Umami Steak and Sushi Bar

underground pub vibe meets japanese cuisine—in particular, sushi, steak, and ramen. everything we had here was excellent. special mention has to go to the A5 Wagyu (don’t be silly like me and get it in nigiri form—tasty as it was, the whole steak is a better value) and the sushi rolls. if you’re a certified wasabi freak like me, they have real wasabi, and, yes, it’s as good on the steak as it is on the sushi.

food’s a bit pricey, but it’s extremely quality and well worth it, especially for a special occasion. the atmosphere is nice, relaxed, intimate—but it’s still a fun place to come all dressed up, if you’re into that. a nice top and pair of jeans would do well here too. don’t overthink it.

our service was provided by Peter, who was super friendly, funny, had great recommendations, and was knowledgeable about food allergies. (yes, you can bring your celiac friends.) the chef swung by our table a couple of times to make sure we were having a good time too, which was very sweet.

also… grab a cocktail or some sake
while you’re here. the drinks pair well with the food. and, to reiterate, don’t make the mistake i made of settling for wagyu nigiri… save yourself the trouble and get the whole steak. i am a fool. whomp whomp.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

100% in our top 5 sushi experiences in the US!

We tried a little bit of everything from sushi to apps! Ahi Tuna app was uber fresh! Miso Black Cod app was spectacular in flavor, butteriness, and crusty char on the top.

Fresh, savory and upmost attention to detail!

We had the Aged Filet Mignon (to die for and 10oz at a bargain price you cannot even imagine). Had a charred top and tender! Table side presentation was a surprise and so nice!

And Alex made it even more special! Highly would recommend!!! Please owners open one in Washington DC! Otherwise, we’ll be back every time we pass through! 🙌

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Miso Black Cod, Sushi Rolls, Mochi Dessert

The food was quite good but very expensive compared to some of the other local sushi places. The ambiance for the price was very subpar (basement restaurant) and they were definitely understaffed- very kind people working but definitely short staffed. In the future would try to go somewhere where the ambiance and the service match the quality and price of the meal.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 2

My husband and I had an amazing experience here the day after Valentine’s Day this year. My husband comes here often with friends but it was my first time. For apps, we got pork belly buns and the waiter suggested the blackened miso cod. Both were phenomenal. We got sushi for entrees and it was all delicious but my faves were the snow crab roll and spicy tuna roll. For drinks we loved the lychee martinis and the fareast, which was a ginger cocktail - so good

The restaurant has a modern, cool, speak easy feel. The staff was superb including our waiter, the host, the manager, and bus boy. It was truly a lovely experience for our valentines dinner and I can’t recommend this place more. Check it out!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Chef Kenny 12 course omakase is an amazing experience to have at the sushi bar. The tastes and textures of every bite are perfectly balanced and the quality at this price point can't be beat at $80 per person. We also added the Kojo ribeye which was similarly delicious. Excellent service by Chef Kenny with his 17 years of experience and engaging wait staff. Will definitely be back to try the full omakase!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lowkey, cozy spot with incredible food

We had the $150 per person omakase meal for 2, and that is what I am reviewing. The fish is very fresh and the chef chooses interesting and quality offerings, including imported Japanese uni and unagi, and puts sincere effort into creative preparation. But - having lived in Japan, and having many superior omakase experiences in the USA - the expectation for omakase is a complete experience. The servings are all about the quality of the fish and its preparation as well as the atmosphere. Sauces and condiments were creative but were strong and overpowered the fish at Umami. The counter should be beautiful, the ceramic and glassware dishes unique and interesting, and the used dish ware from the servings should be removed quickly to keep the visual experience special for omakase. Traditional omakase restaurants only have counter seating with a small number of chairs. This is not the experience at Umami - it is a bar, restaurant, counter and steak house. Our meal with no sake or drinks was nearly $400 for 2, very overpriced. I think opting for a menu order and steak is the more affordable and better way to go here and most likely a very good basic sushi and steak experience.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Fresh and perfect sushi and sashimi! I always pick a sushi place based on whether they offer o-toro - it’s a good indicator of quality. And umami was a win. The service was impeccable and every roll was thoughtfully designed and perfectly made. The o-toro sashimi is fresh and buttery served with caviar for a delightful salty contrast. And the ginger mango crème brûlée was perfect - smooth custard with a crisp sugar top. Definitely worth every penny

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great first experience with Alex as our server! We ordered a variety of meals and had a marvelous time. Everything was 11/10. We will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: A5 Wagyu

This place is incredible! Absolutely a hidden gem in Philly. Fresh food and amazing service!! I would recommend to everyone.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A best kept secret ! This hip place had great service and the freshest sushi I have had in a long time. Our waiter Alex was extremely personable and his recommendations were spot on! We tried a little bit of everything, it was all delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tako Carpaccio

This restaurant is tucked away and rather hard to notice, as the ground floor is dark, and the restaurant itself is down a set of stairs in the basement. It feels a bit like a well-kept secret. I don't believe there's any elevator down to it, so it unfortunately doesn't seem accessible. Personally, I enjoy sunlit places in the morning and afternoon, so I would come here for dinner.

When you enter the restaurant, it's a fun speakeasy-style sushi bar with the freshest sushi around. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the ingredients and preparation, and clearly passionate about the dishes.

The decor was fun - some neon backlighting behind the seats (nothing stressful on the eyes), and warm overhead lighting. We never felt rushed at all, and our server was very attentive and patient as we perused the extensive menu. We only had sushi this time around, but I'd love to try the steak sometime as well. It's a wonderful fusion that is perfect for anyone who generally enjoys a mix of steak and seafood, like with surf 'n' turf.

The sauces perfectly complemented the dishes, which were made with amazingly fresh ingredients, and presented beautifully. The desserts - creme brulee and mochi with cereal flakes - were great too. I'd love to come back here and try a greater selection of their food in the future, or maybe the tasting menu.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Salmon Roll, Inside Out Salmon Roll

Alex was the best server for our first experience at Umami. He helped us find the best selections for us. The food was amazing. We will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Toro Caviar

Best sushi at center city Philadelphia

We had the best food ever. Highly recommend it. Fresh, flavorful, expertly made. We had omakase which is the chef’s special tasting menu. Superb and worth it!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5