Amurita no Niwa

Dinner service begins at 6:30pm and I was a few minutes early so I walked around until they were ready. Veggie visitors to the Okinawan Islands may find very few options, especially in Ishigaki, despite the abundance of restaurants. Those familiar with Japanese cuisine know that the language barrier doesn't help as fish stock is in almost everything and "vegetarian" means pescetarian in Japan. Amurita No Niwa was a blessing! The staff are super friendly and have a vegetarian menu in English that is vegan-friendly as well. I can't evaluate communication in English and I speak Japanese and had a very lively conversation with both owners. The 5 bean curry with fried vegetables was excellent. They make the spice level to your desire, mild, medium, or hot. They grow some of the greens and allowed me to taste some raw Okinawan greens that I have never eaten. I was really worried about traveling to the other islands and am so glad I saw the review in Happy Cow and ate here. I highly recommend this place! We discussed some trends in American veganism and I explained about other options they may be able to offer so I expect Amurita No Niwa will become even more welcoming to veggie minded folks. This restaurant is located on a smaller street parallel to the main 79 (Yui Road), not far from FamilyMart on the corner as a point of reference, but before you reach the covered shopping drag.

very nice little restaurant in the middle of downtown Ishigaki. They serve meat but have a special menu for vegetarians/vegans. I had a nice Mizuna salad with silk tofu and delicious curry with fried vegetables. The staff ist very friendly and will help you out if you have any questions. If you tell them that you are vegetarian they will ask whether or not you also eat eggs and cheese.