Tabelog ratingPizzeria Tuka (ピッツェリア Tuka) is a one-man operation in a rustic log cabin in the village of Sarabetsu, Hokkaido. It has earned a devoted following for its exceptional wood-fired pizzas, which showcase a distinctive crust and the region's excellent dairy.
The star of the show is the dough, fired in a stone oven to create a crust that reviewers consistently describe as having a unique 'mochi-like' chewiness, while remaining crisp. This forms the base for pies generously topped with local ingredients. The signature Sarabetsu Cheese pizza, often featuring four varieties, is a must-try, praised for its fragrant, milky flavours. The classic Margherita and the herb salsiccia pizza are also highly recommended.
The pizzeria's popularity and solo-run nature mean long waits are standard—expect to queue for an hour on weekdays and potentially over two hours on weekends. Service is self-paced, with drinks and cutlery self-service. The limited number of pizzas can also mean they sell out before closing time, so it's wise to check the shop's social media for updates before visiting.
Despite the wait, guests find the prices to be excellent value. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,500 for the signature Sarabetsu Cheese pizza and ¥1,100–¥1,300 for a Margherita. A smaller herb salsiccia pizza was noted at ¥600. The typical spend for lunch or dinner is between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999.
- Booking: Reservations are not accepted. Arrive early, add your name and phone number to the waitlist at the door, and expect to wait in your car until you are called.
- Getting There: From Obihiro Station, take the Tokachi Bus bound for Hiroo and get off at the "Sarabetsu Kita 1-sen" stop. The pizzeria is a 2-minute walk from there.
- Payment: Credit cards are not accepted. Payment is by cash, electronic money, or QR code.
- Seating: The small space has 16 seats, including 8 at the counter and two small tables.
- Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
- Parking: Free parking is available in front of the restaurant but can fill up quickly.