Tabelog ratingOkinawa Cuisine Arakaki Ya (沖縄料理 新垣家) brings the distinct island atmosphere of Okinawa to the heart of Hiroshima. Located on the second floor of a building in the busy Hondori district, the restaurant is decorated with Okinawan instruments and plays island music, offering a brief escape from the city.
The main draw is the extensive menu of Okinawan classics, particularly the value-packed lunch sets. Guests consistently praise the soba dishes, such as the トロトロ軟骨ソーキそば (toro toro nankotsu soki soba) with soft cartilage pork and the ラフテーそば (rafute soba) with tender braised pork belly. You can choose between straight or the more traditional wavy Okinawan noodles. Beyond soba, the menu includes island-style sides like もずく天ぷら (mozuku tempura) and a wide variety of other dishes like chanpuru stir-fries and taco rice.
While the food is often lauded for its flavour and generous portions, some visitors report inconsistencies. Service can be slow during peak hours, and the QR code ordering system can be confusing. A few diners have also noted brusque service or strict policies during dinner, such as a requirement to order alcohol.
Value is excellent, especially at lunch, where reviewers recently paid around ¥900–¥1,100 for large sets that include soba, じゅーしー (jushi mixed rice), and a side dish. Dinner is more expensive, with a typical spend of ¥3,000–¥3,999 per person, plus a mandatory appetizer fee.
- Location: On the 2nd floor of the HM Hondori Kaikan building in the Hondori area. It's a 3-minute walk from the Hondori tram stop.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are possible, but the restaurant can be busy. Reservations are recommended, especially at peak times, to avoid a wait.
- Language: An English menu is available. Staff are generally patient with non-Japanese speakers, who manage well with the menu and translation apps. Ordering is done via a QR code on your phone.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex) and PayPay (QR code) are accepted. Electronic money is not accepted.
- Seating: 48 seats, with options for counter seating, tables, and semi-private rooms with tatami mats.
- Rules: A cover charge of ¥350 per person for a small appetizer is applied at dinner. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Family-Friendly: Children are welcome and a kids' menu is available.
