Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
This old-school family noodle joint exudes a Shōwa-era movie vibe if only for its fabulously faded original decor. Friendly hosts dish out hearty bowls of…
Must-see restaurants in Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
This hospitable izakaya is a warm, efficient bastion of Miyako-jima quality, serving fresh, thoughtfully prepared local fare such as kobushime-yawaraka-ni…
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Naha
For a memorable, elegant meal in Naha, don't pass up dinner at the hilltop Nuchigafū, off the southern end of Tsuboya Pottery Street. Formerly a lovely…
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Naha
You'll be lucky to get a seat here, but if you do, you'll be treated to some of the best Okinawan food around, served in traditional but bustling…
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Naha
If you can hold out for this little late-night eatery, you won't be disappointed. The standouts of the drool-worthy menu (which is, incidentally,…
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Yaeyama Islands
This Ishigaki city favourite serves all the Okinawan and Yaeyama standards. The boisterous atmosphere and kitchen get top marks, although smokers detract…
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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
This blingy little bistro gets bonus points for its delightfully secluded location, resting atop a shaded grassy knoll on a white-sand beach, whose…
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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
Nanraku is Miyako-jima embodied in an izakaya – an earthy, convivial atmosphere, with ingredients sourced from local bounty. Chef Nanraku-san is a local…
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Naha
Perfect for lunch after touring Shuri-jō, Ashibiunā has a traditional ambience and picturesque garden. Set meals feature local specialities such as gōyā…
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Naha
With pork featuring prominently in traditional Okinawan cuisine, Ukishima Garden is a refreshing, cleansing change. Here vegetarian and vegan creations…
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Yaeyama Islands
A contemporary version of the old-school dining yokochō (alleys) ferreted away in Japanese cities, this new restaurant complex is the perfect place to…
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Yaeyama Islands
Tucked into a tiny, tidy space in Euglena Mall, Ishigaki-jima Kids serves good Yaeyama-style cafe fare – sōki-soba, taco rice and the like – all detailed…
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Yaeyama Islands
This little Ishigaki city izakaya is a friendly refuge true to its name, which means 'the shade of the forest'. Local treats are sliced steak of Ishigaki…
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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
Kume-jima's most famous soba shop is open for lunch only and is worth the trip. Serving handmade noodles out of his own home, the hospitable Nakasone-san…
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Yaeyama Islands
In Kubura, this cosy izakaya is a local favourite. Though the menu is in Japanese only, we recommend the kajiki (locally caught swordfish) sashimi and the…
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Naha
Come to Mikasa hungry, and at any hour, for cheap, no-nonsense grub with the locals. All the Okinawan favourites are whipped up here – gōyā champuru and…
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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
If you couldn't see this hole-in-the-wall bakery, you'd smell it. It's unique for its owner's commitment to selling fresh bread throughout its opening…
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Yaeyama Islands
This sunlit soba place in Kabira serves local dishes like chilled yomogi-soba (mugwort soba) served in a conch shell, or tebichi soba (Okinawan soba…
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Yaeyama Islands
In the centre of Sonai is this delightful little Okinawan izakaya that serves local specialities such as Ishigakigyū-sutēki (Ishigaki-style steak; ¥1300)…
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Yaeyama Islands
In the Tsuki-ga-hama area, the relatively upmarket Kitchen Inaba serves the usual local specialities in a spot where no other dining options exist. It's a…
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Ōsumi Islands
Down a dirt road and facing a field of wild reeds, this cute cafe feels vaguely Hawaiian. The menu, however, leans more toward Thailand. Lunch sets range…
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Ōsumi Islands
Head to this friendly little izakaya (Japanese pub-eatery) in Nishi-no-Omote to sample tasty dishes such as the sashimi teishoku (sashimi set; ¥1200)…
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Yaeyama Islands
This comfy daytime eatery serves up Okinawan favourites, like gōyā champurū teishoku (¥850) and Yaeyama soba (¥500), in a homely dining room with an…
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Yaeyama Islands
Near the road from Uehara Port and beside the petrol station, this relaxed cafe-restaurant has sets such as ishigakibuta-no-misokatsu teishoku (miso…
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Yaeyama Islands
There's lots to love about this spotless restaurant serving Indian and Nepali cuisine, from what appears to have been a former gas stand or car-rental…
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Ōsumi Islands
Find a full range of Japanese standards such as sashimi teishoku (sashimi set; ¥1700) or ebi-furai teishoku (fried shrimp set; ¥1400). Look for the blue…
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Yaeyama Islands
This tiny restaurant on the northwest side of the village (look for the blue banner and the umbrellas) serves up sōki-soba (¥800) and Yaeyama soba (¥600)…
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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
Cheap, delicious, friendly and therefore popular, the busy Marumiya offers a variety of Okinawan and Japanese dishes. Its inexpensive lunch specials are a…
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Ōsumi Islands
Stock up on provisions for camping or hiking at this supermarket on the main street in Miyanoura, just north of the entrance to the pier area.
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Ōsumi Islands
This simple restaurant serves a ¥520 breakfast set with eggs, toast and coffee and a tasty tobi uo sashimi teishoku (flying fish sashimi set meal; ¥980)…
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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
Fresh spring rolls, green curry, gōyā champurū (bitter melon stir-fry) and nasi goreng all feature on the menu here. A young crowd keeps it lively if you…
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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
A family-run grocery in Hirara, with a buy fresh, shop local vibe.
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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
The island's only 'supermarket' has bentō boxes, sandwiches and plentiful supplies for beach picnicking.
