Gourmet information on Kerama from the locals! Recommended restaurants!

What are the Kerama Islands like?
What are the characteristics of gourmet cuisine?

The Kerama Islands, consisting of more than 20 islands of various sizes, are a popular beach resort accessible by boat from the main island of Okinawa. Only four of the islands are inhabited, and they attract many tourists and divers throughout the year.

The culinary scene in Kerama is centered around dining while gazing out at the beautiful ocean—known as “Kerama Blue”—and hearty, filling meals that satisfy your ravenous appetite after outdoor activities. Desserts made with Okinawa-exclusive fruits, such as mangoes and passion fruit, are also incredibly popular among women, as they’re sure to make for Instagram-worthy photos.

In this article, we’ll introduce recommended local dishes—beloved even by the locals—for each of the islands: Zamami, Aka, and Tokashiki.

Click here for popular itineraries in the Kerama Islands

[Zamami Island] Recommended Dining Spots

My Shop Uncle

This is a standalone diner renowned for its delicious pork dishes. The most popular item on the menu is the hearty “katsudon.” A nice touch is that every dish comes with a small serving of Okinawan soba. You can come in even if your swimsuit (or rash guard) is still wet—for example, after snorkeling—and there are outdoor seats available for those wearing wetsuits.

• Address】13 Zamami, Zamami Village, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
• Phone number] 098-987-3705
• [Business Hours] 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Irregular holidays)
• [Payment] PayPay only
• [Directions] A 4-minute walk from Zamami Port

Little Kitchen

This international cuisine restaurant is easily recognizable by its orange building. With a focus on Asian flavors, you can enjoy creative dishes made with Okinawan ingredients as well as ethnic cuisine. Each dish is generous—enough for about two people—and the prices are reasonable. Since it’s a popular spot on Zamami Island, we recommend making a reservation in advance during peak seasons.

• Address: 28 Aza-Zamami, Zamami Village, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
• Phone number] 098-987-3070
• [Hours] 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. (Irregular holidays)
• [Payment] Cash Only
• [Directions] A 5-minute walk from Zamami Port

[Aka Island] Recommended Dining Spots

BEACH HOUSE AKA

This restaurant features an open terrace in a prime location overlooking the emerald-green Maehama Beach. From the second-floor seating, you can relax and enjoy daily specials, steak sets, and ice-cold beer while taking in a view that epitomizes the tropics.

• Address: 115 Aka, Zamami Village, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
• Phone number] 098-943-6639
• [Business Hours] 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (Irregular holidays)
• [Directions] About a 10-minute walk from Aka Port

[Tokashiki Island] Recommended Restaurants

Octopus Garden

A café-restaurant where you can dine while overlooking Awa-ren Beach. We recommend enjoying the stunning views from the second-floor seating area while savoring the popular taco rice, exquisite curry, and Orion Beer. The restaurant also features a friendly resident cat that’s sure to melt your heart.

• Address】87 Abaren, Tokashiki Village, Okinawa Prefecture
• Phone number] 098-987-2844
• [Hours] 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. (Closed Mondays)
• [Payment] Cash Only
• [Directions] About 15 minutes by local bus from Tokashiki Port (about 10 minutes by car or taxi)

Sea Friend

A large restaurant that also serves as a lodging facility, capable of accommodating groups of up to 74 people. The glass-walled interior features high ceilings and a wonderfully open atmosphere (we especially recommend the second-floor seating, which offers a great view). Breakfast is served buffet-style, and the restaurant opens early in the morning, making it a convenient place to grab a bite before a dive.

• Address】155 Abaren, Tokashiki Village, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
• Phone number] 098-987-2836
• [Hours] 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (Closed Sundays *Breakfast is served)
• [Directions] Free shuttle service available from Tokashiki Port (5 free parking spaces)

[General] Summary of How to Get to the Kerama Islands

To reach the various islands of the Kerama Islands, take a ferry or high-speed boat from "Tomarin" in Naha.
*The most convenient ways to get to Tomari Port are by taxi from Naha Airport (about 15 minutes / approximately 2,000 yen) or on foot from Miebashi Station on the Yui Rail (about 10 minutes).

• Ferries to Zamami Island and Aka Island:
  Zamami Ferry (approx. 120 min), Queen Zamami High-Speed Boat (approx. 50 min)
  [Reservations] Zamami Village Office, Naha Branch: 098-868-4567
• Ferry to Tokashiki Island:
  Tokashiki Ferry (approx. 70 min), Tokashiki Marine Liner (approx. 35 min)
  [Reservations] Tokashiki Village Shipping Division: 098-987-2537

During busy periods, such as summer vacation, ferries are often fully booked, so we highly recommend reserving your tickets in advance.

summary

We’ve introduced some of the local culinary favorites you can enjoy in the Kerama Islands. Each of these spots offers a wonderful experience you can only have there, where you can soak in the “Kerama Blue” sea and the tropical breeze. Be sure to visit your favorite spots depending on which island you’re visiting.