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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.

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The Essence of Ingredients: Elevating Your Business Entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu

For a Memorable Business Dinner in Minami-Kusatsu

Are you looking for a venue in Minami-Kusatsu, Shiga, to entertain important guests? Whether it's a crucial business negotiation, a dinner to express gratitude, or a special meal with family and friends, the occasion is significant. In these pivotal moments, we believe the quality of the cuisine is of utmost importance. To ensure our guests are truly satisfied with their business entertainment experience in Minami-Kusatsu, we have made our commitment to ingredients the heart of our hospitality.

We strive to provide a premium experience that exceeds the expectations of a typical Minami-Kusatsu izakaya. With this in mind, we tirelessly seek out the best ingredients every day and prepare them with meticulous care. In this article, we will introduce our passion for ingredients and how it makes your business dinner in Minami-Kusatsu truly special.

Our location is easily accessible from Minami-Kusatsu Station, making it convenient for all your guests. We promise that our dedication to not only the quality of our food, variety of drinks, and atmosphere, but above all, to food safety and deliciousness, will enrich your precious time with us.

Alleviating Concerns About Food Quality, the Deciding Factor for Successful Entertainment

When planning business entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu, many people share common anxieties and questions. Will my guest truly enjoy the meal? Where do the ingredients come from? Can you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions? These are concerns we constantly address. Especially in the context of business entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu, the quality of the cuisine can directly influence the impression and success of the gathering.

Finding a trustworthy establishment among the countless restaurants in the city is no easy task. It's difficult for customers to verify beforehand whether a place prioritizes appearance over the quality of its ingredients or if hygiene management is thorough. Furthermore, factors like the availability of private rooms and the flexibility to accommodate large groups, such as a private booking for 45 people in Minami-Kusatsu, are essential when choosing a venue. We believe that what customers are truly seeking is a restaurant that clears all these hurdles and exceeds expectations with the quality of its food.

We eliminate these customer anxieties and ensure you can confidently entrust your Minami-Kusatsu business dinner to us by making no compromises, from ingredient selection and preparation to service. Our mission as an izakaya here in Noji is to envelop your important time with the finest cuisine and atmosphere, creating a lasting memory.

Exquisite Dishes for Minami-Kusatsu Business Dinners, Woven from Carefully Selected Ingredients

Our commitment to ingredients is more than just a fine phrase. It is based on concrete actions and a philosophy aimed at making your business dinner in Minami-Kusatsu a truly wonderful memory. Here, we introduce this commitment from several perspectives.

1. Seafood Selected for Freshness and Origin

Our Minami-Kusatsu seafood dishes are one of our greatest attractions. The incredibly fresh seafood delivered directly from various fishing ports each morning is truly a treasure. Our seasoned connoisseurs select the best seasonal fish and shellfish, which are then carefully prepared and served to you the very same day. For example, we select the most delicious options of the moment, such as powerful bluefin tuna from the rough waters of the Pacific or delicate white fish from the Seto Inland Sea. To maximize the natural flavor of the ingredients, we offer them prepared in the optimal way for each type of seafood, whether as sashimi, grilled, simmered, or fried.

2. Seasonal Vegetables That Showcase Local Bounties

Shiga Prefecture is blessed with abundant nature, a region where a rich variety of fresh seasonal vegetables are grown. We source crisp vegetables directly from our partner farms around Minami-Kusatsu, freshly harvested that very day. Root vegetables that still carry the scent of the earth, leafy greens bathed in sunshine, and wild mountain vegetables that signal the changing seasons—these seasonal vegetables are a feast in themselves. To bring out their unique characteristics, these vegetables are carefully prepared using traditional Japanese techniques, adding vibrant color to your table. You can fully enjoy the inherent sweetness and aroma of the vegetables.

3. Meticulous Preparation Showcasing a Chef's Skill

No matter how excellent the ingredients, their appeal is halved if the chef lacks skill. Our kitchen is staffed with chefs who possess years of experience and proven techniques. They know that the flavor can change with just one cut of a fish or the way it's plated. They make no compromises in the finer details, from how vegetables are cut and how dashi broth is prepared to heat control and the balance of seasoning. Every step is performed with dedication to bring out the maximum potential of the ingredients and create a joy that can be savored with all five senses. This is how we are able to provide sophisticated dishes that you won't find at a typical Minami-Kusatsu izakaya.

4. Flexible Service Attentive to Customer Needs

For business dinners, consideration for guests' preferences, allergies, and dietary restrictions is essential. When you make a reservation, we listen carefully to your requests and respond as flexibly as possible. For instance, we can substitute ingredients for guests who dislike a particular type of seafood or prepare a special menu that completely excludes allergens for those with allergies, striving to provide customized dishes for each individual. This level of service is only possible thanks to our wide variety of ingredients and the skills of our chefs. We also provide meticulous service for large groups, including private bookings for up to 45 people in Minami-Kusatsu, so please rest assured.

Practical Steps for a Successful Business Dinner in Minami-Kusatsu

Here are some practical steps to make the most of our commitment to ingredients and ensure a successful business dinner in Minami-Kusatsu. By following these, you can relax and enjoy your time with your important guests with the utmost satisfaction.

  1. Book Early and Communicate Your Needs in Detail:
    We recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you require a private room or are planning a large gathering, such as a private booking for 45 people in Minami-Kusatsu. At that time, providing detailed information—such as the purpose of the dinner, the attendees, food preferences, allergies, and dietary restrictions—will help us propose the most suitable menu and plan.
  2. Consult on the Menu in Advance:
    We can flexibly propose special courses using seasonal ingredients or menus that accommodate allergies based on your requests. If you consult with us about our commitment to ingredients when booking, our experienced staff will work with you to create a menu that perfectly matches your vision. Specific requests, such as a focus on Minami-Kusatsu seafood or dishes that pair well with local Shiga sake, are also very welcome.
  3. Discuss Drink Pairings:
    Dishes made with carefully selected ingredients deserve the right beverages to accompany them. We have an extensive selection of Japanese sake, shochu, wine, and more. We can also suggest the best pairings for your meal, so please feel free to ask. We offer a wide range of options, making us a great choice for a drinking party near Minami-Kusatsu Station.
  4. Discuss the Use of Space:
    We can propose the optimal space to suit your event, whether it's the size and layout of a private room to set the right tone for your dinner or a spatial design that fosters a sense of unity for a private booking of 45 people in Minami-Kusatsu. Please let us know in advance if you have specific seating arrangements or special decoration requests.
  5. Enjoy Attentive Service on the Day:
    Even after you arrive, we are committed to providing meticulous service while being mindful of your needs. If you have any additional requests or questions about the dishes, please do not hesitate to ask our staff. We will do our utmost to ensure your business dinner in Minami-Kusatsu is a perfect experience.

Success in Minami-Kusatsu Business Entertainment is Determined by a Commitment to Ingredients

We believe that the success of an important business dinner or gathering in Minami-Kusatsu hinges on the quality of the cuisine that graces the occasion—and on the commitment to the ingredients that create it. Our mission is not simply to be another izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, but to provide an unforgettable culinary experience and a place of warm hospitality for our guests.

The exceptionally fresh Minami-Kusatsu seafood procured each morning, the seasonal vegetables delivered directly from local farms, and the skill of our chefs who prepare them to perfection—all of these elements come together to create exquisite dishes that will elevate your important business dinner in Minami-Kusatsu. We are fully prepared to ensure you can spend your special time with peace of mind, offering meticulous attention to allergies and dietary restrictions and flexibly accommodating large groups of up to 45 people for private bookings.

Conveniently located near Minami-Kusatsu Station, our restaurant is ideal for after-work gatherings and various drinking parties. We invite you to come and experience our commitment to ingredients with all your senses here at our izakaya in Noji. We sincerely look forward to your visit and will wholeheartedly assist in creating the best possible experience for 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)
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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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