Omi Kado-Man

Omi Kado-Man has been trading in Omi beef for more than 120 years, and its menu near Otsu Station still centers on the two classic hot-pot preparations that built that reputation: sukiyaki, simmered tableside in a sweet soy broth with egg dip, and shabu-shabu, where thin-sliced beef is swirled through a light dashi. The sukiyaki course remains the house signature, built around the marbled Omi beef the restaurant has served for generations, while the shabu-shabu course is the lighter of the two and the steak set offers a simpler, faster option for diners who prefer a single cut over a full hot-pot course. The dining room reflects the restaurant's age: tatami-style private rooms and low tables set the tone, with an unhurried, formal but not stiff atmosphere that suits a proper sit-down meal rather than a quick bite. Kado-Man does not run a large wine program; the drinks list favors Japanese sake and shochu chosen to complement the beef's richness rather than a Western-style pairing menu. Reservations are recommended, especially for the multi-course dinner sukiyaki and shabu-shabu sets, which require advance preparation of the beef and broth; walk-ins are more feasible at lunch, when a smaller set-menu format is offered. Given its long operating history and central Otsu location near the station, Kado-Man is a common choice for visitors wanting a sit-down, traditional introduction to Omi beef rather than a quick grill-counter meal. The pace of service is deliberately slow for the dinner courses, so diners should plan for at least 90 minutes at the table.