Every month, I am on the lookout for great foreign foods, and this month is no different. This month I got a craving for pizza, so went on the hunt to track down the tastiest and most unique pizzas in Shimane.
Matsue
When it comes to pizza in Matsue, there is that standard American big brand pizza place, but when I want something more delectable, the quattro formaggi (four cheese) pizza from Pasta Factory can’t be beat. The toppings are just right, but it is the crust that really shines here. It’s like biting into a small slice of Paradise. Not only that, but if I’m craving pizza but my friends aren’t, they have a full menu of other savory fare to make their mouth water.
Izumo
Living in Izumo, I can’t get my pizza fix in Matsue all the time. When I’m looking for the quattro formaggi pizza in the Taisha area I visit Kami Terasu Café. Inside, Izumo Pizza Maina serves their four-cheese pizza slathered with honey! I’d also recommend the very spicy salami and red pepper pizza for those who can stand the heat. Their two-story building, overlooking the Inasa shrine, offers a very unique twist on on the classic food truck concept by bringing a food truck right into their dinning room! Their pizzas have delicious crusts and are unique spins on classic Italian pies. In the same room Izumo Amazake has delicious carbonated fruit drinks available with or without sweet sake that make for an interesting pairing. I enjoy their mixed berry squash the most.
Oda
When I’m hunting down pizza. I don’t expect to look for it on the beaches of Oda, but Chinakamame is a special treat. Their food, including warm sandwiches and taco rice, is only available Thursdays ~ Sundays between April and October. Pizzas are only available after the rainy season, unfortunately but perfect timing for me to grab one in late September or October. Located on Kotogahama Beach they may be a bit out of the way, but it’s worth the trip for their apple pizza. This is a desert pie fashioned with pizza crust, topped with sweet apples and ice cream. Overlooking the sea, the sunset views are beautiful and taking a walk on the beach is a unique experience because the sands actually whistle! All of that is only available for a short time, so get it while you can!
Hikawa
No list of pizza places would be complete without me mentioning Gulliver Pizza & Coffee house. These pies have a crispy crust and are loved by many around Shimane. This is an actual pizzeria with a lot of options, some of them a bit unusual to westerners, like fruit topped pizzas, but I am sure to find one that I like as they have a lot of western options as well. The best part is their largest pizza is 36cm, American sized! But this is one best eaten with a knife and fork as they are a fairly dense pie with plenty of toppings. It’s maybe not the cheapest pizza on this list, but it’s worth the price.