7 Best Okinawan Restaurants in Tokyo: 2025 Guide to Must-Try Authentic Cuisine Spots

When you think of Okinawa, what comes to mind?

Pristine beaches, tropical breezes—and of course, deliciously unique local cuisine.

Though Okinawa lies far south of Japan’s main islands, Tokyo has no shortage of places where you can experience its charm.

From cozy hidden gems on quiet side streets to lively spots filled with Okinawan music, these restaurants are packed with island spirit.

Whether as a dinner during your Tokyo trip or a mini “Okinawa journey” in the city, here are some great places to start.

Roppongi: “Okinawa Dining Ryūka Roppongi”

Open late into the night, “Okinawa Dining Ryūka Roppongi” is perfect for a leisurely dinner or a second stop after drinks.

The shelves are lined with more than 40 kinds of awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor), allowing you to compare and savor the differences between brands.

For beginners, the strong alcohol content and distinct aroma of awamori can feel intimidating. But Okinawa Dining Ryūka Roppongi offers original awamori-based cocktails, crafted with citrus and herbs for an easy-to-drink introduction.

The dishes that pair with awamori are just as full of Okinawan flair.

A must-try is the “Spam Katsu”—bite through the crisp coating and you’ll find gooey melted cheese and the savory kick of Spam, a combination that makes each sip of awamori all the more irresistible.

The “Purple Yam Croquette,” made with Okinawa’s signature purple sweet potato, is lightly sweet with a lingering finish. Enjoy it as is, or add a touch of sauce if you’re in the mood for something more savory.

And then there’s “Gurukun Tempura”—made with gurukun, the official fish of Okinawa Prefecture. The outside is perfectly crunchy, while the inside stays soft and fluffy—the tender white flesh releases a gentle sweetness that’s sure to impress from the very first bite.

Ginza: “Ginza Washita Shop Honten”

If you want to feel like you’re traveling in Okinawa while in Tokyo’s Ginza, be sure to head to “Ginza Washita Shop Honten.”

The shop is lined with specialty products from all over Okinawa, and it also features a casual dining area where you can enjoy local dishes on the spot. Take-out is available as well.

Sātā andāgī—listed as “Okinawan Donuts” on the menu—are handmade in-house and are among Okinawa’s most beloved traditional sweets.

In addition to the classic plain (white sugar) flavor, you can enjoy five unique varieties: English tea, brown sugar, coffee, and peanut.—perfect for tasting them all side by side.

Don’t miss the drinks, either. From shīkwāsā (commonly written in English as shikuwasa, a citrus fruit native to Okinawa) to pineapple and gōyā (bitter melon), the menu is packed with flavors that capture the essence of Okinawa, offering a refreshing treat especially welcome in the summer heat.

Ice cream lovers will be delighted by Blue Seal band ice cream, a treat rarely found outside Okinawa.

At Ginza Washita Shop Main Store, you can enjoy rare flavors like brown sugar, ube (purple mountain yam), and salt chinsukō (a traditional Okinawan cookie), making the experience of choosing your favorite just as fun as tasting it.

Ginza: “Taketomijima”

When it comes to Okinawan cuisine, classics like stir-fried goya champurū (goya stir-fry), slow-simmered pork belly known as rafutē, and Okinawa soba—a unique noodle dish unlike udon or ramen—always come to mind.

At “Taketomijima,” you’ll find these traditional dishes alongside creative twists, offering a fresh take on Okinawa’s rich food culture.

The highlight here is the restaurant’s original “Special Abura Soba.”

Thick, chewy Okinawa soba noodles are generously topped with house-made taco meat. Break the soft-boiled egg, mix it all together, and a rich, velvety flavor spreads across your palate.

With its bold seasoning and satisfying bite, it’s a dish you’ll definitely find yourself craving again.

Particularly during lunchtime during 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, the “Little Okinawa Lunch Set” is highly recommended.

This vibrant plate brings together a variety of Okinawan dishes in small portions, making it as delightful to look at as it is to eat—a satisfying way to experience Okinawa’s flavors all on one plate.

Ginza: “Okinawa Sakaba Haisai Ginzaten”

At “Okinawa Sakaba Haisai Ginzaten,” a restaurant dedicated to delivering Okinawan flavors in fresh and creative ways, even the presentation and tableware are carefully considered—making it an experience to enjoy with all five senses.

One highlight here is the steak made with Kibimaru Pork, a rare premium breed from Okinawa.

In Tokyo, this pork can usually only be found at select high-end restaurants. Its distinctive richness and the natural sweetness of its fat make it truly exceptional.

It’s the simplicity of the steak preparation that allows the true quality of Kibimaru Pork to stand out. With every bite, its luxurious flavor comes through clearly.

This dish is a must-try for anyone wanting to fully savor the culinary bounty of Okinawa.

Another standout is “Fu Champuru,” a classic stir-fry with fu (wheat gluten)—specifically wheel-shaped kuruma-fu, called kuruma-bu in Okinawa.

The kuruma-bu soaks up the flavors of the broth and vegetables, giving it an addictive, one-of-a-kind texture.

Ueno: “Miyara Seimen”

“Miyara Seimen” is an Okinawa soba specialty shop that stays true to tradition, serving the rarely found Yaeyama soba outside of Okinawa itself.

Owner Miyara, originally from Ishigaki Island, carefully recreates the flavors of his hometown with every bowl.

The “Yaeyama Soba” features a light pork bone broth topped with thinly sliced pork and Yaeyama kamaboko, a local fish cake specialty of Ishigaki. Simple yet deeply satisfying, it’s a dish full of soul.

What makes it truly special, however, is the homemade noodles—crafted by Mr. Miyara himself after countless trials to perfect the balance of flour and water.

The noodles are known for their unique bite and clean snap, blending seamlessly with the broth to create flavors that evoke the landscapes of the islands with every mouthful.

Miyara Seimen offers a rare opportunity to taste the true flavors of Ishigaki, one of Okinawa’s southernmost islands—making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Okinawa soba experience in Tokyo.

Shinjuku: “Paikaji Shinjuku Shin-minamiguchiten”

At “Paikaji Shinjuku Shin-minamiguchiten,” you don’t just enjoy Okinawan food—you step right into Okinawan culture itself.

The spacious interior recreates a traditional island home, complete with coral stone walls, red-tiled roofs, and guardian shisa statues. Simply being here feels like a journey back to the Okinawa of old.

On the menu, the must-order dish is “Hirāyachi,” a beloved Okinawan snack and side dish. This simple flat pancake, made from flour mixed with garlic chives and pickled ginger, is pan-fried until lightly crisp—a humble yet addictive taste of the islands.

Another highlight is the “Ishiyaki Taco Rice,”a creative twist on Okinawa’s iconic taco rice (an Okinawan invention) served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, Korean-style. Melted cheese and crispy rice add rich flavor and texture, making this classic feel brand new.

Kōenji: “Dachibin”

Dachibin has long been a pioneer in Tokyo’s Okinawan dining scene. Guided by the belief that “fads may fade, but culture endures,” the restaurant continues to preserve the flavors of tradition.

One dish not to miss is the “Yagi-jiru” (goat soup), a celebratory dish essential to festive occasions in Okinawa. At Dachibin, the broth is carefully prepared to mellow the gamey notes, making it approachable even for first-time diners.

Another highlight is the “Agu Pork Shabu-shabu,” featuring Okinawa’s prized heritage Agū pork. Its tender texture and subtle sweetness speak for themselves, a true showcase of premium ingredients.

With a lively atmosphere that enhances every bite, Dachibin is as much an experience as it is a meal. And since it stays open until 5 a.m., it’s all too easy to lose track of time while soaking in the warmth of Okinawan hospitality.

Okinawa is one of Japan’s most popular destinations—not only for its warm climate and beautiful beaches, but also for its vibrant food culture.

By savoring dishes you won’t often find in Tokyo, you can slip into the feeling of traveling through Okinawa itself, no plane ticket required.

※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of August 2025.