The filet migon and lobster combo at Fisherman’s Wharf in Yomitan, Okinawa. (David Allen / S&S)
YOMITAN, Okinawa — Fisherman’s Wharf advertises itself as “Sunset dining at its finest,” and it’s hard to argue with the blurb.
I only wish I had come here in the summer, when the circular poolside bar is open and outside dining must make it one of the best places on Okinawa to take in a meal and a view of the East China Sea.
But our visit there in mid-March wasn’t too shabby either.
We visited because an ad in a local magazine offered filet mignon and lobster, or swordfish fillet and prawns, for a 20 percent discount. At 1,680 yen for the first combo and 3,120 for the latter, it was a deal not to be passed up; plus they give you a coupon for a 10 percent discount on your next visit.
And we’ll definitely be coming back.
The fresh swordfish was melt-in-your mouth delicious with a teriyaki sauce. The lobster — basted with a mouth-watering garlic butter sauce — was the best lobster I’ve had in a long, long time. And to double my gastronomic pleasure, it was accompanied on a sizzling platter by a filet mignon covered in a mushroom and onion sauce that was simply out of this world.
In fact, I enjoyed my meal so much I nearly missed the sunset. Just as I remembered to look out the bank of windows, the seascape outside gave way to the pitch black of a cloud-covered night.
Another bite of my lobster chased away the disappointment.
The main course made me forget — until I re-read my notes later — that the soup was advertised as minestrone, but lacked any pasta or beans and was a bit bland.
The only drawback to the place was the projection screen video of scenery from various Pacific islands backed by Hawaiian music. I would have preferred some traditional Okinawan sanshin music.
See previous After Hours reviews here.
Fisherman’s Wharf, Yomitan, Okinawa
Hours: Open daily 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with last orders at 10 p.m.
Prices: The cost was reasonable: Besides the special combos we feasted on, you can order an assortment of fresh fish dishes, ranging from 1,580 yen to 2,160 yen. Cocktails cost 485 to 630 yen and 525 yen buys a mug of the local Orion draft beer.
Specialty: The swordfish filet and prawn, and the filet mignon and lobster combos
English menu: Yes
Dress: Casual
Clientele: Mix of Okinawans and Americans
Location: In Yomitan, a few blocks north of Torii Station. From Highway 58, turn onto Route 6, drive past Torii Station and turn left at the first Family Mart you see. Then follow the signs to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Phone number: 098-957-3138
Web site: No
