Okinawa is often celebrated for its beaches and its laid-back island lifestyle. But, what doesn’t get nearly enough airtime? The food, a quiet force of culinary intrigue where Japanese tradition meets Pacific island flair, with a side of unexpected American influence.
As I ate my way through the island (in the name of research, of course), I discovered a delicious narrative that unfolded bite by bite, from elevated soba to a salt-touched soft cream. Here’s everything I ate in Okinawa, and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
READ: Your short and sweet guide to Osaka, Kyoto, and the Kansai region
1. Eibun Soba
If you’re going to try one thing in Okinawa—and I mean just one—let it be the signature bowl at Eibun. Okinawan soba is not your typical buckwheat affair; it’s made with slightly chewy wheat noodles in a clear pork broth that’s equal parts earthy and elegant. But Eibun doesn’t stop there, it refines this traditional staple into something that feels quietly luxurious for a place so casual.
The ‘Bunbun’ is their signature bowl, layered with caramelized pork belly, tender pork spare ribs that fall off the bone, and diced pork that adds texture and depth. The broth is light in color but profoundly savory.
Condiments are thoughtfully placed on the table, allowing you to personalize your bowl’s flavor profile. The highlight is a house-infused vinegar steeped with tiny local chilies—not there to burn, but to bring a subtle sweetness with just a kiss of spice. It cuts through the richness of the broth beautifully, adding a layer of complexity that makes each slurp even more satisfying.
2. 808 Poké Bowls
Okinawa’s culinary identity is a cultural mosaic and nowhere is that more evident than at 808 Poké Bowls, where Japanese reverence for pristine seafood meets laid-back Hawaiian ease.
We all know Japanese fish is in a league of its own—pristine, delicately textured, almost ethereal. Now sprinkle in a bit of Hawaiian flair, a dash of West Coast sensibility, and you’ve got one of the freshest, most satisfying bowls of poké this side of the Pacific.
You can customize your own poke bowl to your heart’s content. Mix tuna and salmon, choose from traditional sauces like shoyu-wasabi or go rogue with something funkier like honey ginger miso. Add-ons include edamame, avocado, and seaweed for extra crunch and depth.
But here’s a tip: ask for the wasabi oil. It doesn’t just add heat, it lifts the entire dish, accentuating the fish without overpowering it. The result is bright, clean, and surprisingly complex for something served in a bowl.
3. Wake and Bagel
Wake and Bagel is the brunch darling of Naha, marrying New York-style bagels with island ingredients in a way that works far better than it should.
They’ve mastered all the classics of your local bagel shop with precision and heart. Take the classic BEC (Bacon, Egg, Cheese). The bagel itself is perfectly toasted with a slight crunch giving way to a pillowy interior. The bacon is smoky and crisp, the egg soft and buttery, while the melted cheese binds everything together with a creamy, indulgent richness. Each bite hits that comforting trifecta of salty, savory, and just a hint of sweetness, making it the kind of breakfast that feels like a warm, familiar hug to start your day.
4. Mazemen Mahoroba
At Mazemen Mahoroba, the menu is refreshingly concise. Just four dishes, all variations of the same masterful concept. That’s always a good sign: when a place narrows its focus, you know they’re confident they’ve cracked the code. And boy, have they.
Mazemen is a dry-style ramen, which means no broth, just thick, chewy noodles coated in a luscious, deeply savory sauce that clings to every strand. The version here is Taiwanese-inspired, with a rich umami punch that hits every corner of your palate. The base is a vibrant blend of minced pork, egg yolk, and a medley of savory seasonings, including a pronounced bonito flavor that’s smoky, slightly briny, and utterly addictive.
They also serve complimentary steamed rice at the end of your meal to soak up every last drop of that glorious sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bit.
5. Marcy’s Okinawa Banana Juice & Shake
At Marcy’s Okinawa Banana Juice & Shake, the real star isn’t just the refreshing banana juice—it’s their Salt Milk Soft Cream. The texture is perfection itself: luxuriously smooth and airy, with that ideal soft-serve silkiness that melts effortlessly on your tongue.
The flavor? There’s a subtle creaminess intertwined with a delicate salty note that surprisingly enhances the natural sweetness of the soft cream. It’s as if someone found the perfect harmony between dessert and palate cleanser—refreshing, comforting, and just a little bit addictive in the best way possible.
6. A Happy Pancake
After abandoning an ambitious attempt to dine at their Tokyo branch, where the wait stretched past 90 minutes, I finally experienced A Happy Pancake in Okinawa, sans the queue. And yes, it was every bit as delightful as the name suggests.
These pancakes are no ordinary breakfast fare. In fact, they’re served all day, and I shamelessly had mine for dinner. No regrets.
The secret is in the batter, cooked slowly to create a perfect golden crust while preserving the pillowy softness within. Served alongside seasonal fruit, each forkful bursts with natural sweetness and color.
7. The Garlic Shrimp
At this dedicated garlic shrimp eatery, simplicity reigns supreme and yet, each plate delivers an unforgettable punch of flavor. The shrimp are impressively large and succulent, with their natural sweetness perfectly complemented by a decadent garlic butter sauce. The sauce clings to each tender morsel, infusing it with a fragrant, buttery warmth.
