Saizeriya101: What You Need to Know

Concept

Saizeriya’s restaurant concept aims to make “delicious, healthy Italian home cooking conveniently and enjoyably accessible to people worldwide.”

Business Hours

Regular Schedule: Saizeriya operates on a “year-round, no holidays” basis at all locations. However, some stores may close during the New Year period or for equipment maintenance. Always verify operating hours at your specific location.

Operating Hours: Most Saizeriya locations operate from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, though some extend to midnight or 2:00 AM, while others open as early as 7:00 AM. Check the official website for exact hours at your intended location.

Key Features

1. “Better Than Fast Food” – The Ultimate Value 

While a Big Mac set at McDonald’s costs around ¥800–¥900, Saizeriya offers a completely different experience for the same price.

• The Vibe: Unlike fast-food joints where you eat out of paper wrappers, Saizeriya is a proper sit-down restaurant with silverware, heavy tables, and waiter service (or QR ordering).
• The Volume: For ¥1,000, you aren’t just getting a burger; you can get a pasta, a salad, a side dish, and a drink. It is arguably the best cost-performance dining in Japan.

２. The “Cheaper Than Water” Wine

 This is Saizeriya’s secret weapon. You can enjoy a glass of Italian house wine for just ¥100 (approx. $0.70 USD).

• A 250ml decanter is around ¥200, and a 500ml decanter is roughly ¥400.
• It is actually cheaper to drink wine here than to buy bottled water at a convenience store! It’s the perfect spot for a casual, budget-friendly drink.

3. The Impossible “Spot the Difference” Game

 Check the Kids’ Menu on your table (even if you don’t have kids). On the back, there is a “Spot the Difference” (Machigai Sagashi) puzzle.

• Warning: Do not underestimate it. It is famously difficult, even for adults. Finding all the differences before your food arrives is a genuine challenge that has a cult following in Japan. Give it a try!

4. Convenient Locations Throughout Tokyo

With 1,038 locations nationwide (12th largest restaurant chain in Japan), Saizeriya maintains approximately 206-208 stores across Tokyo, with particularly high concentrations in Hachioji, Adachi-ku, and Edogawa-ku. You’ll find one nearby wherever you are in the city.

5. Exceptionally Affordable Pricing

Popular Menu Prices:

• Hamburg Steak: ¥400
• Small Shrimp Salad: ¥350
• Drink Bar (coffee & soft drinks): ¥200

Sample Meal:

• Peperoncino: ¥300
• Sautéed Spinach: ¥200
• Focaccia: ¥150
• Drink Bar: ¥200
• Italian Pudding: ¥250
• Total: ¥1,100 (tax included)

Compare this to a McDonald’s double cheeseburger meal with fries and medium drink at ¥940—Saizeriya offers significantly better value.

Lunch Comparison with Sukiya:

• Sukiya: Regular gyudon + small salad + miso soup = ¥600
• Saizeriya: 100% beef hamburg + rice set = ¥600, OR pasta + small salad = ¥500
• Add Drink Bar for +¥200 at either

Unlike quick-service gyudon shops where customers typically eat and leave promptly, Saizeriya encourages leisurely dining.

6．Important to Know: Central Kitchen System

Saizeriya minimizes in-store cooking by employing a central kitchen system where most preparation occurs at specialized facilities. Individual locations only perform final steps: boiling pasta, grilling proteins, and assembling salads. Stores lack gas ranges, deep fryers, and knives—ensuring consistent quality and efficiency across all locations.

How to Order

Method 1 – Self-Order (Recommended):

1. Scan the QR code on your table with your smartphone
2. Browse the menu and enter item numbers
3. Submit your order digitally

Method 2 – Staff Order: Press the table call button to summon staff and order verbally.

Step-by-Step Video Guide: Entry to Exit

Accommodates Every Dining Style

Saizeriya’s official website showcases various dining scenarios:

Casual Drinks & Snacks for Two (¥2,000 total / ¥1,000 per person):

• White Wine Carafe Large (500ml)
• Red Wine Carafe Small (250ml)
• Sautéed Spinach
• Warm Soft Green Bean Salad
• Spicy Chicken
• Chorizo
• Peperoncino

Family Weekend Dinner for Five (¥4,680 total / ¥936 per person):

• Set Drink Bar
• Kids Drink Bar
• White Wine Carafe Large (500ml)
• Small Shrimp Salad
• Spicy Chicken
• Sautéed Spinach
• Warm Soft Green Bean Salad
• Focaccia
• Sausage Pizza
• Popcorn Shrimp & Cod Roe Cream Gratin (Whole Wheat)
• Mixed Grill
• Young Chicken Diavola Style
• Rice
• Baked Escargot
• Italian Pudding

Popular Menu Items

Here are some of Saizeriya’s most popular dishes that keep customers coming back.

Budget: ¥100-500 (excluding bottled wine)

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1. Small Shrimp Salad (小エビのサラダ)

Fresh, plump sweet shrimp on crisp lettuce with Saizeriya’s signature dressing—a customer favorite.

2. Spicy Chicken Wings (辛味チキン)

Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. These mid-wing chicken pieces are prepared using Saizeriya’s unique cooking method for maximum flavor.

3. Milan-Style Doria(ミラノ風ドリア)

Saizeriya’s #1 most popular dish. A simple yet satisfying baked rice casserole you’ll never tire of. The white sauce is made using a proprietary method that brings out the natural milk flavor, while the meat sauce highlights the umami of beef and vegetables. These two sauces combine with turmeric rice and cheese to create layers of flavor.

4. Hamburger Steak（ハンバーガーステーキ）

100% beef patty featuring the rich flavor and satisfying texture of lean red meat.

5. Carbonara（カルボナーラ）

Egg yolk richness meets the savory depth of pancetta and cheese—a perfectly balanced classic.

6. Drink Bar Set(ドリンクバーセット)

Includes 100% apple juice, vegetable & fruit blends (100% juice), various soft drinks, carbonated beverages, and tea bags for leisurely hot drinks. True to Saizeriya’s Italian roots, the drink bar even offers cappuccino and espresso.

7. Grilled Young Chicken Diavola Style (ディアボラ風若鶏のグリル)

Saizeriya’s most popular meat dish. Thick chicken thigh grilled slowly to juicy perfection, topped with Saizeriya’s signature vegetable sauce.

8. Sautéed Spinach (Hourensou no Sauté)

Spinach sautéed with aromatic olive oil and garlic—a delicious and effortless way to enjoy your greens.

9. Italian Pudding (イタリアンプリン)

Rich egg custard with bittersweet caramel—Saizeriya’s #1 most popular imported Italian dessert.

10. House Wine (グラスワイン)

Saizeriya partnered with Italian wineries to develop house wines that perfectly complement their cuisine. Focusing on fresh, young wines commonly enjoyed daily in Italy, these wines have been directly imported since 1996, preserving their fresh flavor profile.

11. Bottled Wine（ボトルワイン）

Additional wine selection available by the bottle.