About a 10-minute drive from Naha Airport. Located in a corner of the Kokusai Street Yatai Village, just off a small alley near the Makishi end of Kokusai Street. While the atmosphere is undeniably eclectic, it’s always bustling and offers reasonably priced seafood.
Point 1: The Location of ‘Seafood Ryukai’
When it comes to the heart of Naha’s tourism, it’s definitely Kokusai Street.
Just a short walk down an alley from that bustling main street, right near the yatai village, you’ll find “Kaisen Ryukai”. While Kokusai Street is always crowded with tourists, this spot’s slightly tucked-away location offers the appeal of enjoying a meal in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Its location makes it easy to drop in between sightseeing stops, yet stepping inside reveals a space filled with the “vibrant energy of a seafood izakaya” and the “warmth characteristic of Okinawa.”
Popular with both locals and tourists, the restaurant buzzes with laughter, and the enjoyment of seafood comes in the evening. It’s perfect for a second gathering after visiting the food stall village or for stopping by after shopping on Kokusai Street. Combining excellent accessibility with a great atmosphere, it’s the place you’ll want to remember first when you think, “I want seafood in Okinawa!”
Point 2: Introduction to the ‘Seafood Ryukai’ Menu
The charm of “Seafood Ryukai” lies above all in its diverse dishes made with fresh seafood caught in the waters near Okinawa. Its hallmark is a wide lineup ranging from classic sashimi and fried dishes to small side dishes featuring Okinawan seaweed and tofu.
First, the sashimi deserves attention. The fresh fish sashimi platter is reasonably priced at ¥1,480, yet its freshness and generous portion exceed expectations. It’s popular not only with tourists but also with local regulars. Another highlight is the fried dishes featuring distinctly Okinawan ingredients like gurukun fish and tiger prawns.
Gurukun, Okinawa’s prefectural fish, offers a crispy exterior and a fluffy, flavorful white flesh inside. The tiger prawns are reasonably priced at ¥500 each. Enjoy them fried to a fragrant crisp, shell and all, to savor the prawn’s natural sweetness.
The menu also features a wide variety of izakaya-style dishes. Items like bitter melon with salted kelp, sea grapes, mozuku seaweed vinegar salad, jima-mimi tofu, and mozuku tempura let you experience Okinawan food culture, all at affordable prices ranging from ¥580 to ¥880. It’s the perfect lineup for light nibbles or pairing with awamori or Orion beer.
What’s also noteworthy is the substantial selection of meat dishes alongside the seafood. Wagyu steak and grilled chicken are available from around ¥1,500 to ¥2,980, offering satisfying options for those who want a hearty meal. This variety is a welcome feature, making it easy to enjoy with friends who aren’t seafood fans.
Point 3: Recommended Menu Items at ‘Seafood Ryukai’
Among the many menu items, the “Butter-Grilled Fish” and “Deep-Fried Gurukun and Prawns” are must-try dishes when you visit.
The Butter-Grilled Fish may seem a bit pricey at ¥2,480, but it’s a generous dish featuring a whole fish. Its impressive presentation and substantial portion deliver satisfaction well beyond the price. The aroma of butter whets your appetite, the skin is crispy, and the inside is packed with juicy, plump flesh.
It’s quite filling, so sharing it among 2-3 people is recommended. Gathering around the table with travel companions will undoubtedly make mealtime even more enjoyable.
And if you want to savor Okinawan authenticity, fried fish is a must. Gurukun is characterized by its savory flavor, where you can crunch on the bones, and it pairs perfectly with awamori or beer. For tourists, it’s a dish that will stick in your memory as a true “Okinawan taste.”
The prawns offer an exquisite contrast between their crispy exterior and plump, springy texture inside. At just 500 yen per piece, they’re affordable enough to order one for each person and compare flavors together.
Also, be sure to order Okinawan small plates alongside your seafood. Sea grapes, in particular, offer a fun, popping texture and a refreshing taste that cleanses the palate. Freshly fried mozuku seaweed tempura is crispy and fragrant on the outside, while the inside releases the seaweed’s unique slipperiness and umami, making it a dish that truly lets you savor the bounty of the sea.
Seafood Ryukai is the perfect spot not only for seafood lovers but also for anyone wanting to enjoy a wide range of Okinawan cuisine and izakaya-style dishes. Its convenient location near Kokusai Street, its array of authentic Okinawan seafood dishes, and its lively atmosphere, attracting both tourists and locals, combine to make it a place that will add color to your travel memories.
