Written from behind the counter

An Exciting Seafood Experience in Kusatsu. A Superb Time Woven from the Freshest Bounties of the Sea

Located in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, just a short walk from JR Kusatsu Station, Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch is a seafood izakaya that welcomes you with the freshest catches from the sea and a vibrant atmosphere. We strive to be more than just a delicious restaurant; we aim to be a special place where new discoveries and excitement await you with every visit. This article takes a deep dive from a customer's perspective, offering tips to make the most of your time at Uomaru Kusatsu. Please use it as a reference not only for your everyday dining but also when choosing a restaurant for a special occasion.

For those in Kusatsu thinking, I want to eat truly delicious seafood, or I want to have a great time in a lively place, Uomaru Kusatsu is sure to meet your expectations. We take incredibly fresh seafood, delivered daily directly from fishing ports, and elevate it into the finest dishes with the masterful skill of our seasoned chefs. Moreover, our interior, centered around a counter that wraps around an open kitchen, is filled with the energetic voices of our staff and the smiles of our customers, creating a charmingly bustling atmosphere. Whether you're stopping by alone, enjoying a dinner with someone special, or celebrating at a banquet, you can savor our seafood cuisine to your heart's content in any setting.

• For those searching for fresh seafood dishes in Kusatsu
• For those who love the atmosphere of a lively izakaya
• For those considering a wide range of uses, from solo dining to banquets
• For those who want to enjoy delicious food paired with local Shiga sake

Solving the Seafood Izakaya Dilemma! Uomaru's Promise of Freshness and Satisfaction

Have you ever felt this way? I want to go to a good seafood izakaya in Kusatsu, but I'm not sure which one to choose. What if I go with high expectations and the fish isn't as fresh as I thought? I want to have a special experience that will stick in my memory. — Amidst a sea of seafood izakayas, finding one that is truly satisfying can be quite a challenge. The balance of price and quality, the restaurant's ambiance, the level of service, and above all, the commitment to freshness. Finding a place that ticks all these boxes can be a difficult task, even for a connoisseur.

Especially when life is busy, no one wants to regret a long-awaited dining opportunity. We sincerely address these underlying concerns and anxieties our customers may have, and we aim to provide the best solution. Uomaru Kusatsu's mission is not just to serve food, but to deliver a joy of eating that exceeds each customer's expectations. In the next section, we'll introduce the concrete ways we fulfill this promise. We hope it will help you plan your next dinner or banquet.

• To meet the expectation of wanting to eat truly fresh seafood
• To help you make a fail-proof restaurant choice for various occasions
• To provide a memorable time that is not just a meal, but an experience

Achieve a Memorable Seafood Experience at Uomaru Kusatsu

Here, we introduce how Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch solves your seafood izakaya selection challenges and provides an unforgettable dining experience. We'll present our strengths and the value we offer as concrete solutions. This section is packed with useful information for everyone, from first-time visitors to regular patrons.

1. Direct from the Port! Savor Seafood Dishes with the Ultimate Freshness, Delivered Daily

Our greatest commitment is, without a doubt, freshness. The fresh seafood we procure directly from fishing ports every day forms the foundation of our cuisine at Uomaru Kusatsu. We make no compromises to deliver seasonal fish, selected by a discerning eye, to your table in its prime condition. You can taste the very blessing of the sea, an experience not often found at a typical izakaya.

• Port-Direct Assortment of Select Sashimi: A Luxurious Taste of Seasonal Seafood

  Our skilled chefs carefully prepare the best seasonal fish of the day. This sashimi platter, arranged like a treasure chest, is not only beautiful to look at but is also characterized by the rich aroma and umami of the sea that spreads in your mouth the moment you taste it. It is available from 2 servings at market price, allowing you to enjoy the best ingredients of the day. When you visit, be sure to ask our staff for the day's recommendation. Fresh seafood is delivered directly from specific fishing ports several times a week.

• Lightly Seared Spanish Mackerel Sashimi: A Harmony of Fragrance and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture

  This exquisite dish features fresh Spanish mackerel lightly seared on the surface to concentrate its umami. The fragrance brought out by searing and the melting texture of the fish create a perfect harmony. Available from 880 yen per plate, it pairs exceptionally well with Japanese sake. Furthermore, when serving the dish, our staff will carefully explain the origin of the fish and the cooking method, allowing you to enjoy it even more.

• Salt-Seared Yellowtail Tataki: A Gem of a Dish Sealing in Umami

  We take fresh, fatty yellowtail and sear just the surface to lock in its delicious flavor. Served with our special ponzu sauce for a refreshing taste, you can fully enjoy the rich umami inherent to the yellowtail. Available from 980 yen, this is a dish that lets you thoroughly savor the deliciousness of seasonal yellowtail.

2. Exquisite Dishes Showcasing Masterful Skill and a Wide Range of Seafood, from Classic to Creative

It is the reliable skill of our chefs that brings out the best in fresh ingredients. At Uomaru Kusatsu, our highly experienced chefs use delicate cooking methods to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients, offering exquisite dishes that will captivate you. Look forward to not only classic seafood dishes but also our seasonal creative cuisine.

• Fluffy Dashi-Maki Tamago: Our Famous Dish with a Gentle Flavor

  This dashi-maki tamago (Japanese rolled omelet) has earned high praise from our customers, who say, You can't find this at other izakayas. Each one is carefully cooked to order, so you can always enjoy its freshly made, fluffy texture. Its gentle, dashi-infused flavor is popular with all ages, from children to adults, and is available for 660 yen per plate. We highly recommend this heartwarming and comforting dish.

• Seasonal Shirasu Dishes: A Delight for Every Season

  Our dishes using fresh shirasu (whitebait), which change with the seasons, offer a taste unique to that time of year. We present the deliciousness of shirasu in various forms, such as kama-age (freshly boiled), oki-zuke (soy-marinated), and kaki-age (tempura fritter). Available from 550 yen, these dishes let you experience the changing seasons with your eyes and palate. Limited-time menu items featuring seasonal ingredients may appear, with about 2-3 new varieties introduced each month.

• Creative Seafood Dishes Beyond the Classics

  In addition to standard seafood fare like sashimi and grilled fish, Uomaru Kusatsu also offers a wide array of creative dishes that showcase our chefs' ingenuity. By presenting fresh seafood from a new perspective, we deliver surprise and delight to our customers. If you're unsure what to order, don't hesitate to ask our staff for recommendations.

3. A Vibrant Open Kitchen and Welcoming Hospitality

The charm of Uomaru Kusatsu extends beyond its cuisine. The interior is centered around a counter that surrounds an open kitchen, allowing you to watch the cooking process up close while tantalizing aromas fill the air. Combined with the energetic service from our staff, the restaurant is always brimming with life. This very liveliness is what creates the unique and special atmosphere of Uomaru Kusatsu.

• A Sense of Unity Created by the Open Kitchen

  When you sit at the counter, you can enjoy watching our chefs skillfully handle fish and prepare dishes right before your eyes. It's a live performance-like experience where you can savor the food with all your senses. The sounds and smells of cooking stimulate your appetite and build anticipation for your meal.

• Heartwarming Hospitality from Our Energetic Staff

  We often receive feedback from customers that the staff is very energetic and attentive. When serving dishes, we take care to explain the ingredients and cooking methods, ensuring that our customers can fully enjoy their meal. For example, we promise a comfortable experience with meticulous service, such as noticing and clearing empty plates promptly.

• The Comfort of a Lively Atmosphere

  The restaurant is always bustling with a cheerful energy, sparking lively conversations among customers. This vibrant atmosphere creates a welcoming environment where even first-time visitors can easily feel at home. Whether you're dining alone, enjoying a small get-together with friends, or having dinner with family, you'll find it a comfortable place for any occasion. On weekend evenings, an average of about 15 groups of customers enjoy food and conversation at our counter seats.

4. Discover Superb Pairings of Local Shiga Sake and Seafood

The perfect complement to enhance the deliciousness of fresh seafood is a carefully selected alcoholic beverage. At Uomaru Kusatsu, we offer a rich selection of local sake, carefully chosen from breweries within Shiga Prefecture, and we propose exquisite pairings with our seafood.

• A Selection of Local Shiga Sake: A Taste of the Land's Bounty

  Born from the rich water and rice of Omi, the local sake of Shiga shines with a character unique to the region. We offer a wide lineup, from fruity and easy-to-drink varieties to crisp, deep-flavored ones. You can choose according to your preference, with prices starting from 600 yen per glass. We also have rare, seasonal sakes, so please ask our staff for recommendations. We always stock over 5 varieties of local Shiga sake, updating our selection with the seasons.

• Choosing Sake to Enjoy Pairings with Food

  A crisp, dry junmai sake for fatty sashimi, or a junmai ginjo with a robust rice umami for fragrant seared dishes. By choosing the perfect sake for each dish, their flavors are amplified many times over. Our staff will be happy to recommend the best pairing based on your preferences, so even those new to sake can feel at ease.

• A Wide Variety of Alcoholic Beverages

  In addition to sake, we also offer a wide range of alcoholic drinks, including beer, shochu, sours, and highballs. Our drink menu is designed to pair well with our seafood dishes, adding color to your enjoyable time with us.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion! The Flexible Dining Styles of Uomaru Kusatsu

Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch offers flexible dining styles to meet the diverse needs of our customers. From a solo drop-in to a large party, you can use our restaurant with confidence.

• For Solo Diners, Small Groups, Dinners, and Dates

  The counter seats surrounding the open kitchen are perfect for when you want to enjoy a meal leisurely on your own. You can savor your personal time while watching the chefs' skillful work. It's also ideal for a small gathering with friends or a casual, relaxed date. Enjoy delicious seafood and conversation in a lively atmosphere.

• For Business Entertaining, Anniversaries, and Special Dinners

  Our fresh, port-direct seafood is a fitting choice for entertaining important clients for business or for an anniversary dinner. The exquisite dishes prepared by our master chefs and our attentive service will make your special occasion even more memorable. Party courses are available from 4,000 yen, with all-you-can-drink plans also on offer, so you can choose according to your needs.

• For Family Meals and Weekend Day Drinking

  Our lively restaurant is also recommended for family meals. Spend a joyful time together, gathered around delicious seafood. Additionally, at Uomaru Kusatsu, daytime drinking is available from 1:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. You can relax and enjoy fresh seafood and fine sake during the day on your time off. Use it for a slightly more luxurious lunch or as a daytime banquet to enrich your holiday.

• Accommodating Large Parties

  We also accept reservations for large parties such as farewell parties and year-end/New Year gatherings. Our party courses, which allow you to fully enjoy fresh seafood, are sure to satisfy everyone. Booking in advance ensures smooth service. We also accept various credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments for convenient and smart checkout.

Practical Steps to Experience Uomaru Kusatsu

To have the best seafood experience at Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch, here are the concrete steps to follow until your visit and some tips to enhance your enjoyment. Please use these as a guide to spend a special time at Uomaru Kusatsu.

1. First, We Recommend Making a Reservation

   We especially recommend making a reservation in advance if you are planning to visit on a weekend or holiday, or with a large group. Popular seats and times can fill up quickly, so please contact us early. You can make a reservation by phone at 077-567-7771. Letting us know the number of people and the occasion (e.g., date, banquet) when you book will help us serve you more smoothly. About 60% of our customers make reservations before visiting.

2. Access: Within Walking Distance of JR Kusatsu Station

   We are located within walking distance of JR Kusatsu Station, offering excellent access. It's a convenient location to stop by after work or during a sightseeing trip. With the station nearby, you can enjoy your drinks without worrying about your journey home.

3. Tips for Choosing from the Menu

   • For First-Timers: We highly recommend starting with the Port-Direct Assortment of Select Sashimi. It's an exquisite dish that lets you taste the best of the day's freshness and our chefs' skill all at once. In addition, you can't miss our famous Fluffy Dashi-Maki Tamago.
   • For Connoisseurs: Seasonal Shirasu Dishes and limited-edition local Shiga sake offer new discoveries with every visit. Be sure to ask our staff for recommendations. You might even find an off-menu special!
   • For Sharing with a Group: Our Party Courses are structured to let you fully enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes. With all-you-can-drink plans available, they are perfect for large groups.

4. Choosing Your Seat: The Live Vibe at the Counter, or a Relaxing Table

   • Counter Seats: Recommended for those who want to feel the energy of the open kitchen up close, for solo diners, or for couples enjoying a conversation. You can watch the chefs at work and enjoy freshly prepared dishes immediately.
   • Table Seats: Recommended for gatherings with friends, family meals, or business dinners where you want to enjoy a relaxed conversation. Gather around delicious food in a more settled space.

5. How to Get the Best Value: Utilize Day Drinking and Party Courses

   • Weekend & Holiday Day Drinking: We open from 1:00 PM, making it a great option for those who want to spend a slightly luxurious time during the day on their holiday. It's relatively less crowded in the early hours, allowing you to enjoy your food and drinks at a leisurely pace.
   • Party Courses: For large parties or when you want to stick to a budget, the all-you-can-drink party courses are a great value. They offer a well-balanced selection of fresh seafood dishes, giving the organizer peace of mind.

A Special Time at Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu, Brightening the Dining Scene in Kusatsu

Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch is not just another seafood izakaya. It is a place where the ultimate freshness direct from the port, exquisite dishes showcasing the skill of master chefs, and above all, the heartfelt hospitality provided by our staff in a vibrant atmosphere all come together to create an unforgettable dining experience for every visitor.

From the simple desire to eat delicious seafood to the wish to spend a special time with a loved one, Uomaru Kusatsu is a place that can meet your various needs. It performs at its best in every situation, whether you're dropping by casually on your own, having a lively gathering with friends, enjoying a dinner with someone important, or holding a large banquet.

Its convenient location, within walking distance of JR Kusatsu Station, is another reason it's easy to visit. On weekends, you can even enjoy day drinking from 1:00 PM, allowing you to savor fresh seafood and local Shiga sake to your heart's content from the afternoon. We also accept various credit cards and e-money, ensuring a smooth and smart payment process.

Please come and visit Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu Branch to experience the charm of seafood with all your senses and our heartwarming hospitality. We sincerely look forward to your visit. Let Uomaru Kusatsu color your Kusatsu nights—and days—with the best seafood experience.