Crazy Pizza at Square

There is only one issue that Tokyo gourmets raise when it comes to the vaunted Italian pizzeria (itself a sister store of the restaurant Don Bravo) Crazy Pizza, and that is its location. Situated in Chofu City in western Tokyo, a meal at either restaurant quickly turns into a full-day outing for anyone who lives remotely east of center — and precious time burned for visitors from overseas or out-of-prefecture. That’s why the announcement of a third store, Crazy Pizza at Square (often stylized in all caps) was received with such fanfare. Located just three blocks west from the centrally located Kagurazaka Station, this outlet is easily accessible from all over Tokyo’s most major interchanges and railway lines. Insanity is in Crazy Pizza’s name, and this is reflected in the wildly creative toppings on offer. At their most inventive, they can be a crazy melange of Japanese and Italian. As a Japanese staple, the corn and mayonnaise pizza is madness to foreigners, and the cinque formaggi pizza does the standard quattro formaggi one better by having five cheese varieties instead of four. Seafood lovers will appreciate the whitebait, anchovy and mullet pizza Pizza aside, other Italian fare is also available at Crazy Pizza, such as venison carpaccio or the distinctive hat-shaped cappellacci pasta, stuffed with duck ragu and pumpkin puree. The imagination of head chef Shibata Masayuki is endless — and so guests are advised to come hungry if they want to explore the full depths of it. Michelin Guide: 2023 - Bib Gourmand