iL-Chianti — Restaurant in Kanazawa

We fell into Il-Chianti one night for dinner after walking out of another “Italian” place nearby. If you’re a Westerner (Aussies and Brits, too) this is one of the few places in the neighborhood to take a break from Japanese food. We had pizza, two 750ml bottled waters and several glasses of white and red wine.

Let me preface by saying pizza is my kryptonite and I am judgmental when it comes to great pie. The pizza at IL-Chianti was good. Plenty of good tasting tomato sauce, tons of cheese, crispy crust and fresh basil on every slice! The only negatives were the cheese wasn’t browned at all but the crust was perfectly done! And the sauce and cheese was not pushed to the edge of the pie.

What we also liked was bread with EVOO and balsamic vinegar were delivered immediately to the table. The house wines were inexpensive but tasty, and the bruschetta served three ways was really good. The bottled sparkling water and still water were cold and plentiful. Oh, Marie Sharp’s hot sauce at the table which is my favorite in America! lol.

Owner is very involved, speaks some English and oversees the kitchen and young college-aged waitstaff who were attentive but not overly so. They were very friendly.

We’d return to IL-Chianti but…. on to Tokyo! It’s not Italy but we think you will be pleased to have something other than the usual. The total bill was $51.25 American or ¥7650. Check-It if you’re in the mood for Italian in...

After sitting down, had some fears reading the comments but the food was delicious and priced well. Had the happiness salad, squid in its ink and pescatore (seafood) pasta. Typically Italians dont put cheese on a seafood pasta (there was a little mixed in) but I dont come to Japan expecting authentic Italian food. The flavours were great and balanced for all the dishes including the side of bread and good quality olive oil provided on the table. No chili flakes though when asked....

I didnt try much in this restaurant but I think the restaurant could use a traning in pizza making. I ordered take out one pizza fruite de marre. It had CURRY it it! CURRYYYY! As far as i know it wasnt mentionned in the menu. I thought i was eating an indian dish with naan, the paste turned like a naan since they put aluminium to conserve it. Thanks for the thought, but pizza is not to be put in aluminium, it messes everything. One star to the staff which...