Umami Café at Portland Japanese Garden

Name: Umami Café at Portland Japanese Garden
Address: 611 SW Kingston Dr, Portland, Oregon, 97205, US
Telephone: (503) 223-1321
Price range: $
Rating: 4.2

$ • Cafe

Hours:
611 SW Kingston Dr, Portland
(503) 223-1321

Menu Order Online Reserve

About Umami Café at Portland Japanese Garden

Umami Café at Portland Japanese Garden offers a peaceful and bright setting with quick service. Reservations are recommended due to its small size, but walk-ins can find seating at the bar or outside in a quiet area. The staff, although not all Japanese, maintains Japanese hospitality standards. The menu includes tea sets, drinks, sweets, and savory options like chazuke and miso soup. The shiitake chazuke and matcha & kinako mochi set are highlights, featuring high-quality ingredients and well-prepared tea. Portions are small, but the focus is on experiencing Japanese tea culture and authentic flavors. The teas are authentic, strong, and flavorful, providing a pleasant tea tasting experience. Some customers note that the recent switch from wait staff to ordering at the counter, along with the replacement of ceramic ware with paper products, has affected the overall quality feel, making it less consistent with the Japanese garden atmosphere. Seating remains limited, but the small space creates a cozy, intimate vibe. The café's outdoor view adds to its charm, making it a nice place to relax before exploring the gardens. Overall, it’s a quiet, authentic spot with good service and quality food, though recent changes have shifted its ambiance slightly.