Must-see! 10 gourmet spots in Okinawa City recommended by locals

Located in the central part of Okinawa Prefecture, Okinawa City is a place where Okinawan culture and American culture blend together, influenced by the presence of U.S. military bases. This fusion has given rise to a unique food culture, offering a distinct atmosphere even within Okinawa. In this article, we’ll introduce recommended gourmet spots in Okinawa City that are frequented not only by tourists, but also by locals and foreigners alike.

1. Sam’s by the Sea Awase Branch

Enter a residential area of Okinawa City and you’ll find the charcoal-grilled steak & seafood restaurant “Sam’s by the Sea Awase Branch,” which exudes an American atmosphere. Staff inside the restaurant welcome you dressed in Navy sailor uniforms, making you feel as though you've boarded a pirate ship.

The recommended dish is the Sam's Combination Dinner. The oven-baked lobster paired with juicy steak is exceptional. The lobster, generously topped with sea urchin sauce, is exquisite in both aroma and flavor. The steak, grilled slowly over charcoal to seal in the juices, offers a taste and texture on a whole different level from typical Japanese steaks.

As the name “By the Sea” suggests, the restaurant is located by the bay. The ocean-view location and exotic atmosphere make you forget you're in Japan. With a spacious interior, it's perfect for families and tourist groups alike.

2. Charlie Tacos (Charlie Tacos)

A taco specialty shop located inside Chuo Park Avenue near Airport Street in Okinawa City. This is a super famous restaurant known by virtually every Okinawan. While tacos are originally Mexican cuisine, this shop played a major role in making tacos a beloved local soul food in Okinawa.

While tacos often use crispy hard shells, Charlie Tacos serves them with soft, chewy shells packed full of ingredients. The salsa sauce made with island chili peppers is also outstanding. Choose from beef, chicken, or tuna tacos—or go for the set menu if you want to try all three.

3. Somchai

A little way in from Hinode Street off Chuo Park Avenue in Okinawa, you’ll find the Thai restaurant “Somchai.” There’s often a line, mostly made up of foreigners, making it feel like you’ve suddenly stepped into another country. With limited seating and a cozy atmosphere, the shop stands out. Since the owner is from Thailand, you can enjoy truly authentic Thai cuisine.

The recommended dish is “Pad Thai.” The chewy noodles and sweet-spicy seasoning are a perfect match. There are condiments on the table, so you can adjust the flavor to your liking. They also cook your preferred ingredients, so even vegetarians can enjoy their meals here.

4. Krishna

An Indian restaurant located on the 3rd floor of the Plaza House Shopping Center in Okinawa City. From the entrance window, you can watch an authentic Indian chef baking naan in a tandoor oven—it’s captivating. Inside, nostalgic music, exotic decorations, and fragrant spices create the ambiance of a high-end Indian restaurant.

Staff dressed in saris will guide you to your seat. The authentic Indian curry and naan baked in the front tandoor oven have a chewy yet crispy texture. Spice levels range from mild to medium, hot, and super hot, making it enjoyable even for children.

Lunch curry sets are available for around 1,000 yen. Since you’re in an Indian restaurant, the recommended drink is lassi. This renowned Indian restaurant is loved by a wide range of customers, from office workers to the elderly and families.

5. Awase Fishing Port Dining Hall / Awase Fishing Port Payao Direct Sales Store

As the name suggests, this dining hall is located inside the Payao Direct Sales Store, a mini-market within Awase Fishing Port. Frequently featured in various media, it also attracts many tourists from overseas. Seafood purchased at the shop can be cooked on-site, allowing visitors to enjoy freshly caught fish. The dining hall offers a diverse and impressive menu including butter-grilled spiny lobster or fresh fish, sea urchin rice bowls, hand-shaped sushi made right before your eyes, and more—all of which are irresistibly delicious. They also sell boxed meals, making it a popular spot loved by locals.

6. Dress Diner (DRESS DINER)

A buffet restaurant located on the 1st floor of Okinawa Grand Mer Resort in Yogi, Okinawa City. At the entrance, a wall lined with Shisa (Okinawan lion-dog statues) welcomes you. From inside the restaurant, you can view the cityscape of Okinawa City all the way to the horizon. The menu features over 50 dishes, including Japanese, Western, Chinese, and Okinawan cuisine, all delivered to your table—a new type of buffet experience.

The all-you-can-eat dinner buffet with no time limit is highly recommended. You can enjoy a wide variety of buffet dishes like plump crab and chicken at a reasonable price. Be sure to enjoy this great-value buffet offering the luxurious cuisine and refined ambiance of a hotel.

7. Jinbei

Jinbei is a tsukemen (dipping noodles) restaurant so delicious that even Okinawans—who are said not to line up for food—form lines to eat here. The thick noodles are made with domestic wheat, offering a chewy texture and rich flavor even when eaten plain. The noodles, with their perfect blend of seafood and animal-based umami, are thick, rich, and cling perfectly to the sauce.

The chashu pork topping is tender and bursting with bold flavor. On the table are condiments like shikuwasa (Okinawan citrus) and soy-pickled garlic, which you can use to deepen or refresh the flavor. A must-try for fans of tsukemen.

8. Mukainya

Mukainya is a restaurant near San-A in Okinawa City that specializes in Okinawa soba and gyoza. Unlike typical casual soba shops in Okinawa, jazz music plays inside, creating a stylish atmosphere. A unique feature is the choice of four different broth bases for the soba: salt, bonito, miso, and rich-mellow.

The soup, made by simmering black pork (Agu pork) and vegetables with chewy fresh noodles created by a skilled noodle maker using carefully selected flour, is light yet full of flavor.

Their handmade gyoza featuring their signature black pork (Agu pork) are also superb. The chewy, smooth wrappers burst with juicy pork. For those worried about garlic odor, they also offer garlic-free options.

9. Anella Kitchen

Anella Kitchen is a hidden Italian café located in Takahara, Okinawa City. Birds chirp throughout the cozy, laid-back interior. The dishes are prepared in a counseling-style manner tailored to individual preferences, so guests with allergies or ingredient aversions can consult with the staff.

Every dish is carefully crafted to highlight the quality of the ingredients and is truly exceptional. Couples and families alike will find this a satisfying dining experience.

10. Marucho Shokudo

Lastly, we introduce “Marucho Shokudo,” a 24-hour Okinawan diner located near the Koza Crossroads in Okinawa City. The exterior may look old, but the interior is clean and run by cheerful local aunties. A ticket vending machine at the entrance displays a wide array of Okinawan dishes—you’ll likely find it hard to choose.

Among the many menu options, the most recommended dish is the horse meat soup. The broth is rich and flavorful, complemented by the refreshing taste of mugwort (fuchiba). But honestly, every set meal is delicious and hearty, making this a great place to stop by during lunch.

◎ Summary

That concludes our list of gourmet spots in Okinawa City, recommended by locals. What did you think of the gourmet spots nurtured by the mix of cultures (Champloo culture) in Okinawa City? Okinawa City has the second-largest population in Okinawa Prefecture after Naha City. Dining spots are essential for tourism. If you’re ever visiting Okinawa City on a business trip or otherwise, why not check out one of the gourmet spots introduced here when you’re hungry?

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Must-see! 10 gourmet spots in Okinawa City recommended by locals