Rose Garden — Restaurant in Kitanakagusuku

I've driven past this place at least a thousand times without stopping. From the outside, it looks like a half-Italian, half-steakhouse sort of place...the kind of weird miss-mash you'd expect in Okinawa. It was 0900 on a Saturday and there were still a couple of spots open in the parking lot -- a good sign. There is usually a gentleman standing outside directing traffic because the available parking is tight and limited.

Once inside we were ushered to our table. It was a coolish January morning, so at first blush the place was a little cool with all of the ceiling fans whirling away. However, once I got my coffee, any concern I had about freezing to death went away. Simply put, this was some of the best coffee I've had on island in a long time.

I came with my 11 and 13 year old sons for breakfast. They are the critics, I am just the scribe. If this place is to pass muster, it must be up to their standards. We each chose something different...a good representation of their selection. I got a three egg omelet with spicy sausage, the 13 year old picked out the Eggs Benedict and the little one went for the pancakes, eggs and bacon. Servings were plentiful and the verdict was unanimous...AWESOME!

Not sure what the one-star reviewers are complaining about...we're in Okinawa, Japan having an adequately executed American-style breakfast at a half-Italian, half-steak joint. I can see where some have criticized the lack of flavor in some dishes, but that was not the case with our selections. A little salt or pepper is all one might need additionally. For the farm-to-table hipster set coming from the US, this might seem a bit of a let down because the veggies in an omelet might come from a can, but this should be expected from our little, island community. Hell, even the "fancy" buffet at the Officer's Club gives you canned tomatoes and mushrooms at the egg station...

Prices are Western in amount, but the value is clearly there. Now that I've satisfied my curiosity, and the kids are happy, rest assured we'll keep...

10 years ago this place had the best breakfast on island and the best lasagna I've ever had. Since I've been back we have eaten here twice and both times were a disappointment.

Breakfast: food was extremely bland and the wait was long, but not unusually so as it always seems to be.

Lunch: We waited half an hour before a waitress ever came to the table. Didn't have food until just over an hour after being seated on a day that wasn't as busy as typical. We had meatball spaghetti, lasagna, and butterfly shrimp. The spaghetti was ok, though the meatballs tasted like unseasoned beef. The shrimp was decent enough.

The heartbreaker was the lasagna. It use to be baked in the serving dishes, making excellent crust on every bite, deliciously moist and flavorful. The piece I got was cut out of a sheet and served in the bowl. It was dry and actually tasted like it had been microwaved. Stouffers frozen actually taste better.

I tried to get a little joy out of the visit and have a slice of German chocolate cake to take home. Unfortunately, they "don't allow cake to go, eat in onlyo. Interesting since they sell whole pies.

All in all very dissatisfied on multiple occasions. As much as it saddens me to says, we...

This restaurant was an outstanding find. We had heard good things about the restaurant and wanted to give it a try. It was so good we went again two nights later. The steak is among the best I have ever had. The 1st night I went with the 300g rib-eye and it was incredible. The meal comes in courses and they will wait until everyone is done with one course before clearing and bringing out the next course. So if one in your party is slow you may be here a while. That is not a problem here as the atmosphere is relaxing. The staff is extremely friendly and attentive. They also have 1980's style easy listening music going. Make sure when you come you plan to spend at least an hour as this is a place to enjoy the great food. Each course has is small but it all adds up and you may have room for desert which I recommend. The desert changes from day to day and they get all the cakes and pies from American Kitchen. This is a must try before you...