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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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A Seafood Experience to Celebrate a Special Day in Kusatsu

How to Choose the Perfect Spot for Your Special Day in Kusatsu

For those who wish to turn special occasions like business dinners or anniversaries into the best, most unforgettable memories, choosing the right restaurant is crucial.

Delicious food, a great atmosphere, and warm service—when all these elements come together, a truly memorable moment is created.

  • Will my guests truly be pleased with this place?
  • I'm worried if the atmosphere is appropriate for the time, place, and occasion...
  • I want an experience where the food helps the conversation flow more freely.

For everyone facing these concerns, we would like to introduce how our seafood izakaya, Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch, located within walking distance of JR Kusatsu Station, can brighten your special day and deliver an unforgettable experience.

Exquisite Seafood Cuisine Crafted from Port-Direct Freshness and Expert Skill

What we pride ourselves on most is the carefully selected fresh seafood delivered directly from the fishing port daily, and the proven techniques of our skilled chefs who bring out the maximum flavor of the ingredients.

  • Our spectacular 'Assorted Sashimi Platter, Fresh from the Port' is our signature dish, a luxurious arrangement of the day's best seasonal fish. Its freshness and beautiful presentation will adorn your table. This is available from 2 servings at market price, allowing you to enjoy the most delicious fish of the season.
  • The fragrant 'Seared Spanish Mackerel Sashimi' is delicately seared to concentrate its umami. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture will surely enrich conversations with your special someone. Prices start from ¥880.
  • A classic yet immensely popular dish, our 'Fluffy Dashi-Maki Tamago' (Japanese Rolled Omelette) is made to order, carefully cooked one by one for a gentle, dashi-infused flavor. Its fluffy texture and deep taste deliver an experience worth more than its ¥660 price tag.

We've received feedback from customers like, Everything was great, including the food and the restaurant's atmosphere. The seafood was fresh, and I especially liked the dashi-maki tamago and potato salad. The tamago was so fluffy, something I don't think you can easily find at other izakayas. Our masterpieces, woven from fresh ingredients and culinary skill, are sure to impress your palate.

A Lively Open Kitchen Creates a Pleasant Sense of Unity

The interior of Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch centers around counter seats surrounding an open kitchen, allowing you to experience the excitement of cooking up close. Combined with the energetic service from our staff, the restaurant is always brimming with vitality.

This lively space is perfect for casual business entertainment that isn't too formal, or for boisterous anniversary celebrations with friends and family. The moderate buzz naturally encourages conversation and creates a pleasant sense of togetherness.

  • When serving dishes, our staff strives to carefully explain the origin of the ingredients and the cooking methods. This allows you to not just 'eat,' but to deepen your understanding of the food, making for special moments filled with lively conversation.
  • We've received comments from customers such as, The lively, bustling atmosphere of the restaurant was very comfortable. I think I'll be coming here often. These words are a testament to the fact that our atmosphere leaves a lasting impression, providing an experience that makes customers want to return.
  • We welcome solo diners, small get-togethers, and large parties for various occasions. Our banquet courses, starting from ¥4,000, are particularly well-suited for all types of parties, offering a full lineup of fresh seafood dishes.

Memories Deepened by Attentive Hospitality and Local Shiga Sake

To make an important business dinner or anniversary a success, 'omotenashi' (hospitality) is just as crucial as the deliciousness of the food. At our restaurant, we are dedicated to providing meticulous service tailored to each and every customer.

  • Comments like, The staff were very energetic, and their consideration was excellent, clearing our plates promptly after we finished eating, reflect a part of the hospitality we aim for. We are thorough in our attentiveness so that customers can enjoy their food and conversation to the fullest.
  • Enhancing the cuisine is our extensive drink menu, especially our 'Shiga Local Sake Selection.' We offer a wide variety of carefully selected local sake from breweries within Shiga Prefecture, with prices starting from ¥600. The pairing with seasonal seafood creates a truly exceptional taste and adds sparkle to your conversation.
  • The combination of food, sake, and pleasant service comes together to deliver a special time that will be deeply etched in your memory.

Our seasonal Shirasu (Whitebait) Dishes (from ¥550) and Seasonal Otoshi (appetizer, ¥440) also offer new discoveries and delights with each visit, making it one of the reasons customers want to come back again and again.

3 Steps to Make Your Important Day an Unforgettable Memory

Here are the concrete steps to make your special day the best memory at Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch. We will guide you smoothly from reservation to your visit.

Please refer to the following procedure as a guide when making your plans.

  1. Step 1: Clarify the Occasion and Number of Guests

    First, please clarify the purpose of your visit (e.g., a casual business dinner, birthday, promotion celebration, reunion with old friends) and the number of people in your party. Our lively atmosphere is particularly suitable for vibrant celebrations with close ones or relaxed business entertainment.

  2. Step 2: Consider Your Food and Drinks, and Book in Advance

    Please consider the main dishes from our menu. We recommend centering your meal around the day's fresh seasonal fish, such as the 'Assorted Sashimi Platter, Fresh from the Port' or 'Seared Spanish Mackerel Sashimi,' and adding favorites like the 'Fluffy Dashi-Maki Tamago' or 'Salt-Seared Yellowtail Tataki.' For larger groups, our banquet courses starting from ¥4,000 are popular as they allow you to enjoy a full seafood experience without any hassle.

    • We also have an extensive 'Shiga Local Sake Selection' to pair with your dishes, so you can choose your favorite bottle.
    • Although we are conveniently located within walking distance of JR Kusatsu Station, we highly recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure smooth seating. We expect to be busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
    • To make a reservation, please call us at (077-567-7771) and provide your desired date and time, number of guests, and the purpose of your visit. We also share information on our Instagram (@uomarustand), so please check it out.
  3. Step 3: Enjoy Your Visit and Make Requests to Our Staff

    On the day of your visit, please enjoy the vibrant atmosphere unique to our open kitchen and the seafood cuisine crafted by our skilled chefs to your heart's content. On Saturdays and Sundays, we are open for daytime drinking from 1:00 PM, making us a great choice for daytime gatherings.

    • When we serve your dishes, our staff will carefully explain the ingredients and cooking methods, so please listen in. You might discover something new.
    • If you are celebrating a special occasion, please let us know when you book, and we will do our best to assist you wholeheartedly. Our entire staff will strive to make your important day a wonderful, smile-filled time.
    • Please be assured that we accept various credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments for your bill.

Experience Unforgettable Culinary Delights in Kusatsu

Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch, conveniently located within walking distance of JR Kusatsu Station, is a place that transforms our customers' important days into special ones through fresh seafood direct from the port, masterful culinary skills, a vibrant atmosphere, and heartfelt hospitality.

We believe our aspiration 'to enrich Kusatsu's dining scene with a vibrant space and be an izakaya where everyone, from solo diners to large parties, can casually enjoy themselves' leads to our customers saying, 'I'm glad I came.'

  • For conversations with your loved ones.
  • For a drink to soothe your daily fatigue.
  • For a special, memorable anniversary.

Please come and experience the fine food and lively atmosphere of Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch for yourself. Our entire staff sincerely looks forward to 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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