The seasonal mentaiko pizza, front, at Pizzeria Luma di Luna with a four cheese pizza on the left and the chef's take on a Genovese pasta on the right, Feb. 8, 2026. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes)
If you’re looking for a bite of elevated comfort food, look no further than Pizzeria Lume di Luna.
The cozy, wood-fired brick oven pizzeria opened nearly two years ago right next to the Odakyu Sagamihara train station but seems undiscovered by the U.S. military community near Camp Zama.
From the premium ingredients to the creative seasonal offerings and warm, professional staff, Pizzeria Lume di Luna is one place that should be on your radar.
Friendly staff greeted us as we entered and led us to a table. The inside of the pizzeria is inviting, especially on a cool night, from the warmth of the yellow brick oven to the minimalism of the wooden architecture and the whimsy of kodama, or forest spirit figurines from Studio Ghibli’s “Princess Monoke” film scattered around the bar counter.
A variety of customers patronize this pizzeria, drawn by the promise of polished comfort: families with young children, young adults and middle-aged couples. The vibe seems laid-back but sophisticated, making it a great choice for a small birthday get-together or date night.
Lume di Luna’s regular menu has a generous list of variations on red sauce and white pizzas, like the ever-popular margherita for about 1,680 yen, or $10.52, or a four-cheese pizza for about 2,580 yen.
A summer seasonal pizza topped with prosciutto, peaches and pink peppercorn at Pizzeria Lume di Luna on Aug. 11, 2024. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes)
You can even customize your own pizza. However, my favorite option is to check out the seasonal recommendations. These pizzas incorporate local ingredients that are at their peak of flavor. One of the latest seasonal iterations included pollock roe, or mentaiko, which is in season during the colder months.
A pizza topped with savory mentaiko, roasted potatoes, and mozzarella sounded like an amazing combination, so I ordered it on the spot. When the pizza came out, it was even better than I imagined. The chef had spread a light layer of mentaiko on the pizza dough, then topped it with thinly sliced butter-roasted potatoes, pieces of melted mozzarella, and bits of fresh rosemary. The flavor was savory and rich, with a slight complexity from the spiced mentaiko. The herby rosemary came through and prevented the flavors from being too heavy.
In addition to the mentaiko pizza, we ordered a calabrese for 1,890 yen and a four-cheese pizza, as well as an arugula salad and a Genovese pasta for 1,600.
The arugula salad was large and peppery, dressed with a refreshingly light lemon vinaigrette. I appreciated that the chef adapted the Genovese pasta for Japanese ingredients. Instead of using yellow onions and beef, their recipe incorporated Japanese green onions and Kagoshima black pork.
My one complaint about the food at Lume di Luna is that I always want more of it. One adult can comfortably finish a pizza on his or her own, but the pasta portions are small. Like other restaurants in Japan, the lunch menu is more affordable than the dinner menu. A lunch set with pizza, salad and a drink costs a reasonable 1,680 yen.
The restaurant itself is also small, with seating for only 22 people. I highly recommend making a reservation online several days in advance or inquiring over the phone if the reservation is needed sooner.
The entrance to Lume di Luna Pizzeria on Aug. 11, 2024. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes)
Pizzeria Lume Di Luna
Location: HRT Building 1F, 25-27 Matsugaecho, Minami-ku, Sagamihara city, Kanagawa prefecture
Directions: A 1-minute walk from the south exit of Odakyu Sagamihara train station.
Hours: Open 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Prices: 1,200-3,000 yen, $7-$20
Dress: Smart casual
Information: A reservation is recommended. Online: tabelog.com/en/kanagawa/A1407/A140701/14094367
