5 Best Gourmet Spots in Ie Island! From Ie Beef to Unique Dishes

Ie Island, known for its crystal-clear waters, is a popular remote island in Okinawa, just a 30-minute ferry ride from Motobu Port on the mainland. This easy accessibility makes it a favorite destination for travelers each year. On Ie Island, you can indulge in fresh seafood, locally harvested vegetables, and traditional Okinawan home-cooked meals—all at reasonable prices. Be sure to try the exquisite Ie Beef, served as a steak or in a juicy burger!

There are plenty of dining options to suit every taste: casual izakayas near the port and town center, unique eateries offering creative dishes, beachfront restaurants with stunning ocean views, and even hidden gems nestled in the island’s lush forests. Whether you visit for lunch or enjoy a relaxing dinner, here are the top must-visit gourmet spots in Ie Island!

1. Ace Burger

Located on the road from the port to the village office, Ace Burger is a popular eatery where you can enjoy delicious Ie beef at an affordable price. But their menu isn’t just about burgers—you’ll also find Okinawa soba, steak, and other local specialties. While it might look like a fast-food joint, it has more of a traditional island diner atmosphere.

With its retro exterior, you might mistake it for a long-established restaurant, but the warm hospitality of the owner’s wife makes it feel welcoming and homey. While the juicy hamburger steak is tempting, the star of the show is definitely the Ace Burger, priced at just 350 yen. Featuring a flavorful Ie beef patty, fresh vegetables, and soft, fluffy buns, this burger offers incredible quality for the price.

Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, prices remain the same, making it a budget-friendly dining spot. The restaurant has a cozy, old-fashioned café vibe—not overly stylish or fancy, but a place you'll want to return to again and again. If you prefer to enjoy your meal with a scenic view, you can also opt for takeout and savor your burger while gazing at the sea.

2. Izakaya Yamata

Just west of the Ie Village Office, Izakaya Yamata is a hidden gem tucked away in a side alley, offering hearty portions of local cuisine. The most notable feature of this izakaya is its generous serving sizes—you’ll be surprised at how much food you get for the price! But be careful—ordering too many dishes at once might leave you with more food than you can handle.

As an authentic Okinawan izakaya, they have a great selection of Awamori (Okinawan sake), making it a fantastic place to enjoy traditional island flavors. While some might think izakayas aren't ideal for families, Yamata welcomes guests even with children, even at night. If you want to try a local specialty, go for the Shirami-zakana no Maasu-ni (white fish simmered in salt broth). "Maasu" means "salt" in the Okinawan language, and this dish uses freshly caught fish from the Okinawan seas.

3. Hatoba Shokudo

At first glance, Hatoba Shokudo may seem like just another local eatery with its simple white exterior. However, this hidden gem is famous for its delicious yet budget-friendly meals, drawing in locals during lunchtime. The restaurant is run by two women, creating a relaxed atmosphere that feels like dining at a beachside cottage.

The must-try dish here is the Goya Champuru. This stir-fried bitter melon dish maintains its crisp texture while being easy to eat, and the seasoning is just perfect! It comes with a side dish and rice—all at an amazingly affordable price. The portions are generous, ensuring a satisfying meal. During the summer, when the UV rays are strong, you’ll appreciate the high vitamin C content of goya, making it a dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Another favorite is the Tofu Champuru, which is flavorful and well-spiced. The menu also includes Okinawa Soba, set meals, and more. If you're on the go, you can purchase a bento box for takeout and enjoy your meal while admiring the ocean.

4. Iijima Tunga

Located just steps from the ferry terminal, Iijima Tunga is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a delicious meal with breathtaking ocean views. While Okinawa is famous for Okinawa Soba and Goya Champuru, sometimes you crave a hearty meat dish—and this is the perfect place for that!

The highlight here is the sizzling Iejima Beef Diced Steak—a mouthwatering, juicy steak that pairs perfectly with an ice-cold Orion Beer. Another must-try is the Tunga Set Meal, a luxurious combination of fresh squid & tuna sashimi, grilled meat, simmered dishes, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and soba noodles. Plus, lunch includes a free drink bar!

Whether you’re waiting for your ferry back or just arrived on Iejima, this is the ideal spot for a relaxing meal. Best of all, it remains a local favorite with few tourists, allowing for a laid-back and peaceful dining experience.

5. Uminchu Shokudo

Located just a short distance from the ferry terminal, Uminchu Shokudo operates on a meal ticket system, where customers purchase their tickets at the entrance. This hidden gem is packed with unique dishes that even locals may not be familiar with, making it an exciting dining experience. If it's your first time visiting, we recommend starting with maguro (tuna) dishes. The sight of fresh tuna slices beautifully arranged on top of a rice bowl feels like pure indulgence. Even the large-sized maguro donburi is incredibly affordable at around 800 yen, offering an excellent value for seafood lovers.

Beyond tuna, Uminchu Shokudo serves a variety of authentic Okinawan dishes, including the distinctive ika sumi jiru (squid ink soup), which boasts a rich and sophisticated flavor perfect for adults. For those who enjoy pairing their meals with drinks, this is a must-try. You’ll also find unique beverages, such as kokuto cola (brown sugar cola), making the menu itself an exciting discovery. With its high-quality seafood sourced from the local fishing village, this eatery is the perfect spot to explore rare Okinawan delicacies. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try something new!

◎ Conclusion

These top 5 recommended food spots in Ie Island showcase the island’s rich culinary culture. While Okinawan cuisine remains the highlight, what makes Ie Island’s food scene truly special is its ability to preserve tradition while embracing innovative flavors. From fresh seafood to the famous Ie beef, there are plenty of must-try dishes. After a fun-filled day by the sea, make sure to savor the local specialties to complete your trip.

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5 Best Gourmet Spots in Ie Island! From Ie Beef to Unique Dishes