Written from behind the counter

To You Planning a Memorable Seafood Experience in Kusatsu

Located in Oji, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, just a short walk from JR Kusatsu Station, is Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu. This bustling establishment is gaining attention for its fresh, port-direct seafood that can be savored to your heart's content. For those who wish not just to have a meal, but to create a special, lasting memory, we offer practical tips to fully enjoy Uomaru. Through this column, we provide specific information and strategies to make your next visit richer and more unforgettable.

This place aspires to be more than just an izakaya; it aims to be a venue that offers the 'ultimate dining experience' for every visitor. Amidst the lively atmosphere, our skilled chefs showcase their talents with a variety of exquisite dishes. And with attentive service tailored to each customer, the spirit of 'omotenashi' (Japanese hospitality) is truly alive.

Choosing the Right Restaurant: Your Ideal Dining Experience at Uomaru

Many of you might be thinking, 'I want to eat delicious seafood in Kusatsu,' 'I'm looking for a place for an important business dinner,' or 'I want to make an anniversary special, but I don't know which restaurant is best.'

Choosing a restaurant is a crucial element that shapes the entire experience. By planning and selecting a place based on your purpose and occasion, rather than searching aimlessly, you can avoid disappointment and achieve satisfaction beyond your expectations. At Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu, we strive to meet our customers' diverse needs with not only fresh seafood but also a vibrant space and thoughtful service. Let's explore specific ways to use our restaurant to create the best possible experience for any occasion.

We aim for the time our customers spend with us to be not just a meal, but 'culinary entertainment' that creates excitement and lasting memories. To that end, we make no compromises, from selecting ingredients and cooking methods to the way we serve our customers. Please visit us with peace of mind.

1. Savoring Port-Direct Freshness: How to Choose Your Seafood Dishes

An essential part of the Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu story is our commitment to 'freshness.' Fresh seafood, delivered daily directly from the fishing port, is transformed into exquisite dishes by our skilled chefs, who masterfully bring out the ingredients' natural flavors. Here are some tips on choosing dishes to help even first-time visitors encounter the best flavors of the day.

Discovering the 'Catch of the Day' Woven from the Freshest Ingredients

• Port-Direct Assorted Premium Sashimi: This is a must-try. A luxurious platter of the best seasonal fish of the day, it's truly a treasure chest from the sea. The contents vary by season, but it's our signature dish, showcasing the freshness and the chef's expert eye. The price is 'Market Price (from 2 servings),' allowing you to enjoy different seasonal seafood with each visit.
• Seared Spanish Mackerel Sashimi with an Irresistible Aroma: Fresh Spanish mackerel is carefully seared to concentrate its aroma and umami. The melt-in-your-mouth texture provides an unforgettable sensation. The price starts at '880 yen' and varies depending on the day's catch.
• Salt-Seared Fatty Yellowtail Tataki: Another popular dish is the salt-seared tataki, where only the surface of fresh yellowtail is seared to lock in the flavor. It pairs perfectly with our special ponzu sauce, allowing you to fully enjoy the fish's natural umami. This is available 'from 980 yen.'
• Seasonal Whitebait Dishes: We also recommend our seasonal whitebait (shirasu) dishes. You can enjoy the charm of fresh whitebait in various forms, such as kettle-boiled, salt-cured, or as tempura fritters. Prices start at an accessible '550 yen.'
• Seasonal Appetizer: We offer a 'Seasonal Appetizer (440 yen)' featuring seasonal ingredients to all our guests. This first bite allows you to taste the Japanese seasons and builds anticipation for the meal to come.

A Harmony of Tradition and Creativity Showcased by a Master Chef

In addition to seafood, we offer a wide range of à la carte dishes that highlight the skill of our master chefs. A particular favorite is the 'Fluffy Dashi Rolled Omelet (660 yen),' cooked to order with a gentle, dashi-infused flavor that has won praise from many customers. It's an exquisite dish that many say is hard to find at other izakayas.

When serving our dishes, our staff makes a point to carefully explain the origin of the ingredients and the cooking methods. By listening to these explanations, you can deepen your appreciation for the food and savor every single bite. This is our small way of ensuring you have the best possible dining experience.

2. A Guide to Uomaru for Every Occasion: From Solo Diners to Special Banquets

Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu is designed with versatile spaces and services to accommodate a variety of occasions. From a casual evening for a solo diner to an important business dinner with esteemed guests or a lively banquet, we cater to all needs. Let's envision how to best utilize our venue to make each occasion shine.

A Solo Diner's Luxury at the Lively Counter Seats

The interior is centered around counter seats that surround an open kitchen. This design stems from our desire for even solo diners to feel comfortable and enjoy their meal in a vibrant atmosphere. The cooking process unfolding before your eyes is full of live energy, a true form of 'culinary entertainment.' Combined with the energetic service from our staff, you'll never feel lonely, even when dining alone.

Why not treat yourself at the end of a busy day with a selection from our 'Shiga Local Sake Collection (from 600 yen),' carefully chosen from breweries in Shiga Prefecture, and a few seasonal seafood dishes that suit your mood? A casual chat with the chefs and staff at the counter is another one of the unique pleasures of Uomaru.

Energizing a Small Get-Together with Close Friends

Uomaru is also perfect for small gatherings. In addition to counter seats, table seating is available. Sharing a variety of fresh seafood dishes and chatting over delicious drinks with friends is an invaluable experience. The lively atmosphere of the restaurant naturally sparks conversation and helps strengthen bonds with close companions.

For example, we recommend ordering the 'Port-Direct Assorted Premium Sashimi' for the group to share and enjoy the flavors of the season together. Tasting various types of seafood will keep the culinary conversation flowing. It's the perfect space for a casual and lively time.

Crafting a Memorable Experience for Business Dinners and Anniversaries

With its fresh ingredients, skilled chefs, and attentive service, Uomaru is a place we confidently recommend for entertaining important guests or celebrating special anniversaries. Our detailed explanations of ingredients and cooking methods when serving dishes will serve as the highest form of hospitality for your guests.

Our 'Banquet Courses (from 4,000 yen),' which allow you to fully enjoy fresh seafood, come with an all-you-can-drink option and plans that can be tailored to your budget. The high-quality cuisine and vibrant space facilitate smooth conversation and contribute to creating unforgettable memories. We invite you to spend your special moments with your important ones at Uomaru.

Fostering a Sense of Unity at a Lively Banquet

We can accommodate banquets for both small and large groups, and our vibrant interior creates an atmosphere of unity and excitement. It's perfect for a wide range of occasions, such as a celebration with work colleagues or a large party with friends. The delicious food, drinks, and energetic staff are sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces and liven up the event.

3. Day and Night in Kusatsu: Enjoying Uomaru at Different Times

Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu reveals different facets throughout the day, offering a unique experience at any hour. To enrich your time in Kusatsu, let's explore how to enjoy Uomaru during the day and at night.

Weekends Only! An Exciting Holiday with Daytime Drinking

For those who wish to enjoy delicious drinks and food a little earlier than usual on a holiday afternoon, Uomaru makes it possible. Daytime drinking is available from 1:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The extraordinary feeling of savoring fresh seafood and local Shiga sake in broad daylight will help you forget the fatigue of the week and set the stage for an exciting holiday.

Whether you're visiting Kusatsu for sightseeing or shopping, or simply as a weekend treat, spending time in our lively atmosphere from the afternoon is a special experience. We also recommend stopping by for a light seafood dish and a drink for lunch. Enjoy the charm of Uomaru in a more open and relaxed atmosphere than at night.

Dinner Time Transforms into a Bustling, Authentic Seafood Izakaya

From evening into the night, we transition into a full-fledged dinner service. Our prime location within walking distance of JR Kusatsu Station makes us the perfect spot for a drink after work or for meeting up with friends. It's a place where you can relieve the day's fatigue and refresh your mind and body with delicious food in a vibrant space.

The lively interior is filled with the smiles and cheerful conversations of our customers. A drink to blow away the day's stress and a moment to fully savor seasonal seafood—Uomaru has the power to turn your evening into an unforgettable one.

The true pleasure of dinner at Uomaru is enjoying the food and drinks to your heart's content without worrying about the time, ending your day on the highest note.

4. Preparations and Services for a Worry-Free Visit

To make your time at Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu even more comfortable and smooth, here is some useful information and services to know in advance. Being prepared will make your experience on the day even more fulfilling.

Make a Smart Arrival with a Reservation

We highly recommend making a reservation in advance, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend or holiday, or with a large group. Our lively restaurant is often bustling with customers, so a reservation ensures we can guide you smoothly to your table without any waiting.

• Phone Number: Please feel free to call us at 077-567-7771. We will be happy to make the best arrangements based on your desired date, time, number of people, and occasion.
• Advance Preparation: If you inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book, we can provide smoother service.

A reservation is especially essential for important occasions like business dinners or anniversaries. We will do our utmost to support you in creating the best possible experience.

Settle Your Bill Smartly with Various Payment Options

To ensure a stress-free payment process, we accept a variety of payment methods.

• Various Credit Cards: We accept major credit cards.
• E-money: We support various forms of e-money, including transportation IC cards.
• QR Code Payments: Smartphone-based QR code payments are also available.

This is very convenient when you don't have cash on hand or wish to pay smartly. This allows you to enjoy a pleasant experience right up to the end of your meal.

Deepen Your Culinary World with Local Shiga Sake

The perfect pairing for seafood is the local sake that Shiga Prefecture is proud of. At Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu, we have a rich selection of local sake from breweries within Shiga, including seasonal limited editions.

• Shiga Local Sake Selection: Our local sake, available 'from 600 yen,' comes in various types, from dry to sweet. You can choose according to your preference or enjoy pairing it with your dishes.
• Staff Recommendations: If you're unsure which sake to choose, please don't hesitate to ask our staff. We will be happy to recommend one that suits the day's dishes and your personal taste.

We invite you to experience the harmony created by fresh seafood and fine local sake.

A Checklist to Maximize Your Uomaru Experience

Since you're taking the time to visit Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu, we want you to have the best experience possible. Here is a checklist of preparations and points to keep in mind when you visit.

1. Clarify Your Purpose: Imagine the best way to use the restaurant based on your purpose, whether it's for a business dinner, an anniversary, a gathering with friends, or a solo visit.
2. Choose a Time That Suits the Occasion: Plan whether you want to enjoy the open atmosphere of weekend daytime drinking (from 1:00 PM) or the vibrant energy of dinnertime.
3. Book Early Once Your Group Size is Finalized: Especially for weekends or large groups, a phone reservation (077-567-7771) is key to being seated smoothly.
4. Check Instagram for the Latest Info: Check our Instagram for the day's catch and seasonal recommendations to make even better choices when you order.
5. Listen to the Staff's Explanations: Hearing about the ingredients and cooking methods will deepen your appreciation for the food. Be sure to ask for recommendations on pairing with local sake.
6. Be Prepared with Payment Options: We accept various credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments. Be ready to settle your bill smartly with your most convenient method.

By keeping these points in mind, along with our excellent accessibility within walking distance of JR Kusatsu Station, you are sure to enjoy your time at Uomaru with less stress and more satisfaction.

Conclusion: Your Culinary Story Begins at Uomaru in Kusatsu

Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu is not just a seafood izakaya. It is a vibrant 'culinary theater' woven together by fresh, port-direct seafood, the skills of master chefs who bring out its best qualities, and the energetic, warm service of our staff.

From the ease of a casual solo visit to elegant business dinners, special anniversaries, and lively banquets with friends and colleagues, we provide an experience that will exceed your expectations in every scene. Our weekend-only daytime drinking offers a new way to spend your holidays, adding a splash of color to your daily life.

We hope this column has been helpful in planning your visit to Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu. Fresh seafood, delicious local sake, and the biggest smiles await you. We invite you to come and spend a wonderful, memorable time in this space overflowing with energy and flavor.

We at Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu will continue to provide the finest seafood and service for the smile of each and every one of our customers. We sincerely look forward to your visit.