CONTRIBUTED BY KATIE CLARY
Obbligatos Front
I remembered from my first stay on Okinawa that Mexican food is few and far between in Japan. Other than the numerous taco joints scattered around, the only authentic Mexican restaurant chain is Obbligato. They have several branches: one in Uruma, one on 58 between Kadena and Lester, an Oblee in Yomitan near Torii, and a new restaurant called the Tortilla Factory near Foster. I was very pleased when I found out that my apartment on Courtney was less than 5 minutes away from the Uruma store! Depending on where you live, you could even walk there on a nice day.
For as long as I can remember, I have been a huge fan of Mexican food. I've been fortunate to have spent most of my time stateside in Oklahoma and Illinois, both of which have very good, authentic Mexican food. That, combined with my fondness for good tequila, makes me a bit picky about Mexican restaurants.
I'll be the first to admit that Obbligato is a little bit Japanesey at times. For example, most of the lunch menu items include an egg over easy, and some white rice. My friends and I all think that the salsa tastes a bit like marinara sauce, too. Their biggest faux pas (in my opinion) was the fact that their margaritas are made with whiskey, and not tequila. (Shenanigans!) But for the most part, the food is pretty good; probably my favorite Mexican food on Okinawa.
Some dishes are more authentic than others, like the Enchiladas Mexicanas that I had for lunch today. The enchilada sauce is a bit milder than you would normally expect, but I like it, and the meat inside is well seasoned. This particular set cost ¥650, and includes two enchiladas, one ground beef and one shredded chicken; a choice of beans or mole; and Mexican rice.
Obbligatos Food
They have a good variety of food to choose from, and all my favorite Mexican foods are included. They have chimichangas, tacos, taco rice, mole, carnitas, and a lot more. Everything is reasonably priced, too. Lunch items tend to cost ¥800 or so, and some of the bigger meals are a little pricier, but usually aren't more than ¥1,200 or so.
Obbligato also sells their fresh, homemade flour tortillas at all of their locations. They come in packages of 6, and there are two sizes that I'll call taco sized and burrito sized because I forgot the measurements. They are definitely more expensive than the El Paso brand at the commissary, but sometimes it's nice to splurge on fresh stuff.
For take-out, you can phone your order in ahead. The staff speaks very good English, and usually your order will be ready by the time you drive over there.
Website: http://www.obbligato.co.jp/
Payment: Dollars and Yen
Locations:
Uruma (Location mentioned above):
Directions: From Courtney, turn left onto Route 75. Obbligato will be on the right just past the first stop light at the Family Mart.
From McTureous, turn right onto Route 8. When you come to Route 75, turn left. Obbligato will be on the left.
Phone: 098-972-4220.
Hours: 11:00 am - 10:30 pm every day.
Oblee in Yomitan:
Directions: From Torri, take a right on 6 out of the main gate. Follow the first signs that say "To 58" Obllee will be on the left side of the road.
From Kadena, take a right on 58 out of gate 1. At the light past McDonalds take a left. After you cross the bridge, Oblee will be on your right.
Phone: 098-956-7420
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm; Sat & Sun: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
Chatan:
Directions: From Kadena, take a left on 58 out of gate 1. Obligato will be on your right before you reach American Village.
From Foster or Lester, take a right on 58. Obligato will be on your left after you pass American Village.
Phone: 098-926-1888
Hours: 11:00 am - midnight every day.
Personally I was disappointed with Oblligatos… Granted this is the only Mexican restaurant in Okinawa, it was neither authentic or good. I went once and will never go again..
There are two others that I know of on Route 81. One is called the Tortilla Factory, their menu is centered around burritos. In my opinion they make the best burritos on island. To get detailed directions just search for it on here. I do not remember the name of the other restuarant but it is the first one you will see on the left side of the road if you are driving down Route 81 from Route 58.
Meant right side of the road, the left side is the endless perimeter fence of Camp Foster.
Vee and I are once again in agreement. Try Mike’s Vee, it might not be authentic, but the chips and salsa are made fresh, and certainly soothes that itch i get every now and again.
Like the above two posters, I was disappointed as well. I love Mexican rice, and theirs was not good at all. Tasted like they cooked it with a bunch of rosemary or something!!! And yes the salsa taste was off:). We have not gone back. We make our margaritas at home haha
I did not care for this place either. We LOVE the cheese dip at Mexican restaurants, and the cheese dip here was, truthfully, not fit to eat. I ordered chimichangas, and they were nothing like what you would typically get at a Stateside Mexican restaurant. The people were extremely friendly, but the food was not good so we won’t go back.
I am Hispanic and I am extremely critical of Hispanic dishes especially Mexican dishes. Depending on what you order your visit to Obbligatto’s can be satisfying or disappointing. Obbligatto’s is mediocre at best but there are far worse places to eat at in the States. I don’t go out of my way to eat here unless I am with friends. Outside of that I will stick to cooking my own food which will likely taste ten times better.
We thought this place was very disappointing too. The two of use spent about $50 on what tasted no better than frozen tv dinners. None of it tasted fresh, and the salsa was odd.
Been on Oki a month now and tried this place to satisfy a craving for Mexican food. Despite the great service I have to say the food was terrible next time i crave Mexican food I’ll try making it at home
Mexican on Okinawa? Forget it… Who eats something called Taco Rice is not very versed in authenic Mexican Food.. That place is a run down attempt of Mexican Food. Buy some Taco Shells, ground beef, picanti, shredded cheese, tomatos and the works from commisary and there you have some close Mexican Food, LOL….
my husband tried the one on 58 years ago and swore never to go back, but while driving around in uruma i challenged him to give things a chance! so to oblige me (such a swell guy- i think i’ll keep him) he turned the car around and we went in.
the decor was charming and we were quickly seated. it took some work to get our orders taken, but the girls were busy serving a large (loud) party of americans and a few okinawan families. the wait for our food was a little long, but i harassed him into tolerance. im not picky at all and i enjoyed my food. for all my husband’s critiquing, he ate his, too. he said we might go back, if for nothing more than the cheap beer.
but yes, if you want some yummy food, try mike’s tex-mex. their chips and salsa are delicious and the frozen margaritas are very tasty (especially the strawberry!)