01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Saizeriya’s enduring appeal lies in its unpretentious, accessible Italian dining, anchored by long-running staples like its Milan-style doria. The baked rice casserole arrives hot with nicely browned edges, and diners can tailor it to their preference—whether adding a soft-boiled egg to stir in extra richness or choosing the version baked with an additional layer of cheese.
Beyond settling on a single main dish, part of the fun of browsing the menu is putting together a spread of small plates. Budget-friendly vegetable dishes are plentiful, including baby shrimp salad, buffalo mozzarella caprese with milky richness, and warm sautéed spinach. Paired with a glass or decanter of house wine, an ordinary meal easily takes on the relaxed feel of an informal wine bar.
Pastas and pizzas round out the offerings nicely. Depending on the day's craving, you might go for spaghetti with tarako (pollock roe) sauce Sicilian style, pancetta-studded Parma-style pasta, or warm, springy focaccia. For dessert, traditional sweets like bittersweet Italian caramel pudding or classic tiramisu make a satisfying finish alongside self-serve drinks from the drink bar.
Found on basement level 2 of Ikebukuro Square in busy Higashi-Ikebukuro, the restaurant handles ordering via seat-specific QR codes. From a swift lunch break between shopping errands to a relaxed dinner with family or friends, it remains a reliable, everyday fixture of the neighbourhood.
