Kumejima, one of Okinawa's remote islands, boasts a beautiful ocean. Did you know that in the southern part of the island, there's a restaurant called "BACKSHORE RANCH" situated in a breathtaking location that symbolizes Kumejima's rich natural beauty? Here, you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine made with carefully selected ingredients from Kumejima, along with special sweets that you can only find here, all while taking in the soothing scenery.

Overlooking the beautiful sea of ​​Kumejima Island. A secluded location.

Prefectural Road 245 runs from the Eef Beach area in eastern Kumejima to the Shimajiri district in the south of the island. This road offers particularly beautiful ocean views as you circle the island, making for an exhilarating drive. The white building that appears along this seaside road is "BACKSHORERANCH," which we will introduce today. It has a calm, resort-like atmosphere and a hidden-away feel.
Stepping inside, you're greeted by a stylish space predominantly decorated in white. Surf music plays in the background, and a breathtaking ocean view unfolds beyond the windows. The handmade accessories sold in the shop also catch the eye, creating a unique resort atmosphere that differs slightly from the rustic image of Kumejima.

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, including dishes featuring the local specialty, kuruma prawns.

At "BACKSHORERANCH," you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine prepared by a chef with experience in Tokyo and resort hotels. The menu features a variety of dishes, primarily pasta and pizza, making full use of fresh ingredients from Kumejima Island. Of particular note are the dishes using Kumejima's specialty, kuruma prawns.
Among them, the "Garlic Shrimp" pizza, featuring mini prawns from Kumejima Island, boasts a crispy, fragrant crust and plenty of sweet, juicy prawns. It pairs perfectly with the rich sauce, and we recommend adding a touch of chili-infused olive oil for extra flavor.
Furthermore, don't miss the "Pescatore" seafood pasta made with mini prawns from Kumejima Island. The abundant seafood melts into the tomato sauce, creating a dish with outstanding flavor.
The pizza named after the restaurant, "Backshore Lunch Special," is loaded with toppings such as shrimp, bacon, avocado, tomato, and olives. Two types of cheese, mozzarella and Grana Padano, melt together, creating a luxurious and exquisite combination of ingredients.

Enjoy authentic sweets and delicious coffee while gazing at the sea.

One of the attractions of "BACKSHORERANCH" is that you can enjoy not only authentic Italian cuisine but also delicious sweets. We especially recommend the "Brown Sugar Rare Cheesecake." The gentle sweetness and aroma of brown sugar harmonize perfectly with the rich and smooth rare cheesecake, creating a melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
Another must-try dessert is "Zuccotto." This traditional Italian cake features a fluffy espresso-flavored sponge cake generously filled with chocolate and nut-infused mascarpone cream, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Its subtle sweetness and slightly bitter flavor are perfectly balanced, making it an ideal dessert for adults.
Enjoying a fragrant, rich cup of coffee while gazing at the beautiful ocean stretching out before you is truly a special moment.

Located a little distance from the center of Kumejima Island, "BACK SHORE RANCH" is a spot where you can spend a special time surrounded by the atmosphere of a tropical resort. Be sure to make the effort to visit.

Yuhei Tonosho, a cyclist and photographer who delves deep into Japan

Born in 1993 in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Cultural History and Department of English Literature. While working as a salaryman, he is a travel writer who travels all over Japan by bicycle and mountain climbing. He captures and shares the changing seasons of Japan with all his senses.