Pizza restaurants

Pizzeria La Balena

4.7 234 reviews 12:00 AM - 2:30 PM 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Japan, 604-0064 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Yawatacho, 313番3 1F

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La Balena is a pizza restaurant located in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward, offering an authentic taste of Italian cuisine with a local touch. The menu features a variety of traditional and creative pizzas, including classics like Margherita and Bismark, alongside unique options such as Spicy Chicken Wings and Panzerotto. Complementary dishes like carbonara, mini salads, and seafood specialties add depth to the dining experience. The atmosphere reflects a cozy, casual setting where customers can enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals made to order, with a focus on quality ingredients and flavor balance. Due to the artisanal cooking process, pizzas are prepared in small batches, allowing staff to maintain attention to detail in each dish. Guests can also find a selection of beverages, including espresso, tiramisu, and sparkling wine, rounding out the meal. La Balena stands out as a notable local spot by blending traditional Italian pizza craftsmanship with Kyoto’s vibrant food culture, making it a distinct choice for those seeking a relaxed yet genuine dining option in the city.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

Great dessert
Great wine list

Popular for

Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Dessert
Table service

Amenities

Bar onsite
Restroom
Smoke-free place

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy

Crowd

Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Pizzeria La Balena before visiting.

Reviews for Pizzeria La Balena

4.7

234 reviews

100%

Review highlights

Based on 234 reviews

La Balena is widely appreciated for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas and rich Italian flavors, offering a comforting alternative to typical local cuisine in Kyoto. Reviewers commonly praise the quality and taste of their signature pizzas, as well as complementary pasta dishes, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to traditional preparation methods. While the service is generally friendly and the atmosphere welcoming, some guests note a slightly slower pace, explained by the kitchen’s capacity to cook only a limited number of pizzas simultaneously. The setting maintains a cozy, intimate vibe, though occasional disruptions from tourist behavior have been mentioned as a minor drawback. Overall, La Balena stands out as a highly recommended spot for those seeking a genuine Italian dining experience with attentive service and flavorful meals, despite a modest premium on pricing and occasional service delays due to busy periods.

Stephen Kim

Aug 25, 2025

After having traveled in Japan for a week and having eaten all the delicious Asian cuisine, we were craving something different. SO glad we found this place; it was right by our hotel and it was so worth it. Yes, the service is slower, but they explain that they can only cook 2 pizzas at a time. We got the margarita and so glad we did! The cost is a bit higher than what’s around, but nothing too different than home. It seems that many of the reviews mention a fried pizza, but we got oven baked, so we can only comment on our experience. The pastas were very flavorful; we got a spicy red sauced spaghetti and a meat Ragu. The meat was a little overdone, but the flavor made up for the slight chewy consistency. It is surprising that a pizzeria this good was located in the heart of Kyoto! It’s a must try!

Rosie Chanar

Aug 06, 2025

I ordered the arugula, prosciutto, and parmigiana pizza with white sauce. My friend ordered the basil, garlic, and salami pizza with red sauce. They were both really good. My pizza was pretty rich so just a few slices was enough for me. Hers was lighter and you could eat more. Definitely a good comfort food while in Kyoto.

Victoria Acosta

Aug 01, 2025

The food is absolutely delicious. We ordered 2 Margherita pizzas (one with prosciutto), shrimp pasta and tomato pasta- everything was amazing. My husband makes Neapolitan pizzas like these from scratch and we all agreed these were so close to his. I highly recommend this place! Worth the wait (wasn’t too long at all). Wish we could have tried the tiramisu but sold out

Jul 16, 2025

Stopped by Pizzeria La Balena on a whim while passing through, and it was a delightful surprise! The meal was delicious, with flavors that hit all the right spots. Food came out quickly, and the owner was incredibly friendly, making the experience even better. Highly recommend!

Ashwin Murli

Jul 09, 2025

Our hotel is around the corner and we popped in for a quick bite. We felt that the chef/owner wasn't having the best day because of loud tourists and possibly a staff member that was late for his shift put extra pressure on him. But the pizza's were great and we enjoyed our dinner. I hope tourists that visit this place will mind their behavior and volume.

Amy Shafer

Jun 25, 2025

My friend and I ate here on our first night in Kyoto. It's a fabulous spot with lots of thoughtful atmosphere, wonderful service, and delicious food! I got the margherita basil pizza without any cheese for a vegan option and I loved it!

Simon H

Jun 07, 2025

Great little pizza place, satisfying our lust for pizza. A good selection of all the classics and a few pasta specials. The pizza is big enough for one although capacity of the oven may mean you need to wait for all your food to come out, so better off to share.