The 10 unmissable restaurants in Okinawa and Southeast Islands, March 2019 Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 05 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

The 10 unmissable restaurants in Okinawa and Southeast Islands, March 2019

Planning a trip to Okinawa and Southeast Islands and looking for something specific to eat? There are plenty of restaurants to suit every tastes. Discover the best places to eat here, from traditional meal and quintessentially comfort food to western-style dishes and varied ethnic cuisine.

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Okinawa.

1. YAOKI

Newly opened in December 2018, [Yaoki] is a specialty store serving juwari soba, a type of soba noodle made with 100% buckwheat flour, which is found rare in Nago City. Using buckwheat from Hokkaido and Aizu region, the juwari soba has no wheat as a binding agent and is made simply by the highly skilled and experienced chef, creating a wondrous flavor and fragrance unique to buckwheat. It's sure to satisfy any soba lover or even those who have not been familiar with soba, and it's culture. Why not enjoy soba even more with some fresh tempura, perfectly deep fried using seasonal ingredients for the perfect Japanese taste. It appears they have already gained regular customers. Another popular dish is the [Kaisen-don] which spoils customers with generous amounts of otoro (fatty tuna) and snow crab; showing that this store could be just the next big stop for Japanese cuisine for a people of any age.

YAOKI

Open: [Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm) *Dinner is only served while supplies last.
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 1,500 JPY
Access: In between AEON Nago Branch and Nago Driving school, near the Okita 5-chome intersection
Address: 1F, 7-1-9, Miyazato, Nago city, Okinawa

2. Ajigokoro Taisho

Our izakaya (Japanese pub) serving tasty awamori (Okinawan liquor) is along Prefectural Road 6, across from [Torii Station]. Inside, the restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere with the warmth of the wood where you can relax and enjoy. Enjoy our proud seafood dishes using fresh local seafood stocked from a local fishing port every morning, and creative Okinawan dishes. We also serve a wide variety of dishes such as sushi, tempura, and steak. Also enjoy various alcohol, including awamori (Okinawan liquor), sake (Japanese alcohol), beer, and shochu (Japanese liquor) mixed with soda water. [Toya Teichiami (fixed fishing net) Course] with the Recommendation of the owner and [Seasonal Course with Our Recommendation] are suited for banquets. Various types of seating are available such as horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu table) and counter seats. Please visit us alone or with many people for various occasions.

Ajigokoro Taisho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: From National Route 58, go along Prefectural Road 6. Near to Furugen Elementary School
Address: 1091 Sobe, Aza, Yomitanson, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa (Map)
More Details Reservation

3. Yuki-no-Hana Naha Kokusai-dori Street branch

[Yuki-no-Hana Naha Kokusai-dori Street branch] is located behind the [Ryukyu Kingudom Market] on Kokusai-dori Street. Enjoy our local sweets, such as [Okinawan Zenzai (bean soup sweetened with sugar)], and shaved ice with an abundance of Okinawan fruits. Our location, on a quiet street next to Kokusai-dori Street, is ideal for both local guests and tourists visiting Okinawa to enjoy a short break while on their way. You can casually visit our clean, cozy space that is mainly in white. [Zenzai (bean soup sweetened with sugar)], our signature dish with a nice smooth texture is topped with shave ice which is made with a quickly-frozen special-made syrup. We use the first particular shave ice machine in Okinawa prefecture. We also offer Orion Beer and coffee, so that those who do not care for sweets can also relax and enjoy.

Yuki-no-Hana Naha Kokusai-dori Street branch

Open: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 1,000 JPY
Access: 10 minutes walk from [Makishi Station] on Yui Rail. On the road between McDonald's Kokusai-dori Street branch and the Ryukyu Kingdom Market
Address: 2-2-20 Makishi, Naha city, Okinawa (Map)
More Details Reservation

4. Ryukyu BBQ Blue

Ryukyu BBQ Blue is located on the 12th floor of Kafuu Resort Fuchaku Condo Hotel. At lunchtime, you can get a sweeping view of the emerald green ocean, while at night you get to enjoy a beautiful sunset and the night scenery of the western seafront. The night lends this place a refined ambiance somewhat similar to a lounge. Dishes are carefully put together using specially selected ingredients produced in Okinawa, and the flavors are exquisite. The [Beef Round in a Pineapple Pot] is like something you might find in a tropical destination, and dishes like [Short Rib Marinated in Coconut Green Curry] allow the diner to enjoy the experience with all 5 senses. The creativeness of the chef shows in his plating and presentation, which makes for a great SNS moment. It doesn't stop at yakiniku (Japanese BBQ), with each and every dish possessing so much character that they bring out the excitement in diners. If you visit this place as a tourist or on a date, it will surely become a memorable night.

Ryukyu BBQ Blue

Open: Breakfast 6:30 am - 10:00 am (L.O. 9:30 am), Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Course L.O. 9:00 pm, A la carte L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: Approximately 10-minute drive on the Okinawa Expressway from the Ishikawa Interchange
Address: 246-1, Shirifukuchihara, Fuchaku, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa

5. Beef Skewers and Deep Fried Skewers - Yume Iori

Beef Skewers and Deep Fried Skewers - Yume Iori cuisine

Located a 3-minute walk from Miebashi Station, this skewer-specialty restaurant opened in December 2018 with a dream to make beef skewers a new Okinawan delicacy. Taking great care to prepare every single skewer using premium ingredients such as Okinawa beef, Ryubiton pork, and Miyazaki chicken, so it's tasty both fried and grilled! By slowly grilling it using white charcoal, the surface becomes crispy and aromatic while the inside stays sweet and juicy. The [Vegetable Roll] is especially popular as the pork is wrapped with veggies, making it a healthier choice. Other must-try dishes include the fresh seafood dishes and the [Hon Soki-Ni], an Okinawan specialty. The stylish yet calming interior of the restaurant also comes with counter seats, tables, and private rooms, making it great for solo visitors and groups. The skewers can also be ordered as take-out.

Beef Skewers and Deep Fried Skewers - Yume Iori

Open: 4:00 pm - 2:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk on Okiei Street toward Kokusai Street from [Miebashi Station] on Yui Rail Line.
Address: 1F, Sankyo Bldg., 2-16-9, Makishi, Naha city, Okinawa

6. Curry Revolutionary Army SINGH

"Curry Revolutionary Army SINGH" can be found roughly a 10-minute drive from the Okinawa-minami IC. Here, you'll be able to savor authentic Indian curry prepared fresh every day by an Indian chef. The restaurant's concept is "curry to enjoy with rice." Their liberal use of authentic Indian spices results in a dish that matches beautifully with rice, such as the well-known [Butter Chicken Curry], which is a popular signature dish. There are also 10 types of toppings you can add to your curry. You can select 3 for free, which is another reason for their popularity. Since you can adjust the heat levels with spices, the dishes here can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Curry Revolutionary Army SINGH

Open: 11:30 am - 12:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 950 JPY
Access: 10-minute drive from Okinawa-minami Interchange
Address: 1-22-20, Mihara, Okinawa city, Okinawa (Map)
More Details

7. Kushikatsu to Shuwashuwa KOMANECHI Kokusai-dori branch

Kushikatsu to Shuwashuwa KOMANECHI Kokusai-dori branch cuisine

We serve skewers in the middle of Naha, Okinawa, a popular spot among foreign tourists. We have good access, a 5-minute walk from [Kenchomae Station] on Yui Rail, and near from Kokusai-dori Street. The inside of the shop has a nostalgic atmosphere with popular songs from the Showa Period. You will feel as if you slipped back in time to the good old days. Many of our proud skewers are made with the local ingredients of Okinawa. We also serve unique creative dishes which are popular as well. Our dishes go perfectly with sparkling cocktails such as beer, highball (whiskey & soda), and sparkling wine. This shop is crowded every day as all of our dishes are reasonable. We have only counter seats and table seats. As the distance between the guests and staff is very close in this small cozy shop, you will immediately become friends with everyone.

Kushikatsu to Shuwashuwa KOMANECHI Kokusai-dori branch

Open: [Tuedsay, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 3:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 0:00 am) [Friday, Saturday] 3:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 0:00 am)
Closed: Monday
Average price: -
Access: A 5-minute walk from [Kenchomae Station] on Yui Rail
Address: 1F-B, Kamiyama Bldg., 3-3-3 Kumoji, Naha, Okinawa (Map)
More Details Reservation

8. Shimoano Izakaya MAUSHI Naha branch

Shimoano Izakaya MAUSHI Naha branch cuisine

[Shimano Izakaya MAUSHI] is a sister restaurant of the popular [Izakaya Maushi] that serves food made with local ingredients from Miyako Island, using Chinese techniques. Their popular items include dishes where you can taste the restaurant's own Maushi chili oil, such as the [Homemade Fried Gyoza], made with original made-to-order wrappers, and the [Bon Bon Chicken Salad] with a pleasant texture of cashew nuts. A little bit of Maushi chili oil, which has an addictive flavor, adds aroma and flavor to any dish, making it even more delicious. This is a restaurant full of Miyako Island atmosphere, with local island vegetables, sea grapes, Miyako beef, and local Awamori (Japanese alcohol) delivered regularly from Miyako Island. This is a restaurant suited for various occasions, including meals with friends and family outings while on a trip to Okinawa.

Shimoano Izakaya MAUSHI Naha branch

Open: [Tuesday, Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: Located along Okiei Street, 3 minutes on foot from [Makishi Station] on Okinawa Urban Monorail
Address: 5F, Hachino's Bldg., 2-17-46, Makishi, Naha-shi, Okinawa

9. Chicchi

[Chicchi] is a restaurant where you can enjoy yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) of Yanbaru chicken that has been prepared that morning. The [Yakitori Assortment] comes with 5 or 10 skewers and are excellent value for money, but the recommended yakitori is the [Homemade Tsukune] (chicken meatballs). The tsukune contain cartilage to give it a crunchy texture, while they also include grated mountain yam in it to make it fluffy. The sauce is a special homemade sauce that was created through trial and error and maximizes the umami (Japanese savory taste) of the chicken. The beverage selection includes the rare Dassai shochu (Japanese alcohol) as well as a selection of carbonated cocktails that go wonderfully with yakitori. The restaurant has an informal atmosphere but is warm and relaxing, making you want to go there every day.

Chicchi

Open: [Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am) [Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY
Access: Near Matsuyama Intersection on National Route 58
Address: 1F, Kumoji Bldg., 2-14-17, Kumoji, Naha-shi, Okinawa

10. The Painu Cafe

Located about halfway from the airport to Ishigaki City, this tropical-style cafe is 10 minutes by car from Painushima Ishigaki Airport. It is housed in a unique building made from repurposed shipping containers painted blue and white, making it a popular photo spot for many. There is a large atrium, as well as a terrace that is open year round for guests to relax in. The signature dish is chewy pasta. They make use of uniquely Okinawan ingredients, such as ninjin shiri shiri (shredded carrots) and botan bofu (a medicinal plant believed to help you live longer), to create healthy and tasty dishes. Some unique examples of their menu include skillet pancakes and vinegar drinks. This is a great place to visit when you want to take a break from sightseeing or relax while on vacation!

The Painu Cafe

Open: 10:30 am - 7:00 pm (L.O. 6:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 1,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: Approximately 6km to the east of Ishigaki Port on Prefectural Road 390. It is the cafe inside Painushima Resort.
Address: Inside the hotel, 1054-82, Miyara, Ishigaki, Okinawa

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.