Little Italy...

Between the Salvatore Cuomo and La Boheme groups, they are probably responsible for satisfying half of Tokyoites' Italian cravings. In terms of tradition, Salvatore definitely has the upper hand as La Boheme tends to gravitate towards the usage of Japanese ingredients like nori, shiso and mentaiko.

Salvatore Cuomo Bros


Not exactly the cheapest place for pizza, Salvatore Cuomo Bros belongs to the higher end in the Salvatore chain of restaurants. We visited the one housed on the 42nd floor of the Atago Green Hills Mori Tower and as evident from the pictures, the servings were pathetic given the extortionate prices. I guess ambience and a close-up view of Tokyo Tower with its neon lights just don't come for free! Anyhow, my dear other half is always singing praises of its thinly crafted, wood-fired pizzas. So, if you are not fond of dining out, (given the current rain-soaked evenings, I don't blame you!) there is always home delivery.

Check the website for their various locations: http://www.salvatore.jp


La Boheme


When my office was in Shinjuku Gyoenmae, the La Boheme branch there used to be my favourite lunch venue though after our relocation, I have not been back. The interior of their restaurants are usually quite clichéd, complete with high ceilings, ornate banisters and hanging chandeliers. Plus you do have to like Japanese style of Italian cooking to eat here as the pasta dishes with nori and mentaiko are bound to give Italians a rude shock.

Check the website for their various locations: http://www.boheme.jp