For a small, coastal community, Hayama always feels like it punches well above its weight when it comes to good dining options. Now, here's another new name to bookmark for when you need a beach getaway: Cana.
It's been set up by a longtime alumnus of the wonderful, atmospheric and invariably fully booked Takeru Quindici in Kitakamakura (facebook.com/TakeruQuindici).
One look at the oven — wood-fired, of course, and no messing about with fancy tilework — and the list of pizzas — eight with a tomato base; six with mozzarella — and you know you're in good hands.
Right now there aren't a lot of side dishes, but don't overlook the seafood fritto misto or the colorful mixed salad of vegetables sourced daily from the Kamakura farmers market. Nor is there much of a wine list as yet. At least there's a good dry Lambrusco bubbly, the perfect summer drink to pair with Cana's excellent pizza.
Horiuchi 1003, Hayama, Miura-gun, Kanagawa 240-0012; 046-884-9421; pizzeria-cana.com; open 11:00 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner from 6 p.m., reservation only; pizza from ¥600 (small), ¥900 (regular); nearest stations Zushi, Shin-Zushi; cash only, major credit cards soon; nonsmoking; some English spoken
