Izakaya Denmi (Denmi Soba) | A Day-and-Night Local Diner and Izakaya (Irabu, Miyako)

"Izakaya Denmi" is a popular shop in the central area of Irabu Island that changes its face by day and night. At night it is a homely izakaya where you can taste local-fish sashimi, island-tofu champuru and homemade mozuku tempura, but at lunchtime many people come for the signature "Denmi soba". The soup, whose umami is drawn out over time, is a proud flavour that cannot be prepared in large quantities. The old-fashioned fresh Miyako soba noodles go well with sweet-savoury simmered soki. The light, gentle "yushi-tofu soba" is popular too, and it is a force to be reckoned with, achieving a high ranking in the 2024 Miyako Soba General Election. Lunch is from around 11:00 to around 15:00, ending once sold out, so an early visit is recommended for those who want to be sure of tasting it. In the warm, wood-grain interior, it is a little-known island diner where locals and tourists sit side by side.

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressIrabu 1394-1, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening timeLunch 11:00 to around 15:00 (ends once sold out) / dinner (izakaya) around 18:00 to 23:00. Confirm the latest times on Instagram (@denmi_soba / @izakaya_denmi)
ClosedMonday
FeeDenmi soba around 1,000 yen (yushi-tofu soba and others also served). Dinner varies with the izakaya menu
ParkingAvailable, free (parking space behind the shop)
Contact0980-78-3535 / Instagram @denmi_soba (lunch, Denmi soba) and @izakaya_denmi (evening izakaya)

Visiting tips & what to bring

At a glance it looks like an ordinary house with a modest sign, so it is easy to pass by. Proceed to the back of the car park and the shop comes into view. As the popular Denmi soba ends once sold out, if aiming for lunch, a visit just after opening to around 13:00 is reassuring. Hours and temporary closures are often announced on Instagram, so checking before visiting is recommended. At night there are menu items for which booking is desirable.

For families with small children

It is an island diner easy to use even with small children. There are table seats, the noodles are easy to share, and with a gentle, non-spicy seasoning they are easy for children aged 0 to 6 to eat. As the interior is not large, folding a pushchair to use it is reassuring. For lunch, avoiding the busy hours and an early visit in the 11 oclock hour lets you spend calmly. For allergies or portion adjustment, consulting in advance is reassuring.

FAQ

Q.What kind of soba is the signature Denmi soba?

A.It is a bowl of old-fashioned fresh Miyako soba noodles with a rich, deep soup whose umami is drawn out over time, topped with sweet-savoury simmered soki. You can also choose the lighter yushi-tofu soba.

Q.Until what time can you eat lunch?

A.It is roughly open from around 11:00 to around 15:00, but being popular it ends once sold out. If you want to be sure of eating, a visit by around 13:00 is recommended.

Q.Is there parking?

A.There is free parking space behind the shop. As the exterior looks like a house and is hard to spot, proceed to the back of the car park and the entrance comes into view.

Q.Is it open at night too?

A.Yes. At night, as an izakaya, you can enjoy local-fish sashimi, island dishes and drinks. Closed Monday, and confirming the hours and booking on Instagram or by phone is reassuring.

Q.Do I need to book?

A.Lunch is basically without booking, but some menu items at night such as Miyako-beef steak are by reservation. If you want to be sure of using it, confirming by phone in advance is recommended.