On the 5th floor of S-PAL Yamagata, directly connected to Yamagata Station, you’ll find Capricciosa, a popular casual Italian restaurant with only five locations in all of Tohoku. On weekends, lines form even before opening. Did you know Capricciosa has had an unshakable No.1 menu item for over 40 years since its founding?

That dish is the iconic “Tomato and Garlic Spaghetti.” Some fans have been visiting for three generations. This article introduces the irresistible charm of Capricciosa’s beloved “Tomato and Garlic Spaghetti,” a dish that has captured countless hearts and appetites.

Extremely Rare in Tohoku! The Only Capricciosa in Yamagata: S-PAL Yamagata

Capricciosa currently operates only five locations across three prefectures in Tohoku: Aomori, Miyagi, and Yamagata. The sole Yamagata location is the S-PAL Yamagata store. The interior has the comforting atmosphere of a “slightly stylish family restaurant.”

It’s welcoming for families, friends, and solo diners alike, offering approachable yet authentic Italian cuisine. Parents with small children can bring baby food, and kids’ chairs and children’s tableware are available.

Store Information

Trying the Famous Tomato and Garlic Spaghetti!

Capricciosa’s signature dish since its founding is the “Tomato and Garlic Spaghetti.” Unfortunately, I didn’t take a photo because I added toppings. The ingredients are simple—tomato, garlic, cheese, and onion—but one bite reveals surprising depth.

It’s nothing like a typical tomato spaghetti. A wave of rich flavor, umami, and satisfaction hits you all at once. The spicy kick and delicious pasta make it incredibly addictive—you’ll devour it quickly. It was even featured on the popular TV show “Kayou wa Zenryoku! Hanada-san to Chidori-kun”, where comedians Hakata Hanamaru Daikichi, Chidori, and Kamaitachi praised it highly.

The Key to the Sauce: Capricciosa’s Special Tomatoes

The essential ingredient of this dish—the tomato—is something Capricciosa takes very seriously. They use tomatoes from Foggia in Southern Italy, Europe’s largest tomato-producing region. Only fully ripe tomatoes that meet strict quality standards are canned, capturing the peak flavor of Southern Italy and shipped to Japan.

Can You Eat That Flavor at Home?! Frozen Food & Copycat Recipes

You know it’s delicious—but maybe the restaurant is far away, or you want to enjoy it at home. Capricciosa fans and first-timers alike may wonder: “Is there a way to eat it at home?” Surprisingly, yes—and I tried it myself!

Seven-Eleven Frozen Pasta: “Tomato and Garlic” (355 yen)

This is the frozen “Tomato and Garlic” pasta sold at Seven-Eleven. As expected from a Capricciosa-supervised product, it’s impressively high quality for a frozen meal. The garlic-rich tomato sauce and cheese flavor make it very tasty. At 355 yen (tax included), it’s far more affordable than the in-store price of 1,230 yen.

Just microwave for about 5 minutes—no need to transfer to a plate. Extremely easy! To be honest, it’s “not quite the same as the restaurant,” but it’s perfect for calming sudden cravings for Capricciosa.

Attempting a Copycat Recipe… and Failing!

Searching online for “Tomato and Garlic Copycat Recipe” brings up many results. Clearly, everyone feels the same—wouldn’t it be amazing to make your favorite spaghetti at home anytime? I tried making it using online recipes, but I couldn’t recreate it with my cooking skills.

As a regular tomato spaghetti, it was delicious and satisfying. But what I wanted was Capricciosa’s Tomato and Garlic Spaghetti—so for me, it was a complete defeat. Depending on your cooking skills, you might be able to recreate it.

Both Were Good, but They Made Me Want the Restaurant Version Even More

Once you’ve tasted the real thing at the restaurant, both the frozen version and the homemade version leave you wanting the original.
Still, each has its strengths: Frozen version → affordable, easy, available anytime at Seven-Eleven. Copycat recipe → even if not identical, you can enjoy as much tomato spaghetti as you want. Trying to recreate it also made me appreciate Capricciosa’s craftsmanship even more.

Amazon Frozen Pasta Sauce (10 servings: 4,980 yen + shipping)

The frozen pasta sauce “Tomato and Garlic Spaghetti Sauce” was renewed in March 2025 and is available on Amazon. It’s sold as sauce only: 130g × 10 servings for 4,980 yen (tax included, shipping separate), about 590 yen per serving. Just microwave and pour over cooked pasta—no boiling required. It’s perfect for stocking in your freezer. Purchase from the official Capricciosa Amazon store.

Summary: Please Try It at the Restaurant at Least Once

How was it?
Some Capricciosa locations offer convenient takeout and delivery, but unfortunately, the S-PAL Yamagata store does not. So please visit the restaurant and enjoy the “Tomato and Garlic Spaghetti”—let it capture your heart and appetite! Although not covered in this article, their pizzas, rice croquettes, and other dishes are also excellent. Find your own favorites among their many delicious menu items.