Decorated with simple wooden tables and cane chairs, this bay-facing restaurant exudes nothing but charm. Specializing in fresh seafood, expect to see clams, prawns and local fish on the menu. The key to their fantastic dishes is traditional ingredients fused with inventive recipes. Asian figurines, old barrels and the famous pirate’s wheel make for a whimsical atmosphere.
For a unique dining experience in Okinawa, head to the Sea Side Drive-In. This 24-hour restaurant in Onna Village offers both dine in and take out. Launched in the 1950s, it retains its classic American diner ambiance with a menu to match. Select from Cheeseburger and Fries, Club Sandwich, Mexican Spring Rolls and Taco Balls, among an array of American favorites. The eclectic interiors are replete with aquariums and collectibles, and the large windows offer stunning views of the ocean.
Izakaya TEECHI is a beach resort-themed restaurant and bar in Naha City, serving Pan-Asian cuisine and a wide range of awamori (Okinawan rice liquor) and cocktails. If you haven't tried Okinawa's taco rice yet, this is the perfect place to do so. The friendly staff are used to tourists, and more than willing to accommodate English-speaking guests. The second floor is good for private events, but the first floor can also be rented and holds up to 50 guests. All-you-can-drink specials make this venue great for parties, and customers celebrating a birthday will receive a special treat.
Near The Busena Terrace and the Busena Resort Underwater Observatory in Nago City, Donanchi Dining Restaurant offers tourists and locals a taste of Northern Okinawa's locally grown produce. The area is famous for the beniimo (red sweet potato), so visitors should definitely try the beniimo croquette. Like Ganso Umibudo Honten, the restaurant also serves umibudo (grape-shaped seaweed), but in a salad instead of over rice. Orion beer and awamori (Okinawan sake) wash down the local dishes nicely, and the large wooden tables make this a nice place to have a meal with friends. This restaurant is only open for dinner.