Reserve

Robata & sake in Yasu — Robata & Sake Uomaru Yasu

SeafoodRobataStraw-grilledBonitoOmi beefSakeLocal sakePrivate hirePrivate roomsBanquets

Our story

Counter seats with a pale wood countertop and wooden stools along a deep green tiled wall at Uomaru Yasu Shrimp cream spring rolls Potato salad with salmon roe Table seats and counter seats laid out on a single floor inside Uomaru Yasu

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 Yasu.

03

Seafood & Sashimi

Fresh fish shipped straight from the port, finished into sashimi by skilled hands. Enjoy the seafood of Yasu 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 Yasu.

05

Private Rooms & Banquets

Relaxing private rooms, banquet courses with free-flow drinks, and full-venue bookings on request. Steps from Yasu Station — ideal for company parties and gatherings.

How to enjoy Robata

Robata Story

01

A 45 seat room puts you near the fire

Thirteen counter seats, twelve table seats, eight in the private room and twelve on the terrace: 45 in all. In a room this size, the flames and the crackle of the straw reach every seat.

02

Nothing added, just the ingredient

The finished surface carries the smoke of burning straw. Leave the first slice unseasoned and taste the natural sweetness underneath.

03

In winter, cold yellowtail with salt and citrus

Later in the plate, shift with condiments, rock salt and citrus. Winter brings kanburi yellowtail, whose fat loosens and lightens against salt and citrus.

04

A cigarette and a cup, out to the terrace

Every seat, including the twelve on the terrace, allows smoking. Our staff suggest Shiga sake, dry through sweet, to match your sashimi or straw-grilled dish.

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

¥5,000 (tax incl.)

10 dishes

Omi Duck Charcoal-Grill Course

¥6,000 (tax incl.)

10 dishes

Omi Beef Charcoal-Grill

¥7,000 (tax incl.)

7 dishes

Omi Beef Luxury Sukiyaki

¥10,000 (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.

Yasu

Yasu izakaya Yasu seafood Yasu sake Robatayaki Yasu Omi beef robata Near Yasu Station Private room izakaya Yasu private hire Banquets

See FAQ on private hire, seating and access

Scenes

Dates & anniversaries

A calm Japanese space and private rooms for a special evening. Pair fresh sashimi with local Shiga sake in the heart of Yasu.

Business dining

Private rooms near Yasu Station for relaxed business dining. Straw-grilled Omi beef and carefully selected sake leave a strong impression.

Banquets & groups

Nine banquet courses with 2 hours of free-flow drinks from ¥4,500 (tax incl.), plus private rooms and full-venue options for company parties in Yasu.

After sightseeing

After a walk around Mt. Mikami or the shores of Lake Biwa. Open daily from 17:00 until 24:00 (L.O. food 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.

Family & sightseeing

Family-friendly with a variety of dishes, near Yasu Station and Lake Biwa — a perfect stop while out around the Konan area of Shiga.

Column

See all columns

The Secret to Perfect Wine Pairing at Our Cafe

Discovering the Joy of Wine in a Cafe

Wine at a cafe? You might be surprised. But here, we offer more than just coffee; we provide a sophisticated wine pairing experience to elevate your meal. We aspire to blend the cozy comfort of a cafe with the authentic wine mariage you'd expect at a fine dining restaurant, adding a special sparkle to your everyday life.

Wine pairing is more than just combining wine and food. It's an art form that maximizes the best qualities of each, leading to new culinary discoveries and creating an experience that resonates with all five senses. At our cafe, you can enjoy wine pairings for a wide range of occasions, from a light glass at lunchtime to a full-course dinner. We invite you to indulge in the harmony created by food and wine in our comfortable space.

  • A relaxed, approachable wine experience unique to our cafe atmosphere.
  • Wine suggestions tailored for any time of day, from lunch and dinner to dessert.
  • A high-quality wine list and pairing options curated by our experienced sommelier.

End Your Wine Selection Worries

I want to drink wine, but I don't know which one to choose. What wine goes with this dish? I don't want to make a mistake, but simply choosing an expensive wine isn't the answer, right? Do these concerns sound familiar? It's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the technical terms on a wine list—grape varieties, regions, vintages—at a supermarket or restaurant, only to end up picking the same old bottle.

The term 'wine pairing' might sound intimidating or seem to require expert knowledge. However, what truly matters isn't complex theory but the pure delight of discovering, This wine goes perfectly with this dish! To help every customer experience that joy, our expert staff are here to assist you. Leave your wine-selection worries to us. We will recommend the perfect bottle to match your preferences, mood, and meal.

An expensive wine is not always the best wine. The best wine is one that complements the food, suits the drinker's taste, and fits the atmosphere of the moment. Our sommelier is dedicated to demystifying the world of wine, making its depth and enjoyment accessible to you. If you're not confident about choosing wine, please don't hesitate to ask. We are fully committed to helping you enjoy your wine discovery journey to the fullest.

Solution 1: Our Cafe's Wine Pairing Philosophy

Enjoyment in Relaxed, Flexible Pairing

Our approach to wine pairing is free from the formality of a fine dining restaurant. We prioritize creating a warm, open cafe space where you can freely enjoy combinations of wine and food to your heart's content. We hope to make wine a more familiar, integrated part of your daily life.

Our wine list features about 50 wines carefully selected by our sommelier from around the world. We offer a diverse selection to cater to all tastes and budgets, without focusing on specific regions or grape varieties. You can enjoy everything from a light rosé from Southern France and a rich red from Italy to a delicate white from Japan. We always have over 10 wines available by the glass, perfect for those who want to sample a variety. Our concept is to provide attainable luxury—high-quality experiences that add a touch of extraordinary joy to your everyday life.

Sommelier-Selected Pairings that Reflect the Season

At our cafe, we offer seasonal pairings selected by our sommelier to complement our limited-time menus, which feature an abundance of seasonal ingredients. For example, we might suggest a fresh white wine reminiscent of new spring greenery, a light red or rosé that evokes the Mediterranean sun in summer, a fruity red in autumn, and a heart-warming, full-bodied wine in winter.

For our lunch and dinner courses, we offer a special pairing course that provides a glass of wine matched to each dish, from appetizer to main and dessert. This allows you to savor the evolving mariage between food and wine with every plate. Experience the changing seasons through wine and taste the unique flavors of the moment.

Solution 2: The Ultimate Wine Pairing Guide for Every Occasion and Dish

Light Pairings for Lunchtime

Our lunchtime is perfect for a refreshing break from a busy day or a casual get-together with friends. Light, easy-to-drink wines are the ideal accompaniment. For instance, a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a Provençal rosé creates a beautiful harmony with our herb chicken and seasonal vegetable sandwich. For our homemade pasta, we recommend a fruit-forward, low-tannin red like an Italian Barbera d'Asti. It's a perfect way to add a touch of luxury to a weekday lunch date.

Our research shows that about 40% of customers who order wine at lunch are seeking a little everyday luxury. To meet this expectation, we offer a wide variety of affordable wines by the glass to help enrich your lunchtime.

Deep, Flavorful Pairings to Elevate Your Dinner

Dinnertime is when our cafe truly shines. Our sommelier has curated a selection of wines to accompany our full-course dinner menus, transforming your evening into something truly special. We offer classic pairings like a Burgundy Chardonnay with our seasonal fish poêlé or a Bordeaux Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon with our domestic beef steak, as well as unique selections to satisfy the adventurous palate.

For important anniversaries, business entertainment, or a special date night, we recommend our private rooms. Here, you can enjoy attentive wine service from our sommelier in a more intimate setting. We are dedicated to creating an unforgettable evening, accommodating requests for surprise presentations or special wines. We also have non-alcoholic sparkling drinks and juices available, ensuring that families with children can enjoy their meal together.

Sweet Wines to Enrich Dessert and Cafe Time

Wine pairing isn't just for savory courses. We also offer sweet and dessert wines to enhance your dessert and cafe time. A rich chocolate cake, for example, pairs wonderfully with Port or a sweet sherry, while a seasonal fruit tart is elevated by a noble rot wine like a German Riesling Auslese, creating a moment of pure bliss as their sweetnesses complement each other.

For a leisurely afternoon, why not try an Afternoon Wine instead of afternoon tea? Enjoying light sparkling or dessert wines with pastries and macarons is another unique way to enjoy our cafe.

Enjoy Pairings with Takeout & Delivery

We also offer wine pairing suggestions for our takeout and delivery services, so you can enjoy the taste of our cafe at home. You can purchase sommelier-selected bottled wines to go with your takeout order at a special discounted price.

For example, we recommend a Merlot-based red wine with our popular special roast beef takeout, or a Spanish Albariño with our seafood ajillo. Enjoy our food and wine for various occasions at home, such as a casual party or a birthday surprise. Our staff will also provide guidance on how to transport and store your wine optimally at home.

Solution 3: When in Doubt, Ask a Pro! Let Our Sommelier Guide You to the Best Experience

The Confidence and Discovery That Expertise Brings

The most reliable and enjoyable way to choose wine is to consult a professional sommelier. At our cafe, we have a sommelier on staff dedicated to maximizing your wine experience. They will recommend the perfect wine based on your preferences, mood, meal, and budget.

Feel free to share any request, no matter how small: I like red wine, but I want something light today, Is there a red wine that goes with fish? or It's our anniversary, so I'd like something special. A sommelier is a professional who can intuitively find the perfect wine through conversation with you. In fact, our data shows that about 70% of our customers consult with our sommelier or staff when choosing wine, which we see as a testament to the trust they place in our expertise and recommendations.

  • Receive tailor-made wine suggestions based on your preferences, budget, and occasion.
  • Deepen your wine knowledge and discover new interests.
  • Avoid choosing the wrong wine and enjoy your meal with confidence.
  • Maximize the synergy with your food for a richer dining experience.

Flexible Suggestions to Match Your Budget and Purpose

Some people may have the impression that wine is expensive. However, we stock wines across a wide price range and can recommend the perfect bottle to fit your budget. Our selection ranges from casual wines in the ¥3,000 range to special bottles over ¥10,000 for anniversaries or business dinners.

For special occasions like a birthday surprise or anniversary, we provide meticulous service to help create lasting memories, such as adding a message to a dessert plate or serving a special wine at just the right moment. We also strive to ensure that guests with children can dine in comfort, offering kids' menus and ensuring space for strollers. We are committed to meeting all our customers' needs and orchestrating the perfect experience.

Wine Pairing for Private Events and Parties

Our cafe can be booked for small gatherings or private parties for up to 50 people. For private events, we can create a special course menu and a corresponding wine pairing plan tailored to your purpose and budget. For example, for a company farewell party, we might focus on approachable, easy-to-drink wines that appeal to a wide range of tastes. For a casual get-together with friends, we could incorporate unique natural wines. We offer flexible arrangements to suit any occasion.

By making a reservation in advance, we can ensure a smooth event by selecting the best wines for your group size and purpose and preparing glasses and decanters. We promise to provide attentive service so that the event organizer can relax and enjoy the party. We invite you to create rich memories with your loved ones, accompanied by great wine, at our cafe.

Practical Steps: 5 Ways to Enjoy Wine Pairing at Our Cafe

Here are some practical approaches to get the most out of your wine pairing experience at our cafe. By following these steps, you can step deeper into a more personal world of wine.

  1. First, Make a Reservation! Tell Us About Your Occasion

    • Letting us know the purpose of your visit—whether it's an anniversary, a date, a business dinner, lunch with friends, or a family meal—helps our sommelier suggest suitable wines and seating.
    • Please also share specific requests at this stage, such as a private room, if you're bringing children, or if you're planning a birthday surprise. Sharing this information in advance allows us to create a seamless and perfect experience.
  2. Take a Close Look at the Menu

    • Review our lunch, dinner course, and à la carte menus and pick out a few dishes that appeal to you. Imagining the ingredients and flavor profiles will give you clues for choosing a wine.
    • If you're ordering for takeout or delivery, try to visualize the dishes in the same way.
  3. Don't Hesitate to Ask Our Sommelier or Staff

    • Once you've decided on your food, feel free to ask, What wine goes well with this dish? or I'm in this kind of mood today, what do you recommend? Sharing your preferences and mood is the first step to finding the perfect pairing.
    • No prior wine knowledge is necessary. Simple phrases like I like something fruity or I'd like a full-bodied red are perfectly fine.
  4. Start with a Pairing Set or Wine by the Glass

    • For those new to wine pairing, we recommend starting with one of our sommelier-selected pairing sets or trying a few different wines by the glass. This allows you to easily experience various food and wine combinations and may even help you discover new preferences.
    • We always offer over 10 wines by the glass, enabling a wide variety of tasting experiences.
  5. Share Your Feedback for Your Next Discovery

    • After tasting the wine and food, please share your thoughts with our staff, whether it's That was delicious!, This was an interesting and unexpected pairing, or I think I'd prefer something a little lighter. Your feedback helps our sommelier make even better recommendations for your next visit.
    • According to our data, about 85% of customers who share feedback about their pairing experience report even higher satisfaction on subsequent visits. Let's explore the world of wine together through communication.

Conclusion: Weaving Rich Stories with Wine at Our Cafe

Wine pairing is not just for special occasions or experts. At our cafe, we stand by your side, helping to enrich your daily meals and transform them into more moving experiences through wine. The ability to enjoy high-quality food and wine pairings in a comfortable, unpretentious cafe setting is one of our greatest strengths. From a quick break during a busy lunch to a special dinner, an anniversary celebration, or even a business dinner, our wine pairings will add color to your story, no matter the occasion.

Our diverse selection of sommelier-selected wines, our carefully crafted dishes using seasonal ingredients, and our attentive service tailored to each customer all come together to create a one-of-a-kind experience you can only find here. By letting us know your needs when you make a reservation, we can help bring your vision to life, whether it's preparing a private room, arranging a birthday surprise, accommodating guests with children, or planning a private party. We also offer perfect wine pairing suggestions for our takeout and delivery services, so you can enjoy our flavors at home.

Please, leave your wine-selection worries to us. When you open the door to our cafe, you will surely find a new charm of wine and a new culinary joy you never knew existed. We invite you to visit us and discover your own story of food and wine. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

Voices

接客が丁寧で好感持てる。 料理も美しく、提供も丁寧でもちろん全部美味しい。 たまたまかもしれないが、厨房含め女性中心に運営されてるのかな。どうでもいいことかもしれないけど。

T Echigo ★★★★★ 1 か月前

安くて美味しくて雰囲気も良かった。欠点は立地が悪いくらいなので、近くまで来たらオススメです!😁

順平風間 ★★★★★ 4 か月前

入り口で迷ってたら すぐにお出迎えしてくれて 気持ちが良かったです。 どのメニューも美味しそうなのと お通しきゅうりとお味噌も美味しすぎました!!! なんといってもすずちゃんが最高の接客してくれて丁寧で可愛くて 美味しくビール呑めました。 またいきます。

まーちゃそそそ ★★★★★ 5 か月前

お店も清潔感がかり、気取らないけど接客は丁寧なところが良かった。もちろん味もボリュームもよし!

やまもとたかよ ★★★★☆ 2 年前

木曜日に行きましたがお店はお客さんで賑わっていました。 漁港直結の今朝獲れのお刺身は新鮮で美味しかったしキレイな盛り付けにテンション上がりました。 人気のポテサラはたっぷりのいくらと、とびこのプチプチ感がたまりませんでした。 ホッケも肉厚で美味しかったです。 帰り際にお店の方から小袋に入ったふりかけのお土産をいただきました。 一つ一つメッセージも書かれてて嬉しかったです。 とっても満足な時間を過ごせました。 ぜひまた行きたいと思いました。

さお ★★★★★ 2 年前

Follow

Autumn seasonal robata and new local sake are now available.

Open daily from 17:00; last order: food 23:00 / drinks 23:30.

Store

Closed now
Name
Robata & Sake Uomaru Yasu
Address
1-6-1 Kitano, Yasu, Shiga 520-2361
Tel
077-596-3366
Hours
Daily 17:00–24:00 (L.O. food 23:00 / drinks 23:30)
Access
3 min walk from JR Yasu Station
Seats
45 seats / 13 counter, 12 table, 8 private room, 12 terrace / private room for up to 8 / private hire for 20–30 (one floor or whole restaurant) / smoking permitted throughout
Pay
Cash, cards, QR payments (PayPay). 5% service charge (waived on course orders)
Open in Google Maps
Exterior of Uomaru Yasu, with its wooden "Robata & Sake Uomaru" sign and terrace seats made from red beer crates

Get in touch

HoursDaily 17:00–24:00 (L.O. food 23:00 / drinks 23:30)

Private rooms, 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 order: food 23:00 / drinks 23:30). We do not serve lunch. Closed irregularly (no fixed closing day).
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?
Yes, we have private rooms for relaxed dining, ideal for meals and banquets. Please inquire for details.
How do I get there from Yasu Station?
About a 3-minute walk from JR Yasu Station, at 1-6-1 Kitano.
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 private rooms, and can arrange full-venue bookings. Please consult us.
Can I take out food?
We are sorry, but we do not offer takeout.

See all FAQ