Bringing you recommended areas and travel tips for exploring Okinawa, shared by @owncolorstravel travel and lifestyle blogger based in Japan.
Last time, I introduced a bistro located in Ginowan City, in central Okinawa. This time, I’ll spotlight an Italian restaurant in the neighboring town of Chatan, known for its resort-like atmosphere.
By the way, as I’m writing this in mid-November, the temperature in Okinawa is a comfortable 28°C (82°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night—perfectly fine for short sleeves!
・Italian restaurant with a sea view 【LA LUPA】
LA LUPA 2F Distortion Seaside Building 9-46 Mihama, Chatan-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa 904-0115
I have featured American Village many times on this blog before. Located in Mihama, Chatan Town, it’s a popular shopping complex with an American atmosphere and an exotic vibe. LA LUPA is a fresh pasta specialty restaurant situated along the coast of American Village.
As you enter, guided by the sign at the second-floor entrance, you’ll find yourself in a stylish space.
Right by the entrance, there’s a U-shaped counter seating area. It’s perfect for solo diners to enjoy a casual lunch, thanks to its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
At the counter, I noticed an American child enjoying pasta with their dad. They seemed to have such a great bond, and the scene was picture-perfect.
Given the location near a U.S. military base, it’s no surprise that many of the customers are American.
Since this is a fresh pasta specialty restaurant, I was tempted to enjoy a glass of wine with my lunch. However, as I was driving, I opted for cranberry juice instead.
One of the highlights here is WCB, a craft beer made in Shizuoka, known for its wide variety of flavors.
At WCB CHATAN, you can purchase canned beer from the showcase next to the register to take home or enjoy it right inside the restaurant. Be sure to check it out!
For the lunch menu, you can customize your pasta by choosing both the sauce and the type of pasta.
・Bolognese ・Genovese ・Arrabbiata ・Gorgonzola ・Boscaiola
・Spaghetti ・Fettuccine ・Rigatoni ・Fusilli ・Gnocchi
You can mix and match your preferred combination from the options, so I ordered the Genovese sauce with rigatoni.
I went for the cranberry juice drink set, which costs ¥1,650 (tax included). You can also opt for the salad set.
The Genovese sauce had potatoes in it, and I found myself wanting to pair the flavorful sauce with some baguette!
As the sunlight started streaming in, I moved to a counter seat midway through my meal. It was such a delightful experience to enjoy my meal while gazing out at the ocean. The relaxing atmosphere truly allowed me to soak in the moment.
This pasta restaurant is perfect for those who love a resort-like vibe and want to enjoy a leisurely, scenic dining experience.
・Walk around American Village
After lunch, I took a walk around the area.
American Village is designed with plenty of photo-worthy spots, ensuring there’s always something to catch your eye. It’s one of the best features of the area, making sightseeing all the more enjoyable.
The adjacent Sunset Beach, which has been undergoing renovation, is still a work in progress. However, the beach area is open, and it’s great to see it bustling with activity again. People were enjoying beach volleyball on the spacious sands, and swimming is also allowed, adding to the lively atmosphere.
It seems that the grassy area on the land side of the beach is scheduled to begin construction in early November. By next year, the atmosphere is likely to improve even further, and it’ll probably become an even more vibrant spot!
I’ve shared the latest updates on American Village along with a fresh pasta restaurant you’ll want to visit when in the area. What do you think?
Since it takes about 45 minutes by car to get from Naha Airport to Chatan Town, where American Village is located, renting a car is the best option to explore the island. Be sure to arrange it in advance!
