Hello everyone! I’m an Okinawa-based blogger who travels and runs a lifestyle blog, capturing photos and videos both domestically and abroad. This time, it’s all about Iriomote Island, one of Okinawa’s remote islands.
In my last post, I explored Yubu Island on Iriomote, soaking in the summer vibes and enjoying the botanical garden. This time, I’m back on Iriomote, but for those of you whose accommodations don’t include dinner, or if you’re just in the mood to try out some local dining spots, I’ve got you covered. I’m sharing a few places I’ve personally visited that highlight the unique ingredients of the island. I’ll be focusing on the Uehara area, near where I stayed.
・Reservation Required: Dinner on Iriomote Island
First off, I arrived on the island without having made any restaurant reservations in advance, thinking I could just book a table after I got there. That turned out to be overly optimistic.
I had my heart set on a particular restaurant, but when I called, it was already fully booked for both days of my stay.
So, based on this experience, I strongly recommend that anyone planning a trip to Iriomote Island make dinner reservations well in advance.
Shima Italian En
870-192 Uehara, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1541
Since I couldn’t get a reservation at my first-choice restaurant, the staff at my accommodation advised me to make dinner reservations earlier next time. Here are some recommended places for dinner that they suggested.
・Ichitaka
Ichitaka 10-720 Uehara, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1541
Ichitaka is a popular restaurant in the Uehara area.
When I called to make a reservation, most of the slots were already booked, but I managed to get a spot at 9 PM that evening.
The restaurant even asked if I needed a pick-up service, but luckily, the owner of my accommodation offered to drop me off at my reserved time.
Although the terrace seating isn’t visible in the photo above, the interior was fully booked, showing just how popular this place is.
There’s also a traditional “zashiki” seating area inside, which adds a cozy, relaxed vibe. Since I was dining alone, I opted for a counter seat.
The wood-fired pizzas here have a great reputation, and even the owner of my accommodation highly recommended them.
One of the standout items on the menu is the wild boar dishes, including boar tataki and stir-fried boar.
And of course, when you think of Okinawa, you can’t forget about Agu pork.
The pineapple served as an appetizer was fresh and sweet, a true taste of the tropics that was so refreshing. And since I wanted some wine, I ordered a decanter.
Island fish and mushroom ajillo, along with special handmade dumplings filled with Agu pork.
I also tried the chili shrimp. The baguette that came with the ajillo was nice and fluffy.
There’s a smoking area where I took a break, and while I was there, I chatted with one of the staff. It turns out that many people have moved to Iriomote Island, drawn by its charm and the diving opportunities.
By the way, I heard that when the typhoon swells come in, you can even surf at Tsukigahama Beach.
They even gave me a ride back to my accommodation, so I was able to finish my meal and enjoy the night on Iriomote Island under a sky full of stars.
Here are some other recommended restaurants in the Uehara area of Iriomote Island, suggested by the locals.
Satonushi 10-157 Uehara, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1541
This is an izakaya, and when I checked out their Instagram, it gave off a stylish vibe—looks like a great spot. It seems they use local ingredients in their dishes.
Since it tends to get crowded during the summer season, it’s best to make a reservation before you go.
