La Casa di Nao Tenjin Area

After more than two decades away, honing his skills overseas and in Japan, Naoyuki recently returned to Fukuoka to open, appropriately enough, "La Casa di Nao," (Nao's house) on Josui-dori just a few kilometers from where he grew up. After graduating from a culinary school in Osaka, Nao got his big break as a chef working in the Japanese embassies in Switzerland and Italy. Upon returning to Japan, on behalf of companies and others, Nao planned and opened dozens of restaurants. A few years ago he gained notoriety winning the "TV Chef" competition for best pizza. At Casa di Nao you can enjoy his award-winning Roma-style pizza for lunch or dinner, baked individually in a wood-burning oven. Nao recommends trying this thin-crust pizza as a starter, and you should trust his expertise as there are plenty of other mouth-watering Italian dishes to be enjoyed here. Especially recommended is his fresh pasta, Fettuccine Mare Monte or Tagliatelle verde alla carbonara con uova semi cotto. If possible, ask for a seat along the counter where you can enjoy a chat with Nao and watch the action in his open kitchen. Foreign clientele should be pleasantly surprised with the European-sized portions, and the prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food and service.

Last updated September 2008