A Classic Western Restaurant Loved by Okinawan Locals Since 1962
Renting a car with GO!GO!TOUR Okinawa Rent-a-Car is the easiest way to get around Okinawa, and most travelers end up eating along Kokusai Street or near Mihama American Village. But the truth is, restaurants in tourist areas tend to be a bit pricey, the vibe feels similar everywhere, and you often walk away feeling like something was missing. So today we’re introducing a classic Western-style restaurant that has been loved by Okinawan locals for over 60 years — a place where time seems to have stood still. Open since 1962, the red leather sofas and vintage jukebox perfectly preserve the atmosphere of a Showa-era American diner. It’s the perfect choice for family trips, couples’ getaways, or a special anniversary dinner.Pittsburgh Forum
Today we’re introducing Pittsburgh Forum (Restaurant Pittsburgh), which opened in April 1962. The red roof and the elegantly curved sign reading “Restaurant Pittsburgh” catch your eye from far away. A rattan chair and a small flower bed beside the entrance make you feel like you’ve stepped in front of a diner in some small American town from decades ago. For more than 60 years, this restaurant has kept the same location, the same menu, and the same atmosphere — making it a place full of memories for older Okinawans and a familiar spot they visit on special occasions. Japanese review sites consistently describe it as a “hidden gem,” a place quietly cherished by locals.Before You Go — Hours, Payment & Reservations
To avoid a wasted trip, please check the following points carefully:- Hours — Lunch 12:00 – 14:00 / Dinner 18:00 – 21:00 (long break between services)
- Closed — Every Thursday
- Payment — Cash only (credit cards, e-money, and QR payments are NOT accepted — bring Japanese yen in advance)
- Reservations — With only 28 seats, reservations are strongly recommended for weekend and anniversary dinners (Tel: 098-868-2687)
- Average price — Lunch ¥1,000–¥1,900 per person / Dinner ¥2,000–¥3,000 per person
Driving Here — Free Parking Across the Street
The road in front of the restaurant is narrow with no spots to park directly. However, follow the red arrow in the photo across the street and you’ll find a free parking lot next to the Nakayama Buddhist Supply Center. Park your rental here and it’s about a 1-minute walk to the restaurant.
The lot isn’t very large, so if it’s full, there are coin parking options nearby as a backup.
A Dining Room Frozen in Time — Red Leather Sofas
Step inside and you’re greeted by red leather sofas, gorgeous floral tablecloths, and classic table settings trimmed with delicate lace. It feels as if you’ve walked straight into a scene from a 1960s or 70s Japanese film. Small framed pictures hang from the ceiling, vintage ceramics line the walls, and you find yourself wanting to photograph every corner before the food even arrives.
Here’s the dining room from another angle. An angel statue sits atop the brick wall, flanked by vintage speakers on either side. At night, candles are lit and the lighting becomes even warmer — a charm point that comes up often in Japanese reviews. The same restaurant transforms from a lively neighborhood spot at lunch into an atmospheric date spot in the evening.
Beef · Chicken · Pork · Seafoods — A Classic Western Menu
The menu handed to you at the table is a joy just to look at, neatly organized into four categories: Beef · Chicken · Pork · Seafoods.
Here are the representative price ranges:
- Beef — Tenderloin Steak ¥3,400 / Sirloin Steak ¥2,900 / Rib Roast Steak ¥2,300 / Hamburger Steak ¥1,800 / Beef Stew ¥1,700
- Chicken — Spanish Chicken ¥1,700 / Teriyaki Chicken ¥1,700 / Chicken Cream Stew ¥1,700 / Chicken Steak ¥1,400
- Pork — Pork Cutlet ¥1,000 / Spare Ribs ¥1,800 / Teriyaki Pork ¥1,800
- Seafoods — Fried Prawns ¥2,300 / Mixed Fry ¥1,600 / Fried White Fish ¥1,200
The Soul of the Atmosphere — AMi Vintage Jukebox
In one corner of the restaurant stands a vintage jukebox marked “AMi 200 Selections — THE WORLD’S FINEST MUSIC”. Its colorful display and beautifully curved retro design are mesmerizing — you’ll find yourself staring at it for a while. It’s not just decoration — this is a real, working 1960s machine still in operation today, which is genuinely impressive.
While you wait for your meal, classic American oldies play softly in the background, making the food’s aromas feel even more inviting. It’s also a fantastic spot for Instagram photos.
The Opening Course — Warm Consommé and Crisp Salad
Once you order a main like steak or hamburger steak, the meal begins with a warm consommé soup served alongside a small cracker. The rich, clear golden broth gently wakes up your palate, and the perfectly coordinated cups and saucers immediately tell you “this is a real, proper Western restaurant”.
A single sip releases the deep umami of chicken and vegetables simmered slowly for hours, building anticipation for the main course.
Next comes a salad of shredded cabbage, cucumber, and tomato generously topped with Aurora dressing. The classic Japanese-Western Aurora sauce is a pink dressing made from mayonnaise and ketchup. Paired with crunchy shredded cabbage, its sweet-and-tangy flavor wakes up your appetite.
Served in a charming little wooden bowl, this is the perfect palate-cleanser before the main course arrives.
The Main Event — Hamburger Steak ¥1,800
At last, the main arrives — Hamburger Steak (¥1,800). A perfectly browned hamburger steak sits on a heavy black iron plate, crowned with a soft sunny-side-up egg. On the side, you’ll find wedge-cut potatoes and a colorful trio of carrots, corn, and green peas, beautifully arranged.
A separate small plate holds a piece of warmly toasted bread — one glance and you know this is a hearty, satisfying meal.
Slice into the hamburger and rich juices flow out. Break the soft egg yolk and wrap it around a bite of hamburger steak, and you’ve got the quintessential taste of a classic Japanese Western restaurant. The perfectly seasoned demi-glace sauce, the silky egg yolk, and the warm bread come together so beautifully that every bite feels like a small moment of happiness.
Japanese reviews consistently say things like “incredible value for the price” and “I can’t believe this much food comes at this price” — the cost performance is genuinely outstanding.
An Elegant Finish — Post-Meal Coffee
As the meal winds down, the post-meal coffee arrives. Rich coffee is served in a classic porcelain cup trimmed with a green band, set atop the gorgeous tablecloth alongside a small sugar pot and an extra cup — it feels just like being in a hotel lounge.
For just 200 yen more, you can add dessert, so we strongly recommend ordering the dessert-inclusive course from the start. Sipping coffee slowly while taking in the jukebox music and vintage interior one more time — this final lingering moment is what makes Pittsburgh Forum truly special.
Perfect for Anniversaries, Family Meals, and Date Nights
Pittsburgh Forum is slightly off the beaten tourist track, so you’ll see almost no foreign tourists — just local families, couples, and elderly pairs visiting on special occasions. If you want to experience the genuine atmosphere of an old-school Japanese Western restaurant during your Okinawa trip, this place is highly recommended. At lunchtime, it’s a lively neighborhood restaurant perfect for family meals. By dinner, with candles lit, it transforms into an elegant venue ideal for date nights, wedding anniversaries, or birthday celebrations. The price stays approachable too — you can enjoy a full course meal for around ¥2,500–¥3,500 per person, making it a true value pick at a 60-year-old establishment.Self-Drive Naha — A Rental Car Makes Hidden Spots Easy
Places like Pittsburgh Forum sit just slightly off the main tourist routes, and the Yui Rail can’t quite get you there. With a rental car, you can easily pair Pittsburgh Forum with Tomari Port, Naminoue Beach, and Onoyama Park in one relaxed half-day loop.- ✅ English booking — done in a few clicks
- ✅ Naha Airport pickup & drop, plus city branches
- ✅ Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
- ✅ English support for changes and questions
In Closing…
Beyond Kokusai Street and American Village, Okinawa is full of small, long-loved restaurants tucked away in quiet corners. Places like Pittsburgh Forum are much easier to reach with a rental car. For family trips, take your time enjoying a full course meal with older relatives; for couples, consider dressing up a little for a special anniversary dinner here. One more reminder before you go — Closed Thursdays / Cash only / Reservations recommended / Free parking across the street. Remember these four things, and you’re set. We hope this warm, time-honored meal — passed down since 1962 — becomes one of the unforgettable moments of your Okinawa journey.
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