il Ceppo

Steaming pizzas emerge straight from the dining room's wood-fired oven, heralded by an appetizing charred aroma. Located in Yashio's Chuo district, il Ceppo has earned local acclaim for classic Neapolitan-style pizzas and a versatile Italian menu. The signature pies feature a relatively thin base with a distinctly chewy, elastic pull, yielding a fragrant, blistered crust that remains enjoyable right down to the last bite. Alongside the classic Margherita, the oven produces creations like melted cheese with sliced zucchini or savoury pancetta, each letting the wood smoke elevate the toppings.

Lunchtime is anchored by popular set meals that pair pizza or pasta with fresh salad or an assortment of 3 antipasti. These starters are plated with care, setting the stage for a pasta lineup spanning rich tomato and cream sauces as well as seasonal aglio e olio creations. Tables of two often order both a pizza and a pasta to share.

Dessert rounds out the meal nicely, with options like rich baked cheesecake or panna cotta drizzled with kuromitsu (black sugar syrup), well paired with an espresso or brewed coffee. A thoughtfully chosen selection of wines and other alcoholic drinks is also on hand. In the evening, the relaxed room lends itself to unhurried dinners built around oven-roasted meats, arancini, and a glass of wine.

Seating in the calm interior is limited, making advance reservations a sensible idea for a leisurely meal.