KOENJI: Sempre Pizza da Giovanni for 280yen Marina Pizza!

Recently there have been a few random super low budget pizzeria's opening in Tokyo and I'm fairly certain it all started with Napoli's in early 2012.  

https://www.facebook.com/napolisjapan

But I somehow got wind of this spot serving 280yen Marinara Pizzas... just had to give it a try.

Menu starts from 280yen with no drink or salad... just Pizza and free water.  For more close-ups on the menu just click HERE. 

The seating area almost reminded me of a very basic cafeteria... not much money was spent on the interior bu then again this is probably the most fast-food pizzeria you will ever encounter.

Long counter for standing.

And there it was... my 280yen Marinara Pizza with a nice spinkle of garlic slices.

The size is 25cm's but its quite small compared to most 1,000yen lunch Pizzeria's (that usually include a drink, salad and espresso).  

The crust was decently chewy... garlic and red pepper infused olive oil helped it along.

Gas Oven.

Hmm... All I can say its a nice alternative to McD's, Yoshinoya or Taco Yaki... but it will definitely leave you craving a second lunch. I think I'd rather pay more for the comfy atmosphere of Frey's with salad/espresso vs a lonely 280yen Pizza on wooden seats. Oh! A big negative factor... no view of the pizza chef at work from the rear seating area...

Shop: Sempre Pizza da Giovanni:

Foodie Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1319/A131904/13127308/

Address J: 東京都杉並区高円寺北3-25-25 天名家ビル1F

Address E:  Tokyo, Suginami-ku, Koenji Kita 3-25-25

MAP: 

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KOENJI: Captain Bacchus... 980yen All-You-Can-Drink WINE! Plus rare Spare Ribs spotting!

A friend of mine asked if I was interested in joining him for Spare Ribs and Wine... what? Spare ribs in Tokyo?  Oh yeah... i'm game!

The foodie website describes this place as an Italian Dining Bar but as soon as we entered I felt like I was back in LA... the music is full on Mexican with a hint of Country.  Just too cool.

Shop specials

I've never seen this at a non-Japanese restauranant... all you can drink Red and White wine for 980yen!  Glass wines start at 380yen and Ebisu beer for 490yen. 

First thing to greet us was 2 types of bread... and you can eat as much as you want!  Perfect for dipping :)

How great is this... water comes in a chilled glass.  Thats my Half and Half Ebisu Dark/Light beer.

Ooooohhh a must!  

Chicken gizzards in garlic olive oil

The main reason for visiting... Spare Ribs.  Juicy and tender.

All you can drink wine barrels.  Self service!

Prosciutto was a miss... a bit dry and only a few slices.

The fries here rock... chewy crispy texture.

My friend Yas who is an author focusing on Hawaii's power spots gave us some history into the Shaka or Hang Loose greeting... (In Japanese). His Blog -->  http://ameblo.jp/powerspot88/

Refill please... lots of dipping going on.

In the back there are tables for 2-6 people...

Counter seating lines the main hall of the restaurant.

And a huge sitting area... this night it was full of wifes and little children.

Overall this place was just great... Average spend according to Gnavi is 2,500yen per person. I'll definitely be back to drink more than my share of wine next time!  Service was speedy and prompt too... little hotel desk bells on the tables to call the waiters.

Shop: Captain Bacchus

Foodie Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1319/A131904/13128701/

Gnavi: http://r.gnavi.co.jp/b808542/

Shop Homepage: http://www.32lime.com/shops/bacchus_koenji.html

Address J: 東京都杉並区高円寺北3-2-15 八字ビル 1F

Address E: Tokyo, Suginami-ku, Koenji-Kita 3-2-15
MAP:

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