Pizzeria Marita — 13 Seats of Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

A Michelin-Recommended Gem for Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

Pizzeria Marita, a small Neapolitan pizza specialty restaurant, was awarded the Bib Gourmand in the 2023 Michelin Guide Kyoto, Osaka & Wakayama. The pizzas, baked quickly in a wood-fired oven, feature a perfect balance of smoky aroma and chewy, flavorful crust, earning praise among discerning food lovers.

With only 13 seats, the cozy interior sees a mix of local regulars and repeat tourists. Lunch service often fills up quickly, so it’s recommended to check availability before visiting.

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza, Fired in a Wood-Burning Oven

Inside the cozy restaurant, a grand wood-fired oven takes center stage—reaching an impressive 450°C.

Here, pizzas are baked to perfection in just 90 seconds, resulting in a truly authentic taste.

At Pizzeria Marita, the dough is made simply with flour, water, salt, and yeast—yet the result is astonishingly light. Guests can watch as each pizza is carefully prepared and baked before their eyes, a process so captivating it’s hard to look away.

A Surprisingly Solo Operation, Run by the Owner Himself

Currently, the male owner manages every aspect of the restaurant on his own—a true craftsman at work.

Though he may seem reserved at first, he greets guests with a warm, beaming smile when they leave, a charming contrast to his focused demeanor.

A Heartwarming Touch: Free Drinks with Your Pizza

Order a pizza, and you’ll receive a complimentary drink—choose from options like oolong tea, iced green tea, or iced tea at no extra charge.

For a small additional fee, you can opt for orange or apple juice (plus 100yen) or espresso and hot coffee (plus 200 yen). Beer and wine are also available, perfect for those who want to enjoy a light drink.

It’s a small but thoughtful detail: rather than just plain water, you get to select a proper drink for free. Many guests can’t help but feel the owner’s genuine hospitality in these little touches.

A Must-Visit! Pizzeria Marita: First-Hand Report

Waiting Time and Atmosphere (Thursday Lunch Visit)

When I visited, a few customers were just leaving, so I only had to wait a few minutes outside before getting a seat.

By just before 1:00 PM, the pizzas were already sold out, and later customers were turned away. This place is truly popular, so arriving early is essential.

It’s common to see people lining up in front of the restaurant even before opening.

Reservations aren’t accepted, so seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note: There used to be periods when reservations were possible, but currently, the restaurant does not take them.

At the counter, you can watch the pizzas being baked right in front of you, making for a visually satisfying experience as well.

How to Order (Sit Down, Check the Menu, and Order Verbally)

There’s no ticket machine—you place your order verbally.

Even though the owner runs the restaurant solo, he comes by at just the right moment to take your order.

Payments are cash only, so it’s best to have money ready beforehand.

Menu Variety and Price Range

The menu starts with a simple Margherita pizza, which includes a drink, from just 1,100 yen—an excellent value for money.

At lunchtime, there are four types of pizza and three side dishes. While the selection isn’t huge, the quality of each item is exceptionally high.

Note: This visit was during lunch, but the restaurant also serves dinner. For evening menu options, it’s best to check directly at the restaurant.

The Atmosphere (Warm and Cozy Interior)

The restaurant is compact, with just 13 seats, giving it the charm of a small pizzeria you might find abroad.

During my visit, the crowd was varied: a young woman dining alone, a pair of female friends, a foreign family, a foreign couple, and a Japanese couple. Overall, it seems the restaurant often attracts international guests.

The owner can communicate in basic English, making it a popular spot for travelers.

The background music is subtle, creating a quiet and relaxed environment to fully enjoy your pizza.

Every Dish Exceeded Expectations! Tasting Review

This time, I ordered four items: Margherita, Regina, Crocchè (croquette), and Arancino.

Margherita

The Margherita is the restaurant’s signature dish. The tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil are perfectly balanced, while the dough is fragrant and satisfyingly chewy. The basil’s aroma is so fresh and vivid, it made me wonder if I’d ever really noticed it before. 

Regina

This pizza features smoked buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. While the crust is as delicious as ever, the standout is the smoky aroma of the mozzarella, which elevates the entire pizza. 

Crocchè (Croquette)

The exterior is perfectly crispy, while the interior is smooth potato blended with creamy mozzarella—a combination that delivers total satisfaction.

Arancino (Rice Croquette)

Crispy on the outside, with a comforting tomato-flavored rice filling, beef, and mozzarella inside. The flavors are gentle yet perfectly balanced.

Experiencing Pizzeria Marita: A Personal Review

Pizzeria Marita is a small but beloved gem, cherished by both locals and travelers. With no reservations and just a handful of seats, it offers a rare experience where “you get the real thing” and can enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza in everyday life. Visiting here makes you truly appreciate having a place like this nearby.

Do note that the restaurant often closes for an extended summer break in August—sometimes for a full month—and in the past, the owner has traveled to Italy during this period. While 2025’s exact schedule hasn’t been confirmed, it’s recommended to check ahead if you’re determined to visit.