Umami Ramen & Dumpling Bar

I have now eaten here 3 times and appreciated the food every time. What stands out beyond very tasty food is their attention to detail and service. We ordered a gluten free entree and added mushrooms (marinated so not gluten free) - they labeled the dish identifying what was gluten free and what wasn’t and just in case packaged the mushrooms separately.

I called multiple times with questions and they were always kind, patient, and provided genuine recommendations and insights. It is a pet peeve of mine when restaurants/servers don’t feel comfortable providing an opinion.

I would highly recommend. Also, my two children tried three different items and provided their approval as well (not a typical experience as of late).

Addendum 7/10/2025
I ate here with friends and tried the Dan Dan noodles. It was spectacular with so much flavor, spice, and not to make a dad joke out of it but what I imagine is the taste umami. I will be returning for this dish. The rest of the food and drinks remained excellent.

delicious food and craft drinks! they have a nice outdoor space and our server was so nice and helpful with recommendations :) will be returning!

good food, good service, and decent drinks; fun place.

Recently moved from out of state and took a chance because we were missing Ramen. Umami did not disappoint! From the service, atmosphere to our dishes. I have a gluten allergy which sometimes takes away from the flavor of things. I had the edamame and gluten free ramen. The ramen broth was rich and noodles were thin and delicious!

Super friendly staff, delicious food, and a very nice vibe.

So so so good please go here

The only place in town where the vegetarian ramen is actually good! There are two veggie ramen options—I've only tried the veggie tonkotsu so far, it’s rich and super flavorful. The buns and dumplings are great too.

It does get a bit busy, so it might be best to make a reservation. Great value for money (sooo much ramen!), and they deliver (nicely packing broth and everything else separately, so nothing gets soggy!).

the milk buns, and dumplings were incredible, and so was our server! the pork belly is succulent mmmm mmm mmm

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pork Belly Buns

Nice Ramen place! They have a happy hour where some drinks are discounted and Edamame for example are half price! There are seating options either inside or outside on the patio! We did make a reservation for a Friday evening in advance but it wasn’t fully booked so you should be fine without one. Good service :)

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Best little hidden restaurant on Willy Street! Omg just the smell is 5 stars!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Soup, Pork Belly Buns

I've lived in the area for 2 years and I could kick myself for not coming here sooner! The vegetable tonkotsu and the violet beauregard mocktail and they were both amazing! The flavors of each ingredient in the tonkotsu worked with each other in a delicious harmony and it was filling!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

So I love Umami, for real. And usually they rock it! Tonight there were a couple misses: the miso ramen broth was ridiculously salty, even for miso. The matcha mochi ice cream was freezer burned. That was the bad. The good: personable service, tasty mocktails,
excellent pickles, dumplings & buns. It's a temporary QC problem, I hope. Because I really do like eating here! ☺️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Buns, Matcha Crème Brûlée

Really disappointed, this place used to be so good but it's not the same since they've been back on Willy St. I've eaten there maybe three times since then and each time was not a good experience. Most recently, the broth in the Tonkatsu was literally inedible because it was so salty. I had to water it down just so I could eat the noodles without gagging. Forget the broth that had to be poured down drain. Also the portion sizes are DRASTICALLY smaller each time I go. The portion of pork on the ramen was like two slices of lunch meat, and that is not an exaggeration at all, that's how thin it was. Tofu Buns as well, I don't know how they shrank the portion sizes so much but it was the thinnest slice of tofu on the bun! I've gotten these dishes at Tavernakaya & they're normal portions, so I don't know why Umami has adopted the shrinkflation. Sad because this was a longtime fav of mine, but I don't think I'll go again as there are far better ramen places in Madison.

Great ramen and pork buns

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pork Belly Buns

I can't really say anything bad about this place, but I don't have any reason to return. I had pork belly Ramen and a pork bun and the strawberry fields fornever cocktail. Some of the disappointment may be that friends hyped the place up and with a name like umami it will have to astound and satisfy...but it fell short. The food was ok. The service was good and restaurant was quaint. But there was nothing stellar. I am getting more judicious about my restaurant spending, and with that, I hold higher expectations. Some aspect of the meal has to be better than eating at home. This place doesn't make the cut.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4