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With convenient access from Kadena Air Base, Sunabe Seawall draws divers and surfers for a quick adventure with beautiful fish, coral and a nice wave to catch.
It’s not just those in wetsuits, however, the seawall brings in. On the shoreside, a relaxing atmosphere invites joggers, walkers and strollers. For me, this side of the Seawall is a happy-place I turn to when I need a quick pick-me-up. Better yet, having tasty food there surely helps me leave the stress behind and a smile back on my face.
This mood carries on into Transit Café, a fusion restaurant where Italian, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines will make you feel like you’re in Greece or on vacation at a beach resort.
Transit Café’s terrace is especially popular at sunset during the summer, making it difficult to snag a table without prior reservations. If you visit in the winter like I did, the inside seating will still give you a great ocean view and the café’s food is tasty no matter the time of year.
For a starter on my visit, I was thinking about ordering the camembert cheese “fondue style” with toasted bread (980 yen, approx. $7.34, inclusive of tax), which owner Itaru Maeshiro said is a popular menu item. Feeling hungry, though, I could not take my eyes off a deluxe set (1,580 yen or about $11.84), which comes with fried chicken, vegetables in addition to the toasted baguette slices. I followed my appetite.
From the look of the food, I expected the taste to be similar to ordinary cheese fondue, but the camembert flavor was surprising. With cream mixed in, the sauce wasn’t too cheesy, had a good balance on the richness and had a nice kick. It had the kind of flavor you want to dip all your food in. I was glad that I ordered the deluxe set.
I also tried the summer roll, a Vietnamese-style roll with shrimp, ham, cream cheese, cucumber, mustard and lettuce. A touch of Nam pla added a nice tropical taste. The roll was a different delight to the fondue, but I’m glad I ordered both.
Other popular items on the menu are the pizzas, spicy curry with tandoori chicken, grilled salmon with porcini cream sauce and the grilled meat combo. Transit café’s vast menu spreads to great tropical drinks like lemon and peach soda.
Everything about Transit Café makes it a great spot for special occasions and quality time spent with friends or a loved one. I enjoyed the relaxing vibe and a delicious meal.
The restaurant is family-friendly and while there is no kid’s menu, they do adjust to tailor the flavors and meals if requested. Transit Café also offers party plans.
Maeshiro opened the restaurant in 2003 and said he and his staff are committed to providing the local community a great dining experience. At Transit Café, you won’t have to go far for nice getaway.
Transit Café GPS: N 26.329583, E 127.743916 Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (last call at 9 p.m.)
*The day before holiday, Fridays, and Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. (last call at 10 p.m.) Tel: 098-936-5076 Website
