A casual and endearingly cute pizzeria near the popular Hondori Arcade area, Mario Expresso is a celebrated name in Hiroshima and is the ‘express’ version of the larger Ristorante Mario that is located adjacent to the Hiroshima Peace Park. A tiny establishment with funky wooden interiors and colourful no fuss tablecloths, this eatery exudes warmth and oodles of charm. With catchy pop music constantly playing in the background, this is the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

While their portions are small for the price you pay, the fare served at Mario is sumptuous, and packs in authentic Italian flavours. With an all English menu illustrated with pictures and a decent number of choices in pizza, pasta, sides, drinks and desserts, you will be compelled to lick your fingers after doing the traditional ‘scarpetta’ (licking your plate clean with a piece of leftover bread, the way the locals do in Italy). And while you’re there, make sure to sample Mario’s signature Pizza Margherita, weirdly long garlic bread-sticks, yummy red wine sangria, and a ridiculously decadent chiffon cake. The staff might not understand much English, but they will do everything they can to make you feel at home.