Hamazushi

Despite having 66 tables, Hamazushi on 58 gets crowded fast, and you have to get there even before they open at 11 or else wait a while for a table. Hamazushi, the newest sushi-go-round restaurant in Chatan, is extremely popular, and here’s why: it’s a great value, there are lots of menu items to choose from, and it caters to both Japanese- and English-speaking customers.

Knowing a few tips will make your first experience go smoothly. Everyone loves a good deal, and that’s especially true when dining out in Okinawa. Because Hamazushi’s items start at ¥90, lunch for two is easily less than ¥2000. When you arrive, check in via a kiosk, and indicate the number of guests and seating preferences. Print out the ticket, and wait for your number to be flashed on the screen and called out by staff. If they call your number twice and you don’t respond, however, they’ll give your table to the next group, so you have to pay attention. Once called, the staff will give you a piece of plastic with your table number, to seat yourself. Once seated, you can either grab plates that pass along the sushi-go-round, or order from the touch screen, which has both English and Japanese options (the yellow English button is at the screen’s top right). Beware, however, of grabbing items that are on black or red platforms if you didn’t specifically order them: these were specially ordered by another table, and it’s poor etiquette to take them.

Ordering from the touch screen is pretty straightforward—it’ll have options to order multiples of the same item, and also with or without wasabi for sushi. The screen also lets you know exactly when your order is about to arrive to your table, so you can grab it before it passes by. After ordering 4 or 5 different things, a blue screen will appear, limiting you from ordering sushi and some other entrée items until most of your food arrives. Water is self-serve at the station on the side counter, and green tea, different kinds of soy sauce, forks and spoons, and even takeout boxes are available at the table or on the platform above the sushi train.

As for food, we particularly liked the shrimp tempura roll and the fried tuna roll, rare treats in most sushi-go-rounds. Besides sushi, soups like miso, udon, and ramen are available, as are sides like French fries and desserts like cheesecake and fruit. The blueberry cheesecake and layered “Mil Crepes” are quite good, as is the black bean hot chocolate.

Hours: 11:00-23:00 589-6 Kuwae Chatan-Cho, Chatan-cho, 904-0103