Okinawa soba is an all-time favourite with the whole family and so we decided to check out the popular Ufuya restaurant, affectionately known as the ‘hundred-year-old house’ and famed for its beautiful location and the best Okinawa soba money can buy.
Set deep in the hills of the Motobu peninsula, drive the long winding road from highway 84 to the startlingly large carpark (for this is serious tour group territory) and jump onto a self-driving golf buggy which will slowly wend its way down the hillside. Of course if you want to take the alternative route down the hill, walk through the red torii gate-like tunnel which seems to transport hungry diners back in time. Next, walk through the tranquil gardens past numerous waterfalls and shisa statues to the main restaurant building, built back in 1901 and restored in 2001.
Remove your shoes at the door and step into the old house where you will be shown to your table. If you are lucky (or early enough; pre midday) chances are you may be shown to the more popular outdoor area complete with view of the gardens and sizeable waterfall. Menus are in English and Japanese and show a variety of Okinawa soba dishes plus a few examples of Ryukyu cuisine. My choice which I would definitely recommend was the Agu-pork Okinawa soba which came with jyushi rice and home-made pickled papaya. A steaming hot mug of jasmine tea really made everything all the more perfect while my five-year old happily tucked into a kid’s set of small Okinawa soba, jyushi rice and a slice of cake. Eating here is honestly an amazing experience!
Reservations for dinner are recommended and can be made either by telephone or via their website.
https://goo.gl/maps/GtXsS9MYG6sTePZP6
0980-53-0280
〒905-0004 Okinawa, Nago, Nakayama, ９０
〒905-0004 沖縄県名護市字中山９０
Open 7 days/week, Lunch 1100-1700 (LO 1630); Dinner 1800-2200 (LO 2100)
Cash (Yen only) and credit cards accepted
