A Local Favorite on the Hengchun Peninsula — Rock Garden Handmade Pizza
Whenever our guests ask where they can find a pizza on the Hengchun Peninsula that is truly worth a special trip, Rock Garden Pizza is always on our list.
Far from the bustle of Kenting Main Street and without a prominent sign, the restaurant is quietly tucked along the coast between Manzhou and Jialeshui. Advance reservations are essential, as only a limited number of handmade pizzas are available each day. The Canadian chef and his team prepare everything themselves, from the dough and sauces to the toppings.
Rock Garden does not rely on elaborate presentation. Its appeal lies in crisp crusts, generous toppings and plenty of cheese. Every pizza is baked to order, with hearty portions and bold, distinctive flavours. Surrounded by greenery, stonework and the sea breeze, a meal here becomes part of the Hengchun Peninsula experience.
Location
Rock Garden Pizza is located on Xinghai Road in Manzhou Township, near Gangkou Suspension Bridge and Jialeshui Scenic Area. From The Wandering Walls, we recommend allowing approximately 40 minutes for the drive, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The entrance is extremely discreet. When travelling along Xinghai Road, look for the number “87” beside the road. We recommend using Google Maps rather than relying on visual landmarks, as the entrance is easy to miss.
Parking and Setting
Parking is available on site, making the restaurant convenient to visit by car. Beyond the understated entrance is a dining area surrounded by trees and tropical planting, with a natural, rustic and distinctly southern atmosphere.
Rather than polished décor, you will find semi-outdoor seating, stone arrangements assembled from pieces collected by the owners over many years, and a sea breeze drifting in from across the road. Once seated, it feels natural to slow down and wait for the pizza to emerge from the oven.
Rock Garden’s charm lies not only in its pizza, but also in its secluded atmosphere, far removed from the busy tourist districts.
Before You Visit
Rock Garden Pizza operates by reservation, and only a limited quantity of dough and ingredients is prepared each day. We strongly recommend contacting the restaurant several days in advance. Weekends and public holidays fill especially quickly, and walk-in visitors may find that the pizzas have already sold out.
When booking, you will usually be asked to confirm the flavours and number of pizzas in advance so the ingredients can be prepared. The team may be unable to answer the phone while cooking, so sending a text message is often more convenient. Your reservation is confirmed only after you receive a reply from the restaurant.
The restaurant is run by a very small team, and every pizza is baked to order. Please allow extra time when the restaurant is busy. Payment is cash only, and insect repellent is recommended for a more comfortable experience in the semi-outdoor setting.
The Wandering Walls’ Recommendations
Rock Garden is known for its crisp, thin crusts, generous toppings and liberal use of cheese. These are some of its most distinctive choices:
- The J-Boo Pizza: One of Rock Garden’s most popular signatures, topped generously with pepperoni, bacon, smoked chicken, ham and sausage. The layers of meat and cheese create a rich flavour without becoming excessively greasy—an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a hearty, meat-filled pizza.
- Marinated Dry Tomato, Olives & Feta Pizza: The concentrated sweet-and-tart flavour of the marinated dried tomatoes is balanced by savoury olives and feta cheese. Compared with the meat pizzas, this option highlights the balance among its individual ingredients.
- Smoked Chicken & Mushroom Pizza: The aroma of smoked chicken pairs naturally with mushrooms. Generously topped without feeling too heavy, it is an approachable choice for both adults and children.
- Diablo Pizza: A good choice for anyone who enjoys a little heat. Spicy pork, jalapeños and aromatics build in layers, while the rich cheese and crisp crust make every bite satisfying.
- Chocolate Brownie with Ice Cream: A signature dessert almost as famous as the pizza. The warm, moist chocolate brownie is served with cold vanilla ice cream, creating a rich hot-and-cold contrast without being overly sweet. Even after a filling pizza, it is worth saving some room for dessert.
The Rock Garden Pizza Experience
Rock Garden Pizza is a restaurant with a character entirely its own. It is not designed for quick table turnover, nor is it the kind of place where you can simply walk in whenever you happen to pass by. Pizzas are limited each day, reservations are required, and every order is prepared on site—so a relaxed frame of mind is part of the experience.
That is precisely what makes it special. Driving along the coast, finding the discreet entrance and sitting among the greenery and sea breeze while the pizza bakes all become part of the meal.
If you appreciate handmade pizza made with generous, honest ingredients and would like to escape Kenting’s busier tourist areas for a leisurely trip to Manzhou, Rock Garden Pizza is one of The Wandering Walls’ recommendations—and well worth reserving in advance.
Restaurant Information
- Address: No. 87, Xinghai Rd., Manzhou Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan
- Telephone: 0931-242-991
- Reservations: Advance reservation is required. Please contact the restaurant by telephone or text message and wait for confirmation.
- Opening hours: 12:00–17:00
- Closed: Usually Tuesday and Wednesday. Please confirm current opening days and any unscheduled closures directly with the restaurant.
- Payment: Cash only
- Parking: Available on site