Spectacular food and hospitality here. Right off the beaten path sits a little joint that lives and breathes the ocean. Freshly caught fish served daily, with hours that feel almost deliberately inconvenient. They do not care, because they know they will sell out. And they do. Get there early.
The tempura was crisp and light, the miso soup deep and restorative, the tuna poke bowl clean and honest, the fried fish unapologetically perfect, all chased with a cold Orion draft that tasted like it belonged nowhere else but here. For about an hour, I was in heaven.
Parking is tight but doable, and if the Okinawa sun beats you down, you can sit in your car until they call you. Enter your license plate on the waitlist and they will come grab you when it is your turn. Inside, the space is tight but it has that kind of charm you only find in places that do not waste time pretending to be something they are not.
The hum of the AC, free WiFi, hammocks swaying in the shade overlooking the water. It is the kind of place Bourdain would have lingered in, drink in hand, reminding you that life is short and you should chase meals like this while you can. Kunigami is lucky to have it....
Read moreSpectacular meal here. I wish we found this restaurant earlier so that we could have had more meals during our stay in northern Okinawa. Everything was good but the absolute best was the butter fried fish. Turns out it is a grouper (miibai), native to Okinawa. It was the freshest fish I have ever had. We returned to have the same meal, and it was a snapper instead (see photos of whole fish at the bar). Also delicious, but my preference is definitely the grouper. I would seriously return to Okinawa just for that fish, and that meal.
Note that it only seats about 30-35 people and opens lunch & evening only for 2.5 and 3 hours. I would line up earlier than the opening time as when we arrived, the restaurant was full already. If it's full, sign up on the waitlist outside the front door. THe wait might be 20-25 min, and totally worth it.
Service is sweet and friendly. Though we cannot speak Japanese, they made us feel welcomed and appreciated as customers.
Highest recommendation for this restaurant. Go! You will...
Read moreKunigami Minato Shokudo is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Ogimi, offering an unparalleled sushi experience with breathtaking views. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with warmth and hospitality that sets the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The sushi here is not just food; it's an art form meticulously crafted with the freshest ingredients, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite.
But what truly sets Kunigami Minato Shokudo apart is its panoramic views that elevate the dining experience to new heights. Gazing out over the tranquil waters while savoring the finest sushi is a moment of pure bliss, one that stays etched in your memory long after you leave.
For anyone visiting Ogimi, Kunigami Minato Shokudo is an absolute must-visit. It's more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that combines exquisite flavors with awe-inspiring surroundings, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the beauty of Okinawa's...
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