14. Savoy
2-20-12 Azabujuba, Minato-shi, Tokyo 106-0045 , Japan
Open: Friday to Tuesday (11.30 am to 2.30 pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm), Thursday (5.30 pm to 9.30pm)
Why visit? Tokyo’s food reputation doesn’t immediately evoke thoughts of pizza, but Savoy makes a convincing argument that it should. The perpetually crowded establishment has developed a fervent following for its Neapolitan-style pizzas, characterised by soft and thin crusts with a subtle chewiness. The crust is fermented to allow it to develop a more complex flavour.
What truly distinguishes Savoy, however, is the incorporation of ingredients Japan is famed for, into selected pies, and even earned the brand a featured segment in David Chang’s Netflix series, “Ugly Delicious”. While the location requires some effort to reach, the online reservation system mitigates the nightmarish wait times, making it more accessible for visitors.
Crowd favourites: The unassuming margherita (1980 yen) serves as Savoy’s benchmark and remains among its most ordered items. The charred perimeter of the crust contributes smoky notes that complement the bright acidity of the tomato base, while pools of melted mozzarella provide a luscious, creamy counterpoint. The focus on quality produce is a demonstration of how dishes can be simply elevated.
For the culinary adventurer, pizza Y (3960 yen), the creation featured on Netflix, presents an intriguing study of cross-cultural fusion. The pizza is topped with a gently seared bluefin tuna and served alongside some wasabi, an unconventional combination that goes against the fundamentals of taste. Yet, the rich brininess of the tuna finds an unexpected harmony with the cheese, creating a luxurious richness that the wasabi can tamper down when desired — truly a creation that can only exist in the Tokyo food landscape.
AloJapan.com