4 Recommended Gourmet Spots in Nago City Loved by Locals!

In recent years, Nago City has been gaining attention even among Okinawa’s main island areas. To visit Nago City, arrange a rental car around Naha Airport and head over. Even those who have visited Naha several times may discover something new in this spot. Nago City is also famous for its beautiful beaches among Okinawa’s main island areas, with many saying it boasts the No.1 beach in Okinawa.

It is an essential spot for beach lovers. In addition, Nago City is packed with delicious dining spots. You can enjoy authentic Okinawan dishes and fully experience the unique local atmosphere. Speaking of Okinawa, “Okinawa soba” is a must-try. Since the flavor of Okinawa soba differs from one restaurant to another, checking out several spots is a good idea.

Okinawa soba is also recommended for ramen lovers. Also, be sure to try dishes featuring Agu pork. Despite its appearance, it is light and is sure to win over even those who aren’t typically into meat. In addition, sea grapes are also recommended.

Okinawa was once the thriving Ryukyu Kingdom and has a distinct culture. Even the buildings let you fully enjoy that unique Okinawan atmosphere. Here, we introduce the gourmet spots in Nago City that you definitely want to stop by when visiting!

1. Yanbaru Dining Matsu no Kominka

Many people want to enjoy drinks in a cozy bar at night. When it comes to recommended bars in Nago City, one well-known spot is the old house dining, “Yanbaru Dining Matsu no Kominka.” The manager trained as a bartender in Tokyo and is a highly skilled bartender with solid experience. Since moving to Okinawa, he has also learned about management while working in Onna Village.

Today, Matsu no Kominka has become one of the standard nighttime spots in Nago City. For those who usually don’t have much time to relax, spending an evening at a bar enjoying cocktails is ideal. The manager’s skills are top-notch; he even received the Okinawa Governor’s Award at the “16th Awamori Cocktail Competition” hosted by Okinawa. It is a place where you can enjoy exquisite cocktails in Nago City. It is a restaurant with a dream of being enchanted by Okinawa and achieving business success.

Also, the sea grapes here are a must-try. It’s great whether you’re drinking at the counter alone or gathering with friends in the tatami seating area. Enjoy both the cocktails and dishes in this shop full of Okinawan vibes. Of course, you can also drink Orion Beer. It is also an ideal spot for a date.

2. Captain Kangaroo

When it comes to hamburger shops in Nago City that even U.S. military personnel line up for, “Captain Kangaroo” is a must-stop spot if you enter Nago City. It is a spot frequented by both locals and tourists, and waiting times of 10 to 20 minutes are common. Also, it often sells out before closing, so it is recommended to visit as early as possible.

While hamburgers usually bring to mind fast-food chains, here you can indulge in a “luxurious hamburger.” Parking is available on both the road side and the back side. Please note that during Golden Week, Obon, and other busy periods, it gets very crowded. Every menu item looks so delicious that you might have trouble deciding what to order.

Special burgers, sparky burgers, BBQ burgers, cheese cheese burgers, and more are all items you’ll want to order together. Delicious fried potatoes are also provided. There are even fans who visited every day during their trip because they got hooked on these hamburgers.

Some have remarked that these are “hamburgers unlike anything I’ve ever eaten before,” making them truly memorable. The atmosphere inside is American, and Okinawan-style rock music is played. The hamburgers are not overly heavy and can be enjoyed quite lightly, with the surface of the bun perfectly crisped.

3. Miyazato Soba

Speaking of Okinawa, you must try the soba. When it comes to delicious soba restaurants in Nago City, “Miyazato Soba” is the go-to spot. Miyazato Soba is popular with locals and is packed every day. The must-try dish at Miyazato Soba is the “sanmai niku soba,” which is a classic favorite. Okinawan soba here is more akin to udon than to traditional soba, and it is slightly lighter than udon.

For those who have mastered the sanmai niku, be sure to also try the kombu soba. As the name suggests, the kombu broth is intertwined with the soup and noodles. Many people end up finishing the soup because it is so delicious, and many say that when you think of soba in Nago City, Miyazato Soba immediately comes to mind. Visiting before lunchtime, the shop is bustling with locals.

If you’re not very hungry after breakfast, even the smallest size is plenty. The parking lot is spacious and located behind the building. Inside the shop, there is a ticket corner where you purchase a meal ticket and then bring it to the counter. There is also a spacious tatami seating area, so it is convenient for larger groups. On weekday mornings, it is often fully booked, so arriving a bit early is best.

Not only soba, but there are also curries and toast on the menu. If you’d like to try something other than soba, it might be worth stopping by. It is also recommended for those with small children, as the tatami seating area allows for a relaxed meal with kids. Okinawa soba is a must here!

4. Hyakunen Koka Oya Ufuyā

One of the recommended restaurants in Nago City is “Hyakunen Koka Oya Ufuyā.” As the name implies, Hyakunen Koka Oya Ufuyā is housed in an old-style building. There is also a terrace seating area in the restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, you will notice a waterfall, offering a unique atmosphere different from your everyday experience. It is also conveniently located on the way to the Churaumi Aquarium, so stopping by for a break is a good idea.

This restaurant mainly caters to tourists, and there are photo spots designed with tourists in mind. Children can also enjoy the fresh ambiance inside. The interior has been designed with tourists’ comfort in mind, and it is appealing to many. Not only Japanese but also many Chinese and Korean guests visit, showing that it is a fresh venue for international visitors as well.

It is recommended to arrive either early or a little later at lunchtime, as it tends to get crowded. There are Shisa statues lined up for photo opportunities, and the thoughtful touches are a plus. The restaurant’s recommended dish is undoubtedly the “Okinawa soba.” Many fans come here specifically to taste the Okinawa soba. Additionally, the Agu pork dish is one you should try.

Even though it is pork, it is not heavy or greasy; it is light and refreshing. The oil is not overwhelming, which might change the minds of those who typically dislike pork fat. The seasoning is lighter than it appears. In the garden, a woman dressed in traditional Okinawan attire performs Okinawan folk songs. This is also worth checking out. In addition, the classic tonkatsu and pork bowls are recommended.

◎ Summary

We have introduced 4 recommended gourmet spots in Nago City. All four of these establishments come highly recommended, so be sure to stop by and enjoy the delicious dishes. We hope you satisfy your hunger with these wonderful menus. Okinawa is full of unique dishes, including Okinawa soba, so if you haven’t tried them yet, actively challenge yourself to taste new flavors!

Hamburgers are also recommended. When it comes to hamburgers in Nago City, many would immediately say “Captain Kangaroo.” Many locals also agree that this is the place to have a hamburger.

There are still many other delicious establishments in Nago City that we could not introduce. Nago City, which is drawing intense attention on Okinawa’s main island, will undoubtedly continue to develop as a tourist attraction. We wish you a wonderful trip to Nago City!

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4 Recommended Gourmet Spots in Nago City Loved by Locals!