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How Omi beef is graded and why buying a whole carcass changes what we can serve, what actually happens to dough inside a stone oven, and how to choose wine without reading the whole blackboard. These are the things we get asked at the counter, written down.

What do these columns cover?

Three subjects, mostly: Omi beef and what buying a whole carcass changes, the stone oven and what the fire does to the dough, and how to pick wine off the blackboard. They are written from the counter rather than from a book, so where we are unsure we say so.

Savor the Season at Oji Dining: The Secret to Casually Enjoying Nature's Bounty

2026/10/9

The Allure of Oji Dining Presented by Omi Bar nadeshico

Omi Bar nadeshico is conveniently located just a short walk from JR Kusatsu Station East Exit. With a desire for everyone to fully enjoy Omi's rich bounty in this region, we offer a dining experience called Oji Dining. It's a place where meticulous attention to each dish coexists with a casual atmosphere, differing from formal specialty restaurants and setting itself apart from typical izakayas. This is the Oji Dining we aspire to create.

Many of you might be thinking, I want to casually enjoy delicious Omi cuisine, but I'm not sure where to go, or I want to savor dishes made with seasonal ingredients in my daily life. To fulfill these wishes, Omi Bar nadeshico stands in the kitchen every day, driven by a deep affection for local ingredients and a warm heart for our customers. In particular, our Seasonal Menu, which expresses the changing seasons through cuisine, can be said to be the true essence of Oji Dining.

In this article, we will focus on the Seasonal Menu, which is the core of Oji Dining, and fully introduce its charms. Discover how ingredients nurtured by Omi's climate grace your dining table with ingenious preparations. Please read to the end and use it as a reference for your next visit.

Omi Beef Meets Oji Dining, Reflecting the Changing Seasons

When discussing the blessings of Omi, Omi Beef is an indispensable topic. At Omi Bar nadeshico, to provide this special ingredient to our customers in its finest condition, we procure Omi Beef through whole-animal purchasing. By committing to purchasing an entire animal, we can obtain various cuts, including rare ones, in a fresh state, allowing us to deliver the diverse charms of Omi Beef to our customers.

  • Unchanging Quality Year-Round, Plus New Seasonal Proposals

    Carefully selected Omi Beef captivates every visitor throughout the year with its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. In particular, our bar's proud Omi Beef steak is cooked to perfection, maximizing the unique characteristics of each cut, allowing you to fully savor its exquisite taste. However, the true essence of Oji Dining lies in adding the vibrant colors of the season to it.

  • The Harmony of Omi Beef Steak Woven with Seasonal Blessings

    For instance, Omi Beef steak reveals different facets each season: fresh wild vegetables in spring, a refreshing citrus sauce in summer. In autumn, fragrant mushrooms, and in winter, hearty root vegetables – these seasonal Omi vegetables become excellent supporting actors, further enhancing the umami of Omi Beef. The harmony of Omi Beef's depth and seasonal blessings woven into a single dish is truly an art to be savored with all five senses.

  • The Depth of Omi Beef, Enjoyed Through Various Cuts

    The various cuts available through whole-animal purchasing further enhance their appeal with seasonal cooking methods. Whether it's rare cuts grilled to aromatic perfection or cuts simmered slowly to draw out their rich flavor, Oji Dining proposes different ways to enjoy Omi Beef each season. No matter when you visit, there will be new discoveries and impressions. This is another one of our commitments.

Seasonal Neapolitan Pizza from the Stone Oven at Oji Dining

When you visit our bar, please be sure to try our authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in a stone oven. Baking it rapidly in a high-temperature stone oven creates a unique texture that is crispy and fragrant on the outside, yet chewy on the inside. In addition to classic Margherita, Oji Dining also offers pizzas generously topped with seasonal ingredients, which are highly popular among our customers.

  • Limited Stone Oven Pizza Menu, Adorned with Seasonal Vegetables

    You might wonder, Seasonal flavors on pizza? but in fact, nothing enhances the deliciousness of pizza quite like seasonal vegetables. For example, in summer, we offer vibrantly colored pizzas generously topped with sweet fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. In autumn, hearty pizzas featuring aromatic mushrooms and chestnuts appear, while winter brings satisfying pizzas made with fluffy root vegetables.

  • Omi's Local Bounty on Your Pizza

    The vegetables used for our stone oven pizza are, as much as possible, fresh ones grown locally in Omi. The succulent vegetables nurtured by Shiga's rich soil possess strong natural sweetness and aroma, and by simply baking them, their inherent deliciousness truly stands out. Oji Dining's pizza can truly be called Omi's Four Seasons on a plate.

  • Our Commitment to the Dough and the Magic of the Wood-Fired Oven

    We have an extraordinary commitment to the dough, which dictates the pizza's deliciousness. Our long-fermented dough boasts a rich flavor and chewy texture. Skilled artisans hand-stretch each pizza base before it enters the high-temperature stone oven. Infused with a faint aroma of wood smoke, the pizza emerges crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, promising an unforgettable taste. Please experience this special pizza, exclusively available at Oji Dining.

The Bar Style of Oji Dining: Casually Enjoying Local Bounty

I want to enjoy delicious Omi cuisine, but French or Italian course meals feel a bit too formal. I want to casually drop by and savor a variety of delicious small dishes. Responding to such customer voices is the bar style of Oji Dining. In a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere, you can casually enjoy the rich bounty of local Omi.

  • Between French/Italian and Izakaya

    We aim to combine the refined beauty of each dish, akin to a French or Italian specialty restaurant, with the lively and casual atmosphere of an izakaya. Our commitment to ingredients and meticulous cooking for each dish is no less than that of a specialty restaurant, but our pricing and serving style are more customer-friendly. For example, we offer a rich selection of seasonal dishes, such as carpaccio with seasonal vegetables and ajillo with local seafood.

  • Excellent Location, Right by Kusatsu Station East Exit

    Oji Dining boasts a convenient location, just a few minutes' walk from Kusatsu Station East Exit. You can use it for various occasions, from a drink after work to a casual meal with friends or a special dinner with loved ones. Its easy access from the station means you can casually drop by after work or sightseeing to savor the flavors of Omi.

  • A Small Luxury for Everyday Life

    Under the concept of adding a little luxury and enjoyment to everyday life, Oji Dining offers customers new discoveries and impressions through our seasonal recommended menus. For example, with Today's Fresh Fish Dish or Seasonal Vegetable Fritto, which change daily depending on the day's catch, you'll have the pleasure of encountering new flavors every time you visit. It's the perfect space for daily use, as well as for small anniversaries or treats.

A Special Dish for Each Season at Oji Dining

The menu at Oji Dining constantly changes, seeking ingredients at their peak deliciousness for each season. You won't find the same dishes year-round. This is because we have a strong desire for our customers to always experience fresh surprises and the delight of seasonal flavors. What kind of special dishes await you each season?

  • Limited Seasonal Menus Highlighting Each Season's Delights

    In spring, colorful and light dishes featuring vibrant wild vegetables, tender spring cabbage, and new onions adorn the menu. In summer, appetizing dishes with sun-drenched summer vegetables, blessings from Lake Biwa, and refreshing cold pasta stimulate the palate. When autumn arrives, deeply flavored dishes incorporating mushrooms, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and Shiga-prefecture game, all evoking the joy of harvest, make their appearance. And in winter, we offer heartwarming dishes such as warming root vegetables, rich seafood, and stews starring Omi Beef steak.

  • Dishes Infused with Producers' Dedication

    What Oji Dining values most is maximizing the inherent taste of the ingredients themselves. Each ingredient, whether it's vegetables painstakingly cultivated by local producers or Omi Beef raised with care, carries the passion of its creators. We inherit that passion, and by cooking carefully, we draw out the ingredients' true appeal and connect it to our customers. Our seasonal menu also serves as a bridge between our customers and producers.

  • Deepening Seasonal Flavors with Wine Pairings

    Dishes made with seasonal ingredients become even more appealing when paired with a suitable wine. At Oji Dining, our sommeliers suggest carefully selected wines to complement our seasonal menu. A robust red wine for the rich umami of Omi Beef, or a refreshing white wine for fresh seafood. The marriage of food and wine is a unique way to enjoy Oji Dining, amplifying the seasonal flavors manifold.

Maximizing Your Enjoyment of Seasonal Delicacies at Oji Dining

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your seasonal gourmet experience at Omi Bar nadeshico's Oji Dining. We hope these suggestions will help you have the best possible time.

  1. Check Seasonal Recommendations Before Your Visit

    The menu at Oji Dining changes flexibly depending on the day's fresh catches and the season. If possible, checking information such as Today's Seasonal Recommendations or Chef's Omakase before your visit will help you choose your dishes more smoothly. You might even discover something new.

  2. Utilize for Various Occasions

    While Oji Dining offers a casual bar style, its culinary commitment is on par with specialty restaurants. Therefore, it's perfect not only for a drink after work or a chat with friends but also for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. You can choose a course featuring Omi Beef steak or enjoy sharing a Neapolitan pizza, depending on the occasion; there are many ways to enjoy your visit.

  3. Enjoy Many Flavors by Sharing Dishes

    At our bar, we adjust portion sizes to encourage a style where multiple dishes can be easily shared. Especially, we highly recommend sharing rare cuts available only through our whole-animal Omi Beef purchase, and seasonal limited-time stone oven pizzas, allowing everyone to savor a wide array of seasonal delicacies. By tasting a variety of dishes in small portions, you can fully appreciate the charm of Oji Dining.

  4. Consider Drink Pairings

    The right drink can further enhance the flavor of your meal. Our bar offers a variety of beverages, including wines, craft beers, and cocktails. Especially, pairing seasonal dishes with seasonal drinks will deepen your unique experience of that time of year. Don't hesitate to ask our staff for recommended pairings.

  5. Feel Free to Consult Our Staff

    Please feel free to ask our staff anything, whether you're unsure which dishes to choose or would like a wine recommendation. We will provide optimal suggestions tailored to each customer's preferences. We are dedicated to helping ensure your meal at Oji Dining becomes a cherished memory.

Savor Omi's Seasonal Bounty to Your Heart's Content at Oji Dining

Oji Dining, presented by Omi Bar nadeshico, is more than just a place to eat. It is a special space where you can casually and wholeheartedly savor the impressive harmony of Omi's rich climate and seasonal ingredients. In a convenient location at Kusatsu Station East Exit, you can indulge in luxurious Omi Beef steaks from our whole-animal purchase and fragrant Neapolitan pizzas baked in a stone oven, all accompanied by the colors of the season.

We always prioritize a fondness for local ingredients and a casual atmosphere, hoping to add a touch of luxury and enjoyment to our customers' daily lives. The breath of spring, the brilliance of summer, the bounty of autumn, the warmth of winter – Omi's seasonal blessings await you at the table of Oji Dining. Please visit Omi Bar nadeshico's Oji Dining with your beloved family, friends, or colleagues. We look forward to welcoming you with heartfelt hospitality and unforgettable seasonal flavors.

The questions we are asked most at the counter are about the beef and the fire. Which part of the Omi beef is this, and why does it change through the year? Why does a stone oven make a different pizza from a gas deck? Which wine on the blackboard goes with the grill, and which with the margherita? None of these need a long answer at the table, but they are worth writing down properly — so we do, here.

Reading is one thing; the oven is another. It is lit from 17:00 every day, two minutes from the east exit of Kusatsu Station.