Introducing Pizzeria Avento

Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Igaguri 🌰, your Sarukuma writer.

Today I’m taking you to a hidden gem tucked away in
Kamiide, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Pizzeria Avento”.

What?! A stylish pizza place in a spot like this?! That was my first reaction (haha).

Right next door is “Arao Tokimeki Ichi” — a farm-direct produce market.

Look at that gorgeous sky!
Quite a nice shot, if I do say so myself.

And further back, you’ll find “Zensai to Wafu Steak Zen — Arao Branch”, whose main location is in nearby Omuta!

Now let’s head inside…

…wait, “Sold out for today”?!
Are you serious?! (haha)

Inside, the place buzzes with customers day after day, even on weekdays.

Almost everyone seems to have called ahead to reserve — and no wonder, since they sell out right after opening!

Counter seating here…

…and table seating over there.

Every single piece of decor is dripping with style — it almost feels more like a chic café than a pizzeria!
It’s easy to see why this spot is such a hit with women. ♡

Pizzeria Avento Recommended Menu

The most affordable options — the “Margherita” and “Marinara” — are 1,100 yen.
At the top end, the “Prosciutto and Baby Greens” goes for 2,035 yen.

For the kids, there’s the popular “Tuna Mayo Corn” pizza,
and for dessert, don’t miss the “Apple and Cinnamon” dessert pizza.

There are also limited-time seasonal menu items. When I visited at the height of summer, the special was the “Spicy Ground Pork and Green Onion Pizza.”

This time, I went with that limited-time pizza, plus…

…the “Anchovy Garlic” pizza!
(I deliberately skipped the Margherita this time because I’ve already ordered it on so many repeat visits.)

The shiso (Japanese perilla) leaves added the perfect aromatic accent — absolutely delicious! 🤤

The summer special pizza came drizzled with a savory-spicy gochujang-style sauce, the green onions sending up an irresistible aroma!

It tasted almost like Korean bulgogi on a pizza — a totally new spin on what pizza can be! (((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))

What truly makes Avento’s pizza shine is the dough!!
In my personal opinion, it’s beautifully delicate and lightly seasoned — you could honestly keep eating forever.

Finish off with the affogato dessert for a refreshing close to the meal! ♡

Avento takes their coffee just as seriously!
There’s a beautiful coffee roaster right by the entrance. (^_-)-☆

Sorry, I was so caught up in the moment that this is the only photo I managed to snap!

There are also terrace seats with a gorgeous view of the neighboring Meganebashi (“Spectacles Bridge”) — wonderfully atmospheric.
Locals say it’s also a beautiful spot for cherry blossoms in spring and fireflies in early summer.

Be sure to make a reservation in advance, and treat yourself to a slice of Kumamoto’s best pizza! ♪

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.