Highway 1

Ginowan City is concealing a hidden gem. Nestled amidst an unassuming residential area is Highway 1, a haven for seafood (and non-seafood) lovers. Step through its Dragon guarded doors into a world of delicacy and deliciousness.

For the most part, it’s a sushi restaurant. However, this isn’t all they offer. It has a plethora of traditional Japanese dishes on both the lunch and dinner menus, including the odd veggie-friendly dish, something for everyone. Their fish and seafood selection is extensive, offering variants on type and preparation. It’s a nice change from the hustle and bustle outside; a bank of low tables and cushions to your left (from the entranceway) allows you to dine like a local. Or, if your back isn’t a fan of low tables and crossed legs, you can choose a West-style booth on the right, opposite the bar and kitchen. The kitchen area is set back, so you can’t really see much of it, but the bar is an open area with stools, and you’ll usually find the owner here prepping and greeting. There’s also a large fish tank just as you walk in, opposite the low table area; this is often lively with fish the owner catches himself in the waters that surround Okinawa. At time of visit, there was only one lonely Grouper, so perhaps it was a scant trip!

I visited at lunch time, and opted for a booth. The outside of the restaurant has a wooden cladding, blocking views of the street and casting a dim glow within. However, this isn’t a bad thing, as the area between the building and the cladding has a pretty little Japanese garden. It’s like looking into the grounds of a manor house; lovely. The place itself is clean and cozy, staff are friendly, and you are greeted with a refreshing glass of iced green tea instead of water. I really liked this, though of course you can ask for water if you prefer.

Menu’s are in both Japanese and English, and at lunchtimes there are sets available. I’ll be honest, I’m not a seafood fan. However, luckily for me, they have a great range of non-seafood dishes on hand! I fancied a lunch set, so opted for the fried chicken, which cost 780 yen. It came with Miso soup, salad, pickled vegetables and rice. Great value. Everything is made to order. It was fresh, crisp, and delicious. And filling! I could barely finish it. My companion is a bit of a sushi lover, so he opted for the California rolls, which were served with miso soup, salad, pickled vegetables and wasabi. At 880 yen, and with 10 rolls, this was also a good value choice. I’m assured these were divine, bursting with flavour, and very filling. All round a fantastic meal. Due to the fact we already had iced green tea, we decided to forego drinks, however you can purchase alcoholic and non alcoholic and hot and cold beverages.

Lunch time runs from 1100-1500, with last orders at 1430, then dinner is 1700-2300, with last orders at 2230. They are open daily except Mondays, and accept yen as payment only. Another tempting feature is the “Happy Hour” that runs daily (Except Friday and Saturday) from 1700-1900. Orion beer is available in draft and regular, at 300 yen and 200 yen respectively, a reduction in price from the usual 500 yen and 400 yen respectively. So if you love a drink (or several!) with your meal, this might be just the thing for you.

There is a fair amount of parking available right in front, a rare and wonderful feature on Okinawa!

What are you waiting for? Get your fishy (or non fishy) fix!

Accepts: Yen only

Price: from 550 yen, sets available.