Pizza, originally from Naples, is now hugely popular around the world. You can find numerous pizzerias in Fukuoka, with many even using traditional wood-burning stoves. Neapolitans, however, are famously strict about what they consider to be real pizza. The Vera Pizza Napoletana Association exists to certify pizzerias that produce “true” traditional Neapolitan pizza. Senior instructor Gaetano Fazio also runs the internationally renowned De Gaetano on the island of Ischia. He has lent his name to just one other restaurant in the whole world. And it’s right here in Fukuoka. Owner Tommy studied under Gaetano for six years, and the reasons his restaurant received such an honor can be seen in the loving care with which the ingredients are selected and prepared. Only the finest San Felice flour is used, fresh mozzarella cheese is flown in three times a week from Naples, while their vegetables are grown locally in Fukutsu by a Neapolitan farmer named Silvio. Even their firewood is from Naples. The décor is authentic too, and the staff speak both Italian and English, as well as Japanese. Great food aside, this is also one of the most fun and lively eateries in the city. Enjoy with wine and friends!

DSC_0170

DSC_0165

pizza 001

pizza 002

pizza 003

pizza 004

pizza 005

pizza 006

pizza 007

Pizzeria De Gaetano
1F Paguro Yakuin, 2-7-14 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Tel: 092-986-8822

View Pizzeria De Gaetano / ピッツェリア・ダ・ガエターノ in a larger map

Opening hours: 11:30–13:00 (LO), 18:00–22:00 (LO) *Open for dinner only on Mondays
Closed: Sundays, 1st Monday of the month

Menu: Pizza: Marinara ¥750, Margherita ¥850, Capriciosa ¥1350, Pizza Gaetano ¥1850, Others: Angioletti ¥280, Selection of antipasto (from ¥1,000/ person), Tiramisu ¥400, Panna Cotta ¥400, Glass Wine ¥500~

Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn160, Mar. 2012)