Pizzeria Tintarella - La Dolce Vita in Kashiwa

The essence of Napoli at Pizzeria Tintarella in Kashiwa offers an authentic Neapolitan experience. From the wood-fired oven to the homegrown herbs, every detail reflects a commitment to genuine Italian flavors.

Pizzeria Tintarella - La Dolce Vita in Kashiwa
Proud pizzaiolo and owner of Tintarella, Hideo Endo in front of his imported pizza oven creating a batch of fresh pizzas.

The tune to guide you through this article

Pizzeria Tintarella: A Taste of Napoli in Kashiwa

Nestled at the east exit of Kashiwa Station, Pizzeria Tintarella is a hidden gem that crafts authentic Neapolitan magic. Founded by the seasoned chef Hideo Endo, this pizzeria boasts the coveted AVPN certification, a testament to its commitment to genuine pizza artistry.

Tintarella takes pride in its small garden, humorously likening it to the size of a cat's forehead. In this petite patch, they lovingly cultivate a variety of herbs and leafy vegetables, which find their way into the heart of their delectable dishes, adding a unique touch that sets Tintarella apart.

The pizzeria proudly holds the certification as the 666th restaurant recognized by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, ensuring an authentic Neapolitan pizza experience.

What is an AVPN Certification?

The AVPN certification ensures an authentic Neapolitan pizza experience by requiring pizzerias to adhere to strict traditional Neapolitan pizza-making rules. This includes using a wood-fired oven, making the dough with only four ingredients, and using specific toppings. The toppings for the DOC pizza may only include sauce made of San Marzano tomatoes grown in Italy, fresh mozzarella made with buffalo milk or fior di latte, sea salt, fresh basil, and olive oil. The pizza must be cooked at a specific oven temperature for a set time, and it must adhere to traditional pizza-making methods. The AVPN certification promotes and protects the "true Neapolitan pizza" as a typical product made in accordance with specific rules and guidelines.

Meet Hideo Endo: A Culinary Force to be Reckoned With

Hideo Endo's journey reads like a global culinary odyssey. From graduating from the Hana College of Culinary Arts to navigating the cobblestone streets of Naples, he's not just the maestro behind Tintarella but a culinary navigator weaving tradition and innovation into each pizza. Trained and certified by VERACE PIZZA in Italy, Endo became the first Japanese craftsman to achieve this feat.

His culinary milestones include stints at Hotel New Otani Co., a sojourn in Italy where he graduated from the Lucca Culinary Institute in Tuscany, and experiences at esteemed establishments like Ristorante La Galleria in Tuscany, Naples Corporation, and Pizzeria e Trattoria da ISA. This journey culminated in the opening of Pizzeria Tintarella back in 2016.

The maestro at work. Hideo Endo.

Wood-Fired Artistry by Stefano Ferrara

Step into Tintarella, and you're not just stepping into a pizzeria; it's an immersive experience. The ambiance is enriched by one beautiful wood-fired Neapolitan pizza oven, a masterpiece crafted by Stefano Ferrara. This oven, taking six months to arrive from Italy, transforms pizza-making into an art form, ensuring an authentic taste that resonates with the streets of Naples.

Our Tintarella Adventure: Little Italy but Closer to Home

Beyond the pizza, Tintarella is a haven where neighbors gather amidst herbs and laughter. It aspires to be more than a pizzeria; it's a local tapestry where each slice tells a story. So because we live close by we decide to pay it a visit for a small New Year's gathering with our friends.

Our party of five, including my 18-month-old son, embarked on a culinary journey through Tintarella. The menu unfolded a symphony of flavors, from classic pizzas to innovative toppings, offering a taste of Napoli not far from home.

The Drinks

  • Peroni Nastro Azzurro - 330ml, ¥880
  • Birra Moretti - 330ml, ¥830

The Food

  • Diavola - mozzarella and tomato base pizza with spicy nduja sausage and basilico - normale size (30cm) - ¥2,750
  • Prosciutto Crudo e Rucola - mozzarella base pizza with prosciutto and rucola - normale size (30cm) - ¥3,300
  • Quattro Formaggi - mozzarella base pizza with gorgonzola, taleggio and grana padano cheese - normale size (30cm) - ¥3,300
  • Lasagna - mozzarella and tomato base pizza with fried eggplant, ricotta, Provola cheese and black pepper - normale size (30cm) - ¥2,860

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The winner of the night for me was the Diavola with its simple ingredients and the right level of spiciness to elevate the overall flavor. But with a name like that and the restaurant's AVPN certification 666, it just had to be a devilishly good pizza. Give it a try if you decide to visit Tintarella. It won’t disappoint, I promise.

The bill, just over 20,000 yen for 4 pizzas and quite a few imported Italian beers among other non-alcoholic drinks, may lean towards the higher side, but the quality justifies every yen. If you're looking to keep the cost down, consider saving on the drinks rather than the food. The pizzas are the star of the show, and skimping on them would be a disservice to your taste buds.

While Tintarella is welcoming to all, including families with small children, the space is somewhat limited. They do provide baby chairs, but older kids might find the environment a bit more comfortable and easier to handle. For those looking to fully embrace the food and the atmosphere, I would recommend visiting Tintarella as a group of friends or as a couple. This setting allows you to take your time, savor each dish, and enjoy the company, making the most of the authentic Napoli-style experience.

The atmosphere at Tintarella is warm and inviting, with the owner's passion for pizza and Italian food culture palpable in every detail. The shop is adorned with Italian art, records, and other memorabilia, creating an authentic ambiance that transports you straight to Italy. It's the perfect spot for when you're craving a slice of Italy that makes you feel like you're on a trip to Europe.

In the end, Pizzeria Tintarella isn't just about pizza; it's about embracing a piece of real Napoli in Kashiwa. So, whether you're a local or a curious traveler, let the aroma of wood-fired authenticity lead you to a culinary retreat that transcends borders. La Dolce Vita awaits in every bite at Tintarella.


Pizzeria Tintarella


🌐 Website: tintarella.jp

📞 Phone: 04-7164-0039

📍 Address: 2770005, Komizo Bldg. 1F, 6-8-40 Kashiwa | Google Maps

Additional Information

  • Reservations accepted by phone
  • A la carte service available with a ¥480 per person seating charge.
  • Recommended for parties of 4 or more to reserve in advance
  • Limited pizza dough - Closing when run out

Lunch:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11:30 am - 2 pm (Lunch menu)
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (A la carte)

Dinner:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (A la carte)
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm (A la carte)

Holidays:
Every Monday (Please check out their Facebook or website for details more details on holidays)

Payment Methods:
Cash accepted
Credit Cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners)
QR code payment accepted (PayPay)

Facilities:
Number of seats: 20 Seats (+ terrace seats for 8 people are available.)
Non-smoking establishment; Smoking allowed on the terrace
Chairs for small children available

Parking:
No parking on-site (several coin-operated parking lots available in the neighborhood)


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What about you? Have you visited any great pizza places in Japan? Let us know in the comments below; we'd love to hear about it.

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The content within this article is a product of various sources, including publicly available information on the internet, personal visits to the venue, and talks with staff, customers and venue owners. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, aspects like operating hours, menu items, and policies may undergo changes. It's also important to note that certain links within the article might be referral links, potentially leading to payments to our site. AI and translation tools may have been used for content creation and writing. If you notice any mistakes or inconsistencies please feel free to let us know at "contact [at] theusualjapan.com". You can support TheUsualJapan financially by either becoming a supporter (recurring subscription) or make voluntary one time payments at the end of articles to help us keeping this site running. For more details refer to our Commercial Disclosure page. We hope you enjoy the content on this site and your support is highly appreciated.