While not demonstrating the finest of Japanese cuisine nor the pinnacle of pizza, Pizza Pockets is a brand new pizza place open 11am – 11pm, conveniently located near the station.
While Pizza Pockets is probably more for expats in Saga than the average tourist, if you are on the run around the city and just want a bite to eat then Pizza Pockets is a great choice. There is a small amount of seating inside for you to sit in and eat, or if you prefer you can take it back to your hotel/apartment or not leave the house at all - they deliver! It should be noted, however, that there is a great 20% discount for going in store. If you are going in to order, pizzas normally take under 10 minutes to make and come fresh out the oven. Also due to its central location (near all the local hotels) it’s great if you want to order in.
There are many different pizzas on the menu and different offers throughout the year, from Japans favourite, sweetcorn and mayonnaise, to my own: pesto, prawns and mushroom. The menu is mainly written in katakana, so if you can read this then you will have literally no problem, even if you can’t speak Japanese, but if you can’t then not to worry, the menu also comes with pretty accurate pictures. For vegetarians there is a great tomato and garlic pizza, a 6 cheese pizza, as well as corn mayo.
Pizzas come in 20cm, 25cm and 35cm (S,M,L) which you can order by simply saying the letter, and in thin crust and deep dish varieties (which you can point to on the menu.) While the staff don’t speak English it shouldn’t be a problem, particularly if you go in to order.
As well as pizza, Pizza Pockets also serves okonomiyaki, a type of pancake stuffed with cabbage vegetables and usually meat, if you are interested in trying something more Japanese, as well as a range of drinks.
People living in Saga City always go to the western comfort of Dominoes, but personally I think Pizza Pockets is better, has more variety of pizza, and is cheaper. With Medium Pizzas from about ¥600 you really can’t go far wrong.
It's my little local secret.
