Approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes by car from Naha Airport. This Italian restaurant is located in Nakijin Village in the central part of Okinawa’s main island. The Italian restaurant is located in an old private house in the village of Imadomari, where you can catch a glimpse of the original landscape of Okinawa, even in Nakijin Village where many beautiful hotels line the streets. It is not only delicious but also comfortable.
Point 1: What is the origin of the name “Imadomare”?
In Okinawa, many places use old private houses as stores, but an Italian restaurant in an old private house like “Imadomare” may be rare. The red tiles and brick walls of Okinawa are strangely fitting.
And, isn’t it quite tasteful that they chose “Imadomare,” a coined word from the village name “Imadomari” and the Italian word “sea (Mare),” as the name of the restaurant? I also intuitively thought it was a restaurant with good food and a nice atmosphere.
Imadomare” is a cozy restaurant with eight counter-seats. Guests are often introduced by the owner to guests of a nearby petit hotel, and it is very funny to see how they help each other out.
The restaurant offers mainly Italian dishes using Okinawan ingredients that go well with natural wines and Okinawan awamori (Okinawa’s Awamori). The owner, who has a friendly and kind atmosphere, adds to the delicious food and atmosphere as he gives you trivia about Okinawa over the counter.
Point 2: What is the atmosphere like at “Imadomare”?
Imadomare” attracts hungry adults night after night.
Although it is an Italian restaurant, it does not mean that it only serves Italian food.
Although the restaurant is open in the evening, it also serves curry, dumplings, and shumai.
Pasta, of course, is served, as well as pot-au-feu and chili beans, Filipino-style braised belly, braised beef, raftage, and one-plate lunch-like dishes. Quiche is also well received!
All of them are made almost entirely from Okinawan ingredients.
They don’t limit themselves to “Italian,” but offer a variety of dishes and are very defensible. I appreciate the fact that they also offer take-out if you are busy.
This is good for those who stay in Okinawa for a few days and have had enough of Okinawan food!
Even when you are full, the friendly conversation with the owner is so enjoyable that it is hard for anyone to leave the table.
Some people are so tipsy that they are listening to the background music of jazz and island songs.
Perhaps it is because Nakijin Village is a place for adults to spend their evenings in peace.
Point 3: “Imadomare” also has delicious dolce!
The range of cuisine at “Imadomare” is very wide, offering not only Italian cuisine, but also Chinese, Mexican, and French cuisine.
But the dolce (desserts) are no exception, offering desserts from the Showa period to desserts from around the world in a subtle way to the delight of the guests.
For example, they serve traditional hard pudding, and masalada-style doughnuts like those served in the Caribbean, and even the final dessert is unquestionably delicious, which shows that they are a very talented restaurant.
Some people go back day after day during their stay in Okinawa because of the great taste and comfort, and others repeat their visit every time they come to Okinawa. Am I the only one who doesn’t want it to become too famous?
