Reserve

Fresh fish & robatayaki in Minami-Kusatsu — Uomaru Fresh Fish & Robatayaki Minami-Kusatsu

SeafoodRobataStraw-grilledBonitoOmi beefSakeLocal sakePrivate hireSashimiBanquets

Our story

Counter seats at Uomaru Minami-Kusatsu facing the open kitchen and straw-grilling hearth, with the blackboard listing straw-grilled bonito Shrimp cream spring rolls Potato salad with salmon roe Interior of Uomaru Minami-Kusatsu with counter and table seats, sake bottles on the shelves and a fish-print frame on the wall

Commitment

1

The size of the bonito

In spring, young 2-3kg first-catch bonito; in autumn, richly fatty 4-5kg returning bonito, carefully selected by season.

2

Raw bonito from Kochi

Most Kochi bonito is pole-and-line caught, leaving it beautiful and undamaged. We ship our select bonito direct from the port.

3

Straw from Shiga

We use straw hand-cut ourselves from vast contracted fields in Shiga. Dried straw burns hot with the finest smoky aroma.

4

The grilling

Over straw flames reaching 1000 degrees, we sear a crust about 5mm into the flesh, then finish with residual heat to lock in flavor.

5

The thickness of the cut

Cut over 1cm thick so the straw aroma fills your mouth, brimming with bonito flavor and a springy texture.

6

Our chosen salt

A fully sun-dried salt handmade by artisans from Kochi seawater. We select larger crystals for a mellow mineral taste.

Service

01

Robata & Warayaki

Bonito from Kochi and Omi beef from Shiga, grilled over straw right before you. Seasonal fish and vegetables draw out their fullest flavor over charcoal.

02

Sake & Local Brews

A generous selection of sake chosen from across Japan, including local Shiga brews — from dry to sweet. Our staff suggest the one glass that suits your dish, so you can enjoy sake tasting in Minami-Kusatsu.

03

Seafood & Sashimi

Fresh fish shipped straight from the port, finished into sashimi by skilled hands. Enjoy the seafood of Minami-Kusatsu in seasonal plates such as our five-kind sashimi platter.

04

Omi Beef & Omi Chicken

Shiga's specialty Omi beef, straw-grilled or miso-marinated, and overnight-dried Omi chicken. Enjoy Shiga's premium ingredients dynamically over charcoal in Minami-Kusatsu.

05

Banquets & Private Hire

Banquet courses with free-flow drinks, and full-venue bookings for 35–45 guests. Steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station — ideal for company parties and gatherings.

How to enjoy Robata

Robata Story

01

Head for the counter where the straw burns

One to two minutes from the east exit of Minami-Kusatsu Station, at Liberty Minami-Kusatsu 2F. From the counter seats facing the straw grill you can watch the bonito wrapped in flame.

02

Start with the medium, one slice at a time

Straw-grilled bonito starts at 1,490 yen for the medium, about two portions. Take the first slice unseasoned and taste the smoke held in the surface.

03

With the large, change as you go

Work through the condiments, rock salt and citrus. The large, about four portions at 2,480 yen, gives you enough to keep shifting the flavor to the last piece.

04

Smoke, drink, and lose track of time

All 45 seats allow smoking, and guests under 20 cannot enter. We suggest Shiga sake, dry through sweet, to sit alongside the straw-grilled plates.

Producers

Tosa-Saga Port, KochiIkkatsu no Daiki

Saga is where the Kuroshio current first meets Japan, a town thriving on pole-and-line bonito fishing and one of Kochi's foremost fishing towns.

Tano, KochiTanoya Seihachi

A genuine sun-dried salt made using only the sun's heat, with painstaking care. Entirely handmade, it grows into crystals that melt in the mouth, the very finest sun-dried salt.

Straw-grilling

Pairing

Q1 / 3

Today's moodWhat are you in the mood for today?

Main dishWhat will be your main?

Sake preferenceWhich sake style do you like?

Your pairing

Crisp & CleanLight-dry junmai × white fish & shellfish sashimi

Crisp, dry junmai such as Shiga's Daijiro or Kochi's Akitora, to lift the delicate sweetness of white fish and shellfish sashimi. Refreshing from the first sip to the last.

Rich & BoldRich junmai ginjo × straw-grilled Omi beef

Full, savory junmai such as Shiga's Shichihonyari or Fukuoka's Wakanami — with depth to stand up to straw-grilled Omi beef and rich robata. Savory meets savory.

Aromatic & SmokyAromatic ginjo / warm kan × straw-grilled bonito

Aromatic sake such as Kirakucho Junmai Ginjo or Oze no Yukidoke Junmai Daiginjo, to echo the smoky char of straw-grilled bonito. Fragrance layered on fragrance.

Warm & BalancedGentle warm kan × seasonal robata & dashimaki

A gentle warm kan such as Shiga's Kazuhiro or Shimane's Juji Asahi, to match seasonal robata and dashi-rolled omelette. A calm, comforting balance for a long evening.

Course

11 dishes

Uomaru Standard Course

¥5,500 (tax incl.)

10 dishes

Omi Duck Charcoal-Grill

¥6,600 (tax incl.)

10 dishes

Omi Beef Charcoal-Grill

¥7,700 (tax incl.)

7 dishes

Omi Beef Luxury Sukiyaki

¥11,000 (tax incl.)

See all banquet courses

Signature

Straw-grilled bonito
01

Straw-grilled bonitoStraw-grilled bonito

Fresh bonito from Kochi, seared over a roaring straw flame right before you — smoky aroma, concentrated flavor.

Straw-grilled Omi beef
02

Straw-grilled Omi beefStraw-grilled Omi beef

Shiga's premium Omi beef, grilled over straw to draw out its aroma and natural richness.

Fresh sashimi platter
03

Fresh sashimi platterFresh sashimi platter

The day's freshest fish from the port, arranged with care by our skilled hands.

Overnight-dried atka mackerel
04

Overnight-dried atka mackerelOvernight-dried atka mackerel

Plump, overnight-dried atka mackerel grilled to order — a robata classic.

Robata-grilled thick fried tofu
05

Robata-grilled thick fried tofuRobata-grilled thick fried tofu

Thick fried tofu grilled over charcoal — crisp outside, tender within.

Seared Hakata mentaiko
06

Seared Hakata mentaikoSeared Hakata mentaiko

Hakata mentaiko lightly seared over the robata to bring out its aroma — a fine partner for sake.

8-hour braised pork belly
07

8-hour braised pork belly8-hour braised pork belly

Pork belly slowly braised for eight hours until meltingly tender.

Uomaru dashi-rolled omelette
08

Uomaru dashi-rolled omeletteUomaru dashi-rolled omelette

Rolled one by one by hand, brimming with dashi — a quiet signature.

Wasanbon crème brûlée
09

Wasanbon crème brûléeWasanbon crème brûlée

Elegant wasanbon sweetness under a crisp, bittersweet caramel to close the night.

Minami-Kusatsu

Minami-Kusatsu izakaya Near Minami-Kusatsu Station Smoking allowed Smoker friendly Minami-Kusatsu private hire Banquets Noji izakaya Straw-grill counter Minami-Kusatsu seafood Minami-Kusatsu sake Robatayaki Minami-Kusatsu Business dining Liberty Minami-Kusatsu Free-flow drinks

See all FAQ

Scenes

Dates & anniversaries

A calm Japanese space for a special evening. Pair fresh sashimi with local Shiga sake in Minami-Kusatsu.

Business dining

Calm seating steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station for relaxed business dining. Straw-grilled Omi beef and carefully selected sake leave a strong impression.

Banquets & groups

Eight banquet courses with 2 hours of free-flow drinks from ¥5,500 (tax incl.), plus full-venue bookings for 35–45 guests for company parties in Minami-Kusatsu.

After work

Steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station — ideal after work. Open daily from 17:00 until 24:00 (food L.O. 23:00 / drinks 23:30).

Solo drinking

Lively counter seats where solo guests watch the cooking up close. A single plate and a glass of sake, at your own pace.

Gatherings & reunions

A varied menu for gatherings and reunions, steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station. Smoking is permitted at all seats, so guests under 20 cannot enter.

Column

See all columns

Enhancing Your Minami-Kusatsu Banquet with Seasonal Delights and Heartfelt Hospitality

Experience an Unforgettable Banquet in Minami-Kusatsu with Seasonal Delights and Warm Hospitality

Whether you're looking to gather with good friends, entertain important clients, or enjoy a relaxed meal with family for the first time in a while—what kind of establishment do you seek when planning a banquet in Minami-Kusatsu? You're likely looking for more than just delicious food; you want the right atmosphere, quality service, and above all, a special, memorable time. Our mission is to cater to each customer's wishes, providing a blissful banquet that delights all five senses.

In this article, we'll provide practical information to help you feel that knowing this will make it more enjoyable and I can trust a place like this when planning your banquet in Minami-Kusatsu. We will fully introduce our commitment, from the joy of experiencing the changing seasons through our cuisine and the flavors woven by carefully selected ingredients, to the meticulous hospitality that accommodates any occasion.

What Are the Concerns of Organizers Aiming for a Successful Minami-Kusatsu Banquet?

Banquet organizers are always filled with high expectations, but also a few anxieties. We often hear concerns like, Will everyone be happy? Can I provide the best satisfaction within the budget? and What if I choose the wrong restaurant? Especially in Minami-Kusatsu, with its many options, finding that one perfect place can feel like a daunting task.

  • The age range and preferences of the attendees vary, so I'm not sure what kind of food will please everyone.
  • Some guests have allergies or food aversions, and I'm worried about whether individual accommodations can be made.
  • We want to enjoy private conversations, so the availability and size of private rooms are a concern.
  • When there are both smokers and non-smokers, we need a place where both can be comfortable.
  • Since it's an important business dinner, I want to be particular about not only the quality of the food but also the restaurant's atmosphere and service.

To solve these organizer concerns and realize a Minami-Kusatsu banquet that you can enjoy with peace of mind and genuine pleasure, we are constantly honing our craft. Next, we will introduce specific solutions and the value we can offer in detail.

The Splendor of a Minami-Kusatsu Banquet Woven from Seasonal Blessings

Japan's rich four seasons constantly bring new joys to our dining tables. For banquets in Minami-Kusatsu, we aim to deliver a special, moving experience that can only be tasted at that moment by incorporating an abundance of seasonal ingredients. Our menu, which changes with the seasons, promises new discoveries and satisfaction with every visit.

The Luxury of a Sashimi Platter that Reflects the Seasons

Our sashimi platter is created by carefully selecting fresh fish landed that very morning, which our skilled chefs then expertly prepare. In spring, we feature light yet flavorful white fish; in summer, blue-backed fish with a refreshing texture; in autumn, seasonal fish beginning to build up fat; and in winter, seafood with a firm texture and deep flavor. We select the finest ingredients for each season. We are also meticulous about the cutting and presentation to bring out the best in each fish. This visually stunning dish adds a touch of splendor to the start of your banquet. We even provide several types of soy sauce to match the different fish, allowing you to enjoy a different flavor with every bite. Not just the freshness, but the beauty of the presentation is also a key element in stimulating our guests' senses.

Furthermore, if you have guests with allergies or who are not fond of raw fish, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate them individually. For example, we can change the sashimi to a grilled or simmered dish or prepare an alternative. We flexibly respond to ensure all guests can enjoy their meal with peace of mind. Please feel free to consult with us when making your reservation.

A Satisfying Experience with Omi Beef Enjoyed Year-Round

Omi beef, a brand of beef raised in the rich nature of Shiga, is characterized by its fine-grained texture and melt-in-your-mouth umami-rich fat. We incorporate this Omi beef into our banquet dishes in various forms throughout the year. For example, during the cold winter months, you can enjoy the luxurious taste of Omi beef sukiyaki or shabu-shabu, warming you from the core. The vegetables, simmered in the broth infused with the meat's umami, are also exceptional.

On the other hand, during the warmer seasons, we propose simpler cooking methods like seared Omi beef sushi, tataki (lightly seared), or steak, allowing you to savor the meat's inherent flavor. Whichever method you choose, the unique flavor and texture of Omi beef are sure to satisfy your palate. We can also adjust the cut and portion size according to your budget and preferences. For special occasions, we can prepare courses featuring rare cuts of Omi beef, so please don't hesitate to inquire. Omi beef is truly a star player that elevates any banquet in Minami-Kusatsu.

The Allure of Minami-Kusatsu Warayaki—Stimulating Sight and Smell

One of our specialties, Warayaki (straw-grilling), is a traditional cooking method where ingredients are quickly seared over a powerful flame, locking in their umami while imparting a fragrant, smoky aroma from the straw. This technique produces a unique flavor and texture, especially with seafood and certain meat dishes, that you won't find elsewhere. The moment the flames leap up is a performance in itself, greatly enlivening the banquet atmosphere.

For instance, our straw-grilled bonito has a crisp, aromatic surface while the inside remains moist and rare. With one bite, the scent of straw tickles your nose, and the authentic umami of the bonito fills your mouth. We also straw-grill other seasonal fish and local ingredients like Omi chicken to offer a surprising twist on the familiar. Warayaki is a dish that can be enjoyed with all five senses—sight, smell, taste, and even sound. It is an item we confidently recommend to customers seeking a special experience at their Minami-Kusatsu banquet.

A Space and Consideration for Minami-Kusatsu Banquets that Meet Diverse Needs

No matter how delicious the food is, a banquet cannot be truly enjoyed if the space is not comfortable. We strive to provide the optimal space and meticulous consideration tailored to each customer's purpose and situation. Our flexible service system that can respond to various needs is one of our strengths.

The Option of a Smoking-Allowed Izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu for Carefree Enjoyment

With smoking regulations in restaurants becoming stricter in recent years, many organizers wonder, Where can both smokers and non-smokers enjoy themselves together? As a smoking-allowed izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we have taken care to create smoking spaces where both smokers and non-smokers can be comfortable. The areas are completely partitioned to prevent smoke from drifting to other guests, creating an environment where everyone can enjoy conversation and their meal without concern.

Both smokers and non-smokers can share the banquet atmosphere in the same space while enjoying their time to the fullest. If you let us know your smoking preference when booking, we will guide you to the most suitable seating. We also have air purifiers and take utmost care with hygiene, so please rest assured.

Private Rooms Perfect for Business Entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu to Enhance Important Occasions

Choosing the right restaurant is crucial for business entertainment. In addition to the taste of the food, a calm space that ensures private conversation and attentive service are required. We offer various types of private rooms to accommodate everything from intimate business dinners with a small group to larger gatherings. Our private rooms, with their serene, Japanese-style atmosphere, provide both the tranquility needed to focus on business discussions and an elegant setting.

Our basic offering is a course meal featuring luxurious seasonal ingredients, and we can also accommodate allergies and special ingredient requests. We have an extensive drink menu, including local Shiga sake, seasonal sake, and select shochu, as well as beer and wine. Our staff strives to provide discreet service at the perfect moments, allowing you to focus on your conversation. Please experience our meticulous hospitality, designed to lead your business entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu to success. We can also propose courses tailored to your budget and wishes, so feel free to consult us.

The Spirit of Hospitality that Creates a Memorable Minami-Kusatsu Banquet

We believe that hospitality conveyed through people, not just food and space, is of the utmost importance. Our entire staff provides service with sincerity so that the time our customers spend with us becomes a special, memorable experience, not just a meal.

Drinks and Staff Attentiveness to Enhance Your Banquet

Delicious food is incomplete without the right drinks to accompany it. We offer a wide variety of beverages, including local Shiga sake, seasonal sake, carefully selected shochu, as well as beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. We are happy to recommend the perfect drink to suit each guest's preference.

Our staff's presence is also essential for a smoothly run banquet. From the timing of drink service and dish presentation to responding to detailed requests from guests, we always strive to provide proactive service by anticipating what our customers need. For example, we'll ask about your next drink before your glass is empty or time the clearing of plates perfectly. With this unobtrusive yet reliable attention to detail, we work to ensure our guests' comfort. Our support system is solid, allowing organizers to focus on the banquet itself. If you have any requests, please do not hesitate to speak to our staff.

Practical Steps to Make Your Minami-Kusatsu Banquet a Success

Here are specific procedures and points to help organizers plan their banquet smoothly and approach the day with confidence. Following these steps will surely lead to the best Minami-Kusatsu banquet.

A Must-Read for Organizers! Tips for Smooth Booking and Planning

  1. Finalize the number of guests and the date: First, decide on the approximate number of attendees and the desired date as early as possible. Weekends, holidays, and the year-end/New Year party season are particularly busy, so early booking is crucial.
  2. Check the restaurant's website and menu: Please look at our website to confirm the types of dishes we offer, our course menus, and the availability of private rooms in advance. Use the photos to help you envision your banquet.
  3. Contact the restaurant directly to communicate your needs: Once you find a place you're interested in, please contact us directly by phone or online form. At this time, it's smoother to convey not just vague hopes but specific details like the number of people, budget, purpose (business entertainment, social gathering, family get-together, etc.), and any points you particularly want to emphasize for your Minami-Kusatsu banquet (e.g., a lavish sashimi platter, Omi beef as the main course, seating in a smoking-allowed area in Minami-Kusatsu).
  4. Discuss course details, all-you-can-drink options, allergies, and smoking/non-smoking preferences: When booking, please specify your preferences regarding the course menu, the availability and types of all-you-can-drink plans, any allergies or food aversions among attendees, and smoking/non-smoking seating to finalize the details with the restaurant.
  5. Consider a preliminary visit: For important business entertainment or special banquets, we recommend visiting the restaurant beforehand if possible. Checking the atmosphere and size of the private rooms and the access to the restaurant in person will give you a clearer image for the day.

How to Make the Most of Your Banquet on the Day

  1. Arrive early: The organizer should arrive a little before the banquet starts to handle final checks and be ready to guide attendees.
  2. Communicate with the restaurant staff: If any issues or additional requests arise on the day, please do not hesitate to speak with our staff. We are always here to support you for a smoothly run banquet.
  3. Actively enjoy seasonal dishes and recommendations: Please savor the seasonal dishes to your heart's content, such as our sashimi platter, Omi beef, and Minami-Kusatsu straw-grilled specialties. Pairing them with recommended sake or other drinks is also a great idea.
  4. The organizer should enjoy the party too: Once everything is set, the organizer should also relax and enjoy the banquet's atmosphere as a participant. When the organizer has fun, it contributes to the overall success of the event.

Creating the Best Memories at Your Minami-Kusatsu Banquet

A banquet in Minami-Kusatsu is more than just a meal. It is a special time for people to gather, talk, laugh, and create lasting memories. We promise to enhance each of our customers' precious moments by providing dishes that condense the bounty of the seasons, a relaxing space, and above all, heartfelt hospitality.

Experience the blessings of the sea with our sashimi platter, taste the pride of Shiga with Omi beef, and witness the art of fire with our Minami-Kusatsu straw-grilled dishes. As a smoking-allowed izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu or a venue for business entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu, we have the flexibility to meet diverse needs. All these elements come together to create an unforgettable Minami-Kusatsu banquet for you.

Please entrust your next banquet to us. Our entire staff eagerly awaits the opportunity to deliver an experience that exceeds your expectations with excitement and satisfaction. Please feel free to contact us first and share your vision for the ideal banquet. We will do our utmost to help you create the best memories.

Voices

滋賀県・南草津にある、ナデシコグループの 魚業態のお店。魚料理と日本酒を楽しめる 居酒屋です。 看板はカツオの藁焼き。しっかりと藁の香りが 立った仕上がりで、香ばしさとカツオの旨味を 存分に楽しめます。この香りだけで日本酒が 進む、看板メニューにふさわしい一品です。 日本酒の品揃えも豊富なので、魚料理に 合わせて色々な銘柄を試せるのが嬉しい ところ。魚と日本酒の組み合わせをじっくり 楽しみたい方にぴったりの構成です。 スタッフさんの対応も良く、気持ちよく 過ごせます。 南草津エリアで魚を肴に日本酒を飲みたい夜に、 頼りになる一軒です。 【利用シーン】南草津での食事、魚料理と 日本酒を楽しみたい時、藁焼きを食べたい時、 仕事帰りの一杯、友人との食事。 【アクセス】滋賀県草津市・南草津駅から 徒歩圏内。

Shota H ★★★★★ 2 か月前

ビワマスがすごく美味しかったです✨ お野菜のお料理も美味しく、こちらからの要望にも快く応えて下さり、気持ちの良い接客で嬉しかったです! またきます😊

のりこにしおか ★★★★★ 3 か月前

料理は美味しかったです。カツオの藁焼きと粗塩はとてもマッチしていました。 喫煙できるお店のようで、幸い周りには喫煙者いなかったので良かったです。 サービス料?が別に取られていました。

omot ★★★★★ 5 か月前

居酒屋なので静かに飲むには向かないが、大きな店では無いので我慢できないレベルではない。何より店員さんがテキパキ笑顔で対応してくれるのが嬉しいです。日本酒も地酒豊富で大満足。南草津駅で時間が有るならオススメです。あいみちゃん、なかじーさん、ユーゴさん、アサヒさん、ありがとう。

林貴之 ★★★★★ 4 か月前

とても繁盛していたので、予約して来店するのがおすすめだと思います。 スタッフの方々の接客も良かったです。食べ終わった皿なども定期的に下げてくだったので、皿で机のスペースがなくなることもありませんでした。 料理もとても美味しかったです。 どの料理もお酒に合う味付けでお酒が進みました。 魚と店名にあるだけあって特に海鮮料理は安定して美味しいと思いました。 帰る際にはふりかけをもらいました。後日食べましたが、とても美味しかったです。 草津駅の近くの魚丸にも行かせてもらっていますが、南草津店ならではのメニューもあって楽しかったです。 ウオマルだと草津店ばかり行っていたので、こちらのお店にも再度来店したいと思いました。

じょんす ★★★★☆ 7 か月前

Follow

Autumn seasonal robata and new local sake are now available.

Open daily from 17:00; last orders — food 23:00, drinks 23:30.

Store

Closed now
Name
Uomaru Fresh Fish & Robatayaki Minami-Kusatsu
Address
1-7-21 Noji, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0059
Tel
077-561-5133
Hours
Daily 17:00–24:00 (food L.O. 23:00 / drinks 23:30)
Access
1–2 min walk from JR Minami-Kusatsu Station
Seats
45 seats (no private rooms) / full-venue bookings for 35–45 guests / smoking permitted at all seats (guests under 20 cannot enter)
Pay
Cash, cards, QR payments (PayPay). 5% service charge (waived on course orders)
Open in Google Maps
Exterior entrance of Uomaru Minami-Kusatsu, with the Uomaru logo on the wooden facade and lattice windows

Get in touch

HoursDaily 17:00–24:00 (food L.O. 23:00 / drinks 23:30)

Banquet courses and full-venue bookings are easiest to arrange by phone — tell us your date, party size and budget and our staff will help.

Book a seat online (24h)

FAQ

What are your opening hours?
Open daily 17:00–24:00 (last orders: food 23:00, drinks 23:30). We do not serve lunch. Closed irregularly (about once every three months).
Can I make a reservation?
Yes. Especially on weekends and busy hours, we recommend booking in advance by phone or web.
What do you recommend?
Straw-grilled bonito from Kochi, straw-grilled Omi beef, and fresh sashimi from the port. Seasonal robatayaki is also popular.
Do you have private rooms?
We do not have private rooms. All 45 seats are counter and table seating, including counter seats facing the straw grill.
How do I get there from Minami-Kusatsu Station?
About a 1–2 minute walk from JR Minami-Kusatsu Station, at 1-7-21 Noji, Kusatsu.
What kind of sake do you have?
A wide range of carefully selected sake from across Japan, including Shiga local brews to match your dishes.
What payment methods can I use?
Cash, major credit cards (VISA/Mastercard/JCB/AMEX/Diners) and QR code payments (PayPay). E-money is not accepted.
Is it comfortable for solo diners?
Yes, our lively counter seats are perfect for solo guests to enjoy the cooking right before them.
Can you host banquets or groups?
Yes. We offer banquet courses and can arrange full-venue bookings for 35–45 guests. Please consult us.
Can I take out food?
We are very sorry, but we do not offer takeout at this restaurant.

See all FAQ