Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan｜MARUTAKE Oumi-Nishigawa

Everyone talks about Kobe beef but Oumi Wagyu is also very good! This place is one of the best! They operate a butcher shop restaurant and the staff is beyond welcoming. They took their time to explain the menu and their set meals are such a great deal. They have varying quality of beef to choose from, all at different price points. Even at the highest quality, it's still decently affordable. I had their lowest set (around $36) and it was still melt in your mouth quality. They accept credit card but not ones made of metal so be sure to have a plastic one on hand. Definitely worth trying if you are every on the area.

Outstanding place with tatami style seats for eating Omi Beef. Depending on what you order, it can be pretty pricey but it will be worth it. Be sure to get the grilled beef and the hamburg!

A truly wonderful meal. The Omi beef is top class. If you want to experience 'melt in your mouth' beef, this is one of the places. A casual atmosphere with just good food and nice service. There is a butcher shop linked to it and you can see all the brilliant cuts of beef. Be prepared to spend a little more here as top grade beef is not cheap and from what I read, every year a mere 6,000 cattle certified as Omi Beef are supplied.