[A] PIZZA in Chou-ku, Osaka

[A] PIZZA is – most definitely – on our list of the best pizzas in Osaka. They have a few shops in Japan; this location is the [A] PIZZA in the Nipponbashi part of Chuo-ku, Osaka. The maps list [A] PIZZA as being in the Nipponbashi district of Chuo-ku, but this feels more like the southeast corner of Namba – I would call this a Namba pizza restaurant. When we talked to the staff, they said “Namba” as well.

For this review, I’m going to jump in early and say the “TL:DR” conclusion is: I like this place. A lot. Great pizza spot. Full, enthusiastic “yes.” Make a plan, and get yourself over to [A] PIZZA.

The name [A] PIZZA is curious, but as I looked around, there was an easy explanation on display:

[A] PIZZA is inspired by the New York City (NYC) subway system in America. The “A” Train is a one of NYCs subway lines, that runs north and south, on the west side of Manhattan, along the Hudson river. “A Pizza” basically seems to means “the pizza place near the ‘A’ train.”

In this case, the nearest Osaka Metro station is Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station, just a couple of blocks to the north. Namba Station is also nearby, but at least 5 minute walk away.

I am going to go on and on about how much I like [A] PIZZA. At the time of this writing, it is my personal favorite pizza place in Osaka, and I say that because of the full package of all that [A] PIZZA has to offer. Their pizza is simple, but it’s delicious, and very affordable. The space is big, the seating is comfortable, and it works well for a wide range of customers – from a quick lunch, to a date, [A] PIZZA is a tasty solution.

It is about the pizza, so let’s get into that:

There are maybe 24 pizzas to choose from on the pizza menu at [A] PIZZA. Some, very basic (like the “Simple A” – three types of cheese, peppers, herbs), more sophisticated options (like the Raw Ham & Rocket, with arugula, prosciutto, and balsamic), pizza with a Japanese twist (like the Bizmarck, that has a soft-boiled egg on it), and more exotic specialties (like the “German Curry”).

While just about every cafe in Japan thinks they can offer a “margherita” pizza, [A] PIZZA has a (better version of that Margarita and a whole) lot more.

Okaka’s “A” Pizza is a big place, it’s spacious. Even though I was by myself, they offered me a big, comfortable four-seater table. I sat with my back to a leather (vinyl?) bench seat, it was easy to relax. When it was time to order, I went with something classic:

The Pepperoni: which immediately exceeded my expectations by include sausage, as well. Well done.

As an American, I have eaten more than my share of pizza, and many really great pies. For typical middle-class Americans, pizza is simple food. When you, or some friends and family, head out to the local pizza parlor, and get a “large” pizza to share, it typically comes covered in toppings. If it’s “pepperoni,” there are lots of pepperoni slices. If it’s a “combo,” that pizza is swimming in meat, onions, peppers, and of course, the cheese.

The Japanese seem to understand the cheese, but many pizza restaurants in Japan treat the topping more as decorations than as sustenance. In contrast, [A] PIZZA gives you a pizza that really satisfies. Maybe it’s down-to-earth influence of New York City; they do pizza right.

The shape of the pizza at [A] PIZZA is unusual; the pizzas come in in a rectangular shape, maybe about half the size of a “large” pizza. I confess, while I have personally eaten 100s of pizzas, (other than slices off a big sheet), this was my first rectangular pizza.

Doing research and trying so many pizza places in Osaka (and beyond), I’m learning there are several versions of rectangular pizza. Some people might call [A] PIZZA’s version “Detroit style pizza” (which does seems closest to what [A] PIZZA makes). Or they might call it “Sicilian style pizza” (which is usually bigger than what [A] PIZZA makes) – otherwise known called “sheet pan pizza.” Or for something more exotic, check out the similarity to the Pinsa Romana style pizza (which is perhaps more oval, and uses special flour, and baking techniques).

Part of the originality of [A] PIZZA is that when you order a pizza, you can choose how you want it cut. I’ve never seen that anywhere else, either. 4 – 6 – 2 – 8; how many slices (“カっト” or “cut-o” as they’d pronounce things in Japanese). You want it cut in half? In eight pieces? Your choice. I like it. I had mine done in six pieces.

Did I give [A] PIZZA my classic “pizza test?” Of course I did. How’d they do? Fantastic, and that is much better than most.

I like to pick up my pizza and eat it with my hands (手で食べる). I supposes if you opt for one of the bigger cuts, that could become difficult, but for my choice of six cuts, a slice was easy to pickup – even though it had plenty of toppings.

[A] PIZZA definitely qualifies as a “restaurant” – and they offer more than just pizza, including salads (mine was delicious, I recommend the onion dressing, both sweet and savory) and pasta.

The Japanese typically have an almost singular focus on trying to turn the pizza experience into a quiet, date activity, focused almost exclusively on super-thin crust Neapolitan style pizzas. To be honest; quiet, fancy, “date-pizza” isn’t what I really want. I often bite my tongue as I write a review, and focus on whatever I like about that specific store. And there is a lot to like; even in the Neapolitan style pizza category (which is not my favorite), I have had some very good pizzas.

[A] PIZZA gives me exactly what I want, and what I can’t seem to find almost anywhere else. The rectangular shape may be new to me, but the relaxed, simple experience felt like coming home.

For a quick bite after work, a pizza and beer session with the boys (which is a very good way to do pizza), or a good family night out, [A] PIZZA hits the spot. It would be a great date spot as well (without being stiff or boring).

I took a note on the music, as well: It was basic, mainstream, upbeat, and palatable. No “heavy metal” or aggressive hip hop (not that I mind either of those options). During my lunch on that specific Fall day, I heard “Dancing Queen” by ABBA (if you’re old enough to know what means).

Coming from Namba, it’s not super convenient, but close enough. I don’t particularly like the run-down shotengai aspects of Namba or this part of Osaka, but [A] PIZZA is a worthy destination, and I’ll be back.

For the record: They have another Osaka [A] PIZZA shop in Miyakojima, and at least one more [A] PIZZA in Tokyo (I’m going to try to check out the Tokyo version on an upcoming trip).

For more Osaka Pizza see:

— Critter’s Pizza in Nishishinsaibashi in Chuo-ku
— Detroit style pizza in Osaka at Craft Beer & Pizza Imazato in Ikuno-ku
— Pizza Bar Full House in Kita-ku
— NYC-style slices at Hughes Pizza in Kita-ku
— More slices at Henry’s Pizza in Chuo-ku
— Taisho pizza at Pizzeria da Dots in Taisho-ku
— That’s Pizza in Nishi-ku
— Drunk Bears pizza in Umeda
— The Goofy’s Pizza in Kita-ku
— The Michelin Recommended Pizzeria da Tigre in Nishi-ku
— For a fancy pizza, see Dal Donnaiolo in Nishitenma in Kita-ku
— If you really, really like to wait in line: Regalo Pizza in Fukushima