If you're planning a trip to Okinawa, finding great places to eat is a top priority. While some may say Okinawa lacks in culinary offerings, that's simply not true. It's actually a treasure trove of surprisingly delicious restaurants. Today, we'll introduce you to some of Okinawa's most popular and truly authentic dining gems.

01. NOKOSAZU

NOKOSAZU, a small but mighty eatery serving mouthwatering handcrafted burgers, is a must-visit. Located on Okinawa's bustling Kokusai Street, it boasts an impressive 4.8 rating on Google, making it a rare find in Okinawa.

NOKOSAZU offers a diverse selection of burgers, with the steak burger being the undisputed star. Priced at around ¥1,100 (approximately $7.50 USD), you can indulge in a juicy, thick beef patty burger for under $10.

Address: 〒900-0013 Okinawa, Naha, Makishi 1 Chome−2−3 HC Building 1-B

02. Steak House 88

Steak is an absolute must-try on any Okinawa food itinerary. Among the numerous steakhouses, Steak House 88, which sources wagyu beef directly from their own ranch, is a true standout. While they have several locations throughout Okinawa, we recommend visiting the branch on Kokusai Street, as it's the only one with a salad bar!

With reasonably priced American-style steaks and the added bonus of a salad bar, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without a long wait. The price for a standard steak with the WAUG discount is approximately ₩36,000 (approximately $27 USD).

Address: Japan 〒900-0014 Okinawa, Naha, Matsuo, 1 Chome−4−3 Eisho Shoji Building 2F

[Book your Steak House 88 Kokusai Street Nishiguchi branch discount here]

03. Hobaru Teppanyaki

Hobaru, renowned for its top-quality wagyu teppanyaki in Naha, Okinawa, is another restaurant you won't want to miss. Located in front of the Okinawa Prefectural Government Building, it's a beloved spot among locals and tourists alike, often considered the go-to place for steak in Okinawa. You can also enjoy a variety of Okinawan dishes, including Okinawa soba, Okinawan tofu, and salads featuring local vegetables.

Hobaru is particularly famous for its exquisite steaks, using only Yaeyama beef, raised and grown in Okinawa, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. The price with the WAUG discount is around ₩190,000 (approximately $143 USD).

Address: 3 Chome-8-2 Kumoji, Naha, Okinawa 900-0015, Japan

[Book your Hobaru discount here]

04. Menya Ogawara

Since Okinawa is part of Japan, trying ramen is a must. Menya Ogawara is arguably one of the best places to enjoy ramen in Okinawa. While not large, the restaurant has a charming Japanese ambiance and a strong local vibe. They offer a variety of ramen options, with prices around ¥1,350 (approximately $9.50 USD). Even if you don't speak Japanese, you can easily order using the picture menu on the kiosk.

Address: 〒900-0033 Okinawa, Naha, Kume 2 Chome−15−10