Pizzeria Mario Espresso - Hiroshima

They say you can't judge a book by its cover but when it comes to judging western restaurants in Asia I usually judge them by the quality of English employed in their menu.  As in, if it says Serveral kinds of saues can be seleeted and some of the choices are Block pepper sauce Retchup and Mexico cilliy sauce, I'm not expecting too much.  Although the place was super cozetastic and had what I would describe as an up-north cabin on the coast of Maine nautical theme (for some reason), the menu could use review by someone who speaks English at greater than an age 4 level.  Therefore, for this and other reasons, including, but not limited to, that I was in Japan, I had my doubts.

Nonetheless, it gives me much joy to whole-heartedly report that their pizza is AWESOME in all capitals, which means I'm not kidding around.  After a somewhat depressing day learning about nuclear war and wandering around in the rain NOT attending a baseball game (it was rained out), this was just what I needed.

The crust at this place is the kind of crust you dream about at night.  Well it is the kind I dream about at night, at least. Soft, chewy, bubbly, slightly crispy at the slightly burnt places. I mean COME ON.  Doesn't this look delicious?

Topped off with some deliciously tasty tomatoes and fresh mozzarella - I felt like I was in heaven. Which is weird, because I was in Hiroshima (one of the top ten most non-heaven like places in the world).  

At the time of eating, I declared this was the best pizza in Asia.  Maybe I was a little hasty but next time you are in Hiroshima you should definitely consider Pizzeria Mario Espresso in between stuffing your face with okonomiyaki (which you should also do).

Crust: 10
Sauce: 10
Toppings: 8
Ambiance: 9
VFM: 9
Overall: 10

Pizzeria Mario Espresso

Kind of near the Parco department store...
This may or may not be the address: 7-9 Fukuromachi, Hiroshima

Domani

Domani is not exactly the kind of place to take your friends in low places, but I highly recommend it if you are looking for an excellent quality pie.

 

Set next to the Pacific Place 1 and 2 office towers, Domani is in a cool looking new building with interesting views of Central. Recently renovated, it is hip without being tragically so. They've replaced the lower, cozier tables with snazzy looking new bar stools. Personally, I prefer to sit with my feet on the ground but if all people did high-top tables probably wouldn't exist so I'm not giving out demerits for that. Anyway, less talk more action, let's hear about the pizza.

It is so far the one and only pizza I have ever had in this city that I would deem truly EXCELLENT! We ordered the Domani pizza which included mozzarella, porcini mushrooms, black truffle paste and sausage. The truffle oil was delicious and not overpowering (as truffles can sometimes be). The cheese was high quality and near perfect in its amount. The sausage was high quality and tasty. But the true beauty of this pizza is the crust. Perfectly crispy, deliciously thin but not too thin so as to get soggy...in a word...exquisite. It may be the best pizza crust in Honkers.

The menu generally offers a variety of typical Italian pies, however they do offer wheat crust (have not tried it). Interestingly, they also offer black squid ink dough for one pizza - could be fun - let me know if you try it.

Only a few complaints:

Point: Pizza may only be ordered in the bar. What is this? Pizza is a second class citizen in an Italian restaurant these days? I don't think so.
Counterpoint: Can also order it outside in the garden terrace (provided the temperature cooperates).

Point: At HKD120-HKD190 per pie, if you are, as they say, busted, this is probably not the place for you.
Counterpoint: Price is what you pay, value is what you get.

Crust: 10

Sauce: N/A

Toppings: 10

Ambiance: 9

VFM: 8

Overall: 10

Domani
Level 4 Pacific Place
88 Queensway
Admiralty
(In a taxi - ask to be dropped off at PP 1 or PP2)
Phone: 2111-1197