Steakhouse 88

If you are on the hunt for the perfect steak house that will keep you coming back for more, you should definitely consider trying Steakhouse 88. Although many steak places started to open up recently on the island, Steak House 88 has been one of Okinawa’s finest since the 1970s and has branches all over. The one I’ve tried is among their older branches at their Kokusai Street West branch (temporarily closed when this review was written) and I gotta say it was quite an unexpected experience. Don’t be fooled by the interior atmosphere which just gives a typical confusing American diner eat-and-go vibe. The chairs are surprisingly comfy despite how they look. The distance between each table is also pretty spacious enough so it works out for people who want good steak with a side order of social distance.

Steakhouse 88 Kokusai Street west differs from the other restaurants around Naha area with the fact that it’s seemingly the only one with a buffet style soup & salad bar where you can customize the vegetables and dressing of your choice. The drink bar was a nice little plus too. One of the more unique features of this restaurant is that they have an ice cream station which serves the original Okinawan brand, Blue Seal. The selection is so colorful and pleasing to the eyes that makes you want to try all the flavors! For the main dish, which is obviously the steak, there are a few selections ranging from the basic cuts to the more expensive premium options. After carefully calculating the steak-to-cost ratio, I ultimately ordered the half lobster & the Ishigaki-gyu steak. Seared to a medium rare, the outcome was just the best. So tender yet, so firm! (How? Don’t ask what the heart just feels). I almost didn’t even need a fork as it just seemed to melt inside my mouth. Additional points for presentation as sizzling plates that release the aroma of the meat infused with smoke from the grill is always a winner. As for the lobster, unfortunately, it was only briefly enjoyed (well, it was just the half after all), but I was able to savor the delicious combination of the sauce and the lobster meat. Overall, perfectly executed order. Taihen yoku dekimashta!

The location of this branch can be easily accessed by a 6-minute walk from Yui-Rail’s Prefectural Office Station. There are other branches nearby, but I recommend this one for its atmosphere and the buffet salad bar feature. If you don’t mind spending a little bit more for the pricier premium options from the menu, I am sure that you’ll be hooked as I am and there is no more turning back to regular rump steaks. Still, it’ll be money very well spent!