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Okinawa's culinary history doesn't have the same pedigree as the haute cuisine of Kyoto or Tokyo. A similar aristocratic tradition hasn't prevailed here, and prized local ingredients like soba, pork, and mozuku seaweed aren't necessarily expensive or hard to produce. This isn't to say that Okinawan cuisine falls short on rare delicacies or delicious cooking but simply that great, true-blue Okinawan food can be had on the cheap, anywhere. Greasy-spoon joints will have fare as traditional and as tasty as the fancy gourmet establishments, so go enjoy!
One effect of the American military presence has been to increase English-language proficiency throughout Okinawa. Most restaurants and hotels will have some English-speaking staff, so feel confident about going into any establishment for a meal or to inquire about a stay.
Still known to the locals as the Helios Pub, this microbrewery and restaurant serves up six tasty home brews along with hearty snacks like Okinawan-style seafood salads and herb-seasoned bratwurst sausages. They also have a selection of awamori from the Helios distillery in Nago including some excellent 18-year single cask bottles.
Hidden on the second floor of a building behind the Makishi Station, this laid-back oasis has good food, great music, and a relaxed staff and clientele. A decent drink selection is backed by a surprisingly varied menu, with tacos, curry soups, and alligator steaks. Coffee and cake sets are also available. There's live music some weekends.
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