Top 14 Restaurants in Okinawa that Serve Ishigaki, Motobu, and Other Premium Okinawan Beef Brands Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 05 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Top 14 Restaurants in Okinawa that Serve Ishigaki, Motobu, and Other Premium Okinawan Beef Brands

Going to Okinawa? Are you looking forward to tasting premium beef brands like Ishigaki beef (a type of Kuroge Wagyu - high-quality beef) from Yaeyama Island and Motobu beef from Motobu Farm in Okinawa? If so, read on to find out about the top 14 restaurants that serve these wonders.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Okinawa.

1. Shima ShabuShabu NAKAMA (Naha)

First on this list is NAKAMA, which opened in the summer of 2017. Taking great care in producing their dashi (broth), which is made with fresh Okinawan ingredients, they serve shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) with Ishigaki beef and Agu pork. Ishigaki beef is well-loved by many, thanks to its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet taste. In addition, the restaurant serves at least 15 different ji-zake (Japanese local alcohol) from the central and southern parts of Okinawa, including Awamori. At NAKAMA, you can indulge in good food and drinks while enjoying the feel of a Ryukyu-style old house. Try and see it for yourself!

Shima ShabuShabu NAKAMA (Naha)

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: B1, New Sun Parco Bldg., 3-3-1, Kumoji, Naha-shi, Okinawa Map
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2. Ryukyu Yakiniku NAKAMA (Onna-son)

Located along the national highway of Onna Village (Onna-son) in Okinawa, NAKAMA is built from a refurbished 40-year-old Okinawan house. The restaurant's tables are made from ancient Ryukyu materials, and they use pendant lights made from Ryukyu glass, so diners can feel immersed in the Ryukyu atmosphere while enjoying their food. They serve yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) made with Ishigaki beef, Agu pork, and vegetables grown in the islands of Okinawa. The ingredients used in their dishes are all from Okinawa - from the yakiniku sauces to the post-drinking meals. Hence, this yakiniku restaurant is referred to as a "Ryukyu yakiniku" spot that offers a pure Okinawan taste.

Ryukyu Yakiniku NAKAMA (Onna-son)

Open: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Exit Okinawa Highway at the Kyoda Interchange. 7 minutes by car from Kyoda Interchange along National Route 58.
Address: 2247-1 Aza Nakama , Onnason, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa (Map)
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3. Yakiniku Hana (Naha)

Located near the main street in the center of Naha City, Yakiniku Hana is known to serve dishes made only with A4 - A5 grade meats that the head chef, who trained for 30 years, personally selected. This means that they only use high-grade Okinawan Wagyu (a type of high-quality cattle) beef, such as Ishigaki beef. You will surely eat with gusto when these meats are grilled using binchotan, which is a type of Japanese charcoal that's known to release negative ions. Some grilled beef dishes that they have include: the [Ishigaki Beef Special Top Blade Steak Cut] (150g for 4,800 JPY) and [Special Thick Salted Beef Tongue (Kuroge Wagyu)] (100g for 8,000 JPY). In addition, the restaurant also has a private room that can accommodate up to 20 people.

Yakiniku Hana (Naha)

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 10,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Pastel Yaesu Bldg., 1-12-5, Matsuyama, Naha-shi, Okinawa (Map)
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4. 22GRILL (Naha)

Located opposite of Shintoshin Park, 22GRILL exudes an elegant atmosphere, thanks to its antique-style interior. The restaurant offers at least 30 kinds of wines from all over the world, including high-class and reasonably-priced wines starting from 2,222 JPY. As for their dishes, you should not miss the [The Katamari! 22 Steak], which is a platter of chunks of Ishigaki rib meat and Agu pork grilled in a 3cm iron plate. You can enjoy their delicious dishes together with their all-you-can-drink courses, which go for either 1,500 JPY (2 hours) or 2,000 JPY (3 hours), and include beer and wine.

22GRILL (Naha)

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm)
[Monday - Thursday, Sunday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Friday, Saturday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Omoro Park Terrace, 4-6-17, Omoro-machi, Naha-shi, Okinawa (Map)

5. DINING Hana (Naha)

DINING Hana is located within Kokusai Street (Kokusai-dori), and operates under the concept of "local production for local consumption". Upon entering the restaurant, you will first see the beautiful wooden counter that provides a relaxing and happy experience, even for solo diners. The restaurant also has private rooms adorned with ryu-ka (Ryukyuan poetry) on its walls. As their concept suggests, they serve a lot of dishes that showcase the Okinawan taste, including [Chanpuru] (a type of Okinawan stir-fry dish). They prepare different varieties of the dish, but their best-seller is the [Somen Chanpuru] (700 JPY) (stir-fried somen). For meat dishes, the most recommended item in the menu is the [Ishigaki Beef Aburi Sushi] (6 pieces for 1,600 JPY) (a type of sushi where the meat is partially grilled), made with A4-grade Ishigaki beef and basted with a special soy sauce-based sauce.

DINING Hana (Naha)

Open: [Weekdays] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: Sunday *Will open if Monday falls on a national holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the exit of Miebashi Station on Yui Rail Line, toward Kencho-mae Station. Walk 50 meters along Hisamoji River, then on your right.
Address: 1F, Riverside Yabe, 2-18-21, Kumoji, Naha, Okinawa (Map)
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6. Teppanyaki Steak Restaurant Heki Kokusaidori Matsuo Branch (Naha)

If you want to satisfy your eyes and tastebuds, this restaurant is the place to visit. Each diner will have a dedicated chef, so you can enjoy watching them cook your food on an iron plate from your counter seat. The restaurant's best-selling dish is the [Special Kuroge Wagyu Beef Sirloin Steak] (from 6,000 JPY), which is a set meal composed of pan-seared A3 - A5 grade Okinawan beef with sauteed bell peppers and olives, sliced onions, beni-imo (purple yam), and shima-dofu (Okinawan tofu). The meat will be served in 2 batches, so you can always enjoy it fresh and hot. It is best enjoyed with their red, white, or sparkling wine selections from all over the world.

Teppanyaki Steak Restaurant Heki Kokusaidori Matsuo Branch (Naha)

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 2,000 JPY
Address: 1-2-9, Matsuo, Naha-shi, Okinawa Map
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7. Yakiniku Kinjo (Chatan-cho)

Yakiniku Kinjo is located near Araha Beach in Chatan-cho (central part of Okinawa's main island), and is known to source their meats from cattle farms on Ishigaki Island. Their dishes make use of all parts of the cattle, so nothing goes to waste. They offer their dishes at very reasonable prices, even their best-selling ones! If you are not sure what to order, try their generous serving of [Thick Beef Tongue] (1,800 JPY (plus tax)), which will surely fill up your stomach. Although they claim to specialize in yakiniku, they also have a variety of hot pot dishes that you will surely love. For lunch, you can try their best-selling [Ishigaki Beef Sukiyaki Gozen] (1,800 JPY (plus tax)) (set meal with Ishigaki beef in a hot pot stew). The restaurant also has a corner where you can buy choice cuts of meat, so you can take home their best meat cuts to enjoy at a barbeque or as a souvenir.

Yakiniku Kinjo (Chatan-cho)

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Sunday] 11:30 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) *Lunch is from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 1-11-10, Kitamae, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa (Map)

8. Wine & Dining The Orange (Onna-son)

Located on the 1st floor of Kafuu Resort Fuchaku Condo-Hotel in Onna Village, the restaurant boasts of its location, where you can see the magnificent East China Sea and the beautiful sunset. They serve healthy Italian cuisine with an Okinawan touch, making use of locally produced ingredients. They offer buffet-style breakfasts and lunches (with a main dish for lunchtime), course meals, and a la carte dishes. Seafood dishes are popular among diners, but the most recommended item in their menu is the [Grilled Ishigaki Beef with Madeira Sauce] (4,600 JPY). The acidity of the Madeira wine and the aroma of local rosemary bring the taste of Ishigaki beef to the next level, which is why it became a favorite among diners.

Wine & Dining The Orange (Onna-son)

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,700 JPY
Access: 10-minute drive from Ishikawa Interchange on the Okinawa Expressway
Address: 1F, Kafuu Resort Fuchaku Condo/Hotel, 246-1, Aza Fuchaku Shirifukuchihara, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa

9. Living & Dining Hinode (Naha)

Located a few minutes away by foot from the hustle and bustle of Kokusai Street, Hinode offers creative dishes with generous helpings of Okinawan ingredients in a very relaxing atmosphere. Their dishes are best enjoyed with their liquor selection, which includes Awamori, other sake (Japanese alcohol) brands, and cocktails. For about 3,500 JPY, you can enjoy an [Omakase Course] (dishes are selected by the chef) that uses seasonal ingredients, along with an all-you-can-drink course. They also have dishes made with premium beef brands, such as the [Marbled Ishigaki Beef Grilled in Red Wine Sauce] (2,800 JPY) and [Ishigaki Beef Nigiri Sushi] (2 pieces for 500 JPY).

Living & Dining Hinode (Naha)

Open: 6:00 pm - 1:00 am (Food L.O. 12:00 am, Drinks L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: None *Will be closed during New Year and Obon
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 1-6-13, Makishi, Naka-shi, Okinawa Map
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10. Steakhouse88 (Eiriei) (Naha)

Located in Naha, Steakhouse88 is known for its relaxing atmosphere with an all-white interior. They get fresh supplies of whole heads of cattle for their beef, which is how their dishes can be offered at reasonable prices. Their [Assorted Ishigaki Beef] can be enjoyed for 5,000 JPY, and the [Assorted Wagyu Beef (Special)] for 4,000 JPY. The restaurant has seats for couples, semi-private rooms with wooden blinds, and completely private rooms for those dining in large groups. If you are simply dining out, or celebrating a special occasion, this restaurant is the best place to visit.

Steakhouse88 (Eiriei) (Naha)

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 2F, 2-8-21, Tsuji, Naha-shi, Okinawa Map
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11. Yakiniku Baka Icidai (Naha)

Accessible through a 3-minute walk from Prefectural Office Station, the restaurant is known for its sign with eye-catching red letters. The restaurant's interior is full of Showa (1926 - 1989) atmosphere, with lots of counter seats to accommodate a lot of diners at the same time. Thanks to the restaurant's atmosphere, even solo diners can feel at home while enjoying their dishes. As for the food, the restaurant boasts of their horumon (offal) dishes. Since they purchase fresh supplies of whole heads of Ishigaki cattle and Agu pork every morning, you can have a taste of their dishes made from rare beef or pork parts daily. In addition, the meat parts are sliced in-house to further ensure the freshness of their meats, and even the regular parts are at least A4 - A5 grade. If you want to try their outside skirt steak made with premium beef, go for their best-seller, the [Harami San-kyodai] (2,500 JPY (plus tax)), and eat to your heart's content!

Yakiniku Baka Icidai (Naha)

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 6:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:30 am)
[Sunday] 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 1F, No. 9 Bldg., 3-9-9, Kumoji, Naha-shi, Okinawa (Map)

12. Shabu-Shabu Kou Higashimachi Main Branch (Naha)

Located in Higashi-machi, Naha, Shabu-Shabu Kou offers shabu-shabu and Okinawan cuisine made with locally-produced ingredients. For their meats, they only use A3 - A5 grade Okinawan beef, such as Ishigaki and Yanbaru beef. They also offer dishes made with different parts of the Agu pig, as well as fresh [Kumeshima Akadori] (red chicken) that's prepared in-house. You may choose any of these methods to enjoy these meats: shabu-shabu, suki-shabu (sukiyaki and shabu-shabu), or steamed. The restaurant also has private rooms, so large groups or families can dine comfortably.

Shabu-Shabu Kou Higashimachi Main Branch (Naha)

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY - 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,300 JPY - 3,200 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from Asahibashi Station on Yui Rail Line, Okinawa Urban Monorail. Find us with a big sign with the Chinese character [紺]
Address: 1F, 19-25, Higashimachi, Naha, Okinawa (Map)
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13. Yaen (Naha)

Yaen is accessible through a 10-minute walk from Prefectural Office Station. They mainly serve Okinawan cuisine and Japanese cuisine, as well as more than 10 kinds of carefully-selected sake (such as Jikon and Dassai), shochu (a type of Japanese alcohol), and Awamori. The restaurant has counter seats, so solo diners can also dine comfortably. One of their must-try dishes is the [Kensan Wagyu no Aburi Nigiri], which is a type of Okinawan beef sushi made from Motobu zabuton (chuck flap) - a rare beef part that's known to have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, thanks to its heavy marbling. The meat is seasoned with Okinawan salt and shoyu, bringing out its original meat flavor.

Yaen (Naha)

Open: [Monday - Thursday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm, Drinks L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner from 5:30 pm (Food L.O. 12:00 am, Drinks L.O. 12:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: 1F, Pastel Yaesu No. 5 Bldg., 1-12-5, Matsuyama, Naha-shi, Okinawa

14. Ishigakijima Kitchen Bin (Chatan-cho)

Ishigakijima Kitchen Bin is a hamburger restaurant located near Aloha Beach in Chatan-cho. It is known for its yellow-themed exterior that will surely grab the attention of anybody passing by. Their hamburger patties are made mainly with ingredients sourced from Ishigaki Island, which is the restaurant owner's hometown. One of their must-try dishes is the [Ishigaki Beef Bin Avocado Burger]. Made with Ishigaki beef patty, it has a generous serving of avocado drizzled in a sweet and spicy sauce inside handmade, fluffy burger buns.

Ishigakijima Kitchen Bin (Chatan-cho)

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: 1,500 JPY
Address: 1-11-21, Chatan, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa Map
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Okinawan cuisine is an entirely different food culture from the main island of Japan. Although this article focused mainly on dishes made with premium beef, there are still a lot of other dishes to try, such as those made with Agu pork. When in Okinawa, let your tastebuds explore these different restaurants.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.