Islands in Okinawa you can drive to! 9 recommended dining spots on Ikei Island and surroundings

About 90 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
Ikei Island may be a remote island, but thanks to the Kaichu Road and the islands of Henza and Miyagi, it’s easily accessible by car.
That said, it is still a remote island. Compared to the main island, there’s no denying that the number of cafés and restaurants is limited.
So in this article, to make sure you won’t have trouble finding a meal during your visit to Ikei Island, we’ll introduce some dining spots on and around the island.

1. Buffet with an Ocean View at “Restaurant Hibis”

Located in a prime spot right by the sea, AJ Resort Island Ikeijima houses the buffet-style Restaurant Hibis. Every seat in the restaurant offers an ocean view, allowing diners to enjoy their meal while taking in the stunning Pacific Ocean through large windows.
The restaurant is open only for breakfast (7:00–10:00) and dinner (18:00–21:30). Both meals feature Okinawan specialties like taco rice and champuru. The dinner-exclusive "Agu pork shabu-shabu" is particularly popular, drawing visitors to Hibis just for that dish. Enjoy Okinawa’s proud ingredients seasoned with the best spice of all—a breathtaking view.

2. Refuel After Beach Fun at “Beach Cafeteria”!

Right after crossing the Ikei Bridge—the entrance to Ikeijima—you’ll find Ikei Beach. This popular tourist destination is bustling during peak season and offers a variety of activities including diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat rides.
The main dining spot at Ikei Beach is Beach Cafeteria. Inside the open, glass-walled space, you can enjoy Okinawan classics such as Okinawa soba, pork & egg set meals, tofu champuru, and sea grapes rice bowls—all while feeling the ocean breeze. Swimsuits are welcome.
Outside the cafeteria is the Beach Parlor, which sells hamburgers, hot dogs, shaved ice, draft beer, and more. BBQ facilities are also available with a reservation—perfect for enjoying a cookout with views of the crystal-clear ocean.
Note: Accessing the beach may require entrance or facility fees, so check prices and plan ahead. When dining at the cafeteria, be sure to inform staff that you're there for "just a meal."

3. Ikeijima’s Only Supermarket: “Ikeijima Kyodo Supermarket”

If you're looking for snacks during your stroll, head to the Ikeijima Kyodo Supermarket, the island's only store, located in the center of the village. Recognizable by its aged exterior and vending machines out front, this large shop sells groceries, daily necessities, bento boxes, deli items, bread, sweets, and ice cream.
Used regularly by locals and tourists alike, it’s also a fun place to chat with residents. You'll find uniquely Okinawan souvenirs like chinsuko cookies and awamori (local liquor).

4. Popular Shaved Ice Café “Ruan + Shimairo”

A favorite on neighboring Miyagi Island, Ruan + Shimairo is a café and shaved ice specialty store that serves beautiful desserts in handmade pottery from the attached studio.
Not only visually stunning, their fluffy shaved ice is topped with handmade syrups and is absolutely delicious. From classic strawberry and matcha zenzai to Okinawan flavors like wasanbon sugar, brown sugar milk, and mango, the menu is extensive.
Highly recommended are the seasonal limited editions, with flavors such as passion yogurt, honey hibiscus, Okinawan pineapple, kiwi, pumpkin, chestnut, ginger, tankan orange, cherry blossom, and sake lees milk, which change monthly. There are also counter seats for solo visitors.

5. Experience the Flavor of Okinawa’s Famous Salt at “Takanari”

The mineral-rich salt Nuchimaasu, made from the clear seawater of Miyagi Island, is the key ingredient at Takanari, a café and restaurant next to the salt factory. Their menu includes Okinawan pork suuchikaa and Kogane Imo Curry, made with the region's golden sweet potatoes, among other Nuchimaasu-infused dishes.
They also offer salt-flavored sweets like soft serve, daifuku, gelato, and roll cakes—perfect even after a hearty meal. Don’t miss the onsite shop selling Nuchimaasu products.

6. For Fresh Seafood Dishes, Visit “Ajikei”

Located on Henza Island just past the Kaichu Road, Ajikei is a seafood diner famous for its proximity to the fishing port and incredibly fresh seafood. Generous portions and consistent deliciousness make it a favorite.
The must-try item is the Crab Soba, topped with heaps of swimming crab at a surprisingly affordable price. Other menu highlights include tuna bowls, seafood chirashi, sashimi set meals, and the Imayuu (fresh fish) set.
It’s a popular lunchtime spot, so expect crowds and the possibility of popular dishes selling out. For the best experience, aim to arrive at opening time: 11:30 AM.

7. A Variety of Natural Yeast Breads at “Boulangerie Café Yamashita”

Boulangerie Café Yamashita uses natural yeast and carefully selected ingredients to create delicious breads. They’re especially known for the “Nuchi Anpan”, made with local Nuchimaasu salt.
You can enjoy your purchased bread at the café space overlooking the ocean. The Nuchi Anpan, filled with red bean paste flavored with Tarama brown sugar and Nuchimaasu, is a fan favorite with many repeat customers.
Their "Hedgehog" bread, which gained fame after being featured in a magazine, is packed with sweet bean paste and chocolate cream—a unique and delicious combo.
Other items include mozuku bread, brown sugar cinnamon rolls, and golden sweet potato rusks. Don’t miss their freshly baked pizza and drinks, made to order.

8. Café with a View of the Ocean: “Ippukuya”

Perched on a scenic hill on Henza Island, Ippukuya features marine-themed decor and terrace seating with expansive views of the ocean, Kaichu Road, Hamahiga Island, and the UNESCO World Heritage site Katsuren Castle Ruins.
A top choice when you're hungry is the Chilled Noodles, an Okinawan take on Korean cold noodles. The dish features chewy noodles from Iwate topped with soft pork rib (soki), goya, and boiled egg. Add the side kimchi for a flavor twist.
You can also add rice balls like the Taco Pork Onigiri (with taco ingredients) or the Squid Ink Juushii, a local delicacy with a hint of sea aroma.

9. A Must-Stop Rest Area During Your Drive: “Umi-no-Eki Ayahashi-kan”

Located in the middle of Kaichu Road, Umi-no-Eki Ayahashi-kan is a seaside station modeled after a traditional Ryukyuan trade ship, the Maranbune. Inside, you'll find a local product shop, a buffet restaurant, an Okinawa soba specialty shop, and on the second floor, the Sea Culture Museum.
Outside, food stalls sell seafood, tempura, frankfurters, sata andagi (Okinawan donuts), soft serve, and more. The seafood rice bowls for just one coin (¥500) are surprisingly good and very popular.
Don't miss the freshly harvested sea grapes and traditional snacks—perfect for a quick bite during your drive.

◎ Summary

There are relatively few dining options on and around Ikeijima, which means places can get crowded during peak hours. Still, despite the limited number, there’s a surprising variety of unique and charming eateries—definitely worth a visit.
When planning a trip to Ikeijima, use this guide to enjoy the best of local Okinawan cuisine!

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Islands in Okinawa you can drive to! 9 recommended dining spots on Ikei Island and surroundings