Top 5 Places to Eat Ōmi Beef in Shiga: A Taste of Japan’s Oldest Wagyu Legacy
- M.R. Lucas
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Ōmi Beef is Japan's oldest of the three great wagyu brands, with a history spanning over 400 years. Long before gourmet trends, this marbled delicacy was valued by samurai and served to shoguns during a time when meat was rarely eaten. The Ii clan of Hikone preserved the beef in miso as a medicinal food and provided it to the Tokugawa elite. What started as sustenance for warriors became a culinary tradition.
During the Meiji era, Ōmi Beef was shipped to Tokyo under the name "Kobe Beef" because it passed through Kobe Port. After the railway reached Ōmihachiman in 1890, the name Ōmi Beef reappeared and established itself as a wagyu standard. Today, raised on farms throughout Shiga Prefecture, Ōmi Beef continues a legacy of care and regional tradition pride.
To experience the best of this historic wagyu, we’ve ranked the top five Ōmi Beef restaurants in Shiga based on reputation and reviews.
Located in Higashiomi City, Manyo Yokaichi specializes in yakiniku, offering guests the opportunity to grill high-quality Omi beef at their table. This interactive dining style enhances the appreciation of the beef's flavor and texture.
4. Kankankan
In Omihachiman City, Kankankan offers high-quality wagyu, including Omi beef, in a glass-walled space overlooking the Hira Mountains and Lake Biwa. The attached butcher shop carefully selects meats, providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience that blends tradition with modernity.
Situated in Omihachiman City, Marutake Oumi Nishikawa is an Omi beef specialist with a traditional Japanese-style exterior. They source their beef directly from their farm, ensuring exceptional quality. The sukiyaki set, featuring beef boiled in a sweet soy sauce stock, is a popular choice among patrons.
Located near Hikone Castle, Sennaritei Kyara specializes in dry-aged Omi beef cuisine. Their menu features intricate course-style Japanese dishes, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and steaks, allowing guests to experience the true pleasure of Omi beef in a traditional setting.
Established in 1870, Restaurant Matsukiya in Otsu City is a long-standing establishment specializing in Omi beef. They meticulously select and age their beef at low temperatures to enhance its flavor. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes, including sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and steaks, all of which showcase the rich taste of Omi beef.
Let MK Be Your Guide to the Culinary Heart of Shiga
Ōmi Beef isn’t just a meal—it’s a story passed down through generations, rooted in the soil and soul of Shiga. Tasting it connects you to centuries of craftsmanship, to the samurai who once sought its strength, and to the farmers who continue to raise it with care. In every bite is a reflection of the region’s rich culture, from the calm shores of Lake Biwa to the historical streets of Hikone and Ōmihachiman.
But your Shiga journey doesn’t have to stop at the plate. Whether it’s exploring the preserved Edo-era canal towns, hiking along ancient pilgrimage trails, or soaking in the beauty of Shiga’s hidden temples and lakeside villages, MK offers seamless access to it all with ease and grace.
Travel through Shiga in MK’s Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II EWB, where quiet luxury meets timeless hospitality. Let those who know the region best take you deeper, beyond the map, into the heart of tradition. Learn more about this luxury travel experience here.