Popular recommended izakaya (Japanese pubs) in Naha City! 20 picks by nearest station, including Kencho-mae Station

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A 5-minute walk east from Kencho-mae Station, SHIKAKU is an izakaya (Japanese pub) inside Southwest Grand Hotel. It is said to be a good choice for people who want to relax and enjoy drinks at an easy pace.

They are known for having a wide range of Okinawa gourmet dishes arranged in an elegant style.

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The restaurant’s recommendation is shabu-shabu made with aguu-buta (Okinawan Agu pork), and you can compare the loin, packed with rich flavor, with the belly, which has a nice sweetness.

It also comes with plenty of fresh vegetables from Okinawa Prefecture, and reviews say they go perfectly with the meat.

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They offer a full lineup of standout dishes made with seasonal ingredients, centered on seafood and shima-yasai (island vegetables). Each dish is said to be high quality, and they have a great reputation for pairing well with alcohol.

The elegant presentation is also said to be a highlight.

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Okinawa Sakaba Haisai Naha Honten is an izakaya near Kenchomae Station, popular for letting you enjoy Okinawan cuisine, creative dishes, and a wide variety of drinks.

With its homey space that makes it easy to drop in, this is said to be a restaurant loved by locals as well.

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They recommend dishes made with Kibi-maru Ton (Okinawan brand pork), an Okinawan brand meat raised on feed blended with sugarcane molasses and purple sweet potato. You can order steak and roast pork.

It has fine marbling like high quality Wagyu, and is said to have a mild sweetness.

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They also have a full lineup of classic Okinawa gourmet dishes. The chanpuru dishes are a great pick when you want a solid meal, with plenty of varieties, and the "fu-chanpuru (stir-fried wheat gluten)" is especially popular.

They also offer plenty of small snacks like "shima-rakkyo (Okinawan shallots) pickled in salt" and "homemade jiimami-dofu (peanut tofu)."

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About a 5-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station, Uotouya Kumoji Honten is an izakaya in Kumoji, Naha, popular for dishes made with seafood shipped directly from all over Japan and Okinawan gourmet.

The seating inside is laid out with plenty of space, and reviews also say the relaxed atmosphere is great for unwinding and enjoying drinks.

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This place in Naha is popular for serving dishes made with carefully selected ingredients sourced from around Japan, such as eel from Shizuoka and hotaruika (firefly squid) from Toyama.

Among them, what many people order is the sashimi assortment, which lets you enjoy a wide variety of seafood, and the hon-maguro (bluefin tuna) in particular is said to be packed with umami and very tasty.

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The Ezo awabi (Ezo abalone), delivered live straight to the restaurant, is also one of the house recommendations.

The "odori robatayaki (live seafood grilled at the table)" that can be cooked right at your table is popular, and people say its crunchy texture and rich umami become addictive. The seasoning also pairs well with alcohol.

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This izakaya (Japanese pub) is located on the basement level of a building just a 3-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station, very close to Naha’s main street, Kokusai-dori. It is said to be a homey place where you can enjoy dishes made with Agu-buta (Okinawan native pork) as well as classic Okinawan food.

The drink selection is also extensive, with local beer, awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor), and habu-zake (snake infused liquor) available to order.

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Shabu-shabu enjoyed with two kinds of dashi (Japanese soup stock) is popular here. The main ingredient is Agu buta (Agu pork), counted among Japan’s three great pork varieties. It is thick cut and large, making it very satisfying.

You can enjoy its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweetness.

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You can also order the "Shima Sashi assortment," with an adorable shiisaa (Okinawan guardian lion) perched neatly on the dish. The menu highlights recommended picks from Okinawan seafood delivered daily.

The bold presentation, topped with thick-cut sashimi, is also popular.

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This is an izakaya in Matsuyama, Naha. It is about a 5-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station. You can enjoy robatayaki (fireside grilling) made with carefully selected ingredients sourced from all over Japan, along with dishes that bring out the best in each ingredient.

In addition to the regular menu, they also offer a full lineup of daily specials starring seasonal ingredients.

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One of the restaurant's recommendations in the photo is "Honjitsu no Osakana Ninniku Bata Yaki (today's fish grilled with garlic butter)." The generous topping of green onions looks delicious.

Other popular dishes include "Ise ebi (spiny lobster) no bouillabaisse" and "Honmaguro Kamatoro Sumibi Arajio Yaki (bluefin tuna collar toro charcoal grilled with coarse salt)."

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The “Honjitsu no Sengo assortment (today’s fresh fish assortment)” is also a popular menu item that many people order.

It comes not only with slices of fish, but also shellfish and umi-budo (sea grapes), making it a dish that brightens up the table for drinks. It also goes well with Japanese sake and shochu.

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Shimauta DINING Michi Junee is an izakaya about a 4-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station, located along Kokusai-dori (Kokusai Street), the busy downtown area of Naha. Along with your meal, you can enjoy shimauta (Okinawan folk songs) and eisa (traditional Okinawan performing art).

Inside, the space lets you fully enjoy the feeling of an Okinawa trip, with seats close to the live performance and dynasty-style seating with interiors inspired by the Ryukyu Kingdom.

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This restaurant is known not just for the fun of the events held inside, but also for the high level of dining Manzoku.

It offers a wide variety of Okinawa gourmet dishes such as umi-budo (sea grapes), goya champuru (stir-fried bitter melon), and taco rice.

The lively, festival-like atmosphere is a lot of fun and makes the drinks go down easy. They have a full lineup of Okinawan style drinks like beer, awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor), and habushu (snake infused liquor). If you want to drink a lot, you can also order All you can drink.

They also have a great selection of small snack dishes, including jiimami-dofu (peanut tofu) and shima-rakkyo (Okinawan shallots).

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The izakaya Chinuman Kokusai-dori Kumoji Ten, located in Kumoji, Naha City, is a popular spot with an interior full of Okinawan touches.

On the stage on the second floor, shimauta (Okinawan folk songs) live performances are held every few hours, and you can enjoy drinks in a lively, festival-like atmosphere.

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You can enjoy fresh local fish delivered directly from morning markets at fishing ports in the prefecture. The "butter-yaki (butter grilled fish)" in the photo is an Okinawan home-style dish and one of the most popular items.

They also offer local seafood dishes such as sashimi of Churaumi Maguro and shima-dako (island octopus).

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They also have a full selection of local-style à la carte dishes with a strong regional feel, such as umi-budo (sea grapes), jiimami dofu (peanut tofu), and somen chanpuru (stir-fried somen noodles). Every dish is said to be tasty and a great match for drinks.

The drink lineup is also extensive, with local beer and awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit).

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Yasaimakikushiya Gururi Kokusai Dori Ten is an izakaya located midway between Kenchomae Station and Kokusai Dori.

This restaurant specializes in vegetable skewers made with Domestic meat and vegetables, and they also offer makikushi (wrapped skewers) available only at this restaurant as well as recommended seasonal menu items.

They also have a wide drink selection, with awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit) and shochu selected by the owner, along with sours packed with plenty of lemon, being especially popular.

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The signature menu item is yasai makikushi (vegetable wrapped skewers) made with pork belly from Okinawa, and they are said to be very satisfying, with plenty of meat wrapped around large seasonal vegetables.

Both the meat and vegetables are grilled to perfection, and their sweetness and juicy flavor are said to keep you coming back for more.

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They are also known for a wide range of a la carte dishes made with vegetables and seafood, with many menu items praised for their good balance of seasonings and spices and for the care that goes into making them.

The aburi toro shime saba (seared rich cured mackerel) and mentaiko aburi-yaki (grilled spicy cod roe) are finished with a quick sear right at your table, which adds a fun, interactive touch.

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Jiman-ya Naha Ten is an izakaya located midway between Miebashi and Naha Kokusai-dori Shotengai (Naha Kokusai Street Shopping District). It seems to stand out for Okinawan cuisine made with locally produced ingredients, more than 200 kinds of awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit) available to order, and the fact that it offers All you can drink.

The building is an Okinawan kominka (traditional old house), and it seems you can fully enjoy the Okinawan atmosphere in its charming and comfortable space.

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You can enjoy "Pineapple Pork shabu-shabu," made with pork raised on pineapple feed. It is known for the rich, savory flavor of the pork that people just can’t get enough of.

The generously plated vegetables also pair well with the meat.

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In addition to classic Okinawan dishes, they also offer a wide range of original menu items made with Okinawan ingredients.

The photo shows the restaurant's recommended tsuke-mozuku (mozuku seaweed for dipping). The dipping broth, rich with seafood dashi, pairs well with the mozuku and has an addictive taste, according to reviews.

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Tsumugi is a Japanese restaurant about a 7-minute walk from Miebashi Station, located along National Route 58 that runs north to south through Naha. It has a good reputation for tasty Japanese food that pairs well with alcohol and for its wide selection of drinks.

The interior has a wood-toned design, and another draw is that you can take your time enjoying drinks in its chic atmosphere.

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They serve carefully prepared dishes made with seasonal ingredients such as vegetables and seafood.

Along with classic Japanese dishes like takikomi gohan (seasoned rice cooked with ingredients), Western-style items with a Japanese touch are also popular, such as "agu buta (Okinawan Agu pork) and seasonal gomoku haru-maki (five-ingredient spring rolls)" and "seasonal cream croquettes."

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The photo shows the restaurant's specialty, Kantsumu. This luxurious dish uses sea urchin, caviar, and crab, and it is said to pair perfectly with drinks.

They also have a well stocked lineup of drinks to enjoy with it, and especially for Japanese sake, they even carry some rare labels. So if there is a drink that catches your eye, asking the staff might lead to a nice new discovery.

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Sumibiyaki Tori-zukushi Hanare Kumoji Ten is a yakitori izakaya along Ichigin-dori in Naha City, with a reputation for good food and a wide range of drinks that pair well with the dishes.

This hidden gem has a modern Japanese feel, and offers table seating where you can relax as well as counter seats where you can watch the cooking.

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They source Yamato Nikudori (Nara local chicken breed), known for its pleasant springiness and tenderness, from Nara Prefecture. The grilling and seasoning are said to be perfectly balanced, letting you enjoy its juicy texture and rich flavor.

Along with classic cuts such as thigh, fresh morning-processed liver and tenderloin are also popular.

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Not only the meat dishes but also the vegetable side dishes are said to be high quality.

The wide range of preparations is part of the appeal too, including charcoal grilled vegetables that bring out their sweetness, stuffed vegetables with a satisfying bite, and the gazpacho served as the otoshi (small appetizer).

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Jinsei Sakaba Okinawa Ten is a Korean izakaya located in Matsuyama, Naha, a 5-minute walk from Miebashi Station, and it is popular for its wide range of dishes including meat, noodles, and rice dishes, along with appealing drinks such as original makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

The ceiling is decorated with cherry blossoms in full bloom, creating a great atmosphere with a strong sense of being somewhere out of the ordinary.

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It gets good reviews for offering a full lineup of classic Korean dishes that pair perfectly with drinks, including tteokbokki and samgyeopsal.

The chicken selection is especially extensive, with a wide range of options like yangnyeom chicken and prinkle chicken. If you're with a large group, the "UFO Chicken" in the photo is also a good pick.

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The popular Korean dish chijimi (savory pancake) also comes in a wide range of variations. Along with classic fillings like garlic chives and potato, you can also order options starring Okinawa-style ingredients such as goya (bitter melon) and murasaki-imo (purple sweet potato).

You can enjoy the crispy and chewy texture, made possible by their careful choice of flour.

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Buranchu is an izakaya located a 10-minute walk from Miebashi Station, and it is popular for offering not only classic Okinawan gourmet dishes such as chanpuru (Okinawan stir-fry) and soki soba (Okinawan pork rib noodles), but also a full lineup of creative menu items.

The slightly compact interior is said to be lively, and many locals use it as well.

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They offer a wide range of dishes made with Okinawan ingredients.

A dish that gets especially good reviews is the fried gurukun (banana fish), the prefectural fish of Okinawa. Its light flavor and tender texture go perfectly with the crispy coating. It is said to pair well with awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor) and other alcoholic drinks.

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If you want to try a variety of classic Okinawan dishes, not only A la carte but also the 3-item assortment and 5-item assortment are recommended.

You can choose your favorites from 15 different menu items, including umi-budo (sea grapes), jiimami dofu (peanut tofu), and taco fries.

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LUCKY MAXIMUM is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 3-minute walk from Miebashi Station. The menu covers a wide range, from Okinawan dishes to Western food, and the dishes are said to be not only tasty but also stylish.

Its appeal also lies in its refined yet comfortable atmosphere, and it is said to have many repeat customers.

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They also received reviews saying that with so many Okinawan style snack dishes on the menu, such as the slightly spicy goya chanpuru (stir fried bitter melon), SPAM fries, and agu buta (Okinawan pork) tonkatsu, everything looks so good that it is hard to decide what to order.

From Cold Appetizers that are easy to nibble on with a drink, to grilled dishes, fried dishes, and To finish noodles and rice dishes, the wide variety of the menu is also well regarded.

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They seem to offer a wide range of drinks, with high quality in both taste and presentation. The photo shows the popular “Ryukyu Lemon Sour.” Inside the lemon peel is liqueur, and you mix it yourself as you drink and enjoy it.

They also offer awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit) and habushu (snake infused liquor), among other options.

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Showa Mura is an izakaya about a 5-minute walk from Makishi Station, on the south side of Naha Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, with a wide range of menu items including seafood such as prefectural fish Kara-age and sashimi assortment, as well as vegetables and meat.

On the stage inside the retro-style restaurant, you can enjoy performances including live minyo (Japanese folk songs).

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They are said to have a full lineup of local specialties in particular. Well-known Okinawan dishes are all here, including goya chanpuru (bitter melon stir-fry), Okinawa soba, and beni-imo korokke (purple sweet potato croquettes).

The flavors are easy for everyone from adults to kids to enjoy, and the bold seasoning apparently goes well with drinks. The generous portions are another plus.

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If you want a filling meal, the pork dishes are a great choice. Options include shabu-shabu made with Agu-buta (Okinawan pork), tebichi (simmered pig's trotters), and rafute (Okinawan braised pork belly), with a range of cuts and cooking styles.

They all pair perfectly with drinks, especially Okinawan sake awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit), from Okinawa.

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Sakaba Oruso is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 7-minute walk from Makishi Station, and it is popular for its wide range of food, from classic Japanese dishes to items with Western and ethnic-inspired twists.

They also offer a wide variety of drinks to enjoy with the food, including as many as 15 kinds of ocha-hai (tea-based shochu drinks) alone. If you want to enjoy plenty, the All you can drink plan is recommended.

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They also offer many small plate dishes, so it is just right when you want to try a little of this and that. Reviews also say the food is beautifully presented on bright tableware, making it nice to look at as well.

There is a wide range of ingredients too, including sashimi with house-made goma-dare (sesame sauce) and "Today’s Steamed Vegetables," a welcome option for people looking for something healthy.

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One of the restaurant's recommended dishes in the photo is "Bisha Katsu," and the meat is said to be tender and full of flavor, with an excellent balance of sauce and grain mustard.

They also offer a full lineup of meat dishes such as "Nikujiru Suigyoza (juicy boiled dumplings)" and "Seinikuyasan no Agu Menchi Katsu (butcher's Agu pork minced cutlet)," all of which are well reviewed for being delicious.

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Kushi Nakama is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 7-minute walk from Makishi Station.

They offer a wide range of dishes that go well with drinks, including kushiyaki (grilled skewers), Okinawa cuisine, and yakisoba (fried noodles), and the drink selection is also packed with Okinawa-style options such as local beer, chuhai (shochu highball), and awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit).

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As the name suggests, the restaurant’s signature menu is kushiyaki (grilled skewers), and popular choices include skewers made with Agu pork and jidori (local chicken), as well as the recommended “goya champuru skewer,” all making good use of local ingredients.

Everything is said to be juicy and filling, and reviews also mentioned a high level of satisfaction.

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The gachagacha (capsule toy machine) that adds a full-on recreational feel is also a hit. The capsule that comes out when you spin the gachagacha contains coins, and you can order drinks or single dishes depending on how many you get.

Because you can enjoy it like a game, people apparently end up trying it again and again.

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Shimauta to Okinawa Ryori Hana Ryukyu Tenbusu Naha Ten is an izakaya (Japanese pub) located an 8-minute walk from Makishi Station along Kokusai-dori (Kokusai Street) in Naha, where you can enjoy food and drinks while watching live performances of Okinawan folk songs and shimauta sanshin (traditional Okinawan three-string instrument).

The live performances are not limited to folk songs, and you can even request Okinawan pop, making it easy to enjoy casually.

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They offer a wide range of Okinawan dishes, from small-bowl Cold Appetizers to meat dishes and fried items that are great when you want a filling meal. They also serve Okinawa's specialty, yagi ryori (goat dishes).

The photo shows yagi-jiru (goat soup), which seems to be a satisfying way to fill up while experiencing the local food culture.

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The sashimi assortment made with local fish is also popular. It is said to be a generous set that includes a wide variety of seafood such as Churaumi Maguro (Churaumi tuna), and depending on the season, it may also come with shima rakkyou (Okinawan shallots) and umi budou (sea grapes).

Its colorful presentation is said to be part of the appeal.

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Orenchi is a tempura restaurant on the south side of Makishi Station, and it seems to offer a full lineup of à la carte dishes, from Okinawan cuisine to classic izakaya menu items.

Their All you can eat and drink option, which includes alcoholic drinks, is popular, and many people seem to visit it as an izakaya.

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The tempura is fried only after you order, so you can enjoy it piping hot and crisp.

The menu seems to offer a wide range of choices, including dishes made with Okinawa-like ingredients such as murasaki-imo (purple sweet potato) and mozuku (Okinawan seaweed), as well as seafood and vegetables.

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They also offer a wide variety of a la carte dishes, and the seasoning pairs well with drinks. You can also order Okinawan specialties such as the hearty rafute (Okinawan braised pork belly) shown in the photo and jiimami dofu (Okinawan peanut tofu).

They also have drinks like local beer and several kinds of awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor), so the level of Manzoku seems high.

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IRUTARU is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 3-minute walk from Makishi Station, near Kibogaoka Koen (Kibogaoka Park), a favorite place for Naha locals to relax, where you can enjoy authentic food prepared by a Korean chef.

They use many ingredients from Korea, and they also offer a wide selection of authentic drinks such as Korean shochu and makgeolli.

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This Korean restaurant has a great selection of seafood dishes. Ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) and ganjang saeu (soy sauce marinated shrimp) are especially popular.

The ingredients are packed with umami and seasoned well, making them go great with rice or drinks.

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The restaurant also offers a wide range of menu items that you can cook right at the table, including Hot Pot dishes, grilled seafood, and "Ebi Roll," in which shrimp wrapped in pork is grilled on a Teppan-yaki iron plate and then dipped into cheese melted on the same plate.

Being able to enjoy the cooking process and eat everything freshly made is part of the appeal.