I’m a Japan-based blogger at @owncolorstravel, running a blog focused on travel and lifestyle, with a love for wine and delicious food.
Recently, I visited Kato Shokudo, a wonderful spot in Ginowan City, central Okinawa, known for its great wine selection. For all the wine lovers out there, I’m excited to share what makes this place so special.
・Wine dinner at Kato Shokudo
Kato Shokudo Wine Bistro 2-16-10 Mashiki, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture 901-2224
I visited Kato Shokudo, a charming wine bistro perfect for those seeking a place with a great atmosphere and delicious wines. The restaurant opens for dinner service at 6:00 PM, and I had the pleasure of enjoying my evening meal there.
Since parking is limited to three reserved spots, I opted to take a taxi. In Okinawa’s central area, I often use the DiDi app for booking taxis. Although taxis can be hard to find on weekends, I was lucky this time as one arrived promptly.
As for the location, it’s nestled within a residential area without prominent landmarks nearby. However, if you’re staying at Okinawa Prince Hotel Ocean View Ginowan or Laguna Garden Hotel, it’s within walking distance.
This popular spot requires reservations, so be sure to book in advance.
The cozy, warm lighting adds to the inviting atmosphere, and the bistro includes counter seating, making it a comfortable option even for solo travelers.
To start, I enjoyed a glass of champagne with a delightful pear aroma. This was a Crémant de Loire, a sparkling wine from the Loire region of France.
The staff was flexible and accommodating, offering half portions tailored for solo diners, which I really appreciated.
In Okinawa, ninjin shirishiri (grated carrot stir-fry) is a well-loved dish, but here I tried a sweet and refreshing carrot râpé (marinated carrot salad) instead.
I also had a prosciutto salad with nuts—an exceptional appetizer! The fig paired perfectly with the cheese, making it a standout dish that I highly recommend.
The cider from Hokkaido had a dry finish, perfect for pairing.
The “recommended wine of the day” at this bistro was a fruity red, adding a delightful touch to the meal.
I also enjoyed French escargot, prepared in the classic Burgundy style. They offered a half portion, which was perfect for a solo meal.
Gizzards(Sunagimo) served with a side of mayonnaise.
They were tender and lacked the usual chewiness, completely changing my perception of gizzards. Were they always this soft and delicate? It paired beautifully with the wine, making it hard to resist another glass.
Kato Shokudo has an impressive selection of wines!
They primarily offer French wines, including my favorite, Pinot Noir. For solo diners who may not finish a full bottle, some wines are available by the decanter—just ask the staff for recommendations.
This bistro is primarily for guests aged 20 and over, but they also offer special “Kids Days” when families with children are welcome, so keep an eye out for those dates.
On my way to use the restroom, I noticed it was occupied, and while I stood waiting, one of the staff kindly offered me a seat nearby. This small gesture showed their warm hospitality, making the dinner experience even more pleasant.
As a rare bistro in central Okinawa, Kato Shokudo is a must-visit for wine lovers or anyone interested in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
