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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

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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

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Expertly Selected: Minami-Kusatsu's Assorted Sashimi and Commitment to Quality Ingredients

Brightening Minami-Kusatsu Nights with Our Assorted Sashimi: The Quest for Truly Delicious Fish

On a lively night in Minami-Kusatsu, what kind of restaurant and what kind of dishes are you looking for? If you're thinking, I want to eat truly delicious fish or I want to enjoy fresh, high-quality sashimi, we invite you to try our Assorted Sashimi Platter. As an izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we aim to provide an atmosphere and cuisine that will leave our guests truly satisfied.

As a smoking-allowed izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we offer a relaxing space without ever compromising on the quality of our food. In particular, our Assorted Sashimi Platter, one of our signature dishes, is served with such pride and care that we often hear from customers, I'm moved with every bite. We are confident that it will satisfy everyone, whether for important business entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu or for banquets with private parties of up to 45 people.

In this column, we will delve into the secrets behind the deliciousness of our Assorted Sashimi Platter, why it receives so much praise, and our unwavering commitment to ingredients. Please read on for tips on how to have the best night out in Minami-Kusatsu.

The Izakaya Dilemma: Have You Found an Assorted Sashimi Platter That Exceeds Expectations?

When you think, I feel like some delicious fish today, and choose an izakaya, many of you probably order the Assorted Sashimi Platter. However, have you ever felt that the sashimi brought to your table was a little different from what you expected, or felt a sense of dissatisfaction, thinking, Well, I guess this is it?

  • Fish of questionable freshness: It looks nice, but when you take a bite, the flesh lacks firmness, or you can't taste the fish's natural umami.

  • Always the same selection: The platter lacks a sense of season, featuring only standard fish and feeling uninspired.

  • Monotonous presentation: Even if the fish is fresh, the lack of color and creative plating diminishes the visual enjoyment.

An izakaya's sashimi is often considered its calling card. That's why we want our customers to be genuinely impressed and exclaim, This is delicious! We consider it our mission to provide an Assorted Sashimi Platter that not only meets but greatly exceeds those expectations. So, what sets ours apart? Let's explore the secret.

Why Our Assorted Sashimi is Special: A Connoisseur's Commitment to Ingredients

The Assorted Sashimi Platter we proudly serve to our guests in Minami-Kusatsu is not merely a collection of fresh fish. It is a concentration of our chef's expert eye, backed by years of experience, and an unshakeable commitment to ingredients.

The Finest Seasonal Bounty: Seeking the Best Fish of the Day

The foundation of our Assorted Sashimi Platter is our policy of sourcing only the best, in-season seafood of the day. We don't stick to specific regions or types of fish; instead, we identify the most brilliant seafood of the moment from fishing ports across the country, as well as from local catches in Shiga Prefecture.

For example, we select fatty winter yellowtail, firm spring sea bream, refreshing summer grunt, and rich autumn bonito as the seasons change. This thorough dedication to seasonality is why you can feel the joy of the season with every bite. We build trusting relationships with market professionals and sometimes speak directly with fishermen to secure the absolute best ingredients.

Masterful Craftsmanship: The Effort to Maximize Freshness

Even the freshest fish can have its flavor altered dramatically by how it's prepared. Our chefs possess the solid skills and knowledge cultivated over many years, carefully handling each fish while discerning its unique characteristics.

  • Proper preparation: We thoroughly eliminate any unwanted odors through swift and meticulous bleeding and gutting, tailored to the type and condition of the fish.
  • Bringing out the best in the flesh: Our knife skills preserve the fish's texture and create beautiful cuts without damaging the fibers. This masterful technique maximizes the natural umami and sweetness of the fish.
  • Thorough temperature control: We manage the fish at the optimal temperature to maintain its freshness and flavor right up until it's served. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and vivid flavor you experience are the result of this rigorous control.

This unwavering dedication to craftsmanship is one of the biggest reasons why our Assorted Sashimi Platter stands in a class of its own.

Vibrant Presentation: A Work of Art for All Five Senses

We believe the Assorted Sashimi Platter should be enjoyed not only with the palate but also with the eyes. We bring out the beautiful natural colors of the seasonal seafood, pay close attention to the tableware and garnishes, and present a dish that is like a painting. Colorful shiso leaves, daikon threads, and seasonal accents further enhance the beauty of the sashimi, bringing a touch of elegance to your table.

We believe that when customers first see the dish and think, How beautiful, it heightens their anticipation and leads to that感動感動of the first bite. For business entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu, it can serve as a conversation starter and create a more relaxed atmosphere. For banquets with private parties of up to 45 guests, the gorgeous presentation is sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Savoring the Assorted Sashimi More Deeply: The Experience We Offer

Our Assorted Sashimi Platter is not just delicious; it offers a special experience. As an izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we cherish this aspect of our service.

A Perfect Harmony with Minami-Kusatsu's Warayaki (Straw-Grilled) Dishes

We are also proud of our Warayaki (straw-grilled) dishes here in Minami-Kusatsu. The fragrant aroma of the straw-grilling and the delicate taste of the sashimi create a truly exquisite harmony. For example, by ordering our straw-grilled bonito tataki alongside the fresh sashimi platter, you can fully enjoy the depth of flavor that different cooking methods can bring to the same seafood.

The savory scent of straw stimulates the appetite and further enhances the clear umami of the sashimi. This combination is highly praised by customers looking for an izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, offering a dining experience unique to our establishment.

The Joy of Pairing with Sake and Other Drinks

A fresh Assorted Sashimi Platter is incomplete without a delicious drink. We offer a wide variety of beverages, including sake, shochu, and wine, and we are happy to recommend the perfect pairing based on the types of sashimi and your personal preference.

  • Sake: A crisp, dry Junmai Ginjo enhances the delicate flavor of white fish, with its ginjo aroma harmonizing with the fish's umami. A rich Junmai sake deepens the flavor of fatty or red-fleshed fish.

  • Shochu: The mellow sweetness of sweet potato shochu pairs wonderfully with the umami of the fish, while the clean taste of rice shochu refreshes the palate.

  • Wine: A dry white wine like Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc allows the flavors of the seafood and the wine's acidity to enhance one another. As a surprising pairing, a light-bodied red wine can also bring out the robust flavor of red-fleshed fish.

Feel free to ask our staff, and we will suggest the perfect drink for you based on the day's Assorted Sashimi Platter. As a smoking-allowed izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we provide a space where you can enjoy your food and drinks to your heart's content.

Practical Steps to Fully Enjoy Our Assorted Sashimi Platter

Now that we've shared the appeal of our Assorted Sashimi Platter, here are some practical steps on how to best enjoy it when you visit us. Please use this as a guide to make your izakaya experience in Minami-Kusatsu the best it can be.

Step 1: We Recommend Making a Reservation in Advance

We recommend booking in advance, especially on Fridays and weekends, or if you are planning business entertainment or a private party for up to 45 people in Minami-Kusatsu. If you mention your interest in the Assorted Sashimi Platter and your budget per person when you book, we can provide a smoother service.

  • By phone: Please tell us your desired date and time, number of people, preference for a smoking seat (we are a smoking-allowed izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu), and that you are considering the sashimi platter.
  • Online reservations: You can also book through our website. Please note any special requests in the comment section.

Step 2: Upon Arrival, Ask About the Seasonal Seafood of the Day

After being seated, please ask our staff about the types of fish included in today's Assorted Sashimi Platter or for their special recommendations. Depending on the day's catch, we may have rare fish that are not often available or fish that have reached their peak flavor. Our staff will be happy to explain the characteristics of each fish and the best way to eat them, allowing you to enjoy the world of sashimi on a deeper level.

Step 3: Enjoy Pairing the Sashimi with Other Menu Items

While the Assorted Sashimi Platter is our signature dish, it would be a shame to stop there! We encourage you to enjoy it in combination with our other specialty dishes.

  1. Minami-Kusatsu Warayaki: As mentioned before, our straw-grilled dishes are another specialty. The contrast between the aromatic warayaki and the fresh sashimi adds depth to your dining experience.

  2. Seasonal vegetable dishes: Alongside our fresh seafood, we offer a rich variety of dishes made with seasonal vegetables. Enjoy the full bounty of the season.

  3. Finishing rice dishes: To conclude your delicious meal, we also recommend our special finishing rice or soup dishes.

By combining various dishes in this way, your izakaya experience in Minami-Kusatsu will become even richer.

Step 4: Make the Most of Your Business Dinner or Private Party

For business entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu, we can arrange private rooms and consult on course menus tailored to your guests' preferences. We can also accommodate private parties of up to 45 people, making us ideal for large gatherings like year-end parties, New Year's parties, and farewell parties. When booking a private party, we can discuss the menu in advance and propose a magnificent course that includes an Assorted Sashimi Platter tailored to your needs.

As a smoking-allowed izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we are dedicated to providing heartfelt hospitality to ensure you have a comfortable time with us, whatever the occasion.

For the Best Assorted Sashimi in Minami-Kusatsu, Visit Us

In this column, we have explained in detail from the perspective of our connoisseur's commitment to ingredients why our Assorted Sashimi Platter is chosen and loved by so many of our customers.

Sourcing that pursues the ultimate freshness, meticulous work by skilled chefs, and a beautiful presentation that can be enjoyed with all five senses. Only when all these elements come together can we create an Assorted Sashimi Platter that makes our customers genuinely say, This is delicious. As an izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we will continue to uphold this commitment and provide you with the best dining experience.

Our smoking-allowed izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu is perfect for any occasion, from casual dining to business entertainment and large banquets for private parties of up to 45 people. Along with our other proud specialties like Minami-Kusatsu Warayaki, we invite you to fully enjoy our Assorted Sashimi Platter.

We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

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

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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.

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