Try These Authentic Okinawan Soba Restaurants Within Walking Distance From ESTINATE HOTEL NAHA!
My name is Kimura and I am the chef at ESTINATE LOUNGE NAHA in ESTINATE HOTEL NAHA.
I am often asked by our guests, “Which restaurant do you recommend for Okinawan soba noodles?” so today I would like to take this opportunity to introduce some of them to you.
The restaurants introduced here are all within walking distance from the hotel.
There are many different types of Okinawa soba restaurants in Naha City, so please enjoy comparing the different types when you come to the island!
Click the button below to book your stay at ESTINATE HOTEL NAHA.
Okinawa soba? Soki soba?
I am often asked by visitors to Okinawa, what is the difference between Okinawa soba and Soki soba?
Okinawa soba is a dish of Okinawan noodles served in a broth of pork and bonito stock.
When you see “Okinawa soba” on a menu, it is usually served with braised pork belly, fish paste, green onions and other ingredients.
Soki soba” refers to Okinawan soba with braised pork ribs.
In other words, “Okinawa soba” is a generic term and Soki soba is a type of Okinawa soba.
Local Chef’s Favorite Okinawa Soba Restaurant
Restaurant Hanagasa
It is a one minute walk from ESTINATE HOTEL NAHA, making it the closest restaurant to the hotel.
Although the name is similar (or almost the same) as the long-established “Hanagasa Shokudo” in the Kokusai-dori area, this “Restaurant Hanagasa” is a completely different restaurant.
It is a typical Okinawan diner with a variety of menu items, but the Okinawan soba here is also authentic.
The clear soup, carefully simmered in a light brown broth with bonito broth, has a delicate aroma and flavor.
The noodles are linguine-shaped and curly, the most common type of noodles in central and southern Okinawa.
Restaurant Information
Restaurant Hanagasa
2-22-4 Matsuyama, Naha City, Okinawa 900-0032, Japan 098-941-1234
Business hours: 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)
Yamaya
YAMAYA is a 2-minute walk from ESTINATE HOTEL NAHA.
It is the second closest restaurant because it is very close in distance but you have to go on the pedestrian crossing to cross the highway.
It is a restaurant specializing in Okinawan noodles and kimchi, so you can enjoy additive-free handmade kimchi on the menu.
The Okinawan soba is also authentic, with no chemical seasonings added.
Mr. Yamaya began as an artisan who worked at a yakiniku restaurant, but after his kimchi became popular he decided to open his own shop.
Eventually, the restaurant became an Okinawa soba and kimchi restaurant and 30 years have passed since then.
Okinawa soba has a gentle, additive-free flavor that can be enjoyed every day.
The broth is made by simmering pork bones and adding the flavor of bonito.
The noodles are the common white wavy noodle.
The kimchi has a rich flavor and the sweetness of the vegetables is not lost in the richness of the kimchi.
The combination of kimchi and soba is a wonderful marriage that can only be experienced at Yamaya.
Restaurant Information
Yamaya
2-21-12 Kumoji, Naha City, Okinawa 900-0015, Japan 098-862-7037
Business hours: 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)
Takara Shokuyo
It is a 14-minute walk from ESTINATE HOTEL.
Takara Shokudo is located on the way to Namiue Beach from ESTINATE HOTEL NAHA.
It is a long-established Okinawan restaurant famous locally.
The menu is diverse, but the Okinawa soba is highly recommended.
I recommend the vegetable soba.
The soup is clean and clear and its brown color is evidence of the large amount of bonito broth.
The sweetness and flavor of the vegetables also melts into the soup, adding to its richness. The stir-fried vegetables are also accompanied by a large amount of meat, making it a satisfying dish.
The noodles are also the usual white wavy noodles.
Takara Shokudo is also a 5-minute walk from Naha’s beach with great waves, so it is a good idea to eat Okinawan soba after playing at the beach.
Restaurant Information
Kora Shokudo
1-7-10 Wakasa, Naha City, Okinawa 900-0031, Japan 098-868-6532
Business hours: 10:30 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. (Open every day)
Experience Okinawa like never before at our urban resort hotel. Within walking distance to Kokusai Street, and just 5-min from Miebashi monorail station, which links to Naha Airport.
Click the button below to book your stay at ESTINATE HOTEL NAHA.