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Written from behind the counter

Why the iron plate makes a difference to bonito. How to read a sake list without reading all sixteen labels. What actually changes when fish comes straight from the port. These are the things we get asked across the counter, written down. Where we are not sure, we say so.

Three subjects, roughly. First, the fish: what actually changes when it comes straight from Tsuruga or Tosa-Saga instead of through a market, and why that shows up in sashimi before anything else. Second, the fire: the iron plate comes up hot and fast, which is why the surface of a bonito chars while the inside stays raw — and why we salt it rather than dress it. Third, the sake: sixteen labels is too many to read standing up, so we write about how to narrow it down by what you are eating rather than by the name on the bottle. These are the questions we actually get asked across the counter, written down afterwards. Where we are not sure, we say we are not sure.

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Savoring Fresh Seafood and a Lively Atmosphere in Kusatsu: The Charm of Uomaru

For the Ultimate Seafood Experience in Kusatsu: Welcome to the Lively 'Sakaba Stand Uomaru'

If you're thinking, I want to eat delicious fish tonight, or I want to relax in a fun, lively restaurant, then Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch, located within walking distance of JR Kusatsu Station, will meet your expectations. With fresh seafood delivered daily from the fishing port and a variety of exquisite dishes crafted by skilled chefs, you'll be warmly welcomed by the energetic voices of our staff. Once you visit, we're sure you'll feel, I want to come back again.

Whether you're looking for a place to make a special night in Kusatsu even more memorable, want to spend a fun time with friends, or wish to savor delicious food and drinks by yourself, we introduce the charm of Uomaru and the best ways to enjoy it, fitting for any scene.

  • Conveniently located near JR Kusatsu Station, making it easy for groups to meet up and head home.
  • Counter seats surrounding the open kitchen offer a special, immersive experience with a live feel.
  • From a quick drink to a full-fledged banquet, we can accommodate a wide range of customer needs.

Solving 'Where Should We Go Tonight?' with an Array of Seafood Experiences

Among the many restaurants, finding a truly delicious one can be quite a challenge. This is especially true when it comes to seafood, where freshness is everything. At Uomaru, fish caught that very morning is delivered directly from the port, ensuring we always welcome our customers with the highest freshness and quality.

Exquisite Dishes that Showcase Port-Direct Freshness

The essence of our restaurant is, without a doubt, the fresh seafood delivered directly from the fishing port. Our Port-Direct Assorted Premium Sashimi is a luxurious platter of seasonal fish selected by a discerning eye, allowing you to fully enjoy the best of the day's catch. It's not just beautiful to look at; the rich, natural flavor of the fish and its melt-in-your-mouth texture are truly moving. The contents change daily depending on the catch, so there's always something new to discover with each visit.

Additionally, our fragrant Seared Spanish Mackerel Sashimi, starting from 880 yen, stimulates the appetite with its concentrated umami and aromatic scent. The Salt-Seared Yellowtail Tataki, where only the surface of fresh yellowtail is seared to lock in the flavor, is available from 980 yen and pairs exceptionally well with our special ponzu sauce. These dishes, showcasing both freshness and craftsmanship, are signature plates we highly recommend you try.

From Classics to Creative Dishes: A Menu That Never Gets Old

The true pleasure of seafood lies in its diversity. At Uomaru, we offer not only classic sashimi and tataki but also izakaya staples that you won't find elsewhere. A dish highly praised by our customers as something you can't easily find at other izakayas is our Fluffy Dashi-Maki Tamago (rolled omelet), which is carefully cooked to order. Its gentle, dashi-infused flavor is a heartwarming delight, and it's very reasonably priced at 660 yen.

Furthermore, our creative dishes featuring seasonal ingredients are another highlight. For example, our seasonal Shirasu (whitebait) Dishes, starting from 550 yen, allow you to enjoy the flavors of the season through various preparations like kamaage (pot-boiled), okizuke (soy-marinated), and kakiage (tempura). You can encounter different seasonal tastes with every visit, which is why we take pride in a lineup that never gets old and makes you want to come back again and again.

A Vibrant and Warm Experience for All Senses: A Comfortable Space and Welcoming Service

Beyond delicious food, the restaurant's atmosphere and staff service are crucial elements that greatly influence dining satisfaction. Uomaru provides a comfortable time for each and every customer through its lively space and attentive hospitality.

From Solo Diners to Large Parties: Catering to Every Occasion

The interior is centered around counter seats that surround an open kitchen, allowing you to watch the chefs at work up close. When your food is served, you'll hear detailed explanations about the ingredients and cooking methods. This live atmosphere provides a special experience that won't leave you bored, even if you're dining alone. In fact, the space is so comfortable that some customers feel they will become regulars.

We accommodate various occasions, from small get-togethers and dates with a special friend to casual business dinners with colleagues and large-scale banquets. The energetic service from our staff further enhances the lively atmosphere of the entire restaurant, and their attention to detail, such as clearing plates at the right moment, is impeccable. Many customers have left high praise, with one reviewer ('User A') stating, Everything was great, including the food and the restaurant's atmosphere, and another saying, The staff were very energetic and considerate, promptly clearing our plates after we finished eating.

The Charm of 'Daytime Drinking': Enjoy from Noon on Weekends

For those who want to enjoy delicious drinks and food from the afternoon on weekends, Uomaru is the perfect choice. We are open from 1:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, making it perfect for daytime drinking. Indulging in fresh seafood and local Shiga sake during the bright hours of a holiday is a luxurious moment that can soothe daily fatigue and fill your heart. We also recommend a late lunch that doubles as a daytime drinking session. You can enrich the start of your day in a different, more open atmosphere than our dinner service.

Enhancing the Cuisine: Shiga's Local Sake and Thoughtful Service

Delicious seafood is incomplete without the right drink to accompany it. At Uomaru, we place special emphasis on local sake from Shiga to further enhance the flavors of our dishes. An encounter with fine sake, nurtured by the local climate of Shiga, will surely deepen your culinary experience.

A Selection of Local Sake Nurtured by Shiga's Climate

We offer a rich selection of local sake carefully chosen from breweries within Shiga Prefecture. From rare seasonal brews to classic brands, you can choose from a wide lineup to suit your preferences. Our Shiga local sake selection starts from 600 yen, with various flavors of sake creating a perfect marriage with seasonal seafood. If you're unsure which one to choose, please don't hesitate to ask our staff. We will recommend the perfect one based on the day's dishes and your taste.

Moreover, when serving your food, we do more than just place the dish on your table; we make it a point to carefully explain the origin of the ingredients, the cooking methods, and the best way to enjoy it. This thoughtful gesture allows you to savor each dish to the fullest while appreciating the story and passion behind it. We promise a rich experience, almost like taking a culinary journey.

A Guide to Enjoying Uomaru Even More

Here are a few tips to ensure that even first-time visitors can smoothly and fully enjoy the charm of Uomaru.

For a Smooth Experience, We Recommend Making a Reservation

Our lively restaurant can get very busy, especially on weekends and during peak hours. To secure your seats and enjoy your meal without a wait, we recommend making a reservation by phone in advance. We also cater to parties of all sizes, from small groups to large banquets, and are happy to discuss party course options. A single phone call is all it takes for us to propose a plan that meets your needs.

  1. First, call to check for availability: Feel free to contact us at 077-567-7771.
  2. For parties, please let us know the number of people and your budget: Banquet courses are available from 4,000 yen.
  3. Book early, especially for weekends and holidays: This makes it easier to secure your preferred seats and time.

Convenient Access! Just a Short Walk from JR Kusatsu Station

Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch is extremely easy to access from JR Kusatsu Station. Located at 1-11-14 Oji, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, it's within walking distance from the station. It's a convenient stop after work or an outing, and even first-time visitors will find it easily.

Smart Payments: A Variety of Payment Methods

To ensure a smooth checkout after your meal, we accept a variety of payment methods. In addition to major credit cards, we also accept electronic money and QR code payments. You can enjoy your meal with peace of mind even without cash, so please feel free to use these options.

  • We accept major credit cards.
  • Electronic money (such as transit IC cards) can be used.
  • QR code payments (like PayPay) are also conveniently available.

Create Wonderful Culinary Memories in Kusatsu at 'Sakaba Stand Uomaru'

Fresh seafood, the reliable skill of our chefs, and energetic service that invigorates our customers. All these elements come together at Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch to transform your dining time in Kusatsu into something special. From a place I want to go to my usual spot. We invite you to open our door and experience a memorable seafood adventure. Our entire staff eagerly awaits your visit.

Reserve

Reading is one thing; the fire is another

The iron plate is hot from the moment we open — 17:00 on weekdays, 13:00 at weekends and on public holidays and on public holidays, 15:00 on the second Sunday of the month. Two minutes from the east exit of JR Kusatsu Station.

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