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

Update-date: Jun 16 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

The 10 unmissable restaurants in Okinawa and Southeast Islands, June 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. ISHIGAKI BOLD KITCHEN

The newly opened restaurant ISHIGAKI BOLD KITCHEN celebrated its grand opening on December 28, 2018. This buffet-style restaurant serves local Ishikawa and international cuisine, with around 100 options to choose from (50 options are available for weekday lunches). Its open kitchen allows guests to enjoy a grand view of the chefs at work. The airy space has been designed based on motifs from the island's local handicrafts. Come and enjoy resort-style dining in this lively, open space.

ISHIGAKI BOLD KITCHEN

Open: [Breakfast] 6:30 am - 10:00 am (Last seating 9:30 am) / [Lunch] 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Last seating 2:30 pm) / [Dinner] 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm (Last seating 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: - 35 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport- 15 minutes by car from Ishigaki Port- Check the official homepage for shuttle bus information
Address: 1625, Arakawa, Ishigaki city, Okinawa (Map)
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2. Seafood restaurant Kumojiya

Being able to select your seafood is one of Kumojiya's greatest appeals. The restaurant's showcase displays fresh seafood expertly chosen from markets by the chefs themselves. Guests can select seafood and preparation style to their likings, such as butter-grilling or simmering. The restaurant can also order in your choice of fish, meaning this izakaya is sure to satisfy. Relax at comfortable tatami mats with recessed floor seating, as well as spacious private rooms that can seat 8-10 people and are perfect for all kinds of parties or business entertaining. Courses serving the chef's selection of dishes made from live seafood kept in the restaurant are offered, and if discussed in advance, original courses can also be developed to meet your budget. A full a la carte menu is available, so everyone from solo diners to family groups can freely enjoy their favorite choices.

Seafood restaurant Kumojiya

Open: 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: Exit from Yui Rail [Prefectural Office Station] Exit 2, cross the bridge, and head along the river towards Emi Bridge. Turn left at the next bridge and proceed to the second left-hand corner.
Address: 1F, Eight Bldg., 2-4-14, Kumoji, Naha city, Okinawa (Map)
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3. Kawagoe

Kawagoe is located on the second floor of a building that is slightly removed from the busy commercial area. The restaurant opened in November 2018 and serves authentic Edo-style (traditional Tokyo-style) sushi prepared by the owner, who trained at the famous sushi restaurant Sushiko in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo. Take one step inside and you will feel as if you have been transported to Tokyo. The interior is full of natural wood, with a counter made of solid Hinoki Cypress wood setting a dignified tone. Reservations are required to dine here, and the only item on their menu is the 2-hour chef's choice. The fish is all brought in from the main islands of Japan and made into outstanding morsels of sushi through careful craftsmanship. There are three types of sushi rice prepared and used for different types of toppings, an example of the attention to detail and commitment to quality. There is a wide selection of quality sake (Japanese alcohol) and wines so that the customer can be mesmerized by a luxurious world of gastronomy.

Kawagoe

Open: [First seating] (1): 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm / (2) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm *2 hours time limit [Second seating] (1) 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm / (2) 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm * 2 hours time limit
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 21,600 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from [Asahibashi Station] on Nishi-shobosho Street
Address: 2F, Maruho Mansion, 1-16-5, Kume, Naha city, Okinawa (Map)
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4. Ukishima Bettei

At Ukishima Bettei, the BBQ restaurant in the heart of Naha, enjoy the charm of dining in an urban-casual decor. The casual atmosphere will make you feel as if you just stepped into a beach party. In addition to ladies nights and dates, its location is perfect for entertaining guests from abroad. Enjoy delicious food and drinks in a relaxing atmosphere, featuring locally sourced Okinawan ingredients. The menu is in no way set in stone, and any meal can be made-to-order according to your wishes and budget. "We would like a traditional Japanese meal, with Chinese style appetizers," "Please make our dishes using local Okinawan ingredients," "We would like to try different types of Okinawan alcohol," "Please include some dishes that kids would enjoy," and more, This is a restaurant that happily takes requests.

Ukishima Bettei

Open: [Wednesday-Sunday] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm [Thursday-Saturday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Closed: Monday, Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: From the [Makishi station], head West on the Kokusai-dori street, and at Mutsumi Bashi, turn toward South and continue on the Shijo Hondori Shotengai arcade Turn left at Ukishima Dori and continue for 10m.
Address: 3F, Makishi Share Office, 3-3-21 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa

5. Ganaha Pork Maejima Main branch

Fully enjoy Okinawan brand pork at [Ganaha Pork Maejima Main branch], such as [Yambaru Island Agu Pork, Yambaru Agu, and Yambaru Pork] directly sent from [Ganaha Chikusan], as well as Ishigaki Beef. High-quality Okinawan pork, raised with affection, has simple and mild sweet taste and rich flavor. The recommendation is [Various Shabu-Shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) Hot Pots] to enjoy the original tastes of the ingredients. They taste even better with the two different savory soups, and original dipping sauce. You can enjoy Okinawan pork even during lunch, with very satisfying and voluminous thickly-cut [Loin Cutlet Set Meal], including side dishes. Inside the restaurant has a warm and relaxing atmosphere. This restaurant, close to Miebashi Station, is ideal for farewell parties, drinking with friends, and girl's parties.

Ganaha Pork Maejima Main branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: From Yui Rail [Miebashi Station], cross a bridge, then on the right
Address: 1F, Ishimine Bldg., 1-1-1 Maejima, 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)
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7. Hayatemaru Yomitan branch

Located in Synergy Square in Okinawa`s Nakagami District, Hayatemaru Yomitan is a restaurant where the flavor of Hokkaido ramen can be enjoyed. The owner is fully versed in the characteristic culture and cuisine of Hokkaido, and came up with the restaurant concept. The noodles and sauces used here are shipped in directly from Hokkaido, offering an opportunity to enjoy genuine Hokkaido taste without having to leave Okinawa. The flavorful soup is a culinary masterpiece, made by boiling pork and chicken bones along with potherbs for upwards of 10 hours in order to fully extract the flavors. The sauce varieties include miso, salt, and soy sauce; with each bringing out different aspects of the flavor profile. Each ramen dish is carefully constructed using ingredients that best suit that particular dish. The restaurant`s nostalgia inducing retro interior is also worth noting.

Hayatemaru Yomitan branch

Open: 11:00 am - 00:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 700 JPY
Access: Head North for 300-400 m from the Owan intersection on Route 58. The restaurant is located inside Synergy Square, which is on the right side of the street
Address: 359-1 Aza Owan, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa (Map)
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8. Penguin Dining Bar Okinawa

Gaze at adorable African Penguins while you eat at the Penguin Dining Bar Okinawa. There are also opportunities to feed the penguins up close if they are in good condition that day. An emphasis is placed on local ingredients, with almost everything on the menu originating in Okinawa. Penguin themed food items can also be found here, and finding the ''hidden penguins'' is another fun activity. A popular tourist spot for guests visiting from overseas, English service is also available here to offer a better experience for those who do not speak Japanese. There are a number of different courses available, making it perfect for smaller parties or a girls night out. Unlimited drink options are also available, which would be suitable for hosting an afterparty for a wedding reception or similar celebrations.

Penguin Dining Bar Okinawa

Open: 7:00 pm - 4:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 7 minutes walk from the [Miebashi station], the Okinawa city monorail line
Address: 1F, 2-6-16 Matsuyama, Naha City, Okinawa

9. Okinawan cuisine Tosuba Shimajikan

Okinawan cuisine Tosuba Shimajikan cuisine

At Okinawan Cuisine Tosuba, the focus is given to local ingredients, making it a location where you can fully experience Okinawa cuisine. It offers an incredibly wide variety of Okinawan dishes. Choose from Kinjo Aguu, a pure strain of black pig native to Okinawa, local Shimabuta pork, local goat, island vegetables from the village of Onna, and freshly caught seafood from the neighboring waters. The recommendation is the Shimabuta Torotoro Rafute, a dish that practically melts in your mouth. The rich flavor and succulent texture of the Shimabuta pork will captivate anyone who takes a bite. Awamori is the perfect adult beverage to pair with the Okinawan cuisine offered here, and this restaurant has a complete selection comprised of offerings from breweries throughout the prefecture. A longstanding favorite among locals, this restaurant has also attracted attention from domestic and international tourists. The retro interior is modeled after a traditional Ryukyu household, creating the perfect atmosphere to kick back, relax, and enjoy life on island time.

Okinawan cuisine Tosuba Shimajikan

Open: [Monday-Wednesday, Friday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes drive from the Yaka Interchange, the Okinawa expressway. The restaurant is along Route 58
Address: 7335-4 Onna, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa (Map)
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10. Yama-chan's Room, Kokusai-dori branch

Yama-chan's Room, Kokusai-dori branch cuisine

Get your fill of high-quality Ishigaki beef at [Yama-chan's Room] on Kokusai Dori. In addition to the select cuts of Ishigaki beef, and Japanese Black beef from cattle that are fattened in house, fresh fish caught from all over Japan can also be enjoyed here. The Select Ishigaki Beef Set contains a delicious combination of Ishigaki beef and seafood. This restaurant is ideal for dining with the whole family. The horumon-yaki made by the owner, who hails from Osaka, is one of the restaurant`s highlights. The restaurant purchases whole cattle to offer its menu items at reasonable prices. The carefully concocted sauces come in two flavors, miso, and sweet soy sauce. Both go extremely well with the meat and have an underground following of loyal customers. The restaurant`s retro interior has a mid-20th century feel, resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. It is open until 2 AM, allowing for a casual dining experience late into the night.

Yama-chan's Room, Kokusai-dori branch

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 2:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Exit 1 of the [Makishi Station] Head West on Kokusai-dori street, turn right at the first corner after passing a FamilyMart. The restaurant is on your left
Address: 1F, Itokazu Building, 2-3-17 Makishi, Naha City, Okinawa

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.