Rocco's Pizza

Opening in 2010, Rocco’s NY Style Pizza is one of the oldest New York style pizza restaurants in Tokyo.

Rocco’s NY Style Pizza is quickly gaining notoriety through Tokyo as it is the only authentic NY pizza available. This automatically deserves our attention.

While some swear allegiance to Chicago pies, and others here claim Sbarro’s or even (gasp) Costco’s makes pizza best, I know where I stand. I am a true-blue fan of the NY slice.

Are you a NY Pizza Fan?

A friend of mine told me of his recent find, Rocco’s, only to learn that I’d been sitting on the jackpot myeslf, not sharing the knowledge. When he found out that not only had I eaten there before, but I was also in their (free) delivery-zone? He went Godfather on me. “You are dead to me now. Dead, I say.”

Such is the passion we American expats carry for a NY slice–the kind you fold-over and maybe top with a little parmesano, oregano, and crushed red. (Rocco’s does supply Tabasco, as well). Situated in northern Tokyo, close to JR and Tokyo Metro Lines, it may be a bit out of your way. Yet, it is much closer and cheaper than hopping a flight to the Big Apple.

It’s wild to be in Tokyo and use the same condiment shakers as you’d find in the US, and then be transported as you fold your pizza and inhale the first bite. Glory.

Just What Makes it a NY Slice, Exactly?

Large size…18 inches or larger (Check. Rocco’s large pie is 18 inches, 46 cm).

Thin crust which becomes a nice chewy crust to hold onto by the end. Also, you need some nice bubbles in the crust! (Rocco’s also delivers in the thin, delicious crust department).

A large slice which is folded over, may be enjoyed on a white paper plate, and eaten with visible strings of melted mozzarella cheese hanging between the slice and your happy mouth. (Rocco’s is a bit more fancy, with real plates. Same fold-over, same fabulous cheese).

There are more technical points in the kneading and baking, I’m sure. Some also swear it’s that NY water. These are just some of the obvious points a NY pizza-lover enjoys.

Why is it So Soul-Satisfying?

Some foods leave you both satisfied and eager for more, knees wobbly like jello. A NY pizzeria in Tokyo is more than another food option; it is a bit beyond just the physical, even when you weren’t even pining for home or for that most amazing slice you once had while visiting a friend in college. Or when you first fell in love with old NY in films. Or when you walked around impersonating lines from My Cousin Vinny. A NY slice stands for so much more. And in this Tokyo setting? It is a grand thing.

Are You a Sports-Fan?

Watch NFL, MLB, and NBA games on Rocco’s flatscreen as you dine on wings (4 for 650 yen, 6 for 900 yen), pizza by the pie or slice, garlic knots, and other sides.

Visit their sports page to view games and dates.

Do They Have My Favorite Toppings?

Oodles of topping-choices, as well as pre-made pizzas like Hawaiian, Teriyaki Chicken (really good, despite my fear of mayonnaise-based-sauces),  Mexican Pizza (made with homeade chili), etc, are served daily.

Create your own pizzas with plenty of veggie choices, to corn and seafood for a more Japanese-style pizza. Of course, in the spirit of NY, you can’t go wrong with plain cheese. There is also pepperoni.

Any Deals?

Weekday lunches are this: with your slice, you can grab a drink, salad, or soup for 100 yen each. This is 100 yen cheaper than offered at other times.

Your slice-price depends on what you order. For example, a slice of Italian sausage and green peppers is 450 yen, whereas classic NYC cheese is 375 yen.

Here is the full-menu. Pies are quite comparable to more Japanese-styled pizza offerings, but you will know you’re getting the real-deal.

What Else?

Dan, owner and pizza-maker, hails from upstate NY, in Woodstock. His oven is also an import from the US, and their offered cheesecakes , original with blueberry sauce, or chocolate, are flown-in from Brooklyn.

He and his wife, Keiko, know how to bring the goods. Their garlic-knots bear impeccable crust and a sensational, chewy inside, all smothered in garlic butter, salt, and herbs. Even after my two hearty slices, ginger ale, homemade tomato-veggie soup, and small salad, I could have ripped into more of those garlic knots.

Kirin Heartland beer is poured from the tap for 500 yen a glass, and there are cocktails, shots, bottles, and glasses of wine at the ready.

Rocco’s offers various soft drinks,  juice, coffee, hot cocoa, and tea.

by Melissa Uchiyama