Tabelog ratingMarchinuya (まーちぬ家) is a family-run izakaya that has been open since 1992. Its interior is built from Ryukyu pine, the 'marchi' of the name, which the owner's grandfather gathered in the forests of Yanbaru. The kitchen cooks Okinawan home food. Its signature is ika-sumi jushi, a squid-ink rice that reviewers often compare to risotto. The other draw is the day's tropical catch. Staff bring the whole fish to the table, and you choose to have half as sashimi and the rest grilled, butter-baked or simmered in salt (maasu-ni).
Nearly every review calls the ika-sumi jushi a must-order. The champuru stir-fries come up constantly: goya (bitter melon), somen noodle, fu (wheat gluten) and squid-ink somen. Several regulars say these are the best champuru they have eaten anywhere. Mozuku seaweed tempura, island octopus sashimi and unchee (water spinach) are also frequently recommended. Staff are repeatedly praised for offering half portions, guiding orders and bringing free pineapple at the end of the meal.
The main complaint is getting a table. The phone line is often engaged, and some callers were told to call back and were then refused. Foreign groups have reported being turned away even though seats were empty. Lesser criticisms include slightly salty seasoning, a very dim room, a narrow drinks list beyond beer and awamori, oily dourou tempura and a sweetish rafute (braised pork belly).
Prices are moderate. Between 2024 and 2026, reviewers paid around ¥750 for goya champuru and ¥750 for ika-sumi jushi. Mozuku tempura cost about ¥990, an agu pork steak ¥1,400 and a sashimi platter ¥3,000. A whole akamachi snapper came to about ¥4,500. Dinner typically runs ¥5,000–6,000 per person, often less. There is no lunch service. Reviewers consistently call it excellent value: they were surprised by the bill, portions are generous and can be adjusted, and awamori bottles carry only a modest markup.
- Access: about 3 minutes' walk (147 m) from Miebashi Station on the Yui Rail.
- Booking: needed. Call 098-863-5159 exactly two weeks ahead, in Japanese. Calling just before the 17:00 opening, or asking for the late seating after about 20:30, works best. Late-evening walk-ins sometimes succeed but should not be relied on, and solo diners and pairs can find it hard to get in.
- Age restriction: only junior high school students and older are admitted. Younger children cannot enter.
- Payment: VISA, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX and Diners cards and electronic money are accepted. QR code payments are not.
- Seating: counter seats and a tatami room, with two-hour seatings. There are no private rooms, but the whole restaurant can be booked for private use.
- Smoking: entirely non-smoking.
- Parking: none.
- Language: the menu is in Japanese only.
