There are also many taco restaurants in Okinawa, which are the ancestors of the Okinawan dish "taco rice."
The Mexican diner we're introducing today, "Marisol" (hereinafter referred to as "Marisol"), is famous for its carefully crafted tacos that recreate the authentic taste of Mexico. The restaurant, housed in a former foreign residence, is decorated both inside and out with colorful trinkets and objects, creating a pop and cute atmosphere! It's the kind of place that puts you in a cheerful mood just by being there.

1. Tacos in your garden! A cute and colorful shop

Kitanakagusuku Village, where Marisol is located, is an area dotted with stylish cafes, but Marisol stands out even among them.

The garden at the entrance of the shop is adorned with charming objects right from the start. I couldn't contain my excitement even before stepping inside!

Upon opening the red door surrounded by tiles, the interior of the shop was just as photogenic and full of Instagrammable moments as I had hoped.

The interior is captivating, with adorable little details scattered throughout, from the seating area to the mirrors in the restrooms, ensuring you won't get bored. There are plenty of things to enjoy even before you start eating.

The shop owner apparently personally sources the small items and miscellaneous goods in the store by traveling to Mexico. Although travel was not possible for a while due to the spread of the coronavirus, they plan to resume sourcing new furniture and interior items from Mexico. I'm looking forward to their new products!

The restaurant has a 3LDK layout and a total of six seats. Because it utilizes an entire former foreign residence, it has a relaxed, living room-like atmosphere. A kids' room is located in the back, making it ideal for families with children. There's also a terrace in the spacious garden where children can play on the playground equipment and run around.

2. Let's enjoy some authentic tacos!

The restaurant's signature dish is, of course, Mexican tacos.

Served on a light blue plate, this taco plate offers six different flavors. It includes popular flavors and familiar fillings, making it a very satisfying portion. All the tacos are made using authentic methods and gluten-free corn flour. They are hand-rolled from the flour every day and each taco is made individually using a special press. The owner's passion for tacos was evident.

Next up is the enchilada plate. Chicken is wrapped in a tortilla, topped with a slightly tangy tomato sauce and plenty of rich cheese. The slightly spicy sauce adds a nice touch.

For drinks, I ordered horchata, highly recommended by the Mexican waiter. It's a very popular summer drink in Mexico, a cinnamon-based rice milk drink with a taste similar to chai. It paired perfectly with the spicy Mexican food. Alcoholic drinks are also available. If I hadn't been driving, I would have loved to have it with a beer!

3. Access and Parking for Marisol

Marisol is located in a corner of the foreign residential area in Kitanakagusuku Village, about a 40-minute drive from Naha Airport. It's about a 10-minute drive from Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom, the largest shopping mall in the prefecture, and you should be able to spot it easily as it's a vivid pink building.

There are four parking spaces under the roof in front of the store. This restaurant is popular with both locals and international visitors, so reservations are recommended.

Final thoughts

This vibrant and exciting restaurant's mouthwatering, spicy Mexican cuisine is sure to capture your heart! Please enjoy this space, filled with love for Mexico and dedicated to pursuing authenticity.

Shirokuma Tours offers affordable Okinawa package tours. A wide variety of options are available, including tours to Ishigaki and Miyako Islands.

For local experiences and optional tours such as snorkeling and sightseeing bus tours, choose Tabi Plus One.

For diving in Okinawa, from license acquisition and fun dives to introductory experiences, choose Oceans Dive Tour.