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All 23 Okinawa Restaurants »

Sam's by the Sea Awaseten

Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Ranked #2 of 23 restaurants in Okinawa
4.5 of 5 stars 13 Reviews
Price range: INR1,115 - INR1,393
Cuisines: American
Dining options: Reservations
Restaurant details
Dining options: Reservations
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13 reviews from our community

84% Recommend
    8
    3
    1
    0
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Okinawa, Japan
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We are not chain restaurant people. That being said, there is something about Sam's by the Sea that feels familiar. I've seen the reviews that says it is the Red Lobster of Oki and I completely disagree. It is not a world class meal, but it certainly is not Red Lobster. The service is wonderful. The drinks are large and... More

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Okinawa, Japan
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Sam's by the Sea is targeted towards the middle American military crowd. Ignore the hype! The food was over priced and the nautical themed interior reminded me of an average meal at Red Lobster. More

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Okinawa, Japan
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I've lived in Okinawa for about a year and a half now and had always heard that Sam's by the Sea was fabulous. I was hesitant to go because it's a chain and I generally find them to be not very good. It's basically a low scale Red Lobster. It's also so dark that you need a flashlight to read... More

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Tampa, Florida, United States
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 December 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Actually, we haven't lived in Okinawa since 2003, but I will NEVER forget the delicious food and outstanding service at Sam's by the Sea. We went several times, and always had a fantastic experience. Boy, do I miss that curry soup!!! More

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Waterloo, Iowa
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 November 2011
2
people found this review helpful

On my 63rd birthday alone to have yet another great meal. I went to our favorite place where Miyoko and I always had the best times of our lives, enjoying a great dinner; outstanding curry soup, fresh wholesome salads, lobster/steak, topping off the evening with one of their special desserts. The Sailor Suited staff waitress were always there to serve... More

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Hunza, Northern Areas, Pakistan
1 review
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 November 2011
3
people found this review helpful

First off I grew up on Okinawa or at least spent Jr and Sr high school there so I ve seen the eating scene grown on the island since 1966. Sam's by the Sea is and since it opened has been my favorite spot for a drink and dinner when soba and sushi don't fit the bill. The atmosphere is... More

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 October 2011
3
people found this review helpful

I think another reviewer hit the nail on the head when he/she described this place as "whimsical." Although you can't eat atmosphere, it's great for dates or just dinner with your friends. Decor is Hawaiian with plumeria trees outside and King Kamehameha to greet you. (The owner grew up in Hawaii.) The ceiling has starfish and shells suspended overhead in... More

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Mansfield, Texas
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 October 2011
2
people found this review helpful

I went to Sam's a few years ago, and the atmosphere is much like Trader Vic's, but a little more whimsical. There are several Sam's locations, and I went to the one on the Pacific Ocean just east of Kadena Air Force Base. A friend ordered a dish that came on two swords. Another friend ordered a dish that arrived... More

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Iwakuni, Japan
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 July 2011
2
people found this review helpful

I can't remember which Sam's by the Sea I went to, but it was good. Kinda reminded me of Hawaii and the place was a bit too dim for my taste. Food was good and not too pricey (for Japan). However, I ordered lobster and it looked like a big shrimp. :( I had paella, it was more like yellow... More

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Emerald Isle, NC
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 September 2010
3
people found this review helpful

I went to Sam's by the Sea on my recent trip back to Okinawa. I lived there all my life, but had never visited this establishment until this last time I was home. The Curry Soup was fantastic! The staff was very friendly and without hovering over us, made sure that our meal and experience was enjoyable. I ordered fried... More

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