PIZZERIA HIRANOGRANO — Restaurant in Takayama

We were excited to try PIZZERIA HIRANOGRANO, but unfortunately, our experience was far from pleasant. We arrived approximately 20 minutes after the opening time, and despite the place being only half occupied, the owner informed us that he was fully booked. He insisted that we should have called ahead, even though there was no information anywhere about this rule.

We tried to explain our situation, but the owner completely ignored us and continued cooking, speaking in a rude tone. This behavior felt very far removed from the kind and polite hospitality we associate with Japanese culture.

Attitude and behavior are crucial when it comes to dining experiences, and sadly, this restaurant failed in that regard. While we were eager to enjoy the food, the lack of professionalism and courtesy overshadowed everything else. I cannot recommend this restaurant based on the poor treatment...

We had a sad experience this evening. We were 4 adults with 2 toddlers of 3 years old who came 20 minutes on foot to have dinner at this restaurant. The kids were starving and there was no customer in the restaurant and despite all this the staff who was working there was very rude and didn't want to receive us. No sumimasen, nothing, he didn't even want to look at us. It was 8 pm and we speak and understand very well Japanese. I guess that he simply didn't feel like serving us. After we insisted, he mumbled something like because of corona he can't receive more than 4 customers. But the restaurant was empty and it's quite big and the issue was only with the 3 years old toddlers... Seriously? From his attitude we all felt that if we were Japanese this wouldn't have happened....

There's only so much ramen, soba and sushi one can have before the stomach asks for some pizza. I got here on rainy day and found a homely place with a lone hardworking man running the show. It was a pleasure sitting near the bar and seeing him go about his work with his noodle boiler, stove and the classic woodfired oven. The pizza came out as good as any I've ever had (and I live in Little Italy, SF) and the sides I tried (garlic toast, egg/asparagus bake, baked veggies) were delicious too.

I talked to him for a bit and found out that worked and learned his skills at an Italian place in Gujo hachiman for many years before opening this spot up 9 years ago!

He very kindly ordered me a taxi to...