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Robata & sake in Ishiyama — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama

SeafoodRobataStraw-grilledBonitoOmi beefSakeLocal sakePrivate hireTerrace seatsBanquets

Our story

Seafood sesame ochazuke — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama Shrimp cream spring rolls — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama Potato salad with salmon roe — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama Fried yuba and whitebait daikon salad — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama

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 Kohoku, northern 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 Ishiyama. Sake-friendly bites such as seared Hakata mentaiko are ready to pair.

03

Seafood & Sashimi

Fresh fish shipped straight from the port, finished into sashimi by skilled hands. Enjoy seafood in landlocked Shiga 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 Ishiyama.

05

Banquets & Private Hire

Relaxed table and open-terrace seating, banquet courses with free-flow drinks, and full-venue bookings (50+) on request. Steps from Ishiyama Station — ideal for company parties and gatherings. Plenty of shareable plates, such as our fried chicken, round out the table.

How to enjoy Robata

Robata Story

01

One minute from either station, then to the hearth

About a minute on foot from the south exit of JR Ishiyama Station, and about a minute from Keihan Ishiyama Station. Once inside the 78 seat room, go and stand where the straw flames rise.

02

Tosa-Saga bonito, exactly as it comes

The bonito is shipped direct from Tosa-Saga port in Kochi. Begin at the smoke-wrapped surface, with nothing added, and confirm the sweetness of the fish itself.

03

Bring in condiments, rock salt and citrus

Change the flavor for the second half. Straw-grilled Omi beef from Shiga also finishes lighter with rock salt and a squeeze of citrus.

04

A cup on the open terrace

Counter, table and sofa seats, plus an open terrace. Cigarettes are allowed on the terrace only, and it suits a drink after a walk along the Seta River or the Seta no Karahashi bridge.

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-grilled bonito — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama

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

¥6,000 (tax incl.)

10 dishes

Omi Beef Charcoal-Grill

¥7,000 (tax incl.)

7 dishes

Omi Beef Luxury Sukiyaki

¥10,000 (tax incl.)

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Signature

Straw-grilled bonito — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama
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 — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama
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 — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama
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 — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama
04

Overnight-dried atka mackerelOvernight-dried atka mackerel

Plump, overnight-dried atka mackerel grilled to order — a robata classic.

Robata-grilled thick fried tofu — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama
05

Robata-grilled thick fried tofuRobata-grilled thick fried tofu

Thick fried tofu grilled over charcoal — crisp outside, tender within.

Seared Hakata mentaiko — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama
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 — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama
07

8-hour braised pork belly8-hour braised pork belly

Pork belly slowly braised for eight hours until meltingly tender.

Uomaru dashi-rolled omelette — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama
08

Uomaru dashi-rolled omeletteUomaru dashi-rolled omelette

Rolled one by one by hand, brimming with dashi — a quiet signature.

Wasanbon crème brûlée — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama
09

Wasanbon crème brûléeWasanbon crème brûlée

Elegant wasanbon sweetness under a crisp, bittersweet caramel to close the night.

Ishiyama

Ishiyama izakaya Near Ishiyama Station Keihan Ishiyama izakaya Otsu izakaya Awazu drinks Ishiyama seafood Banquets in Ishiyama Ishiyama private hire Near Ishiyama-dera Seta-no-Karahashi Terrace seating Ishiyama sake Robatayaki Ishiyama Free-flow drinks

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Scenes

Dates & anniversaries

A calm Japanese space and relaxed seating for a special evening. Pair fresh sashimi with local Shiga sake by Ishiyama Station.

Business dining

Calm seating near Ishiyama 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 full-venue bookings for 50 or more for company parties in Ishiyama.

After sightseeing

After a stroll around Ishiyama-dera Temple or the Seta River. 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 Ishiyama Station and Lake Biwa — a perfect stop while touring the Otsu area.

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Ishiyama's Straw-Grilled Bonito: Perfect for Elegant Entertaining and Anniversaries

Ishiyama's Straw-Grilled Bonito: For Elegant Entertaining and Anniversaries

Choosing the right restaurant is key to a successful gathering, whether it's a meal with a valued client or a special celebration with friends. The pressure to not make the wrong choice and ensure everyone is happy is especially strong for important business dinners, milestone anniversaries, romantic dates, or large-scale after-parties. Here in Ishiyama, we have the perfect place to meet these expectations and create lasting memories. Our star attraction is the straw-grilled bonito, a dish that stimulates the senses with its powerful aroma and brilliant flames. We offer this exquisite taste, born from a traditional cooking method, along with a special atmosphere and warm hospitality.

Don't Want to Make the Wrong Choice! The Dilemma of Choosing an Izakaya for a Special Day

Is this really the right place? This is a thought many of you likely have when planning an important meal or event. For a business dinner, you want your guests to be comfortable and feel respected. For an anniversary, you want to see your partner smile. For a date, you want a romantic atmosphere that brings you closer. For a large party or after-party, you need a place where everyone is satisfied and the organizer can relax. However, finding one izakaya among many that fits the bill for each scene is a challenge. The quality of the food, the ambiance, the availability of private rooms, the service, and the budget—few establishments meet all these criteria at a high level. We know that those searching for terms like Ishiyama party izakaya, Ishiyama after-party, Ishiyama date izakaya, Ishiyama large group party, and Ishiyama izakaya are looking for concrete solutions. We are fully prepared to be the best choice to meet these expectations.

In particular, among the seafood dishes that represent Japanese culinary culture, our straw-grilled bonito offers a special experience right from its preparation. The sight and smell of the straw bursting into magnificent flames stimulates the senses and whets the appetite. But it's not just about novelty; the taste must be authentic. From here, we will introduce our commitment to quality and provide concrete answers to your questions about what makes truly delicious straw-grilled bonito and how we elevate it into a special experience.

The Authentic Taste of Ishiyama: A Special Banquet Created by Straw-Grilled Bonito

Our straw-grilled bonito is more than just a dish; it is an experience that stimulates the five senses and creates lasting memories. For those searching for an izakaya in Ishiyama, we will fully convey the charm of this one item, hoping it becomes the deciding factor in your choice.

The Supreme Aroma Drawn Out by the Flames

The greatest appeal of straw-grilling is, without a doubt, its aroma. We use generous amounts of carefully selected dry straw, searing the bonito at a high temperature in an instant. This smokes the surface, imparting a unique, savory fragrance that can never be achieved with conventional grilling methods. The skin becomes crisp and aromatic, while the inside remains moist and rare, sealing in the umami. One bite releases the rich aroma of the straw, followed by the deep, inherent flavor of the bonito. This multi-layered taste is truly a supreme experience.

By searing the surface instantly with high-temperature flames, the bonito's umami components are locked in, maximizing the fish's natural deliciousness along with its rich aroma. At our restaurant, skilled chefs perform this process carefully by hand, adjusting the heat according to the condition of the bonito each day. We strive to always serve it to our customers in its best possible state.

An Unwavering Commitment to Freshness

The foundation of delicious straw-grilled bonito is, above all, its freshness. We carefully select and source only the freshest bonito in its peak season. This freshness highlights the contrast with the savory aroma of the straw, allowing you to enjoy the firm yet melt-in-your-mouth texture of the fish. To maximize the flavor of the straw-grilling, we pay meticulous attention to freshness management, ensuring it remains in perfect condition until the moment it reaches your table.

  • A harmony of savory aroma and deep umami that fills your mouth
  • The firm, springy texture of exceptionally fresh bonito
  • A moving experience for the eyes, nose, and palate, created by the straw flames
  • Endless variations in flavor when combined with various condiments

Enhancing Important Dinners and Anniversaries: A Quality Time at an Ishiyama Izakaya

For special occasions like client dinners and anniversaries, the restaurant's atmosphere and service are just as important as the food. Here is how we meet your expectations when you plan such events in Ishiyama.

Private Rooms for a Sense of Exclusivity

To ensure our guests can cherish their private time, we offer various types of private rooms. From quiet dinners with a few people to mid-sized anniversary celebrations and important dates, you can choose the perfect space for your occasion. The rooms are designed with meticulous care so you can enjoy your conversation and meal without being disturbed by other guests.

  • A high-quality private space with soft lighting and pleasant background music
  • Private rooms with horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu) or table seating, selectable by group size
  • A design that ensures peace of mind for important business discussions or private conversations

Memorable Hospitality

We are committed to providing attentive service tailored to each individual guest. Whether you are an organizer hoping for a successful business dinner or a couple wanting to create the best anniversary memory, our entire staff provides heartfelt hospitality to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. Through perfect timing of service, drink recommendations, and subtle attentiveness, we strive to make your time with us unforgettable.

  • Flexible accommodation for advance requests, allergies, and dietary restrictions
  • Arrangements for surprise celebrations or cakes (advance consultation required)
  • Answering questions about the dishes and suggesting recommended sake or wine

For Dates and Small Gatherings: A Hideaway Izakaya Space in Ishiyama

If you are planning a romantic date or a small gathering with close friends in Ishiyama, our calm and relaxed space is ideal. In an atmosphere that is lively but not too loud, you can fully enjoy your time together and your conversations with loved ones.

Counter Seats to Enhance Your Time Together

Our popular counter seats are especially recommended for dates and small groups. Watching the chefs at work right before your eyes while you chat is a special experience. In particular, the sight of the magnificent flames as the straw-grilled bonito is cooked will surely be a memorable highlight for you both. The anticipation while waiting for your food also enlivens the conversation.

The counter is a prime spot where you can experience the aroma of the food up close and watch the bustling kitchen. Sitting side by side naturally encourages conversation and can bring you closer together. Another charm is being able to casually chat with the staff, asking questions about the dishes or for drink recommendations.

Pairing with Carefully Selected Fine Liquors

We offer a wide selection of fine liquors that pair perfectly with our signature dishes, including the straw-grilled bonito. You can choose from local sake, renowned brands from across Japan, and wines that complement the food, all according to your preference. If you're unsure about pairings, feel free to ask our staff. We will suggest a drink that further enhances the deliciousness of your meal.

  • Sake: Dry Junmai Ginjo or crisp Honjozo that complements the savory aroma and umami of the straw-grilled bonito.
  • Wine: Light white wines that pair well with fish, or light-bodied red wines that also suit red-fleshed fish.
  • Shochu: A variety of brands including sweet potato, barley, and rice, selected for their compatibility with our cuisine.

For a Successful Large-Scale Party or After-Party in Ishiyama

Organizing a large party or after-party can be a lot of work, not just in choosing the venue but also in preparation. To ease the burden on the organizer and ensure all attendees can have a great time, we have made various arrangements. If you are planning a large group meal in Ishiyama, please consult with us.

Spacious Areas and Private Booking Options

We offer spacious seating to accommodate large parties and after-parties. Depending on the number of guests and your preferences, we can also arrange for a partial or even a full restaurant buyout. This allows you to enjoy a sense of unity and strengthen bonds with your companions in a private space. Please feel free to consult with us, and we will propose the optimal layout.

Our venue is perfect for various occasions, such as company department gatherings, school reunions with friends, or after-parties for sports teams. We will work with you in advance to coordinate seating arrangements and the event's schedule to ensure smooth operation on the day.

Party Plans for the Organizer's Peace of Mind

To reduce the organizer's workload, we offer a variety of party plans to suit your budget and needs. By combining course meals featuring our signature straw-grilled bonito and seasonal ingredients with an all-you-can-drink option, we help create a party that everyone can enjoy without worry. We can also accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions as much as possible if you let us know in advance.

  1. Consultation on Guest Count and Budget: First, please let us know your approximate number of guests and budget via phone or our web form.
  2. Deciding on the Menu and Drink Plan: You can choose from one of our existing courses or we can customize one according to your needs.
  3. Arranging Seating and Timing: We will discuss the details, including the area for your private booking, start and end times, and any surprise elements.
  4. Final Confirmation and Booking: Once you are satisfied with all the arrangements, we will formally accept your reservation.

Tips for a Successful Party or After-Party

  • Book in Advance: We tend to be busy, especially on weekends and during event seasons, so we recommend booking early.
  • Share Detailed Information: Please inform us in detail beforehand about any allergies, dietary restrictions, or special requests among the attendees.
  • Coordinate with the Organizer: If you have any questions leading up to the event, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.
  • Utilize the All-You-Can-Drink Plan: An all-you-can-drink option, which lets everyone enjoy themselves without worrying about the cost, is a great way to liven up a party.

Specific Steps to Your Visit and Frequently Asked Questions

For everyone who is interested in our restaurant, we will guide you through the specific steps to your visit and answer some frequently asked questions. We hope this helps you plan your special night in Ishiyama with confidence.

Tips for a Smooth Reservation

To ensure a smooth reservation process and to provide the seating and dishes you desire, we would appreciate it if you could provide the following information when booking. Advance consultation is particularly key to the success of business dinners, anniversary celebrations, and large parties.

  • Date, Time, and Number of Guests: Please let us know your desired date and time of visit, and the exact number of people in your party.
  • Purpose of Your Visit: Informing us of the purpose—such as a client dinner, anniversary, date, or large party/after-party—helps us suggest the most suitable plan.
  • Seating Preference: Please let us know if you have a preference for a private room, counter seat, or table seating.
  • Course and Drink Plan Requests: We can guide you to the best course based on your budget and preferences.
  • Allergies or Dietary Restrictions: Knowing this in advance allows us to prepare so you can dine with peace of mind.
  • Other Special Requests: We will do our best to accommodate any special requests, such as surprise presentations or celebratory messages.

Access from Ishiyama Station

Our restaurant is within walking distance of JR Ishiyama Station and Keihan Ishiyama Station. The route from the station is straightforward, so even first-time visitors can find us without difficulty. We can provide a detailed map and directions when you book or by phone, so please feel free to ask. We are very conveniently located for stopping by after work or for those arriving by train.

The Dialogue We Value with Our Customers

We value communication with our customers right from the reservation stage. Please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions or requests, no matter how small. We believe that by listening to your needs, we can make your visit an even more wonderful and memorable experience.

We don't just serve food; we always strive to be a part of creating your precious memories. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

A Special Night in Ishiyama: Create the Best Memories with Straw-Grilled Bonito

We hope this article has conveyed the special value of our straw-grilled bonito and the best ways to enjoy our restaurant for various occasions to everyone planning an important meal or party in Ishiyama. The exquisite bonito, cloaked in the savory aroma of straw, will captivate you from the first bite and become an unforgettable taste. From elegant arrangements for special days like client dinners and anniversaries, to intimate moments on a date, or lively after-parties with a large group, we promise to provide the utmost satisfaction and excitement for any scene.

As an answer to searches for Ishiyama party izakaya, Ishiyama after-party, Ishiyama date izakaya, Ishiyama large group party, and Ishiyama izakaya, our entire staff is dedicated to providing an experience that exceeds your expectations. Please come and enjoy our warm hospitality, our exquisite dishes made with carefully selected ingredients, and above all, the memorable taste of our straw-grilled bonito. We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Voices

5種盛り合わせの焼きとりは味付濃くて美味しかったです! スタッフ全員も親切で親とゆっくり過ごせました。

Angel C Moody ★★★★★ 1 か月前

初めて友達に連れてきてもらいました。 店員さんオススメのももみはジューシーアツアツでめちゃくちゃ美味しいです! 他の焼き鳥も美味しくてまた来たいと思いました!

西上久美 ★★★★★ 3 か月前

焼き鳥とレバーの火入れ加減が好みです。 バスクチーズケーキもおすすめ。 今後も通いたい! たまに新人のかたへのシビアな指導がきこえるのが気になる。

なし ★★★★☆ 3 か月前

焼き鳥も美味しく、〆のラーメンも美味しかったです! バイトのコたちの接客も気持ちよくて、外観も入ったところも雰囲気とても良かったんですが 個室と頼んだ2階が、ほんとに民家の2階の座敷という感じで、、 雰囲気台無しでとても残念でした😢 もう少し2階も考えたほうがいいかな?と思いました〜

nami_08 ★★★★☆ 4 か月前

焼き鳥がとても美味しいお店でした。 塩胡椒がしっかり効いていて、素材の旨みが引き立ってお酒が進みます! 特にこころはぷりっぷりで、弾力のある食感が印象的でした。 店内の雰囲気も落ち着いていて、打ち上げやデートにもおすすめできるお店だと思います。 またぜひ伺いたいです。

つこけ ★★★★★ 7 か月前

Follow

Five-kind sashimi platter — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama Straw-grilled bonito — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama Uomaru dashi-rolled omelette — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama Straw-grilled Omi beef — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama Potato salad with salmon roe — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama Wasanbon crème brûlée — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama

Autumn seasonal robata and new local sake are now available.

Open daily from 17:00; last orders: food 23:00, drinks 23:30.

Store

Closed now
Name
Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama
Address
4-9 Awazu-cho, Station Plaza 1F, Otsu, Shiga 520-0832
Tel
077-531-2440
Hours
Daily 17:00–24:00 (L.O. food 23:00 / drinks 23:30)
Access
1 min walk from JR Ishiyama Station (South Exit)
Seats
78 seats / counter, table, sofa and terrace seating / full venue for 50+ / smoking separated (paper cigarettes on the terrace only)
Pay
Cash, cards, QR payments (PayPay). 5% service charge (waived on course orders)
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8-hour braised pork belly — Robata & Sake Uomaru Ishiyama

Get in touch

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

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 orders: 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.
Are there calm seats for a date or a business meal?
We do not have private rooms. We offer counter, table and open-terrace seating, and will arrange seats to suit your party size. Please let us know when booking.
How do I get there from Ishiyama Station?
About a 1-minute walk from JR Ishiyama Station (South Exit), at 4-9 Awazu-cho.
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 can arrange full-venue bookings for 50 or more guests. Please consult us.
Can I take out food?
We are sorry, but we do not offer takeout.

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