One of the things I miss the most while living in Japan is the pizza. While it is possible to get your hands on western chain pizza places such Pizza Hut, I find it harder to get my hands on Italian-style pizza. Authentic, simple pizza baked in a real stone oven, drizzled with olive oil. As luck may have it, a new Italian pizzeria opened up in Aizuwakamatsu City a couple years ago!
Pizzeria Felice has become one of my favorite restaurants in Aizuwakamatsu City. So good, in fact, I forgot to take a picture of my food until after I had already inhaled my basil margherita pizza during my last visit. The owner of the shop studied in Italy for several years, before traveling back to his hometown and opening Pizzeria Felice, so you know it has to be good.
The pizzeria is located on the historic Noguchi Street (Noguchi is a famous researcher born in the Aizu Region. In fact, he is so famous that his face is on the 1,000 yen bill). While most of the buildings are old, Pizzeria Felice stands out on the corner with big glass windows. If you peek inside, you will find a luxurious interior without a distinction between the kitchen and dining area. You can watch the owner make pizza in the oven, or you can chat with the waiters at one of the bar tables.
The solid wooden tables are elegant, made of a light color and spaced far enough apart that you don't feel cramped. Last year, I even hosted an event for about twenty people, and we only took up half of the restaurant.
As for the menu - I have tried everything from their pizza to their appetizers and alcohol. Everything on their menu is completely Italian, and it is even written in Italian in addition to Japanese. Nothing has disappointed me yet. Even the complimentary bread they serve is also warm and flaky on the outside while soft on the inside. Having visited Italy, I can say that the pizza served at this restaurant is authentic and tastes just as amazing as one would expect from a talented chef who studied in Italy.
They have a large selection of pizza and pasta, from a simple margherita pizza to pizza piled with meat or veggies or topped with Ialian cheese. If you have a large group with you, they even offer party options with a set course menu, or an all-you-can-drink plan which includes alcohol.
The staff are friendly and attentive, and I highly recommend this restaurant, having visited it several times in the past. If you like Italian pizza, or have yet to try authentic Italian pizza, look no further!
Pizzeria Felice is about a 15-minutes walk from the castle and even closer to nearby shops. There is also parking available. If you come by train, it is a mere 5-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station.
