CONTRIBUTED BY MONETTE EAMES

Yoshida Front

I have wanted to try this secretive, exclusive, semi- hidden restaurant called Yoshida Fusion Dining for quite some time now. It is advertised as a combination of French and Japanese food, if you can imagine that! So, on a special night, my husband and I ventured to the place where only the door with Yoshida Fusion Dining sign above it is visible. However, although we’ve passed by it many times heading to Torii or to Kadena, finding the door was always a hit and miss. In fact, this time, on our date night, we missed the door and even had to call the restaurant for directions. Simply put, at the Kadena Circle, you’ll find a public parking lot. You’ll park in this parking lot and cross the road. Take an immediate right and you’ll find this little door with a few plants greeting you. It’s quite a little adventure.

There are different seating times and you will need to RSVP for this one. It’s a quaint little restaurant where the chef only makes enough for the people there. Everyone gets the same eight-course meal. Every dish was definitely a fusion of Japanese and French, but thankfully (for my husband) no escargots here.

Everything was so delicious that I really wanted to order seconds and even thirds. My husband, who generally stuffs the food down his throat without tasting it, was even impressed by how delicious it was, and the nice slow pace of the meal forced him into having some wonderful conversation with me! The entire presentation was simple and beautiful.

Yoshida Appetizer

All the dishes were a work of art. They had delicious beef, succulent fish, amazing relish, incredible dessert--that you literally have to see to believe, great soup, bread in a tiny cup, and even fabulous coffee.

Yoshida Fish

Yoshida Beef

I love how French foods preserve natural flavors and how all the ingredients are all so fresh. I always thought of it as haute-cuisine. Then there’s the Japanese side of it, where things are miniaturized and just so perfectly arranged.

Yoshida Dessert

This place is a real treasure – one that stands out from the rest here in Okinawa. Try it with someone special and you won’t be disappointed! The owner’s brother works at the Okinawa Salt Factory making calligraphy brushes – an interesting connection to spark some conversation if you get to meet him!

Yoshida Interior

Yoshida Menu

Phone:  098-957-0141 *Must call ahead for reservations.

Directions: From Kadena Gate 3, turn left onto the main hwy that goes along Kadena and go straight almost until you reach Kadena Circle. You will see the public parking lot immediately before Kadena Circle on your left. Park in the lot, cross the street, walk to the right along the sidewalk and Yoshida Fusion Dining will be right there in a little hidden nook.

Payment: Yen only

Hours:  Monday to Sunday Lunch 11:30 – 4:00 Dinner 6:30- 9:00 *Must call ahead for reservations.