess what I’m saying is, it really is that good. 

The Bismarck comes highly recommended on each visit: a bed of fresh mozzarella, mushrooms, pecorino romano, and sausage, topped with a perfectly runny egg all layered over a nicely seared pizza crust. It’s probably one of the best bites of food I’ve ever had. 

Here’s how the story goes: Japanese Chef Tamaki has never visited Italy, yet makes pizza so good you’ll never be able to go back to that Monday night Domino’s order. He’s also incredibly friendly, passionate, and enthusiastic about sharing his love for the craft. His pizzas are fulfilling in a way you didn’t even know you were even missing out on, inciting all 5 senses and maybe some hidden ones too. I promise there’s nothing ordinary about it.

The Tamaki, a slightly more classic option, comes with cherry tomatoes, fresh smoked mozzarella, pecorino romano, and basil on top of a tomato base. After multiple visits and pizza-tasting endeavours, I can confidently say there’s really no going wrong. 

It’s Monday night, and I’m sitting in my dorm procrastinating on homework I haven’t yet started. I take a bite of the leftover pizza my roommate brought back from her meeting yesterday, I close my eyes, and I try to pretend like I’m back in Tokyo. But let’s be honest, it’s just not the same.