For those seeking authentic Ishigaki Island cuisine, yakiniku (grilled pork belly) is a must-try on many trips. However, truly delicious Ishigaki Island yakiniku isn't about which restaurant is the most famous, but rather which one is worth the price.

While Ishigaki beef is famous, it's not cheap, so it's a bit of a waste to just go there for the photo opportunity. Many experienced travelers, on the other hand, will first look for reputable yakiniku restaurants with good quality meat at reasonable prices, spending their budget on truly delicious places.

Ishigaki Island Cuisine: Ishigaki Beef Yakiniku and Popular Local Meat Dishes

Dazhong Yakiniku Xianglong | High-CP value, the top choice for yakiniku on the island

If you ask which Ishigaki yakiniku restaurant in Ishigaki Island is the kind of place locals would go, many reviews will mention Shoryu. Unlike the expensive Ishigaki beef restaurants where tourists line up, this place is more like a place where people who know the area would go in for a meal. Therefore, it is often regarded as a reliable choice on the list of recommended Ishigaki beef restaurants by travelers.

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✦ Ishigaki beef is relatively affordable.

Average spending per person: approximately NT$750 – NT$1,300

✦ Many cuts of meat to choose from

Must-order cuts: beef ribs, beef tongue, and beef steak.

✦ The atmosphere is like an authentic yakiniku (grilled meat) izakaya (Japanese pub).

Wine is suitable for group meals or dinners.

👉 Book your Dazhong Yakiniku Xianglong at Codays

Manten Agu Sekitei | Okinawa Specialty Agu Pork Cuisine

In the world of meat cuisine on Ishigaki Island, connoisseurs often seek out more than just Ishigaki beef; Agu pork is another dish that many gourmets specifically seek out.

This restaurant specializes in Okinawa's specialty, Agu pork. The pork is known for its delicate fat and sweet flavor. Many people are surprised when they try Agu pork for the first time: it looks like it has a lot of fat, but it's not greasy at all.

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✦ Okinawa Agu Pork Cuisine Specialty Store

Average spending per person is approximately NT$900 – NT$1,500

✦ Must-order: Agu pork hot pot

"Pure Agu Pigs" with authentic bloodlines

✦ Very close to the outlying island pier of Ishigaki Port

👉 Make a reservation for Manten Aguishitei at Codays

Ishigaki Island BBQ: Specialty BBQ and Popular Restaurants

Momidare Yakiniku Shiro | Must-try yakiniku (grilled meat)

One of the distinctive features often mentioned about Shishiro is the "momidare" method, where the meat is first marinated with a special sauce before being placed on a grill. This results in a more intense aroma when the meat is grilled, making it a particularly memorable dish for those who enjoy savory yakiniku.

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✦ Signature Yakiniku Sauce Roast Pork

The meat is marinated in a special sauce before grilling, which makes the flavors of the meat even more pronounced.

✦ The atmosphere is great with grilled meat and drinks.

Must-try Ishigaki Island Taco Rice and Okinawa Taco Set Meal

✦ Popular yakiniku restaurant in Ishigaki Island

Average spending per person is approximately NT$900 – NT$1,500

Reservations are recommended for dinner.

👉 Go to Codays to make a reservation at もみだれ焼肉丝楼

Ryukyu Enryokawa Ishigaki Island Store | A popular yakiniku restaurant you can visit year-round

Ryukyu Enryokan is a yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant that has been generating a lot of buzz in Ishigaki Island in recent years. Its style is similar to a retro yakiniku izakaya (Japanese pub).

The restaurant specializes in charcoal-grilled meat, which is fresh and reasonably priced. Combined with the retro izakaya atmosphere, it's a perfect spot for yakiniku (grilled meat) and drinking parties in Ishigaki Island.

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✦ Branch of Nagoya-style yakiniku brand

You can also find smoked yakiniku on Ishigaki Island.

✦ Offal Grilled Pork Belly is very popular

Miso beef offal and diaphragm are often recommended.

✦ Relatively affordable prices

Average spending per person is approximately NT$800 - NT$1,200

👉 Make a reservation at Codays for the Ryukyu Enryaku Ishigaki Island branch.

Ishigaki Island Cuisine: A Meal Like a Local's

Besides yakiniku (grilled meat), Ishigaki Island also offers many more everyday dishes.

A bowl of Okinawan noodles or a local island restaurant often found in Ishigaki Island is closer to the normal pace of life on the island. Eating at such a restaurant can give you a feeling of briefly becoming a resident of Ishigaki Island.



Soba Island, the must-try Okinawa ramen.

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✦ Local Okinawa Ramen Shop on Ishigaki Island

Many reviews mentioned that the flavor was simple and homey.

✦ Yaeyama is very popular

The soup, made using traditional methods, is light and refreshing, and is served with pork belly and scallions.

✦ Daily Food in Ishigaki Island

Average spending per person is approximately NT$200 – NT$350

👉 Go to Codays to book Shimasoba Ichibanchi

Island cuisine やふぁやぁ main store｜The essence of traditional island cuisine

After finishing the Okinawan noodles, I wanted to have a local dinner on Ishigaki Island. You absolutely can't miss these Okinawan dishes: sea grapes, bitter melon scrambled eggs (goyachanpuru), and island tofu. They taste homey and have the characteristics of Okinawan cuisine.

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✦ Traditional island cuisine restaurant on Ishigaki Island

Local cuisine restaurant specializing in island-sourced fresh fish and pork dishes

✦ Okinawa has many unique dishes

Sea grapes, bitter melon dishes, and island tofu are frequently recommended.

✦ Popular dinner restaurants on Ishigaki Island

Average spending per person is approximately NT$600 – NT$1,000

👉 Go to Codays to make a reservation at Shima Cuisine’s main store

Ishigaki Island Izakaya: Local pubs where you can eat even late at night

When traveling in Ishigaki Island, there are times when you're exhausted but reluctant to go to sleep.

After enjoying yakiniku (grilled meat) or island cuisine, many people will find an izakaya (Japanese pub) to sit down, order a few charcoal-grilled skewers, and pair them with a beer or awamori (a type of Japanese broth) to slowly prolong the pleasant evening on Ishigaki Island.

Izakaya Ichisen | Popular late-night pub in Ishigaki Island

If you're looking for an izakaya where you can sit from dinner until late at night, come to Izakaya Ichisen.

The restaurant specializes in charcoal-grilled skewers and izakaya cuisine. Chicken skewers, chicken skin, and side dishes are often recommended, paired with beer or awamori, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of Ishigaki Island's nightlife scene.

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✦ Popular Izakayas on Ishigaki Island

Many travelers and locals gather here for dinner in the evenings.

✦ Charcoal-grilled skewers are a must-order

Chicken skewers, chicken skin, and a variety of snacks to accompany drinks

✦ Dining is available even late at night

Average spending per person is approximately NT$700 – NT$1,200

👉 Make a reservation at Ichisen Izakaya on Codays

Ishigaki Island BBQ and Food Summary | Pre-trip Reservations and Dining Tips

For many travelers to Ishigaki Island, the most anticipated meal is Ishigaki yakiniku (grilled meat). To ensure a smoother culinary experience at popular restaurants, it's recommended to plan your reservations and itinerary in advance.

• For popular yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants on Ishigaki Island, it is recommended to make reservations at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for highly-rated Ishigaki beef yakiniku restaurants, which are often fully booked during dinner hours.
• At most yakiniku restaurants in Ishigaki Island, you can enjoy a decent meal of Ishigaki beef and yakiniku for around 5,000 to 10,000 yen per person.
• Some restaurants are concentrated in the city center and near the outlying island piers of Ishigaki Island, which are within walking distance; for those in more remote areas, it is recommended to drive or take a taxi for convenience.

Arrange your reservations and transportation in advance to make your trip to Ishigaki Island's culinary delights and Ishigaki beef barbecue much easier.

Information on yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants on Ishigaki Island

Volkswagen Braised Pork Xianglong

Business hours: 17:00-22:00 (Actual hours subject to store announcement)

• Transportation: Located in the center of Ishigaki Island, approximately a 10-minute walk from the "Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Pier"

Location to save | Google Map

Mantian アグー stone pavilion

Business hours: 17:00-22:00 (Actual hours subject to store announcement)

Transportation: Approximately 11 minutes walk from "Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Pier"

Location to save | Google Map

Yakiro Grilled Meat Lion House

Business hours: 17:00-23:00 (Actual hours subject to store announcement)

• Transportation: Located in Ishigaki Island city, approximately a 15-minute walk from the "Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Pier"

Location to save | Google Map

Ryukyu Enryaku Ishigaki Island Store

Business hours: 17:00-23:30 (Actual hours subject to store announcement)

Transportation: Located in the central dining area of ​​Ishigaki Island, approximately a 13-minute walk from the "Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Pier".

Location to save | Google Map

Island そば Ichibanchi

Business hours: 10:30-21:30 (Actual hours subject to store announcement)

Transportation: Approximately a 7-minute walk from "Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Pier"

Location to save | Google Map

Island cuisine やふぁやぁ main store

Business hours: 17:00-22:00 (Actual hours subject to store announcement)

• Transportation: Located in the restaurant district of Ishigaki Island, approximately an 8-minute walk from the "Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Pier".

Location to save | Google Map

Izakaya Isen

Business hours: 17:00-22:00 (Actual hours subject to store announcement)

Transportation: Approximately 20 minutes walk from "Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Pier"

Location to save | Google Map