Umai Restaurant offers a culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of Japanese cuisine while embracing modern twists that appeal to diverse palates. Nestled in the heart of the city, Umai is renowned for its dedication to authentic ingredients and expert craftsmanship.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to showcase a balance between traditional favorites and innovative dishes that surprise and delight with every bite. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado, a ramen enthusiast, or someone eager to explore new tastes, Umai’s menu promises a memorable dining experience filled with vibrant flavors and impeccable presentation.
At Umai, each dish is crafted to bring out the essence of freshness and umami—the savory taste that defines much of Japanese cuisine. The chefs emphasize seasonality and source ingredients from trusted suppliers, ensuring every plate bursts with quality and authenticity.
The ambiance complements the menu’s elegance, making it an ideal destination for intimate dinners, family gatherings, or special celebrations. Guests can expect a seamless flow of taste and texture that honors tradition while embracing a contemporary culinary vision.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer selection at Umai Restaurant sets the tone for the meal with a variety of flavors and textures designed to awaken the palate. These small plates are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light start to a fuller dining experience.
Emphasizing fresh ingredients and delicate seasoning, the appetizers showcase the skill and creativity of the kitchen.
Popular choices include the Edamame with Sea Salt, which offers a simple yet satisfying bite, and the Tuna Tataki, lightly seared and served with ponzu sauce for a zesty finish. Another standout is the Tempura Vegetable Medley, featuring seasonal vegetables battered and fried to a golden crisp, delivering a delightful contrast of textures.
Signature Starters
- Gyoza Dumplings: Pan-fried pork and vegetable dumplings served with a tangy soy dipping sauce.
- Spicy Tuna Tartare: Diced tuna mixed with chili mayo and avocado, served in a crispy wonton cup.
- Miso Soup: A traditional starter featuring miso broth with tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
“Our appetizers are crafted to build anticipation, combining classic flavors with innovative presentations to excite every diner’s senses.” – Head Chef
Sushi and Sashimi Selection
Sushi and sashimi lie at the heart of Umai’s menu, celebrated for their freshness and precision. The restaurant sources premium-grade fish daily, ensuring each bite offers the clean, vibrant taste that sushi lovers seek.
From traditional nigiri to creative rolls, the offerings accommodate both purists and those eager to try inventive combinations.
Each piece of nigiri is hand-pressed with expertly seasoned rice, balancing texture and flavor. The sashimi platters offer a variety of cuts, from fatty tuna to delicate yellowtail, presented with garnishes that complement the natural taste of the fish.
For those new to sushi, the menu includes descriptions and suggested pairings to enhance the experience.
Rolls and Platters
| Roll Name | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Dragon Roll | Eel, cucumber, avocado, eel sauce | Sweet and savory with a smoky finish |
| Rainbow Roll | Crab, avocado, cucumber, assorted sashimi topping | Fresh, creamy, and colorful |
| Spicy Tuna Roll | Tuna, spicy mayo, scallions | Bold and slightly spicy with a creamy texture |
- Nigiri: Tuna, Salmon, Eel, Yellowtail, Shrimp
- Sashimi Platters: Small, Medium, Large options for sharing or solo enjoyment
- Vegetarian Rolls: Cucumber, Avocado, Pickled Radish
Ramen and Noodles
Umai’s ramen bowls are a hearty and comforting highlight, offering broth varieties that cater to different tastes. The noodles are handmade daily, delivering a perfect chewiness that complements the rich broths.
Each ramen dish is garnished with fresh toppings that enhance the depth of flavor and provide a satisfying meal.
The menu features classic tonkotsu ramen with a creamy pork broth, shoyu ramen with a savory soy base, and a spicy miso ramen that warms the palate. Vegetarian options are crafted with vegetable broth and tofu, ensuring all guests can enjoy this staple dish.
The noodles are cooked to order and served steaming hot, perfect for colder days or whenever comfort food is desired.
Popular Ramen Varieties
- Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich pork bone broth, chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, and scallions.
- Shoyu Ramen: Clear soy-based broth with chicken, nori, and menma (fermented bamboo shoots).
- Spicy Miso Ramen: Miso broth with chili paste, ground pork, corn, and bean sprouts.
- Vegetarian Ramen: Umami-rich vegetable broth, tofu, mushrooms, and seasonal greens.
“Our ramen is more than just a dish; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, crafted with patience and passion.” – Ramen Chef
Grilled and Robatayaki Dishes
Robatayaki, a Japanese grilling technique, is prominently featured in Umai’s menu, offering smoky, savory flavors that highlight the quality of the ingredients. This section includes a variety of skewers and grilled plates that are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a substantial meal.
The grilling process imparts a subtle char and a depth of flavor that complements the natural taste of the meats and vegetables.
From tender chicken yakitori to grilled saba fish, the dishes are seasoned simply to let the flavors shine. The menu also includes vegetable skewers for those seeking lighter options.
Each item is paired with dipping sauces or seasonings that enhance the dish without overpowering it.
Robatayaki Highlights
- Chicken Yakitori: Skewered chicken grilled over charcoal and glazed with tare sauce.
- Saba Shioyaki: Salt-grilled mackerel served with grated daikon and lemon.
- Grilled Asparagus: Tossed in sesame oil and sprinkled with sea salt.
- Beef Skewers: Marinated in soy and garlic, grilled to medium rare perfection.
| Dish | Cooking Style | Recommended Pairing |
| Chicken Yakitori | Charcoal grill, glazed | Cold Sapporo Beer |
| Saba Shioyaki | Salt-grilled | Dry White Wine |
| Beef Skewers | Grilled, marinated | Full-bodied Red Wine |
Specialty Entrees
The specialty entrees at Umai showcase the chefs’ creativity and mastery over a variety of cooking techniques. These dishes are often the centerpiece of the meal, featuring robust flavors and artistic presentation.
They range from delicate seafood preparations to hearty, meat-centric plates that satisfy more substantial appetites.
One standout is the Black Cod Miso, expertly marinated and broiled to achieve a flaky, buttery texture with a caramelized crust. Another favorite is the Wagyu Beef Steak, renowned for its marbling and tenderness, served with seasonal vegetables and a house-made soy reduction.
Vegetarian dishes also receive special attention, with options like the Grilled Eggplant with Miso Glaze that balance umami and sweetness.
Entree Selections
- Black Cod Miso: Marinated in sweet miso and broiled, served with pickled ginger and steamed rice.
- Wagyu Beef Steak: Premium Japanese beef cooked to order, accompanied by seasonal grilled vegetables.
- Chicken Katsu: Breaded and fried chicken cutlet served with tonkatsu sauce and shredded cabbage.
- Vegetable Tempura Plate: Assortment of lightly battered seasonal vegetables with dipping sauce.
“Each entree at Umai is a narrative of tradition meeting innovation, crafted to leave a lasting impression.” – Executive Chef
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Umai understands the importance of offering diverse choices for vegetarian and vegan diners without compromising flavor or creativity. The menu includes a variety of thoughtfully prepared dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal produce and umami-rich plant-based ingredients.
These options are designed to satisfy both dedicated vegetarians and those looking to explore meat-free cuisine.
The chefs utilize ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, seaweed, and fresh vegetables to create dishes that are both hearty and nuanced. From starters to mains, the vegetarian and vegan selections are vibrant and satisfying, ensuring no guest feels limited by dietary preferences.
Plant-Based Favorites
- Tofu Dengaku: Grilled tofu topped with a savory miso glaze.
- Vegan Ramen: Handmade noodles in a rich vegetable broth with mushrooms and greens.
- Vegetable Sushi Rolls: Cucumber, avocado, carrot, and pickled radish with seasoned rice.
- Seaweed Salad: Mixed seaweed with sesame dressing and toasted seeds.
| Dish | Type | Main Ingredients |
| Tofu Dengaku | Vegetarian | Tofu, miso glaze, scallions |
| Vegan Ramen | Vegan | Vegetable broth, noodles, mushrooms, spinach |
| Seaweed Salad | Vegan | Seaweed mix, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds |
Desserts and Beverages
The dessert and beverage offerings at Umai provide a sweet conclusion to the meal, blending traditional Japanese sweets with contemporary favorites. Each dessert is crafted to balance sweetness with subtle flavors that cleanse the palate and leave a lasting impression.
The beverage menu complements the food with an array of sake, Japanese whiskies, teas, and cocktails.
Favorites include the classic Mochi Ice Cream, available in multiple flavors such as green tea and red bean, and the Matcha Tiramisu, which offers a fusion of Italian technique and Japanese flavors. The sake selection features a range of dry and sweet varieties, carefully curated to pair with dishes from across the menu.
Beverage Highlights
- Premium Sake: Junmai, Ginjo, and Daiginjo grades for varied flavor profiles.
- Japanese Whisky: Single malt and blended options for sipping or cocktails.
- Green Tea: Hot and iced, sourced from renowned Japanese tea gardens.
- Signature Cocktails: Inspired by Japanese ingredients like yuzu, shiso, and ume.
| Dessert | Description | Recommended Pairing |
| Mochi Ice Cream | Sweet rice dough with creamy ice cream center | Lightly chilled sake |
| Matcha Tiramisu | Layered matcha-soaked cake with mascarpone cream | Green tea or espresso |
| Black Sesame Pudding | Rich pudding with nutty sesame flavor | Japanese whisky |
“Our dessert and beverage pairings are crafted to create harmony and elevate the entire dining experience.” – Beverage Manager
Conclusion
Umai Restaurant’s menu is a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation in Japanese cuisine. Every section—from appetizers to desserts—reflects a commitment to quality, freshness, and culinary artistry.
The diverse offerings cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring an inclusive and memorable dining experience for all guests.
The careful balance of flavors, attention to detail, and thoughtful presentation make dining at Umai more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of culture and craftsmanship. Whether savoring delicate sashimi, slurping rich ramen, or indulging in sweet mochi, guests are invited to embark on a sensory journey that honors the past while embracing the future of Japanese culinary excellence.
With a menu designed to delight and inspire, Umai Restaurant stands as a beacon for authentic and elevated Japanese dining, where every dish tells a story and every bite is an invitation to savor the art of umami.
