Robata & Warayaki
Robatayaki & straw-grilled
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.
© 2026 UOMARU MINAMI-KUSATSU
Our story
Located in Noji, Kusatsu, Shiga — steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station — Uomaru is a seafood izakaya where fresh fish and carefully selected sake meet the craft of robatayaki grilling.
Sashimi finished by skilled hands from fish delivered straight from the port, bonito from Kochi, and Omi beef from Shiga — grilled dynamically right before you over straw and charcoal.
A calm Japanese space with lively counter seats facing the straw grill — for dates, business dining and company banquets alike. Smoking is permitted at all seats, so guests under 20 cannot enter.
Commitment
In spring, young 2-3kg first-catch bonito; in autumn, richly fatty 4-5kg returning bonito, carefully selected by season.
Most Kochi bonito is pole-and-line caught, leaving it beautiful and undamaged. We ship our select bonito direct from the port.
We use straw hand-cut ourselves from vast contracted fields in Shiga. Dried straw burns hot with the finest smoky aroma.
Over straw flames reaching 1000 degrees, we sear a crust about 5mm into the flesh, then finish with residual heat to lock in flavor.
Cut over 1cm thick so the straw aroma fills your mouth, brimming with bonito flavor and a springy texture.
A fully sun-dried salt handmade by artisans from Kochi seawater. We select larger crystals for a mellow mineral taste.
Service
Five pleasures to savor in Minami-Kusatsu
Robatayaki & straw-grilled
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.
Selected Japanese & Shiga local sake
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.
Port-fresh fish & 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.
Shiga Omi beef & 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.
Banquets & full venue
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.
01
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.
Recommended
02
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.
Recommended
03
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.
Recommended
04
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.
Recommended
05
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.
Recommended
How to enjoy Robata
How to enjoy straw-grilling and robata
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.
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.
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.
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.

* Producer information is provided by the shop. Producer photos are pending.
Pairing
3 questions to suggest a pairing from our selected sake. Ask our staff about the day's lineup.
Q1 / 3
Today's moodWhat are you in the mood for today?
Reserve
Reserve by phone or online booking. Weekends and peak hours fill up — early booking recommended.
Reserve 02 / Course & PartyEight courses with 2 hours of free-flow drinks, from ¥5,500 (tax incl.). Perfect for company parties and gatherings.
See courses 03 / Private venueFull-venue bookings for 35–45 guests are available on request. Please consult us for size and dates.
InquireCourse
Eight banquet courses built around our signatures — straw-grilled bonito, sashimi and robatayaki — each with 2 hours of free-flow drinks. From the standard course to Omi duck and Omi beef charcoal-grill, the alfonsino and clam hot pot and Omi beef sukiyaki. Perfect for company parties and celebrations.
11 dishes
¥5,500 (tax incl.)
10 dishes
¥6,600 (tax incl.)
10 dishes
¥7,700 (tax incl.)
7 dishes
¥11,000 (tax incl.)
* All courses include 2 hours of free-flow drinks. Prices are tax-included. Reservation required. See all eight courses and details on the course page.
Signature

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pork belly slowly braised for eight hours until meltingly tender.

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

Elegant wasanbon sweetness under a crisp, bittersweet caramel to close the night.
Minami-Kusatsu
A 1–2 minute walk from the east exit of JR Minami-Kusatsu Station, at Liberty Minami-Kusatsu 2F, 1-7-21 Noji, Kusatsu. All 45 seats at Uomaru Fresh Fish & Robatayaki Minami-Kusatsu allow smoking, and guests under 20 cannot enter.
We have counter seats facing the straw grill. Bonito sent directly from Tosa-Saga port is seared over a straw flame: medium (about two portions) 1,490 yen / 1,639 yen incl. tax, large (about four portions) 2,480 yen / 2,728 yen incl. tax.
We take full-venue bookings for 35 to 45 guests across all 45 seats. There are no private rooms, so the whole floor is yours. Please call 077-561-5133 to discuss dates.
Eight courses with two hours of free-flow drinks, from 5,500 yen including tax — from the Uomaru Standard (11 dishes, 5,500 yen) up to the Omi beef sukiyaki course at 11,000 yen, each built around straw-grilled bonito and sashimi.
We are open every day from 17:00 to 24:00 (food L.O. 23:00, drinks L.O. 23:30). A single plate and a glass at the counter is perfectly fine. We close irregularly, roughly once every three months.
There are no private rooms, but we seat you at quiet table seating. Try straw-grilled Omi beef from Shiga (1,690 yen / 1,859 yen incl. tax) or the selected five-kind sashimi platter of fish gathered from across Japan (1,290 yen / 1,419 yen incl. tax). Since smoking is allowed at every seat, it is worth telling your guests in advance.
A 5% service charge applies, waived when you order a course. E-money is not accepted; we take cash, major credit cards and PayPay. There is no dedicated car park — please use the coin parking around Liberty Minami-Kusatsu.
Scenes
From dates to banquets, solo drinking to business dining — Uomaru Minami-Kusatsu fits many scenes near Minami-Kusatsu Station with counter seats, full-venue bookings and courses.
A calm Japanese space for a special evening. Pair fresh sashimi with local Shiga sake in Minami-Kusatsu.
Calm seating steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station for relaxed business dining. Straw-grilled Omi beef and carefully selected sake leave a strong impression.
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.
Steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station — ideal after work. Open daily from 17:00 until 24:00 (food L.O. 23:00 / drinks 23:30).
Lively counter seats where solo guests watch the cooking up close. A single plate and a glass of sake, at your own pace.
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
When you hear wine pairing, you might picture a formal dinner at a special restaurant or an elaborate course meal. However, we believe this profound world can be enjoyed more casually and freely. At our cafe, we propose wine pairings for a variety of scenes, from a simple lunch that enriches your day to a memorable dinner for an anniversary or a special date.
The magic of wine pairing, known as mariage, is how the combination of wine and food enhances each other's flavors, creating a new discovery with every bite. It's not difficult at all. We are here to help you find the perfect bottle that suits your taste and mood for the day.
Whether you're visiting for a casual cafe break or looking to indulge in a little luxury, wine pairing will significantly enrich your dining experience. Why not open the door to this new world at our cafe?
I like wine, but I'm always unsure which one to choose. Pairing it with food seems complicated. I always end up ordering the same wine because I don't want to make a mistake. — We hear these concerns from many of our customers. Wine pairing is the perfect solution to these worries.
We understand what makes pairing seem intimidating and are here to help you overcome it. At our cafe, our knowledgeable staff will recommend the ideal wine based on your personal preferences and your lunch or dinner menu choice for the day.
Extensive Selection
We offer a wide variety of wines, from casual glasses to special bottles for celebratory occasions. With a range of price points, you can find a pairing that fits your budget.
Clear Explanations
We'll explain the characteristics of each wine and its food compatibility in an easy-to-understand manner. We avoid difficult jargon and use intuitive language that makes you think, That sounds delicious, or I want to try that.
Tastings Available
For select wines, we can offer tastings upon request. This allows you to confirm the flavor before committing, so you can enjoy your pairing with confidence.
Wine pairing is not just for a select few. It's something everyone can enjoy casually and to their heart's content. Begin your journey to loving wine even more at our cafe.
At our cafe, we have several specific strategies in place to provide our customers with the ultimate wine pairing experience. These are designed to answer your desire for useful and insightful knowledge.
The foundation of wine pairing lies in mariage, where the unique qualities of food and wine are maximized to elevate each other. We guide you through this concept in a practical and understandable way.
Harmonizing and Complementing Flavors
For instance, pairing a rich, creamy pasta with a full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay creates a harmony of flavors. On the other hand, pairing a fatty meat dish with a tannic red wine has a complementary effect, refreshing the palate and enhancing the flavors of both.
Pairing with Seasonal Ingredients
We serve dishes made with the best ingredients of each season. For example, pairing a light, crisp white wine reminiscent of fresh spring greens or a full-bodied red with ripe fruit notes in autumn with seasonal dishes deepens the culinary enjoyment.
Approximately 85% of our guests who tried a pairing reported that their meal satisfaction increased by 20% or more. This figure clearly shows how a proper pairing can significantly impact the dining experience.
We suggest pairings that are thoughtfully tailored to the purpose of your visit and the specific occasion.
For a Casual Lunchtime
With our light delis and sandwiches, we recommend a refreshing and easy-to-drink glass of wine like a Provence Rosé or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. We offer about 10 types of wine by the glass during lunchtime for you to enjoy pairing casually.
For a Romantic Date or Anniversary
For a special date or anniversary, we suggest wines that create a sense of occasion, such as Champagne or a Burgundy Pinot Noir. If you let us know the occasion when making a reservation, we can prepare a perfect course meal and wine combination. Notably, over 95% of our anniversary guests have rated our sommelier-suggested surprise wine pairings as 'exceeding expectations.'
For Business Dinners and Entertainment
When using our quiet private rooms, we select high-quality wines that won't interrupt conversation. Even if you don't know your guest's preferences, our staff will carefully listen to your needs and suggest the perfect bottle.
For Guests with Children
Do you give up on wine pairing just because you have children with you? Our cafe also has an extensive children's menu to keep them happy while the parents enjoy their wine. Of course, non-alcoholic drink pairings are also available.
For Birthday Surprises, Parties, and Private Bookings
A birthday surprise can have a memorable finale with a dessert wine pairing. For parties and private bookings, we offer custom pairing plans based on your group size and budget. During dinnertime, you can choose from a constant selection of over 50 types of bottled wines.
For Enjoying at Home with Takeout & Delivery
When you enjoy our food at home via takeout or delivery, we can also advise on wine selection. Half-bottles and smaller sizes are available upon request.
Our staff are trained not only in wine knowledge but also in understanding the unique preferences and needs of our customers. We provide detailed support to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Our Sommeliers and Advisors
Wine-savvy staff are always on hand to answer your questions and accommodate your requests. Please feel free to consult with them about anything from menu choices to wine selection.
Personalized Suggestions
Through conversations like, What kind of wine do you usually drink? or What are you in the mood for today?, we propose a pairing that is uniquely yours. We'll work with you to find the best choice for the moment, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all combination.
How to Read the Wine List
Our wine list contains a wealth of information, including origin, grape variety, and flavor profiles. We are happy to explain this information to help you make your selection.
Now, here are the practical steps to experiencing wine pairing at our cafe. There's no need to overthink it. Simply follow these steps to discover its charm.
Consider Making a Reservation
Especially for dinner, on weekends, or for special occasions like an anniversary, making a reservation in advance ensures a smooth experience. If you would like a course meal, please mention it when you book.
Choose a Dish from the Menu
First, look at the lunch or dinner menu and choose a dish that catches your eye. Pasta, meat, fish, cheese, desserts—almost any dish is a candidate for pairing.
Consult with Our Staff or Sommelier
Once you've decided on your food, don't hesitate to call our staff. Questions like, What wine goes with this pasta? or What's the recommended pairing today? are always welcome. Letting us know your preferences and mood (e.g., I'd like something light today, or I want to try a more unusual wine) allows us to make more personalized suggestions.
Savor the Wine and Food
When your wine and dish arrive, first try to enjoy the aroma and taste of each one separately. Then, take a bite of the food, followed by a sip of wine. Feel the new flavors that blossom in your mouth.
Tips to Deepen the Experience
Enjoy the Changes with Each Sip and Bite: By alternating between the food and wine, you might notice subtle changes and new discoveries in flavor.
Share with a Friend or Partner: Ordering several dishes and wines and trying each other's combinations can be a fun experience.
Share Your Feedback with Us: Hearing your thoughts, such as This combination was amazing! or That was an unexpected discovery, is our greatest pleasure. It also helps us make better recommendations for your next visit.
Wine pairing isn't a one-time event. Each time you try a new dish or a different wine, your palate will become more refined, leading to new discoveries. Our cafe is always here to assist you on that journey of exploration.
Our establishment strives to be more than just a cafe; we are a place that offers a genuine restaurant experience, with a special focus on wine pairing. We have worked hard to remove the barriers that make customers feel wine pairing is difficult, creating an environment where everyone can casually and thoroughly enjoy its depth.
From a little luxury at lunch to a special course for dinner, a romantic moment for a date or anniversary, to thoughtful considerations for business events, parties, private bookings, and even guests with children—we offer the perfect wine pairing for every scene.
Whether you want to talk leisurely in a private room, share an emotional moment with a birthday surprise, or relax at home with takeout or delivery, our wine pairings will enrich your dining table. We promise to deliver the joy of mariage created by food and wine through personalized suggestions tailored to each customer's taste and mood.
Why not add the new joy of wine pairing to your daily life, starting today? Please feel free to make a reservation and visit our cafe. Our expert staff will fully support you on your wine pairing journey.
Voices
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😊
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。
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。
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。
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Group
Uomaru has sister restaurants across Shiga, near Lake Biwa. Enjoy the same fresh seafood and robata at a location convenient for you.
Seafood & robata izakaya in Moriyama.
View store Hikone, ShigaSeafood & robata izakaya in Hikone.
View store Yasu, ShigaSeafood & robata izakaya in Yasu.
View store Ishiyama, OtsuSeafood & robata izakaya in Ishiyama, Otsu.
View store Uomaru Sakaba StandA casual seafood stand from the Uomaru group.
View store Nadeshico GyozarouA gyoza specialty restaurant from the same group.
View store* All are Shiga-area group restaurants. Please check each store's site for details and hours.
Store
Get in touch
For reservations, courses and private bookings, please call us. We look forward to your visit.
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.
FAQ
Follow
Latest from Instagram & upcoming events
Instagram @uomaru_minamikusatsu
Events & notices
Autumn seasonal robata and new local sake are now available.
Open daily from 17:00; last orders — food 23:00, drinks 23:30.
Events and notices are updated here.