Saizeriya

Personal experience

We went to dinner at Saizeriya at the Shijo-Kawaramachi crossroads at around 8.30pm one weekend in July. Despite the late hour, there were already 4 or 5 groups waiting even outside the restaurant. We first entered the establishment to write our name and the number of people on the sheet at the entrance, then waited our turn. After waiting about 10 minutes, we were shown to our table. We’d been to this restaurant several times before, and it seemed to be relatively spacious. There are three Saizeriya restaurants near the Shijo-Kawaramachi crossroads. The one we went to is on the second floor of a building along Kawaramachi Avenue, just a minute’s walk south from the crossroads. In Kyoto, many restaurants close relatively early in the evening, but this one stays open until midnight, making it convenient when dining later than usual.

The interior of the restaurant is rather lively, which may not make it ideal for a quiet meal. On the other hand, it does make it very suitable for families with children. At Saizeriya, a little game of differences is included with the menu. While you’re waiting for the dishes, you can compare two pictures and have fun finding the differences. Our daughter loves this game, and sometimes even wants to go to Saizeriya mainly for this (and to eat pasta). The menu is illustrated with photos, making it easy to understand. Each table has a button to call a waiter if necessary, but you can also scan the QR code on the table and place an order easily from your cell phone.

Saizeriya is particularly well known for its low prices. Among the family-restaurant chains and fast-food outlets in Japan, it is undoubtedly one of the most affordable. Given this price range, it’s true that glasses and plates are often made of plastic, giving the restaurant a canteen-like atmosphere. However, it’s not just a question of low prices: many customers are also true connoisseurs of the taste of the dishes on offer. Alcoholic beverages are also offered at surprisingly low prices.

The menu offers salads, soups, chopped steaks, rice gratins (doria), pizzas, snails, etc., with portions that aren’t very large. If you’re not sure how much you’ll be able to eat, there’s absolutely no need to order everything from the start: you can add dishes as you go along, without any worries. The desserts on offer are equally varied: you can choose from chocolate cakes, flans, gelato and tiramisu. If you’re looking for a taste of far-off Europe without breaking the bank, why not give it a try?