Okinawa is home to a variety of Okinawa soba restaurants, each with its own unique characteristics, offering their own distinct version of the dish. After visiting Okinawa numerous times and trying many different places, I’d like to introduce 7 particularly recommended Okinawa soba shops.
[Nago area] 1. Ufuyā
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the northern region, “Ufuyā” offers delicious Agu pork dishes in a traditional atmosphere. This is a great place for those who want to enjoy both Agu pork and Okinawa soba. It’s also a perfect stop if you’re visiting the Churaumi Aquarium or Kouri Island.
Location: 〒905-0004 沖縄県名護市中山９０
[Naha area] 2. Subayā
“Subayā” is located in the heart of Matsuyama in Naha City. Since Matsuyama is known for its nightlife, the restaurant stays open until late at night. The staff varies by day, but there are often many foreign visitors, allowing you to experience the local atmosphere of Matsuyama. The restaurant is known for its chewy noodles and flavorful broth, made carefully with pork bones and bonito flakes. Toppings include sōki (braised pork spare ribs), sanmai-niku (pork belly), and kamaboko (fish cake), offering a classic Okinawa soba experience.
Location: 〒900-0032 沖縄県那覇市松山１丁目６−８
[Uruma area] 3. Kominka Shokudō Tīrabui
Located in Uruma City in central Okinawa, “Tīrabui” is a traditional house restaurant that offers dishes made with local ingredients in a peaceful setting. It’s ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a quiet time. The interior of the restaurant is a cozy space that retains the warmth of wood, using a classic old Okinawan house. The highlight of this restaurant is its focus on dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons, reflecting the richness of Okinawan culinary culture. Particularly popular are the dishes made with locally sourced vegetables and seafood, which highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients in a simple yet delicious way. The island tofu served with the soba, fried and accompanied by purple sweet potato tofu, was particularly tasty, with the ingredients’ natural flavors really shining through. Although it’s in a location accessible only by car, there is a short walk from the parking lot to the restaurant.
Location: 〒904-2315 沖縄県うるま市勝連浜56
[Southern Okinawa] 4. Yagiya
“Yagiya” is located in the tranquil rural landscape of Yaese Town. The building is a traditional red-tile house with over 100 years of history and is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. It’s worth visiting just to see this valuable example of Okinawan architecture. The menu offers local dishes such as the classic goya champuru (stir-fried bitter melon), rafute (braised pork belly), and jūshī (Okinawan rice). For dessert, the recommended treat is zenzai (sweet red bean soup) topped with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (black syrup).
Location: 〒901-0502 沖縄県島尻郡八重瀬町大頓１１７２番地
[Naha] 5. Sūmanume
In the heart of Naha, there is a famous Okinawa soba restaurant housed in a traditional old Okinawan house. “Sūmanume” is located in a quiet residential area of Naha City, within a traditional red-tile building. Upon entering, you’ll feel the atmosphere of a classic Okinawan home, offering a calm space to enjoy your meal. The Okinawa soba features homemade noodles and a deeply flavorful broth, made with carefully prepared dashi from pork bones and bonito flakes. Toppings like sanmai-niku (pork belly) and sōki (braised pork spare ribs) make for a satisfying and hearty bowl. Since it’s located in a residential area, the streets are narrow, so be cautious when driving, and it’s recommended to check the parking arrangements in advance.
Location: 〒902-0075 沖縄県那覇市国場４０−１
[Miyako Island] 6. Ikkyū Shokudō
“Ikkyū Shokudō” is a great place to enjoy Miyako soba on Miyako Island. Located in the Hirara district of Miyakojima City, Miyako Island has fewer dining options compared to Okinawa Main Island or Ishigaki Island, so you often end up eating in the Hirara area. However, if you’re looking to try Miyako soba at a local spot a little farther out, this is a great choice. “Ikkyū Shokudō” offers a menu featuring octopus, and I tried the “Tako Soba.” This dish uses octopus caught in the waters around Miyako Island, and the chewy texture of the octopus perfectly complements the chewy Okinawa soba noodles. The special broth, infused with the rich umami of the octopus, added an exceptional depth of flavor.
Location: 〒906-0002 沖縄県宮古島市平良狩俣７６８−４
[Ishigaki Island] 7. Sumubari Shokudō
“Sumubari Shokudō” is a great place to try Yagi Soba (goat meat soba) on Ishigaki Island. Located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island, on the way to Kabira Bay and Hirakubo Point, this restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced goat meat, which is known for its distinct flavor and richness. Though there is a reputation that the strong smell of goat meat might be overpowering, I was pleasantly surprised. The soup was rich yet gentle in flavor, making it a great choice even for first-timers willing to try something new. The tender, slow-cooked goat meat and the noodles combined perfectly, making it a delicious dish. It’s a great stop when visiting major spots like Kabira Bay and Hirakubo Point.
Location: 〒907-0023 沖縄県石垣市石垣７１６−１
