Kobe BAR NAKANAKA — Restaurant in Naha

I would come back here just for the rice and miso soup! The food was great with many high points.

Made a reservation for a dinner date. Seated at the counter and the atmosphere was intimate.

Opted to go a la carte instead of the course offered.

Started off with shikuwasa while my date had oolong tea.

Was offered pickled vegetables while we ordered. Some eggplants and cucumbers and a few other vegetables which were refreshing.

Started off ordering the steamed chicken salad. It was very flavorful and was enough for 2 people (we had 2 servings each). The top half of the salad was great. The bottom half was a little too salty for my date (probably the dressing settling at the bottom of the plate) but I didn’t mind.

Next we order to appetizers. The chicken thigh and the yakitori don (this is like the top half of yakitori donburi.

They were both cooked over charcoal that left an amazing taste and aroma. The yakitori was sauced and the thigh was offered with salt and wasabi.

They were both delightful but I preferred the thigh as I could add just the slightest amount of salt and let the natural grill flavor be savored.

Lastly we ordered both the Kobe beef (100g) and ishigaki beef fillet (150g) and we ordered with rice and miso soup.

The Kobe had more fat than the ishigaki beef but both were cooked perfectly.

The real standout was the rice and miso soup. The way they cooked this paired with the meat in such a way I can only describe as godly.

Now vegetables and chicken they try and procure everything from Okinawa and the Kobe beef comes straight from Kobe while the same can be said for the ishigaki beef.

The miso soup was fresh, thick, and flavorful.

The rice though….i had to know more about the rice so speaking with the head chef. They actually used his grandmother’s recipe which I won’t spoil online (though he will be glad to tell you if you ask). He said something very powerful which was without good rice there can be no good restaurant. So they prepare the rice and the first helping is always given to the workers and then once it has been tried by everyone it is decided if it can be served to customers.

The amount of heart I felt in his words moved me and really hit home that they cooked with their hearts.

I am so happy we chose this place and we will definitely be back.

For me the best part was the pickled vegetables and ginger, the chicken thigh, the top half of the salad, the ishigaki beef, and the rice and miso soup. (In no particular order after the number 1 rice lol)

I wish I would have taken photos but I often forget until after I have finished eating.

This place is perfect for a date or anniversary or treating yourself but can be much more affordable when you leave out the high tier beef (which is in itself worth it).

P.s. they also have many alcoholic beverages but I didn’t partake...

Ever since our trip to Kobe for the steak about a year ago, we have been fantasying about having more Kobe beef. We have searched high and low on Okinawa to find a Kobe restaurant with real Kobe beef and not Wagyu to no avail. For our anniversary my husband found us a spot! This hidden little gem of a restaurant was a little tricky to find because of its modest entrance. Once you open the door and walk inside, you get to experience a delight. We ordered the Kobe 150g and 200g with the meal set. We enjoyed our food but let’s be honest, we were there for the beef- that was delicious! We enjoyed every scrumptious bite and want to tell you all about the secret place with Kobe beef so you too can enjoy the best steak experience, even if you can’t travel to Kobe on mainland. The restaurant owner was sweet and I loved that he was from Kobe and imports the best for his restaurant. We enjoyed our chat with him and promised we would be returning! The restaurant accepts card or yen. There’s paid parking lots scattered around. It is not a large restaurant so reservations...

100% will return. Food and service was exceptional! Ordered 150g Ishigaki filet and 150g Kobe sirloin and quite possibly the best steak I’ve ever eaten. Added a sprinkle of the Okinawan salt and it was incredible. Reservations recommended but not required. If you’re looking for covid compliant, you can book the private room. Otherwise it is bar seating. Plum whiskey was great and the fried chicken was the best I’ve had in Okinawa (dark meat). When you make an online reservation through the website you have to respond by clicking the link in the email you will receive (will be in Japanese) to confirm. You can also book through Google maps reservation Kid friendly and English speaking with English menu. Parking available right across the street and a little walking distance away from restaurant. Peking is yen only. Visa / American Express cards did not work. Steaks are pricey but worth it! Make sure to bring enough cash to enjoy :) Card is also accepted but not for sure exactly which ones are. (Tips are not considered...