Located just a short walk from Kawagoe Station, “Pizzeria Loccoc Kawagoe” seamlessly integrates into the town's quaint, gabled architecture. It is a locally renowned specialty pizzeria specializing in Naples-style pizza. The interior is filled with the fragrant aroma of fired dough, creating a lively yet warm atmosphere that feels like a cozy Italian restaurant. During lunchtime, the place is often crowded with long queues of customers. However, the reason for this popularity is clear at first bite: the food is simply outstanding. This time, I tried the classic “Water Buffalo Mozzarella Margherita” and the famous “Pizza da Loccoc”.
First, “Water Buffalo Mozzarella Margherita”. When it is served right in front of me, the aroma of tomatoes and basil fills the air, stimulating my appetite. The dough is made using the traditional Neapolitan method of high-temperature baking. The edges are plump and puffed, while the outside is fragrant and the inside is chewy. Each bite reveals the sweetness and aroma of wheat. The tomato sauce has an excellent balance between acidity and sweetness, with a just-right saltiness that enhances the creamy texture of the water buffalo mozzarella. The cheese is creamy and smooth, melting on the tongue. Despite its simplicity, it showcases the excellence of the ingredients. It’s truly a classic dish.
Next, there’s the "Pizza di Locco" restaurant, which is named after its location. The pizza is made with a tomato base, topped with mozzarella, salami, olives, and ricotta. The presentation is stunningly colorful. The flavor of the salami and saltiness complement each other, while the fresh taste of the ricotta adds a touch of elegance to the dish. The aroma of freshly baked pizza blends with the scent of olive oil, creating a complex and rich taste experience in the mouth. Despite its generous portion, the aftertaste is light, making this pizza a perfect match for wine.
The staff's service is also very polite. You can enjoy your meal while watching the craftsmen baking each dish one by one in front of the kiln. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is filled with Italian music, giving you a feeling as if you're in a genuine pizzeria.
"ピッツェリア ロッコ川越"は、素材、焼き方、空気感のすべてにこだわりを感じさせるレストランです。ナポリピッツァの原点を大切にしながら、食べる人を笑顔にする温かさを持つ名店です。川越で本格的な窯焼きピッツァを楽しみたいなら、間違いなく欠かせないお店です。"
