Yamabuki — Restaurant in Nago

After visiting Shuri castle, I was handed a flyer of muslim friendly restaurants in Okinawa and this was listed as one of them, and since my wife and I were traveling to the north of Okinawa anyway, we went here one evening in april 2018 (so this review is three years late) and it was the most delicious food experience we had in Okinawa and one of the best we had in Japan. I especially enjoyed the fried kurugun (an Okinawan fish), in the charming little private room. The lady owner of the restaurant was most friendly and welcoming and interested in our background and asking if she could post something about us in her blog. While planning the meal for us, based on our preferences and some dietary restrictions, she sat down next to us taking out a fish encyclopedia explaining all sorts of fish they served. Altogether, a relaxing dining experience. We promised ourselves to go one more time...

We were lucky to find this restaurant and get a table without a reservation. If you don’t have a reservation, you can choose from fixed meal options, which I found to be varied and very good. I think reserving in advance expands your choices, since when we were leaving I saw other guests enjoying yakiniku, which wasn’t part of our menu. That said, this wasn’t an issue at all.

Yamabuki is one of the few restaurants I will always remember. Everything, from the fish to the broth soup, was incredibly fresh, and the portions were generous. Every dish felt carefully thought out. Almost like an artist paiting a canvas. The staff was also wonderfully warm and attentive, which made the experience even more special.

If I lived nearby, I’d definitely go more often. This place is truly a hidden gem...

Located in Nago town with parking opposite, this rustic restaurant with the interior of escalatic items has also a number of private dining rooms. We sat at the table and there was also bar dining for solo clients .

Ordered in person - there is an English menu but a Google translation of the Japanese menu was probably more accurate!

The kaiseki meal was excellent- I had the in caked sushi which was a rice with piece sashimi fish with soba soup and dachi soup and also some fruits to finish off and an ice coffee.

The meal with tempura prawn and also veg was good, even bigger portion with udon noodles in soup.

Both dishes was excellent.

Service was friendly- the ladies that served us were lovely...