Looking for the perfect date night spot? Girl’s night? Or just somewhere delicious and unique for lunch? Nestled in the Plaza House Shopping Center in Okinawa City is Little Greek Kitchen’s Cheeseanista. This charming Greek restaurant is a beacon for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of the Mediterranean. But what truly sets Cheeseanista apart is its owner’s dedication to crafting homemade cheeses and creating a curated collection of Greek delicacies and wines for patrons to savor the richness of Greek culture in every bite and sip.
The History of Cheeseanista
Owner Pamela, originally from San Francisco, relocated to mainland Japan for fifteen years, where she later ventured off to Greece for eight years. Pamela then moved to Okinawa in 2012 and opened Little Greek Kitchen in Yomitan. Unfortunately, LGK has closed, but you can still savor the homemade cheeses and yogurts at Cheeseanista. All cheese and yogurts are locally made, all organic, and contain no preservatives. Pamela has earned many awards for her cheese from all over the world. And trust me – it’s well deserved!
My Experience at Cheeseanista
On an April Saturday night, my friend and I visited Cheeseanista for our wine and cheese reservation. Boasting with Greek décor, the storefront is so inviting. We headed inside, where we were greeted by Pamela’s daughter and seated at the bar. After a few quick preference questions, we had our first glass of white wine poured and a cheese plate in front of us to devour. My personal favorite was the truffle gouda and roasted red pepper feta dip – yum!
Pamela introduced herself and offered to surprise us with a plated meal. We were ecstatic! After a few more glasses of Greek wine, Pamela served us with the most delectable plate of chicken, lamb, and squid, with fresh pita bread and homemade tzatziki sauce. That sauce was to DIE for!
Cheeseanista Events
Cheeseanista hosts cheese making classes, lounge nights, and Greek holiday celebrations. Head over to their Facebook page for updates and monthly calendars. You can also order cheese boxes for your special event. Pamela does it all!
Cheeseanista accepts reservations via Facebook message or phone call to sit in for wine and cheese. In a pinch, you can visit for a delicious gyro to-go or grab some cheese to take home. Closed on Tuesdays, but open Wednesday through Monday at 11:00am until close. Pamela is willing to stay open for whatever – birthday parties, girl’s nights, rank parties – you name it! Although it may go without saying, Cheeseanista is considered a bar, and therefore, is not kiddo friendly, unless of course you take it to-go. Pamela speaks Japanese, English and Greek. She accepts all major credit cards, yen, or PayPal.
This Greek restaurant is more than just a place to dine. It’s a gateway to a world of flavors, aromas, and traditions. Through Pamela’s dedication to crafting homemade cheeses and sourcing the finest Greek ingredients, Cheeseanista transports diners to the sun-kissed shores of Greece with each bite. From the first taste of velvety feta to the last sip of robust Greek wine, every aspect of your experience here speaks to a commitment to authenticity and excellence. So, whether you’re a seasoned aficionado of Greek cuisine or a curious newcomer, Cheeseanista beckons you to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the timeless allure of Greek food and culture. Opa!
Looking for more? Check out these other popular articles on Restaurants in Okinawa.
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Kaily Watson is an Air Force spouse living in Okinawa with her husband and 4 cats. She is a criminal defense and insurance bad faith paralegal working remotely for two law firms based in Washington. Kaily is a master’s degree holder in legal studies and has a passion for advocacy.
The Watsons arrived to Okinawa in September 2023 and have been enjoying every second. Snorkeling, coffee tasting, and shopping are some of her favorite things to do.
