CONTRIBUTED BY ANDREW FASSETT

Tsuru-Mi-Ya Ramen was my favorite restaurant on all of Okinawa for the two years I was there. It is basically a small Japanese noodle place that has delicious food, in good quantities, and for a very reasonable price.

My personal favorite was their deep fried chicken set with pork broth soup. I never left there hungry and I never had to break the bank to do it. Not to mention the Japanese television that was located in the restaurant was always good for a laugh. The staff were extremely friendly and if you are lucky you may even get your picture taken and have it put up on the wall. This happened to me and some friends one of the nearly 30 times we went to this place.

Menu – click to enlarge

Directions: It is located directly on 329 just north of Ishikawa.

Exiting Kadena Gate 3 (by Chibana Family Housing, recommended route) – Continue straight through the intersection off base along 26. Take a left on 329. As you continue north stay straight on 329 – do not turn right onto business 329 through Ishikawa. Continue north past the Ishikawa Circle/turnoff to the left toward Exit 6 on the Expressway. 1 km north of the circle, the road will merge into only two lanes (one north and one south).  Just after the lanes merge you will see Tsuru-Mi-Ya Ramen on your right.

Exiting Kadena Gate 2 (Gate 3 is recommended – see above) – Take a left upon exiting the base onto 85.  Stay on 85 for approximately 2 km then turn right to stay on 85.  Stay on 85 for a little under a km before taking a left on to 329 heading North.  Then follow the directions above.

From the north (driving south on 329) – You will pass the turn off toward exit 7 of the expressway, on your right. While the road is still only two lanes you will see a café on your left that is located immediately adjacent to the ocean 450m south of the Café and just before the road broadens into 4 lanes you will see Tsuru-Mi-Ya Ramen on your left. There is off the street parking immediately north of the building.

Menu – click to enlarge

Hours: The restaurant is open for dinner daily. (Editor’s note: If you know the specific times, please let us know in the comments so we can add them.)

Payment: Yen only. I have included pictures of the restaurant menu for your convenience.

CONTRIBUTED BY KATHRYN STRONG

When I first arrived in the northern part of Okinawa three years ago, vegetarianism was a little known and often misunderstood concept. Since that time though, I’ve seen a remarkable transformation take place right in my backyard. Restaurants that previously had no meat-free offerings have added dishes to their menu or expressed a willingness to accommodate vegetarian requests. More than that, in the past year several veggie restaurants have popped up seemingly out of thin air. One of this new wave is Café Kokuu.

Café Kokuu lives in a beautiful and airy pale wood structure in the “Wellness Community” of Hope Hills in Nakijin. Set high up and on a cliff, it offers stunning views of the village below and the ocean. Plenty of people first stop for the scenery, but it’s the food that keeps them coming back.

The menu is simple. There’s the Kokuu plate for 1200 yen, which is my constant recommendation. While 1200 may seem a bit steep, the portions are generous. A typical meal includes a large plate with a salad in the center and four to five side dishes, miso soup, rice, a hot vegetable dish with tofu, and tempura. It’s almost an overwhelming amount of food. All of it is exquisitely flavored.

The salad is accompanied by the perfect amount of light dressing; the side dishes each bring out the best taste of the different vegetables they contain; the tofu is cooked to perfect firmness; the rice is mixed with vegetables to create richness and texture; the tempura is light, crispy, and fresh. Whenever I come here, I have to coach myself to take my time and savor the food, because I’m always tempted to scarf it down as fast as I can. When I finish, I always feel content and pleasantly full, but never heavy or greasy.

Of course, this is just an idea of what you might be served. As the name suggests, this is a plate, which means that each time I go, even though I order the same thing, I get a different selection. The owners are very conscious of what is currently in season, and plan their meals accordingly. The vegetables are always picked and served at the height of freshness, and are often sourced locally, meaning that you can learn a lot about the surrounding area by looking at your plate.

Rounding out the simple menu are a drink set, which features smaller portions of the same food but is paired with a drink, a selection of healthy desserts, and a variety of organic coffees, juices, and teas. You can’t go wrong.

The owners are a young couple with an adorable child and they’re always happy to see foreign faces. Their English is limited, but they’re able to convey their point. More than that, they go out of their way to make the atmosphere comfortable. When the weather is good, large walls are open allowing an uninterrupted view of the ocean. Soft music plays, and dishes are served on beautiful handcrafted plates and bowls. Children are encouraged, and small toys are provided for their amusement. Everything about the experience encourages relaxation.

With easy access from the aquarium, and food and a view that can’t be beat, next time you’re up north, definitely check out Café Kokuu!

Directions: There are many ways to get to Café Kokuu. I think the easiest way is to head towards Nakijin from the Churaumi Aquarium. At the first light turn left. Shortly after that there will be a small sign in Japanese that says こくう as well as a big sign for “The Green Room.” Turn right. Follow these signs up the mountain until you get to Hope Hills. From there, the two paths diverge, so follow the signs for こくう. The building sits at the end of the road. The café is searchable on google maps, so I’d recommend that as the easiest option.

Address: 今帰仁村字諸志2031-138

Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They close early if they sell out (which has been known to happen) and occasionally are fully booked, so calling ahead is recommended.

Phone: 0980-56-1321

Website: Café Kokuu

Payment: Yen please!

CONTRIBUTED BY EMILY COZZIE

Menu – click to enlarge

One day while exploring Naha, my husband and I became extremely hungry. In our family, hunger + long car rides = grumpiness. We were relieved to have stumbled upon Anjina Beach Café because our bodies just couldn’t fight the hunger pangs any longer. When we arrived, the friendly staff sat us down and handed us English menus. While browsing through the menu, the iced coffee page instantly became our favorite. We knew right then an iced mocha, accompanied with our meal, was crucial before our journey home in the Naha traffic.

When those mochas came out, our mouths watered as they placed the tall glass of liquid gold in front of us. The chocolate drizzle along the inside of the glass topped with a mountain of whipped cream was heaven in a glass.

We sipped on those puppies while enjoying the view of the ocean and watching the planes land at Naha Air Base. As for the food, my husband decided on chicken cutlet curry with cheese while I got a deep fried grilled cheese and ham sandwich. Both dishes were very good and I highly recommend both.

As if sitting down for a relaxing meal and coffee wasn’t enough, there is a beach right outside the cafe where we have seen the locals swimming and wind surfing.

We have been back a couple of different times, and highly recommend this place to everyone!

Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Address: 173 Senaga, Tomigusuku, Okinawa Prefecture 901-0233

Directions:

• Head south on Highway 58 towards Naha.
• Continue on 58 until it merges into 331 and stay straight. There will be a sign for Itoman at a major intersection, get into the right hand turn lane. This will put you on Senaga street heading towards Senaga Islands.

Turn right at the first stop light, just after the major intersection. There will be a sign for the Japan Coast Guard and Naha Air Base.

Wind down this road for about ½ mile until you see Beach Café on your right.

CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY CAMINA

KAI Cafe is conveniently located in Toyosaki Comprehensive Park (near Ashibanaa Outlet Mall) which means parking is a breeze compared to other places on the island. The atmosphere in the Café is exquisite and artful. Crystal chandeliers sparkle as they refract the multitude of light sources thoughtfully dispersed around the dining room.

For a moment upon entering one might take pause as a place so elegant would sit in the middle of a recreational park. The seating is also interesting and ranges from circular booths to traditional tables to leather couches under teak tables.

The food at Café KAI is primarily Western or European themed with a few local twists thrown in for good measure. Most wary American clientele will find safety in the excellent KAI burger sets, freshly made pizzas, or pasta meals.

These American-style meals are thoughtfully prepared and range from 800-1200 yen. There are a variety of salads, appetizers, drinks, and desserts with English descriptions and pictures to aid in ease of ordering. If you go at lunch time you can get the lunch specials that range from a selection of four entrée’s ( beef, pasta, curry rice or fish on the day of this review) which come with unlimited trips to the drink, soup, salad, and dessert bar. The lunch specials range from 1600 yen to 1300 yen.

Of final note, patio-style seating is available outside the main dining room, where several guests with pets were seated. Seeing people take their pets to dinner was different and no, these were not service animals.

Directions: Head south through NAHA on highway 58 towards the airport. The 58 will turn into the 331; just keep driving straight towards the airport.  After passing the airport, be mindful of the white traffic signs above the road which direct you toward Ashibana Outlet Mall. The signs will have you turn right on the 331 at the Senaga Island intersection. Within a few minutes you will be in Toyosaki and will see Ashibana Outlet mall on the left. Exit just like you are going to Ashibana mall but when approaching the stoplight get in the right lane instead of the left. Turn right and drive toward the ocean for about a kilometer. You will drive straight into Toyosaki Comprehensive Park’s parking lot.

Payment: Café KAI accepts Yen, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Closed Wednesdays.

Website: Café KAI

Google Coordinates: 26° 9’19.41″N    127°38’56.50″E

Address: 5-1 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku, Okinawa Prefecture 901-0225

Phone: 098-840-6333

Editor’s Note: Restaurant Salsa is in the same location as the restaurant formerly known as La Tejadita Ichiban. Thanks to Alissa for sending us this update!

CONTRIBUTED BY ALISSA FRAZIER 

My family and I like this place, so we want to share our thoughts with you about Salsa.

Salsa has many new additions to their menu. Now they serve juicy local roast chicken and other Peruvian foods.

We have tried a few of the new choices, including the coriander pilaf. This came with homemade salsa that went extremely well with the pilaf.

We also tried the lomo saltado which contains beef sautéed with onions, tomatoes and fried potatoes, and for flavor they added vinegar and soy sauce. Once we tried it, we couldn’t stop!

The chicken they use is fresh, local chicken. They make their chicken very juicy and use original Peruvian spices. They also have a few side orders such as french fries and fried chicken.

In addition, they serve some famous drinks from Peru. The photo below is called Chicha it is made from purple corn.

Directions: From Gate 3 of Kadena Air Base, turn right to get on route 74 to Ikento east, then turn left to route 85 at the Misato intersection. Then turn right on route 329. From there, Salsa is on the left about 100-150 meters down.

Hours: Thursday-Tuesday 11:30a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (last order 8:30 p.m.) Closed on Wednesday.  Lunch is served until 2:30 p.m. and the set includes soup, drink, and dessert for ¥900

Payment: Yen only (no credit)

Phone: 098-938-6950

Editor’s Note: This café is located inside Yakumitsu Hompo, a honey store where you can taste many different kinds of honey from China. Our other review is about the honey store specifically, but this post is all about the café inside. Enjoy!

CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY CAMINA

At first glance, this establishment seems to be one of the many import or eclectic specialty food stores found in Plaza Shopping Center. While the store does offer a diverse and impressive selection of premium honey for purchase or sampling, what was unexpected was the full service Café housed inside.

Initially my wife, son, and I only stopped in for some coffee and smoothies. After perusing the menu a bit we decided to try a few things to snack on. We ordered Choco & Banana pancakes, Egg Sandwich set, Honey Café Latte, and the Coconut lychee smoothie. I am not a fan of egg sandwiches myself, but I had a taste of my son’s set and everything was carefully prepared and delicious. The sandwich came with fried seasoned potato wedges, small dish of ketchup, and a finely sliced carrot salad.

Menu – click to enlarge

As good as this sandwich was, what really impressed me was what I was actually least in the mood for – pancakes. Now let me preface this by saying that I really do like pancakes, but this was about six o’clock in the afternoon and I usually prefer heavier breakfast fare in the morning.

When the Choco & Banana pancakes were served they looked and smelled heavenly. Remember for a moment that I am a guy, and don’t use the phrase “smelled heavenly” (with the obligatory eye roll and inhalation) very often. These cakes smelled that darn good. After my wife tasted them she shoved her plate towards me with that, “I would tell you to try this but I am too darn busy enjoying this food,” look on her face. After playing it cool and trying not to look as interested in the food as I was (since I might have griped a little about stopping by in the first place) I took a bite and instantly knew that she was not exaggerating.

Menu – click to enlarge

First of all, these pancakes were not heavy at all but the lightest, fluffiest things I have had in some time. I have to also admit that when I eat pancakes I usually generously drown them in syrup. Although there are three small pitchers on each table of a different variety of honey that customers can use to sweeten the food, these pancakes did not need any. The pancakes were warm, buttery, with a hint of sweetness that must have been mixed with the batter. The chocolate drizzled on the dish was deep, dark and smooth with just the right balance of bitter to balance with the sweetness of the bananas.

The drinks were quite good as well. The coconut lychee smoothie I ordered was flavorful, but I think my wife won out as far as portion sizes go with her ice Honey Latte which was served in a much larger glass. Being the good husband I am, I assisted her in finishing it off.

Menu – click to enlarge

The menu has plenty of other items that would please many flavor palates such as noodles and pastas. However, the main vibe I got from the café was a breakfast and lunch theme. Whatever you are in the mood for, Honey Café is well worth a visit.

Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily

Phone: 098-933-1893

Website: Honey Café

Menu – click to enlarge

Directions: Honey Café is located on the second floor of the Plaza Shopping Center. To get there from Camp Foster, exit left on Hwy 330 at the Legion gate. Follow the 330 north about 3 kilometers until you see the shopping center on the right. There are usually traffic attendants that will direct you to a parking spot in the lot or in the garage.

CONTRIBUTED BY LAURA MORONEY

It was the weekend before school started, and a celebration was indeed needed. Instead of going to the regular hot spot restaurants in Okinawa, we decide to take our two school-age children somewhere new. Café Cielmer is located on the Sunabe seawall right above the popular hair salon Borjon. I spotted it the week prior while walking the sea wall with my kiddos; it was lit up with welcoming windows that would reveal the gorgeous view of the Keramas at sunset. I knew immediately that I must try this Café.

We arrived to Café Cielmer around 6:00 p.m. on this late August evening. The seawall was swarming with prospects taking in the sunset and enjoying the cool breeze that was blowing in before nightfall. We proceeded to the second floor of the building, which allows Café Cielmer a perfect ocean view. To our surprise the place was completely empty. The décor was alluring, like an advertisement from Pottery Barn, with whitewashed beach-like tables and chairs that had a French country feel.

We sat at the table closest to the window to take in the gorgeous sunset. A professional young lady arrived at our table with two menus and carafe of ice water. My two hestitant kids began to ease into the restaurant setting, as this kind lady pointed out that the loft above the main dining area was for kids. They found some cute Japanese toys and books to play with while my husband and I enjoyed a glass of wine.

The menu was quite simple. Although Café Cielmer offers lunch and dinner, it was designed to serve the meal in courses (much like many fine dining restaurants). We decided to order different entrées to sample more of the menu. All meals included salad, soup, bread with authentic olive oil, pasta, main dish, dessert and coffee or tea.

My husband and I enjoyed the variety of flavors. The salad was a splendid mixture of leafy greens, traditional sesame-style dressing, tomatoes, pickled carrots, and chick peas smothered in a glorious tomato-based sauce.

The soup was served in a little cup and although small in portion, it was full of flavor. The next course of the meal was the pasta, which was served a choice of tomato, basil, or cream sauce. This was my 13-year-old’s favorite, served with a very light cream sauce which had hints of garlic, butter and wine. It was also topped with Japanese mushrooms, bacon slices and parsley.

By this time, my ravenous hunger earlier was becoming satisfied … yet we still had two more courses left! The kids were calm and happy as the sunset mesmerized us. The food was as artistic and delicious! I finished the entire course, and right behind it came the delicious desserts, which were served with coffee or tea. I was more than pleased with this dining experience the ambiance embraced us.

After we dined we walked the Sunabe seawall, and all agreed that this was a great way to celebrate the start of a new school year!

Editor’s Note: Our original post on Mont Crea was published right after it opened in 2013. Since then, the owner briefly closed the business and then re-opned with a new menu. Without further ado, here’s the new review!

CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY CAMINA

Kin Town is host to many subtle attractions, but one of the most refined can be found in a little patisserie named Mont Crea.

The name of this bakery is actually the surname of the owner and head baker’s grandfather, which is Yama Zou. Yama Zou means “to create or make a mountain,” and when translated to French you get the shop’s namesake, “Mont Crea.” The previously mentioned owner’s name is Terumasa Afuso, who is a nationally recognized pastry and confectionary master. He was one of the youngest winners of the All Japan Sugar Sculpture competition and has also taken top honors at the All Japan California Walnut Confectionary and Baking Contest in 2009.

Mont Crea started out as a typical bakery and boulangerie, but after a brief break has since expanded the services and items offered. Aside from the delectable sweet indulgences which vary from day to day, the bakery now serves savory items intended for the lunch crowd. Such items include the curry bread served with a side of curry dipping sauce, spicy gourmet hot dogs and Yonbaru agu pork sandwiches.

Mr. Afuso has also started baking fresh breads such as baguettes, focaccia, Hokkaido wheat, and croissants.

All items sold are baked with the most premium imported flour and ingredients from across Europe and the United States. The herbs used in the shop are also grown in the owner’s private garden.  The freshness and attention to detail that is invested in every item come through in the myriad of flavors permeating this quaint little shop.

New twists which have come available are seasonal offerings. In the summer the staff will serve shaved ice, which comes in flavors ranging from strawberry to blue Hawaii. Christmas and New Year-themed items will be sold in the winter. Mont Crea even custom bakes cakes for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. It is recommended that the latter specials are ordered in person as to ensure everything is correct before work is done on the requested item.

The beverage choices at Mont Crea are also very appealing. There are a multitude of teas ranging from hot local organic to cold and hot versions of Earl grey and fruity black. Cold water is self-served and located adjacent to the bistro-type seating. If you decide to eat inside the bakers will carefully warm your food back up and serve your selection on proper plates and silverware.

Directions: Mont Crea is located between expressway exits 8 and 9. From Camp Hansen Gate 1, travel north along the 329 about a kilometer. The building is very distinctive as it has a strawberry-shaped water container on the roof. Park in the lot adjacent to the building with the large “Mont Crea Parking” sign in front. If you reach Camp Hansen Gate 2 you went too far.

Payment: Mont Crea takes dollars or Yen but cannot accept credit cards.

Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Phone: 098-968-2215

Address: 46, Kin, Kintown, Okinawa, Japan

GPS Coordinates: 26.4557929, 127.92679190000001

CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF

There is a new little secret tucked away on Highway 6 on the way to Maeda Point. If you live in Yomitan, I guarantee that you want to know more about it. It is an Okinawan dinner joint named Chakashiya, only open from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. They serve Okinawan food with a twist, and have a huge selection of drinks.

I was on a selfie date, and in search of dinner on Friday night. At 7:30 p.m., this place was lit up with festive twinkle lights, up-and down the front doors, so much so that it was hard to tell where the handle was to the entrance.

This café is new and crispy clean on the inside, with island music humming a flirty tune. Carefully hung posters cover the wall on the left, and Awamori bottles stack to the ceiling on the right, showcasing Chakashiya’s elegant yet social personality. One room makes up the entirety of the café dining area. Although small, it can seat a party of up to eight people, in Japanese or American-style seating. The bar, directly in front of you as you walk in, has a window into the kitchen. This makes it easy talk to the chef about any questions you have about the expansive (English) menu.

A wide variety of food selections are available, from the chef’s salad, to their specialty, grilled mussels with urchin sauce. They have local Okinawan specialties such as the daily catch sashimi, plum gyoza, Japanese style noodle bowls, and more universal chicken, beef, pork and rice dishes.

The service was excellent. I was seated immediately, and given just the right amount of time to look at the menu. My meal came out within minutes of ordering, which surprised me since I am used to the slower island pace, from traffic to food service. I ordered two of the local specialties, the silken tofu with rabbit fish and the grilled mussels with urchin sauce.

The chef was so concerned about my satisfaction that he came out to show me the bottle of rabbit fish in salty fish sauce to make sure that I knew what I was ordering. Both dishes were heavenly, and unlike anything I have seen on menus elsewhere in Okinawa. The grilled mussels came out on a piping hot fajita-style plate.

The brûléed urchin sauce was so good that I was slurping it from the shells after finishing the five perfectly grilled mussels.

The cost of my meal totaled less than 1000 yen. This affordable café offers tapas-style dishes that are perfect for sharing. Most plates cost under 500 yen. They offer a large specialty drink menu, and a small selection of specialty desserts to include a honey toast with ice cream. It was a perfect way to end my working week!

Directions: This tiny treasure can be found on the left side of Highway 6 as you are driving north towards Maeda Point. It is located in Yomitan, within walking distance from Torii Station gate one. It is right next to the brightly lit Toytoy sweets shop with the orange oval sign. You can type their phone number (098-957-5050) into Google maps, and the location will pull right up for you.

Address: 2256 Sobe, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa, Japan

GPS Coordinates: 26.38626500818726, 127.73420804257512

Phone: 098-957-5050

Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Payment: Yen

CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY CAMINA

The atmosphere surrounding Kin Town outside of Camp Hansen has experienced a much-needed rebirth from a wild, single service member party town to a laid back area that now has something to offer to people of all ages and nationalities. One welcome addition to the Kin community, which has aided this transformation, is the elegant and delicious Dining Café KARI-YA. Conveniently located directly in front of the public parking lot adjacent to Camp Hansen Gate 1, this establishment’s colorful and inviting décor are hard to miss.

The large interior of the café is arranged in a such a way that virtually every table provides a unique and interesting perspective of the cafe. Seating varies from traditional tatami-style tables to partitioned off dining nooks which provide a good deal of privacy amongst guests.

There is even a large sound-proofed dining room that can be reserved for large parties of up to twenty people. This particular space would be ideal for a unit hail and farewell or family birthday party. The large private room is even equipped with a karaoke machine, which can be rented for a modest fee of 2000 yen.

Dining Café KARI-YA offers entertainment activities that can be done for a small fee, such as darts and a very impressive Golf simulator. The Golf simulator is 6000 yen for one person per hour, or 3000 yen per person for two people per hour, or 2000 yen per person for groups of three or more per hour during the week. Weekends and holidays are slightly more expensive but ladies receive a 500 yen discount at all times.

The menu items at KARI-YA are expansive, meticulously prepared and vary depending on if you arrive for dinner or lunch. At dinner time, the menu features both Japanese and Western-friendly dishes such as sushi, sashimi, pizzas, pastas, or steak to name a few. The prices also struck me as extremely reasonable, as the steak set was only about 900 yen and most other dishes were priced in the 700 yen range. My wife and I ordered the margarita pizza, stuffed fried cheese potatoes, and the maguro avocado gyoshifu salad.

Everything was tasty and well prepared but the dish that exceptionally stood out was the marguro avocado gyoshifu salad; served with a creamy wasabi sauce drizzled on top. It was crazy good and goes on my top ten most awesome things I have had on this island list. I actually think I want to be buried with a plate of it when I die. Of note, there are two avocado marguro dishes. The one I rave about is specifically the gyoshifu dish.

Moving on, I ordered a glass of iced coffee and my wife ordered the iced tea. The tea was smooth but the coffee was that powerful concentrated variety which makes an expresso seem like chocolate milk. My wife, being the iron-clad coffee drinker in the family, thought it was just perfect; we eventually switched drinks.

I enjoyed the meal so much that my spouse and I decided to go the next day and try the lunch menu. Lunch comes with an entrée and the option of ordering the meal as a “set,” which means unlimited trips to the soup, salad, drink, and dessert bar. This is what the Japanese refer to as “Viking style.”

I ordered the Tandoori chicken and my wife had the agu pork plate; both meals were also ordered upgraded to sets. The total for each meal as a set was around 1400 yen which is very reasonable considering the portions and quality of the food. The tandori chicken was juicy on the inside and crispy spicy on the outside, which was perfect. The agu was tender and delicious.

Dessert was particularly tasty, as specialty ice cream and gelato made in Motobu is delivered and available to customers. The specialty gelato comes in traditionally familiar flavors such as vanilla and chocolate but also delves into the exotic palate with choices such as sugarcane, mango, macha, and awamori raisin.

The owners, managers and proprietors of Café KARI-YA are Kosei Uehara-san and his wife Kieko Uehara-san. After years in the construction and architecture business, the couple desired to bring quality cuisine to the multicultural community of Kin and provide customers a jovial fun place to spend their valuable time. The owners and staff are extremely friendly, with about half the workers speaking conversational English.

KARI-YA opened September 4, 2014 and is still expanding services and tweaking offerings. By the time this article posts there will be an English menu with plenty of pictures. Free WiFi will be installed in October 2014 as well as the ability to pay with a credit card. The night I had dinner I paid in yen and the next day for lunch I paid in dollars to make sure I was not giving bum scoop.

Directions: From the 8 expressway exit go north toward Camp Hansen on highway 329. Before getting to Camp Hansen Gate 1, look for a large public parking lot on the left as you go up hill. Café KARI-YA is directly across the street from the public parking lot.

Google Map Coordinates: 26.453974, 127.915426

Address: Japan, 〒904-1201 Okinawa, Kunigami District, Kin, Kin 国道329号線

Phone: 098-968-2688

Hours: Lunch 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. with the last order at 11:00 p.m.

Payment: Dollars or Yen, Credit will come online in October 2014.

CONTRIBUTED BY EMILY BUREK

Menu – click to enlarge

When you live off base it’s nice to find a place to eat near home. Kintsuki Restaurant is a quaint little place just across from Kadena gate 4 and within walking distance to my house. They are open for lunch and dinner. My husband and I went there with another couple for dinner, around 7:00 p.m. on a Saturday.

After walking into a small hobbit-like door, you climb a spiral staircase that leads you to the dining area. There are only about five tables, with additional seating at a small bar.

We would have liked to sit at the table by the window overlooking Highway 58, but it had a reserved sign on it. Since we did not have reservations, we were seated in the middle of the dining room. Our table gave us a view of the bar and huge chalkboard menu.

Menu – click to enlarge

The atmosphere is romantic, but still trendy. The dimly lit area was great for a date night but would also be fun for drinks and appetizers.

There are menus in English and Japanese. The portions are small so I suggest ordering three items for two people. Some of the things we ordered were whole fried fish, the steak special, spicy Shanghai noodles and bacon and tomato pizza.

Everything was delicious, including the chocolate cake dessert.

Menu – click to enlarge

The bar is stocked with various spirits, but we stuck to beer that evening since they were on special until 8:00 p.m. Next time I would like to try the course menu, where you order a combination of four dishes from a set menu. I’ve also heard that their green curry is really good.

Hours: It seems they are open from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for lunch and then from 6:00 p.m. – midnight for dinner. Last order is half an hour before closing. The couple we dined with said that the place is run solely by a husband and wife, so you may want to call and verify they are open if you don’t want to be disappointed.

Phone: 098-956-1235

Payment: Yen only

Directions: From Kadena gate 4 go straight and turn left immediately on to the side street that runs parallel to the 58. Parking is right next to the building where there is an entrance to a tattoo parlor on the first floor.

Address: 〒904-0204 沖縄県中頭郡嘉手納町字水釜185−3 新城アパート 2F

Google Map Coordinates: 26.3585617, 127.74740480000003

Editor’s Note: This is the location formerly known as Café & Aroma T’s, once a popular restaurant in Yomitan. We have leared that T’s closed, and Songbird Café has opened in the same building.

CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF

I gaze out at the magic carpet sea. We have the best seat in the house. My husband and I came for a getaway lunch to Songbird Café in Yomitan. The café smells like cedar – wooden floors, finished wooden doors, wooden cabinets, wooden furniture – you name it.  This little hipster café welcomed us with a driveway lined with plants cautioning the end of the parking area, on the other side of which is a swift slope down to the beach.

As we approached the door, herbs lined the windowsills, and plants tastefully adorned the approach to the entrance. The inside of the café is warm and welcoming, unrefined, and casual, yet elegant in its simplicity.

A menu is written in English and Japanese on the chalkboard above the kitchen for a menu preview.

We seated ourselves and our waitress quickly sung a welcome and handed us a menu full of dishes made with locally grown ingredients on Yachimun (locally made pottery) plates. Their coffee is certified pesticide free.

I ordered the keema curry and my husband ordered the shrimp and broccoli pasta. Our meals were preceded by a French potato leek soup, a dollop of mashed sweet potatoes, a square of their daily quiche, and a shredded carrot salad.

Both of our meals were artistically displayed on bamboo cutting boards, and each included a salad of red leaf lettuce and mizuna tossed in a sesame ginger miso dressing.  The veggies accompanying my keema curry were steamed to perfection, and the keema curry itself was a scrumptious take on the traditionally Indian-style minced meat curry.

My husband’s shrimp dish was also very tasty, made with a cream sauce pureed with fresh tomatoes and served with steamed broccoli.

To end our meal, we finished with a freshly baked cinnamon roll with homemade cream cheese frosting that made me want to lick the plate.

Menu – click to enlarge

Overall, the service was fantastic and you can’t beat the view! They have sort of unusual hours, being closed on Mondays and the second and third Tuesday of every month, and they close early, by 7:00 p.m. This is still late enough to catch a 6:30 p.m. sunset, but don’t plan on going there for a late night out. They also have limited outside seating. I have to say that Songbird is one of my favorite cafés on the island, for its perfect combination of ambience, food quality, service, and location.

Directions: If you are coming from Torii Station Gate 1, go North towards Cape Zanpa on Highway 6, and take a left at the stoplight intersection with a big white sign with blue lettering that reads “Mariner” pointing you toward the Mariner apartment complex.  Follow that road all the way to the ocean where it takes a sharp left, and Songbird café is on the corner. Smartphone tip: enter their phone number, 098-923-2773 to find a pin directly to their door.

Address: 161-2 Toya, Yomitan-son, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa, Japan 904-0305

Phone: 098-923-2773

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last order 6:00 p.m.), Saturday-Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last order 6:00 p.m.), Closed: Monday, 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of every month

Google Map Coordinates: 26.3936552, 127.72327849999999

CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF

On our way to the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, we stopped into Café Bree Garden for lunch. We discovered it serendipitously. It is conveniently located on the main road 331, on your way southeast from Naha.

Café Bree Garden offers an affordably priced lunch menu with dishes ranging from Japanese-style curry, to pasta, to taco rice, and a daily special. Each lunch meal comes as a set with a drink and a small desert. Most of the dishes include either a soup and/or salad as well. The food was delicious, but the charm of the café is found in its atmosphere.

The waitress wore a bright smile as she welcomed us, beckoning us to come in and sit down. She spoke very little English, but the English menu made ordering easy. The furniture is made of sleek, golden-stained wood, and living plants adorn the windowsills.

The main dining room is spacious, with Scandinavian-style oil paintings of Mt. Fuji, and of Okinawan farmland adorning the walls. Lots of natural light comes in through the large windows, which offer you a view of the spectacular garden.

The large outdoor patio is also lovely. The garden’s main centerpiece is a large coral “mountain” that is home to many small plants and flowers. You can walk completely around the outside of the café and see an assortment of fresh flowers and herbs.

You can even see where your salad comes from! They use many fruits and vegetables harvested on the property, which is also home to a small farm. A beautiful, ancient rosemary plant winds sideways, bark peeling like a juniper tree, in a large planter in the side garden.

Inside, they even sell seasonal fruit from local trees – we bought a dragon fruit for 100 yen! If you are taking a trip down to Itoman, this is definitely worth a stop-in. The lunch portions were sizeable, tasty, and elegantly arranged with the typical charm of Okinawan Chefs. I especially recommend this restaurant for plant and garden lovers!

Directions:  From Naha, take 58 south to 331. Follow 331 south-southeast to Ihara. Before you reach 223, Bree Garden Café is on your right hand side. If you copy and paste 沖縄県糸満市伊原190-1 into your Google maps, this restaurant will come up, kitty corner from the Himeyuri-Mahnmal Memorial and Museum.

Address: 沖縄県糸満市伊原190-1 (190-1 Ihara, Itoman-shi, Okinawa-ken)

Map Coordinates: 26.0955204, 127.68924149999998

Phone: 098-997-3111

Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Payment: Yen

CONTRIBUTED BY DAVID HIGGINS

The view of the Hilton Hotel is a magnificent sight if you are on the harbor part of the seawall, just north of American Village. Standing inside the hotel certainly has the same effect. At first I wondered whether I was up to the Hilton Hotel standards, as I was under-dressed and wearing flip-flops. However, my fears were quickly allayed by the staff. They were very welcoming and warm the minute I stepped through the door, from the front door staff all the way through to the servers in the buffet.

The lunch buffet is on the first floor, just to the left of the entrance. We were seated right in front of the window, which provides a view of the Chatan harbor and is quite stunning.

The buffet itself is so big that the distance to the end and your table is quite far; I almost feel like you shouldn’t feel any guilt because you are burning calories walking back and forth. The restaurant is spotless and so clean. Everything looks perfectly organized and well-designed.

I thought the food was incredible. The buffet starts with sushi with a sushi chef cutting and slicing fish in front of you. We then move on to the salad section. After salad we hit the meat section and then the vegetable section. Instead of being the usual assortment of plain steamed vegetables, all the vegetables were prepared with exotic sauces.

It was remarkable how unique all the dishes were. Moving on from the vegetables, you come across Indian curries with lamb and traditional Okinawan dishes like goya champur.

Now, for the part that usually every tries to save room for – the desserts. The desserts at the Hilton did not disappoint.  There were an assortment of pies, exotic puddings and mousses. As a bonus there was even a yogurt chef who would mix any type of frozen yogurt and fruit for you by hand. The biceps on this yogurt chef were huge from smashing all that frozen yogurt together. I am not a big fan of chocolate waterfalls, but as far as aesthetics go there was a pretty impressive-looking chocolate waterfall.

We started and ended the buffet with coffees, and the coffee was delicious. I felt that it was all such high quality food, and probably some of the highest quality food on the island. Although the Hilton Buffet is a bit more expensive than other places on Okinawa, it is well worth it. One person admission to the buffet is 2400Yen. This would be perfect for any special occasion, a birthday, or maybe just a celebration of your payday.

After you are finished eating lunch you can take a tour around the hotel. The front pool area is open for use. After we were done eating lunch we didn’t really feel like swimming, but we lodged in the hammocks in the beautiful Okinawan sun and just relaxed. I give it up to the Hilton for creating a very high quality atmosphere along with a spectacular buffet.

Hours: The lunch buffett is served from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Payment: 2400 yen per person

Phone: 098-901-1111

Directions: From the Foster commissary gate, turn right (north) on 58.  Turn left at the traffic light where 58 intersects with 24. Head straight towards the harbor and you will see the Hilton ahead.

Address: Japan, 〒904-0115 沖縄県中頭郡 北谷町美浜40-1

Map Coordinates: 26.3103533, 127.76191760000006

CONTRIBUTED BY KASSIE O’DRISCOLL

When my family visited for the first time, only a few months after we arrived on island, my sister and I drove around exploring. One of the beautiful outcomes was discovering N’s Garden! It’s an interesting, secluded restaurant that has the best croissants ever!

We saw red, blue and yellow striped signs along the road and decided to follow them. After taking some turns we went down small, country roads and eventually saw a few signs in Japanese. We trusted it and followed them. At the end, we saw a larger sign right before the driveway of N’s Garden. We made it!

Google Street View Image

When you walk into the restaurant, the wood floors and piano make you feel like you’re at a rather fancy restaurant. Then you see the full wall of glass windows and doors that overlook their garden and it definitely feels welcoming. You can sit indoors or there is a very nice patio that provides a lot of shade and, on the perfect day, the breeze is delightful!

You can stroll through the garden while you’re waiting for your meal and enjoy the flowers. I have to admit, when I took the photos not much was blooming. However, I’ve seen it flourishing and looking amazing!

The food is always good. They offer curry, a nice lunch set that covers all of the bases from seafood to spaghetti, and other sets. I can’t even deny it… I really go for the croissants! They are served warm and are flaky perfection. I always order a regular one with my meal and some chocolate ones to enjoy at home… or on the way home, depending on how tempting the smell is!

Business card from N’s Garden’s website

There is an English speaking person that can help you make a reservation if you call, or just try walking in. Either way, be sure to check this cafe out and bring me some croissants or enjoy keep them all for yourself. Also, don’t forget to get your stamp card – I know you’ll be back!

Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily.  Closed on Tuesdays.

Payment: Yen only

Phone: 098-973-6806

Website: http://cafensgarden.ti-da.net/

Address: 1655-4 Kanekadan, Uruma

Google Maps Coordinates: 26.3627803, 127.8397043

Directions: *If you have an iPhone you can enter their phone number into the Maps App with the dashes and it will generate* From Exit 5 of the Expressway, keep straight on 36. You’ll pass a street “cart” on the right and a building on the left with a curved blue metal roof on the left (and a lot of port-a-potties). Just past the next crosswalk, you’ll turn right and see your first N’s Garden sign like the one I posted above. Drive about 160M and you’ll make another right turn (there’s another sign). Wind down a hill and make a left turn at the next sign. This sign is smaller and is in the shape of an arrow. Follow this road for about 82M and make a left where you’ll see the Japanese sign that I posted above. Lastly, turn right at the N’s Garden billboard and follow the driveway up to the parking lot!

Editor’s Note: This article is an update on a post we originally posted an article about N’s Garden in 2007. You can read that post – and its associated comments – HERE.

CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF 

Ask around: What does the name Ishigufu mean in the Okinawan language? I can’t seem to find an answer.

My husband and I stopped at this brightly colored café on our way home from a camping trip near Higashi. This local café prides itself on its tasty local pork and handmade Okinawan pottery. Many places on Okinawa feature a modicum of these two elements of Okinawan culture, but Ishigufu elegantly showcases both handmade dinnerware and free-range pork to the max.

As we walked into the restaurant, it smelled of Okinawan 5-spice, fresh ginger and unstained wood. Inside, the terra cotta stucco created a relaxed dining space, coupled with a French café music album similar to Carla Bruni. Service was prompt, but the waitress did not speak English and there was not an English menu. The picture menu sufficed to order a lunch, and we were pleasantly surprised by what we ordered.

I ordered ten pieces of freshly handmade gyoza featuring the local, free-range pork. A simple yet delicious butter-leaf lettuce salad with a fresh miso-ginger dressing preceded my main course. Steamed rice and green onion soup were served as sides to my succulent gyoza.

My husband ordered a soba set that he claimed was equally delicious, but it could not possibly have been true. My meal was heavenly! And to top it off, our water was served in gorgeous cups made of hand-blown Ryukyu glass. It made for a charming shabby-chic place setting. All of the pottery and glassware was handmade, to include the napkin holders, chopstick holders, and even toothpick containers! The soba bowl stood on a short tripod of clay legs to keep the heat off of the table, acting as a built in hot pad. They even featured clay pottery for sale.

If you find yourself traveling up north, I recommend a quick stop for lunch at this little, mysteriously named café. And while you are at it, pick up a smoked octopus from the local shop across the street. Don’t forget to ask for the special octopus sauce!

Directions: If you are travelling north from Camp Schwab, take 329 to 331. Continue north toward Abu and you will see Café Ishigufu on the right hand side.

Address: 505, Abu, Nago, Okinawa 905-2263

Map Coordinates: 26.5396203, 128.0899007

Website: Café Ishigufu

Phone: 0120-558-290

Hours: Unknown (Editor’s Note: If you find out, please let us know in the comments and we will add them!)

Payment: Yen

Editor’s Note: Transit Cafe was originally reviewed on Okinawa Hai on August 27, 2007; you can read a PDF copy of that original review HERE. The post below is an updated take on this restaurant, published November 13, 2014.

CONTRIBUTED BY KASSIE O’DRISCOLL

When my family visited for the first time, only a few months after we arrived on island, my sister and I drove around exploring. One of the beautiful outcomes was discovering N’s Garden! It’s an interesting, secluded restaurant that has the best croissants ever!

We saw red, blue and yellow striped signs along the road and decided to follow them. After taking some turns we went down small, country roads and eventually saw a few signs in Japanese. We trusted it and followed them. At the end, we saw a larger sign right before the driveway of N’s Garden. We made it!

Google Street View Image

When you walk into the restaurant, the wood floors and piano make you feel like you’re at a rather fancy restaurant. Then you see the full wall of glass windows and doors that overlook their garden and it definitely feels welcoming. You can sit indoors or there is a very nice patio that provides a lot of shade and, on the perfect day, the breeze is delightful!

You can stroll through the garden while you’re waiting for your meal and enjoy the flowers. I have to admit, when I took the photos not much was blooming. However, I’ve seen it flourishing and looking amazing!

The food is always good. They offer curry, a nice lunch set that covers all of the bases from seafood to spaghetti, and other sets. I can’t even deny it… I really go for the croissants! They are served warm and are flaky perfection. I always order a regular one with my meal and some chocolate ones to enjoy at home… or on the way home, depending on how tempting the smell is!

Business card from N’s Garden’s website

There is an English speaking person that can help you make a reservation if you call, or just try walking in. Either way, be sure to check this cafe out and bring me some croissants or enjoy keep them all for yourself. Also, don’t forget to get your stamp card – I know you’ll be back!

Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily.  Closed on Tuesdays.

Payment: Yen only

Phone: 098-973-6806

Website: http://cafensgarden.ti-da.net/

Address: 1655-4 Kanekadan, Uruma

Google Maps Coordinates: 26.3627803, 127.8397043

Directions: *If you have an iPhone you can enter their phone number into the Maps App with the dashes and it will generate* From Exit 5 of the Expressway, keep straight on 36. You’ll pass a street “cart” on the right and a building on the left with a curved blue metal roof on the left (and a lot of port-a-potties). Just past the next crosswalk, you’ll turn right and see your first N’s Garden sign like the one I posted above. Drive about 160M and you’ll make another right turn (there’s another sign). Wind down a hill and make a left turn at the next sign. This sign is smaller and is in the shape of an arrow. Follow this road for about 82M and make a left where you’ll see the Japanese sign that I posted above. Lastly, turn right at the N’s Garden billboard and follow the driveway up to the parking lot!

CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY CAMINA

There are all types of dining experiences in Okinawa. You have the chain giants like CoCo Ichiban and Joyful which provide great quality and continuity. There are also the fast food standbys like McDonald’s and Hotto Motto which are good in a pinch. If you are feeling adventurous you can even peruse the archives of Okinawa Hai! to find that special café hidden away in a jungle or atop a beautiful mountain vista. Somewhere in between all that is the good old fashioned mom and pop place that all the locals go to get good food for a good price. Just such a place can be found in Kanna Drive Inn Restaurant.

Kanna Drive Inn is a family owned restaurant which is frequented by mostly locals and a few Americans who are “in the know.” Upon entering the establishment, you are greeted and gestured to take any open table of your choice.

The most popular tables are the ones by the large windows which give an impressive panoramic of the coastline outside.

After you take a seat, the servers bring glasses and a pitcher of un-sweet tea to you, which is what the local residents usually have with their meal. The tea is good and is on the same level as ice water with lemon.

Menu – click to enlarge

For Americans there is an English menu which does not have pictures but is easy enough to follow. Most meal sets are priced in the 1100 to 1600 yen range and are quite substantial. Meals are also separated in the menu by Japanese and Western dishes, which also include kids’ meals.

I have to admit that my family and I are regulars at Kanna Drive Inn and have had more than 75 percent of the items on the menu. It is because of this that I took pause in writing this review as it sort of gives up one of our “secret hangout” places. I finally realized that we were being selfish in keeping the place to ourselves and this is why I write about it now.

On the day I finally took my camera to take pictures, I ordered the Japanese set meal with deep fried fish and my wife ordered the house special lunch. My meal came with deliciously battered fish with a side dish of tartar sauce, bowl of sashimi, salad, pickled seaweed, rice, and tofu miso soup.

The house special lunch (popular with many of the blue collar types who were also dining) was much heartier. It came with an advance bowl of creamed mushroom chowder. When the main entrée was served it was presented with a plate of white rice and a main platter which had fried pork cutlet, fried prawn, sunny side up egg, country-style bacon, ham, pineapple, salad, hamburger steak (under the egg), and fried potato wedges.

Menu – click to enlarge

Needless to say since this was enough food to feed a professional wrestler or lumberjack, I tried my best to help my wife finish her dish. It was all good but I think we actually had to waddle back out to our car when all was said and done. Considering we had all that food for just over two thousand yen was a heck of a bargain.

There is a takeout window which I have seen locals use, which lends to the name “Drive Inn.” Unless you are proficient in reading and speaking Japanese, I recommend you just dine in.

Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; closed Sunday

Payment: Yen only.

Menu – click to enlarge

Directions: From the Okinawa Expressway 8 exit travel north on Highway 329 past Camp Hansen. Once past Camp Hansen the road curves left and you will see Ginoza Flea and Farmers Market on your left with a beautiful view of the ocean on your right. Kanna Drive Inn Restaurant is the large pink/orange building adjacent to the flea market lot, with the Kijimunaa (Okinawan Elf/Leprechaun) standing outside. (Note: Kanna Dam Park is also nearby and might make a nice stop before or after your visit to the Drive Inn).

Address: Japan, 〒904-1304 Okinawa, Kunigami District, Ginoza, Kanna 国道329号線

Map Coordinates: 26.47352951365479, 127.95272141000373

CONTRIBUTED BY ELIZA GROFF

If you’re looking for a fun atmosphere and some real Okinawan cuisine, check out Cha-Bira Dining on 58 near Nago. The colorful awning is painted with jovial drinking shisa dogs. My husband and I got out of our car in the main parking lot to be greeted by lively Okinawan music. The sign of the restaurant is impossible to miss due to its bright orange colors, and serial accent lights lining the top of the entire front of the building.

Inside, it is very casual. The wooden tables and chairs are clean and nicely kept, but there is nothing much in the way of decoration. The walls are painted with large murals of fish, children’s drawings, and an eclectic mix of wall adornments that emphasize the restaurant’s appreciation of marine life, which is an integral part of the Okinawan way of life.

We had been hiking through various trails in the northern part of the island, and we were on our way home to Okinawa City. Ready for a bite, we were pleased to find the service prompt and the food delicious. Cha-Bira offers a limited selection of Awamori, beer and cocktails, but we did not partake since we still had a drive ahead of us. The ice-water was quite tasty, and plentiful. They actually gave us American-sized glasses instead of the tiny 3 sip-size water glasses.

We ordered one tuna-avocado salad and a tasty noodle dish made with really thin Japanese-style noodles. I was impressed with the large size, and quality of the salad, made with fresh mizuna, lots of raw tuna, and lots of avocado. The dressing was a miso sesame glaze, which paired nicely with the tuna. It was one of the best salads I have had on Okinawa. The noodles were unique and also delicious. They were reminiscent of angel hair pasta, only made from rice instead of wheat. This restaurant is very affordable – our meals together cost less than 1,800 yen.

Unfortunately, we did get a bit of dish envy watching two other families order the meal special. Apparently, this restaurant’s specialty is making a pile of fresh vegetables, pork and fish that you cook yourself on a portable grill. It comes out looking like a mountain of food 18’ inches tall, but eventually reduces down to a sizeable meal for four people. This special was 3,500 yen, and looked well worth the meal price.

Cha-Bira also offers many local specialties such as a sushi plate with salmon and umibudo, whitefish and flying fish eggs, the Okinawan “bar food” silken tofu with cucumber and rabbit fish, goya champuru, and various other Okinawan pork, soba and seafood dishes. This restaurant is fun and casual if you are looking for a quick bite to eat, or a relaxing place to drink with pals.

Address: 1398-1 Koki, Nago, Okinawa 905-0025

Phone: 098-054-6300

Directions: If you are driving north on 58 from Kadena, you will pass Busena Terrace Beach resort on your left-hand side.  Drive past the Okinawa Suncoast Hotel in the small town of Koki, and then Cha-Bira is on the right-hand side just before the JA-SS gas station.  If you get to Kyoda Port, you have gone too far.  Or you can navigate there using Google Maps Ap by copying and pasting the phone number (0980546300) into the search bar.

Map Coordinates: 26.5411773, 127.95123060000003

CONTRIBUTED BY KACEY A.

A friend and I were on the prowl for a tasty breakfast in a cute setting where we could talk and hang out for a while. Our usual places were closed. It was a typical Wednesday on the island … we forgot about all the cafes that close this particular day of the week. Both of us remembered recently passing what looked like a new cafe, so we backtracked and checked it out.

We are so glad we did!  Located between American Village and Araha Beach, this place is easy to get to, and well worth the visit. Our immediate reaction was how cute the interior was. It was simply decorated, with a french boutique flair, plenty of light, and even some outdoor bar-style seating.

We were pleased with the menu selection. The Eggs Florentine included sauteed spinach and avocado served over a toasted baguette topped with homemade hollandaise sauce. Delicious! The baguette itself had so much flavor and I was impressed with how flavorful yet light the hollandaise sauce was.

The Veggie Omelette was impressive as well. It was a large omelette stuffed with eggplant, zucchini, onion, bell peppers, cheese and avocados. We both ordered a side of country potatoes, which was a mixture of white potatoes and beni-imo potatoes in large chunks, cooked just perfectly to keep its tenderness yet have an exterior crunch.

We were also pleasantly surprised with the size and taste of the Hawaiian coffee they serve.

Menu – click to enlarge

The second and most recent time I went back, I ordered the Eggs Benedict (I know, I’m really mixing it up). They serve three different kinds: apple bacon, smoke salmon and basil chicken. You get to chose two different kinds or two of the same, if you prefer. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the options.

My dining buddies this day also tried the smoothies, Tropical Sunrise and Berry Berry. Completely different flavors, but after we passed them around the table we were all in agreement they were both fresh and delicious!

Menu – click to enlarge

In addition to these meals I’ve already tried, they have a variety of more egg dishes, pancakes, french toast, sandwiches on homemade baguettes (I can’t wait to try those!), and a few others. Please check out Hale Noa Cafe when you get a chance, and let them know Okinawa Hai sent you!

Hours: Wednesday thru Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)

Phone: 050-5257-0396

Menu – click to enlarge

Takeout: Yes

Kid-Friendly: Yes (Highchairs available, no childrens menu)

Payment: Yen Only

Address: 2 Chome-18-6 Chatan, Chatan-chō, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa-ken

Menu – click to enlarge

Directions: From Camp Foster’s Spot Gate, turn left onto Route 130. Go straight through the light, crossing 58. When you come to the T intersection at the next stoplight, turn left. Drive straight for about two blocks, and immediately after you cross the bridge, Cafe Hale Noa will be on your left.

Map Coordinates: 26.3062259, 127.76082329999997

Parking: Attached Lot