9 Must-Try Exquisite Lunches in Miyako Island That You Shouldn’t Miss

When it comes to Okinawa Prefecture, its traditional dishes such as Okinawa soba, rafute (braised pork belly), champuru (stir-fry), and yushi tofu are quite famous. The region also offers an abundance of unique local ingredients like tropical fruits and vegetables grown in the warm climate, as well as a colorful variety of fish. When visiting as a tourist, it's only natural to want to savor the local cuisine that represents the area. That’s why in this article, we’re putting the spotlight on Miyako Island in Okinawa and introducing some recommended lunch spots.

1. A Simple Island Diner with a Nostalgic Atmosphere - Daiwa Shokudo

Daiwa Shokudo is a beloved eatery in Miyakojima that has been around for nearly 50 years. It’s best known for serving traditional local cuisine, especially “Miyako Soba,” a signature noodle dish of the island. The menu offers a wide variety of soba, including the classic Miyako soba, soki soba (with stewed pork ribs), sanmai niku soba (with three-layer pork), soft cartilage soki soba, tebichi soba (with pig’s feet), and vegetable soba.
A hidden gem on the menu is the old-fashioned “yellow curry rice.” This mildly sweet curry features a slightly runny roux and plenty of bite-sized vegetables. Many visitors say it reminds them of the curry served in school lunches, adding to its nostalgic charm.
All menu items are reasonably priced, making it an ideal spot for those who want a hearty meal. However, it’s a popular spot during lunch hours, so it’s recommended to visit at a slightly different time to avoid the line.

2. Aozora Parlor - Enjoy Over 20 Types of Smoothies and a Tropical Vibe

Located on Kurima Island, just across the Kurima Bridge from Miyako Island, “Aozora Parlor” opened in 2013 as a specialty takeout smoothie shop. This stylish café was born from the owner’s desire to let visitors enjoy a drive while sipping on a cold smoothie and admiring the beautiful scenery of Miyako Island.
Among the 20 smoothie options on the menu, the most popular is the "Miyako Island Mango" smoothie. Made with proud mangoes grown by local farmers, this drink is incredibly sweet and fruity without using any artificial sweeteners. As a frozen drink made from chilled fruits, it's the perfect refreshment for a hot summer break.
The smoothie menu ranges widely—from health-conscious blends containing superfoods to dessert-like choices with chocolate or cheesecake. In addition to drinks, they also serve Okinawan B-class gourmet items like taco rice and french fries, making it a great stop for lunch as well.

3. Hearty Local Lunch and Cultural Cooking Experience at Nmaya~

Located in the southern area of Miyako Island, the Tomori district is home to “Nmaya~”, a beloved local restaurant cherished as a peaceful retreat by residents. True to its name, which means “Grandma’s House” in Okinawan dialect, the place welcomes guests with a warm, homely atmosphere where traditional Okinawan dishes are served. The cozy environment is perfect for families, and the availability of small portion sizes makes it an excellent choice even for young children.
Among their four types of Okinawa soba, the most recommended is the “Melt-in-your-mouth Pork Cartilage Soki Soba.” It features two generous cuts of slowly simmered pork cartilage and two thick slices of fish cake. Even as a standalone meal, it's impressively filling—but ordering the set makes it even better, adding Okinawa-style seasoned rice called “Jūshī” and four small side dishes.
What makes Nmaya~ extra special is their weekend afternoon cooking classes. Hosted by the owner affectionately known as “Bāba,” these reservation-only sessions teach participants how to prepare authentic Miyako Island dishes. Both locals and tourists alike enjoy this hands-on cultural experience. Why not take home the taste of Okinawa and recreate your unforgettable memories in your own kitchen?

4. Maruyoshi Shokudo – Irresistible Refreshing Ice Candy to Cleanse the Palate

Maruyoshi Shokudo is a long-established restaurant that has been serving the “Original Miyako Soba” in an unchanging style for over 50 years. A distinctive feature of “Miyako Soba” is that its toppings are hidden beneath the noodles rather than placed on top. At Maruyoshi Shokudo, you’ll find noodles in a garlic-flavored soup that is unlike typical Okinawan soba, with slices of fish cake (kamaboko) and three-layer pork belly tucked underneath.
This garlic-flavored soup is known for its addictive, lingering deliciousness. It’s popular not only among locals but also among many tourists. But the charm of “Maruyoshi Shokudo” doesn’t stop at the noodles. Another favorite across all age groups—from children to adults—is the ice candy you get after the meal. Amazingly, it’s homemade.
The ice candy comes in a brown sugar milk coffee flavor, making it the perfect palate cleanser after enjoying the rich soup. Many customers visit the restaurant just to enjoy this treat. Even adults can feel nostalgic and return to their childhood as they indulge in this classic frozen delight.

5. Fun Lunch at “PaniPani” with a Rich Menu and Lively Conversations

Located on Kurima Island, CAFE PaniPani is a stylish café that exudes a tropical atmosphere, even more so than the already exotic Miyako Island. A large tree stands in front of the café, providing natural shade that keeps the terrace seats pleasantly cool—one of the café’s many charms. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a delicious lunch in comfort.
The food menu centers around light meals such as bread, sandwiches, and pizza—all reasonably priced, making it fun to try a variety of options. The café also offers a wide selection of drinks, including authentic Italian roast coffee, smoothies, and a striking blue “Creamer Soda” inspired by the sea of Kurima Island.
As a popular café often featured in guidebooks, CAFE PaniPani usually draws a long line of customers, no matter the season. Be prepared to wait when you visit. Also, please note that the café may close unexpectedly depending on the weather, so it’s advisable to contact them in advance.

6. If You Want to Try the Original Miyako Soba, Try - Restaurant Sumbari

If you're visiting Miyako Island, make sure to stop by Sumbari, a popular eatery famous for its unique "Sumbari Soba", which includes octopus. While most Miyako soba usually contains meat or fish cake (kamaboko), Sumbari's version is packed with ocean delicacies like octopus, aosa seaweed, and wakame.
Even within Miyako Island, this is the only place where you can enjoy soba with such an abundance of seafood. In addition to their signature "Sumbari Soba," the menu offers over 13 types of soba, 8 types of set meals, and 6 types of rice bowls. Keep an eye out for rare items like jet-black soba with octopus ink! The restaurant is located at the foot of Ikema Ohashi Bridge in northern Miyako Island.

7. Shima Cafe Tonkaraya — Enjoy Lunch While Admiring Spectacular Views

If you want to relax and soak in the atmosphere of Miyako Island, head to Shima Cafe Tonkaraya. This café offers a stunning view while you enjoy your lunch. The name "Tonkaraya" means “a place where close friends gather,” and true to its name, it’s a popular hangout for both locals and tourists.
The menu is diverse — from hearty meals like Miyako beef hamburg steak, soki curry, and grilled chicken, to lighter fare such as mozuku seaweed somen noodles and hot sandwiches. It’s a great spot for people of all ages. After lunch, you can also browse the attached gift shop for local items.

8. Koja Soba - Don’t Miss the Most Popular Long-Established Restaurant in Miyakojima

Founded in 1932 (Showa 7), Koja Soba is a direct-run restaurant of the historic Koja Seimen noodle factory. As its long history suggests, it is a must-visit spot for anyone visiting Miyakojima, renowned for serving the island’s famous Miyako soba.
The Miyako soba served here is known for its light and clear pork-bone-based broth. While the classic Miyako soba is delicious on its own, you should also try the "Nakami Soba," generously topped with pork offal. The offal used at Koja Soba is praised for having no unpleasant odor and a delightfully chewy texture, making it easy to enjoy—even for women who tend to avoid offal dishes.
As the most famous soba restaurant in Miyakojima, long queues are inevitable. Aim to arrive right at the opening time of 11 a.m., or if you're coming during peak hours, be sure to allow plenty of time. For those who want to enjoy the same taste at home, we recommend buying the fresh noodle set to-go. It also makes a wonderful gift, as they offer nationwide shipping.

9. Doug’s Burger – Taste the Full Blessings of Miyako Island

Doug’s Burger is a luxurious burger that far surpasses the standards of fast food. Made without any additives or artificial coloring, this carefully crafted burger uses only ingredients sourced from Miyako Island. Remarkably, the patty is made from 100% pure Japanese Black Wagyu beef raised on Tarama Island, one of the Miyako Islands. There’s no doubt it’s absolutely delicious.
The menu includes the signature Doug’s Burger, as well as variations with cheese or avocado toppings, and even options without vegetables. For those who don’t prefer beef patties, the “Tuna Steak Burger” made with yellowfin tuna is highly recommended. Of course, this tuna is also freshly caught off the coast of Miyako Island.
“Doug’s Burger” is filled with the passion of its owner, Doug, and his deep love for Miyako Island. It’s quickly becoming a new local gourmet staple of the area. If you’re tired of light soba lunches, why not treat yourself to a hearty fast food experience for a change?

◎ Summary

Aside from shops serving Miyako soba, there are also cafes with stunning views and carefully curated burger joints, making for a highly diverse lunch scene. Some dishes can only be enjoyed in Miyako Island, making it a worthwhile memory-making experience. These spots are already popular and likely to be crowded—but even so, they’re absolutely worth a visit!

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9 Must-Try Exquisite Lunches in Miyako Island That You Shouldn’t Miss