Located in Nishizaki Town, Itoman City, at the southern tip of Okinawa, the Itoman Fishermen’s Restaurant is a renowned seafood establishment beloved by local fishermen. Its convenient location, just about a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport, makes it a popular spot for tourists as well.
Point 1: Where is Itoman Fishermen’s Restaurant located?
Itoman Fishermen’s Diner is located in southern Okinawa Island, near the Southern Beach Hotel and Farmers Market in Itoman City.
Its exterior evokes a fishing port, featuring a stone-piled wall and checkered glass doors. While Japanese-inspired, the design is sophisticated, lacking the rugged, seafaring vibe common to such establishments.
Inside, stone-walled walls and wooden tables create a lodge-like, warm space. The atmosphere is welcoming enough that even a woman dining alone would feel perfectly comfortable.
Located near Itoman Fishing Port, the restaurant prides itself on dishes made with fresh local fish sourced daily.
Its popularity has grown so much that it now has a branch inside the airport. Both locations have lines, but the delicious food is well worth the wait.
It’s conveniently close to Naha Airport, just a 20-minute drive away. It’s an easy distance for a quick visit before a night flight, perfect for saying, “Hey, let’s swing by.”
By bus, take the Tokyo Bus (TK02). Get off at “Roadside Station Itoman-mae” and it’s a 4-minute walk from there.
Point 2: What are the recommended menu items at Itoman Fishermen’s Restaurant?
Itoman Fishermen’s Restaurant, located near the fishing port, offers fresh sashimi as a highlight, but its signature dish is the “Butter-Grilled Fish Set Meal.”
The fish variety isn’t fixed; it features the freshest seasonal fish of the day, grilled to perfection with butter for a fragrant finish.
For example, they might use whitefish like Vitallo (Hanafuedai), Ojisan, or Mibai. You’ll enjoy a crispy exterior and a plump, tender texture inside. The set comes with squid ink soup, small side dishes, and dessert, making it a very filling meal.
The fish is larger and thicker than expected, and seeing a whole fish served on a hot plate is a bit of a surprise for non-Okinawans.
Enjoy the satisfyingly thick, firm white flesh, perfectly seared and golden brown in butter.
Point 3: What other recommended menu items are there at Itoman Fishermen’s Restaurant?
Itoman Fishermen’s Diner also offers other specialties.
The “Itoman Fisherman’s Rice Bowl” is a unique dish featuring fresh sashimi and fried items atop rice, enjoyed with a special numbing soy sauce.
Additionally, the “Fish Broth Soba” is a tantanmen-style noodle dish featuring a broth rich with fish stock, topped with minced tuna, bean sprouts, and greens. These dishes are beloved creations that showcase local ingredients.
Desserts are also abundant, featuring Okinawan-style sweets perfect for unwinding after a meal, such as “Sanpin Tea Pudding,” “Sesame Ice Cream,” and “Cold Zenzai with Coconut Milk.” They’re ideal for that post-meal moment.
Its excellence is well-established, evidenced by its selection in Tabelog’s “Top 100 Restaurants” in 2024. While reservations aren’t accepted, it’s a renowned establishment well worth the visit.
We highly recommend stopping by.
