Experience America in Okinawa at Seaside Restaurant Lunch – Inside Kadena Base (Okinawa Travel)

Experience Authentic American Dining at Seaside Restaurant in Kadena Base

I went to the restaurant “Seaside” located within the US military Kadena Base in Kadena Town, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture.

This restaurant is located within a U.S. military base and is primarily used by Americans, but Japanese people can also enter.

The official website of “Seaside” is in English, and the photos featured also convey an American-like atmosphere. When you actually visit, the menu is in dollar denominations, payments are also made in dollars, and tips for the waiters are required, offering an experience as if you are in an authentic American restaurant.

It was a special restaurant that truly made you feel as if you had come to Hawaii.

In this article, I will share my thoughts on the lunch (brunch) I enjoyed at the “Seaside” restaurant inside Kadena Base, focusing mainly on photos.

Enjoy the Exceptional Beachside Views at Kadena Air Base!

“Seaside” is a restaurant located on the beachside of Kadena Base, where you can enjoy the beautiful ocean view.

When you look at the entrance to “Seaside” on Street View, it looks like this.

Look for ‘Kadena Marina’ to Reach the Seaside!

We have arrived at the seaside. There is a noticeable sign for “KADENA MARINA SEASIDE” along National Route 58.

As you use this sign as a landmark and proceed further towards the sea, you will see the “Seaside” building come into view.

The building exudes a distinctly American atmosphere, and combined with its location inside Kadena Base, it offers a sense of being in a foreign country.

Near the entrance, there is a sign that says “Seaside,” which heightens the anticipation.

I immediately went inside the store.

Experience America the Moment You Enter ‘Seaside’ – First Impressions

As I entered, there was a decorated sign that read “Seaside”.

At the entrance, there was a large aquarium, and tropical fish were swimming in it.

Here is the introduction to the inside of the store. The ceiling is high, and the seating is spaced widely apart, giving an overall spacious impression. You can enjoy a meal in a calm and peaceful environment.

When entering the store, I was asked whether I wanted to sit indoors or on the terrace, but this time I chose a seat by the window inside. It is an ideal location where bright natural light streams in and you can also enjoy the ocean view.

There were also seats that you would likely find in an American family restaurant.

Order Exciting American Cuisine! Enjoy Steaks & Burgers

True to an American restaurant, each table has its own dedicated waiter who provides attentive service.

I had heard from online information that you needed to order in English, so I was a bit excited, but the waiter in charge this time also spoke Japanese. Therefore, I was able to place all orders smoothly in Japanese.

The visit was around 3 p.m., and the brunch menu was being offered. The price is somewhat on the higher side for American standards, but in return, you can enjoy authentic American flavors. I wanted to enjoy an American atmosphere more, so I ordered “Steak & Eggs (Ribeye)” and “Seaside Special Burger.”

“Steak & Eggs (Ribeye) $24.95.” The steak was very large, but it was tender and very delicious. I remembered the steak I ate in Hawaii. There are two fried eggs and a large amount of potatoes.

It came with toast and had more volume than I could eat.

“It is the ‘Seaside Special Burger’ for $15.95.” The hamburger is so big that it cannot be eaten in one bite. It was very delicious and I felt the authentic taste.

It says that refills on drinks are free, so you can refill as much as you like.  The waiter asked me several times if I would like a refill, but since the first serving was already quite large, I was satisfied with just that.

The lunch was a thoroughly satisfying experience where I could fully enjoy the deliciousness and volume of the food, as well as its quintessential American quality.

Spacious Interior and Terrace Seating: Enjoy a Relaxing Atmosphere

In addition to the main dining area, there is also a bar counter prepared, making it a perfect space not only for dining but also for enjoying drinks.

The terrace seating was spacious and seemed to have a relaxing atmosphere.

The day was a bit cloudy, but we were still able to fully enjoy the spectacular ocean view.

After finishing our meal, the waiter suggested, “Since there are a lot of fish gathered, why not try feeding them?”

Various types of fish gathered in schools, and it was enjoyable.

After paying the bill, I left the store filled with satisfaction.

The area around Kadena Marina has very clear water and offers beautiful scenery. On the day of the visit, there were people enjoying marine sports.

Revealing Our Bill: How Much Should You Tip?

Here’s what was ordered:

• Ribeye Steak & Eggs
• Seaside Special Burger
• 2 Drinks

The total came to $45.90.

Add a tip for the waiter to this. I made the tip about 20% to round it to a neat figure, so it came to $9.10. (As I’m not used to calculating tips and doing mental math instantly to look smart was a bit nerve-wracking)
All together, the total for brunch was $55 (= $45.90 for the meal + $9.10 for the tip).

I didn’t know what the exchange rate was on that day, but when I later looked at my credit card statement, it showed that it was calculated as “1 dollar = 150.71 yen.”

Therefore, in Japanese yen, the breakdown was 8,289 yen (= 6,917 yen for the meal + 1,372 yen for the tip).

This is the kind of price you’d expect at a restaurant in America, but compared to restaurants in Japan, some might find it on the expensive side.  Even so, considering the atmosphere of the restaurant, the ocean view, and the authentic American meal we could enjoy, it was a thoroughly satisfying brunch.

I feel that I was able to spend a special time.

＜Billing Summary＞

Seaside Reviews: Insights from Customer Testimonials

Upon checking online review sites, there were many reviews posted about “Seaside”. Here is an introduction to a part of it below.

From the terrace seats, you can have a panoramic view of the ocean, and it is especially recommended on a sunny day. The menu is in English, payments are in dollars, and tips are necessary. You can enjoy a genuine American atmosphere. (Tabelog review)

It’s definitely a favorite among Japanese domestic travelers who love Hawaii. The clientele also matches, and the American cuisine is just like the real thing.  I ate a hamburger, and it was delicious. Soft drinks were refillable, and the price was satisfying. (TripAdvisor Review)

The view from the terrace seating is wonderful, and the atmosphere inside the restaurant is also good. The menu is in English and priced in dollars, but there are staff members who can speak Japanese, and payment can also be made in Japanese yen. However, a tip is required, and the change will be given back in dollars. (Tabelog Review)

We used it with three people, and it was about $100 including tips. The dish was hearty, and I was able to fully enjoy the American atmosphere.  (Tabelog review)

Explore the Alluring Charm of Seaside and Why You’ll Want to Return

The restaurant “Seaside,” located within Kadena Air Base, is a special place where you can fully enjoy an authentic American atmosphere and cuisine while in Okinawa. While enjoying the ocean view, I was able to savor the hearty American-style cuisine, making me feel as if I was on an overseas trip.

The price is somewhat higher compared to restaurants in Japan, but with aspects like payment in dollars and the tipping culture, it is well worth it for the authentic American experience it offers. Additionally, the spacious atmosphere inside the store and the friendly service from the staff also made it a comfortable place to be.

In particular, the Steak & Eggs and the Special Burger, with their volume and deliciousness, are menus that those who love American food should definitely try. “Seaside” is the perfect restaurant for a special day out or when you want to experience a little something out of the ordinary.  Next time, I definitely want to visit on a sunny summer day and enjoy a meal on the terrace while taking in the ocean view.

I’m satisfied that I could go to the seaside I’ve always wanted to visit! While in Japan, I was able to experience an American atmosphere!