Indifferent personnel. We had a reservation, but the hostesses tried to seat us in an uncomfortable, crowded area although there were 3 other tables available. We left without staying and will not return. There are many other places which are accommodating and don't take business for granted.
The lamb chops and grouper specials were delicious, creative. Portions were very adequate. Exhortatory note: there is a lot of obesity in this country and portion size is a major factor. The chef attempts to use local fresh produce from the area and the green salads were great! And the vegan onion soup was amazing. Very attentive service. Noisy and very busy during this Saturday summer evening.Very clean well maintained restroom. Keep in mind that this is a small venue with tables so close so as not to be conducive to intimate conversations. We expect to be back soon.
(4)
David B.
Went there with my youngest Son. We read the menu (outside) and decided to go to Shinano's for a better selection. I can't for the life of me figure out how such a limited Sushi menu is attractive to Sushi fans. I, and my Son, like variety in our sushi outings.
(2)
Kelly F.
Can we all agree that the phrase "hidden gem" is beyond played out? Okay - now that we've got that behind us, Umami is that and then some. A favorite of mine, especially throughout the frigid Cleveland winters, this warm and inviting establishment reliably offers nothing but lovely experiences. So, when friends (with high expectations and an appetite for quality seafood) were in town from Boston last week, I knew exactly where to make reservations. Much appreciated was that the manager was kind and accommodating enough to make room for a party of six with slightly short notice (and on a popular evening with the holidays quickly approaching) - not such an easy task for a quaint restaurant. The server was knowledgable, the food was superb, and the atmosphere was perfect - lively and somehow festive, as we celebrated our valuable time with close friends. Thank you, Umami, for being just what your name suggests - a beautiful taste.
(4)
Ed K.
We had an early dinner prior to going to a art show. People at the restaurant are the best friendly and helpful. Whenever I go to this place I always aim to try something new. Last night was a grand slam oyster mushroom app. And fish both specials off the board. My wife enjoyed a salad and the duck Breast. In addressing the cost of dinner, I can only say the value was there. We will return.
(5)
Elana B.
The food is always solid here. I love their creative fresh fish dishes (always very flavorful) as well as their Massaman chicken. The setting is cozy and intimate. Take note that there is no bar to wait at before your table is ready. In addition, reservations are a must on the weekends.
(5)
Vineet G.
Drinks: their cocktail menu is good and there are a lot of custom drinks which I appreciate at any restaurant. They do tend to be on the sweeter side and use a little too much fruit juice/syrup. Otherwise certainly strong. Food is amazing! The sashimi is fresh and their goat cheese appetizer will blow you away. A must try!! Main courses are light, with unique flavors.
(4)
Pat D.
This is chagrin falls only worthwhile restaurant. Meaning if it wasn't in a great locale it'd still be worth the effort it takes to get a table in this little gem.
(5)
Sam P.
Too expensive for small helpings of average food. Tried apps. to determine if we'd go for dinner some time. Had the following: Spicy Tuna Roll - lame. Honestly, supermarket sushi is better. Rice was cold and, worse yet, mushy. Spicy tuna was, eh at best. This item was clearly pre-made and sat in a fridge. Pork meatballs - 4 meatballs on top of a flavorless coleslaw for $9. Cheese dumplings - this actually was a tasty app. but, again, kinda small for the price. Good beer list and the house cocktail list was good. But this doesn't make up for the food prices. Very nice atmosphere and good service. We won't be back as the food was too expensive and merely average at best.
(2)
Karl K.
I sometimes wonder how many people are involved in the restaurant business in this area that give poor reviews because they associated with another competing restaurant. I have eaten 2 dinners and as of today one lunch at umami. Each time I'm impressed and happy to pay the bill. If you expect 2 quality ingredient, nutrient-rich dinners, 2 apps, 2 trendy drinks, and a desert or salad for under $85 before tip then stop leaving poor reviews and maybe I'll see you at Red Robin. If you say something isn't spicy enough, tell them to add some when you order. You won't be able to taste any nuances, but who cares -- you'll similarly be gracing the fluorescent light filled Chinese establishments. If you want more than eleven pieces (I counted) of filet mignon in your lunch portioned soup (mind you, full size "bites") then go to an all you can eat Chinese restaurant and enjoy yourself, but don't write a poor review. If you DO like a meal where the udon beef is carefully constructed with crunchy bok choy, fresh green onion on top, udon noodles that were not previously cooked or mushy, and al dente (read "fresh") shiitake mushrooms, all in a rich, slightly spicy broth with a bit of melted parmigiano reggiano (non-domestic - I checked) for $10 bucks for lunch --get a job! I do remember having one of the best fish dinners I have had in a long time here, and would joyfully return if I could only remember it. The wine was so fabulous that night two of us ordered 2 bottles --each. The ambiance is great and please don't criticize the slow wait staff. You embarrass us when you travel to Europe and expect to be in and out for dinner so quickly you complain. Ugly Americans should also not be dis-allowed review status. Try this place out. Communicate with the staff, they are very accommodating and eat your heart out. You'll enjoy it!
(5)
Tanya B.
Good location is pretty much the only thing this place has going for it. Completely overpriced! The menu is so limited and the food is... meh... If you're going to serve udon noodles soup for $20, it better be the best damn udon soup, with fillet mignon steak floating in it. In fact, it was mediocre at best. The sushi wasn't tasty at all. It honestly felt like they weren't even trying to cook great food for those prices. I went to try it cause they had a groupon, and for this this is a good way to get introduced to new restaurants. Well, I'm glad I had the groupon discount; cause I wouldn't be happy paying that bill in full for the small and not so tasty portions we got.
(1)
Suzy W.
Love this place, it's very small do be sure to book ahead, it's worth it. Fantastic food and excellent service every time we go. I would highly recommend it.
(5)
Karen C.
Chef Matt is the best. His food is killer and he gives so much back to the community . He is always sourcing the best local products around.
(5)
Amy S.
I had the BEST soup I've ever had there last night. It's was a coconut fish chowder. Sweet baby Jesus. The food is incredibly fresh. They ran out of a lot while we were there and although some would see that as bad, I see that as fresh, being made daily, damn good- food. The ambiance is so wonderfully trendy yet warm. The staff was attentive and described the food perfectly. We ordered all specials but the main menu sounds amazing as well. We will most definitely be back.
(5)
Sarah T.
Listen, it's gorgeous decor, great location, and good food. The server was unversed in miso soup at a place called Umami, but whatev. Maybe he was new. Who knows. My problem is that I ordered DUMPLINGS and they were trying to tell me how nice the gnocchi was that came out; it was slightly burnt but otherwise well made. When I ask for dumplings, I want a pan-fried pocketful o' Asian goodness. Not Italian knots of wood (which is what gnocchi).
(3)
Ferdinand H.
First of, I'll admit that I came to the restaurant already biased. My expectations were set low; why? Because Umami Asian Kitchen is an asian kitchen run by those not asian. I'm generally avoidant of japanese restaurants run by any type of asian non-Japanese, as well as Italian not run by italian and so forth. On the other hand, having had Chinese food run by indians, cooking what amounts to Indian styled Chinese food, I must say that cultural hybrid cuisine can occasionally be very interesting if not compelling. After all, American Chinese food is a thing all its own... But what about Umami? Is it really U-ma-mi? Honmono desuka? Well, it's a yes and a no. The executive chef's Japanese influence is pretty clear in the menu selections and execution. With Kimchi flavoured skewers, tuna tataki, assorted rolls, the Japanese beers and selection of spice balances, the nipponification is definitely in there. It's like you took an Izakaya, simplified the menu, westernized the flavours just slightly, and also pub-i-fied the ambiance. It's quaint, cozy and intimate - very much like a small izakaya would be like if the decor ran more western. And I think that's precisely what this is, a westernized Izakaya. The prices might well be out of Ginza as well, which is really the sticking point. The food is decent. If you were served the food without respect to the price, you'd eat an enjoy the stuff. But the prices are a tad steep. I don't really know the pricing schema of Chagrin falls, but this seems a little over the norm. So, a 3 is reasonable, maybe a 2.9. A plug for the crisp pork-belly though. That is something I'd order and put over a bowl of rice any day. That dish is a 4 star flavour/texture.
(3)
Rachael N.
3.5 stars. Umami is a quaint, small restaurant on the "main street" of Chagrin Falls. Chagrin Falls is this cute, small, quaint town, that has lots of old-town shops and places, and Umami definitely sticks out, as it's a Japanese-American fusion type of restaurant. Made reservations for a group of 12. Walked in..and felt bad. The restaurant is small, we took up half their seating! :P Ordered the red lotus as my drink. It.. was okay. I didn't really like the lychee and cranberry mix. For the small plate, I ordered goat cheese dumpling. Man, that was a strange plate- I was expecting an ACTUAL dumpling, but small pieces of goat cheese that were marinated, came out...on a bed of warm lettuce and great tasting sauce. I wasn't too happy it wasn't a dumpling, but still, a pretty good dish. My friend next to me had the beet salad. It was actually really quite good! I'm not sure how to rate beets though. I ordered the curry chicken for the entree. It was good- the rice was my favorite- it was kind of a smoky, black, flavored type of rice-like the type of rice you always fight over, as it's crunchy on the bottom of the pot. I thought the chicken was okay. I mean..it was...just very typical curry chicken. I liked the basil in it. I enjoyed my friend's dishes- the salmon was done quite well; the udon was good as well, with the beef cooked just right. Overall, this restaurant was pretty good. I wasn't blown away by anything, but still, a nice cute spot to grab some fusion Asian inspired food. It was nice too, as the waiter split up our check by person! Man, with a 12 person party? That's hard. Good job. It's not the most awe inspiring type of food, but still, a cool place to chill and chat. I had a friend who commented that he thought this was a type of place that belonged in NYC. hahha. But yeah, definitely was a good night.... with pretty good food.
(3)
Greg K.
Food was just OK, but over an hour to get an entree? Here is our not-so-great experience, followed by details about the restaurant. The not-so-great experience... We had lunch reservations, were seated promptly, and our order was received within 10 minutes of our arrival. (I know these times because I had to watch the clock that afternoon.) When we didn't see our appetizers for 25 minutes I noticed, like us, many tables had patrons but no food. Having prior engagements, we asked to change our order to take-out, which was humbly accepted. Appetizers were received boxed and bagged now 35 minutes after our order (see pictures) - still no entrees. At 45 minutes after our order, we were advised that the entrees would take at least another 15 minutes - 1 hour after the order went in! Disappointed, we had to ask them to cancel our entrees off the check, which they did, and later scarfed the meal down in the car. The restaurant... Umami is located in pretentious downtown Chagrin Falls along the popular strip of restaurants near the falls. It has a narrow, slot-type layout with an aisle down the middle. Diners are seated on both sides of the aisle in a bench-table-chair format along one wall and in booths along the other wall. There are 10 - 12 tables inside and 2 outside on the sidwalk. Of the inside tables, only the most outermost 2 tables are by windows. The food... Simply Asian fusion, emphasis on Japanese - the lunch menu featured 6 little plates and 7 large plates. Our appetizers (california roll, goat cheese dumplings, and spicy tuna roll) were nothing exciting or dramatic to write home about - the flavors were nice but rather subtle and calm. I found both rolls (served maki style) rather bland and "needed" the wasabi and pickled ginger garnish. (Unfortunately, those garnishes are meant to be accoutrements to enhance sushi flavors, not be the sole provider of flavor.) We were actually looking forward to trying our entrees (massaman curry chicken & the sturgeon lunch special) but we can't judge what we didn't get... Again? Probably not. There are many good Asian Fusion and traditional Japanese restaurants to choose from out there both proven and left for us to explore.
(2)
Chris P.
Like others, I have to say this place is delightful but a tad on the expensive side without a coupon. However, it fits the locale being that they bring all of their fresh food from within 100 miles of Chagrin. I'm not as into 'organics' as most people, but the freshness of the sushi we ordered was absolutely amazing. Not your average sushi rolls, and the pan seared Tuna sushi was better than I've tried anywhere else. I believe that was served on top of a bed of apple-relish with a delicious glaze. Their drinks were a bit overpriced, but the waitress was exceptionally attentive with a delightful Aussie (?) accent, and even the Sprite comes with a lemon AND lime garnish. Im a Miso Soup connoisseur, and theirs was just average... The coconut squash soup was different and just right though. The establishment was very cozy, and 'intimate' as others have said... But that just means you get more attention and don't have to worry about too much noise. Overall a nice place, but it would be nice if they were a bit cheaper.
(4)
Jeffrey S.
This is a great little Asian eatery on the main drag of downtown Chagrin Falls. I went here with my girlfriend with a daily deal, so we ate at half price. The prices would have been fairly high if not for that. It's not the biggest restaurant, but that's fine with me as long as I can get a table. It's pretty dimly lit, which isn't really bad or good as that's up to the eater. My girlfriend and I got a little cozy table right by one of the front windows. This ended up being fantastic because it was wintertime and there was a heater right by our feet. There was also a comfy blanket folded up next to us, which we ended up using. In the end, we had a comfortable, tasty, and romantic evening at Umami. Highly recommended.
(4)
Callie S.
Pros: Delicious food, great atmosphere Cons: expensive, small portions Overall: This place is a great restaurant in Chagrin-- but like most Chagrin restaurants, the price reflects the high taxes that they pay. What separates Umami from other places is that it is both expensive and has minute portions. So unfortunately, you pay quite a bit for the tasty food they serve. BUT I would say Umami is still worth the price, in certain situations- special occasions, going out on dates. But if you're just looking for casual dining, maybe look elsewhere.
(3)
Mai N.
Who writes the review for this restaurant? The food was so awful that my husband I can't eat it! I mean my husband has had dog in china before and he ate that! Way overpriced for crappy food. It was a our first experience there yesterday and I can assure you it'll be our last! Instead of going on about the other crappy part, I'll just leave it as is.
(1)
Scott G.
Here's the deal- we've been here three times now and each time there is a huge letdown at the table. It's like they get one or two things right and everything else is just wrong. One thing they always get right are the cocktails. The bartender is great, but for the price you are paying, they better be damn good. I would avoid any of the sushi rolls. We have tried them all three times hoping for something great, but each time we have been disappointed. More often than not, when you walk by Umami during a prime meal hour there are a lot of empty seats in an already small restaurant. Guess that says more than if I kept writing- right?
(2)
Lord Edwin C.
Based on the reviews, I was expecting a whole lot more from this neighborhood gem. First, the best thing going for this place is it's quaint, romantic dining room. The two tables near the window are very cute and offer a nice alternative to a traditional table or sitting at a bar. Second, the service was just good. I had to ask of their we're specials and then for how much they cost. I expect a server to offer the special right away. Third and most importantly, the food. This is where Umami loses lots of points for me. We ordered 5 dishes: 1 app, 2 small plates and 2 large plates. 2 dishes had soy in them (buckwheat noodles with seared tuna and fried vegetable roll with sauce), yet both we're under seasoned. The tuna was cooked perfectly, but when it's atop bland noodles and cauliflower, throwing soy sauce on it isn't an effective fix. The other dishes weren't memorable: the goat cheese dumplings were a faint attempt at sophistication, but lacked flavor. The edamame hummus served with crispy wonton skins. That was tasty, however it was studded throughout with whole roasted garlic, which should have been very nice, but the garlic was undercooked and still had a bite. The last dish was the udon noodle dish, which was also soy based, and the beef, noodles and vegetables were well cooked, but again was terribly under seasoned. In summary, all the dishes had great potential, but all of them failed poorly at achieving what the restaurant's name suggests, "umami." I will not recommend this place, unless you're looking to only share saki with someone special in a romantic setting.
(2)
Erica F.
This place is my go-to when no one in my family wants to cook. It is just about the only Asian fusion restaurant in the area, and although the menu is limited, pretty much everything on there is great. The specials make good use of whatever ingredients are in season. I love that they have bloom tea because its hard to find elsewhere and they have a pretty good selection. The most important thing to keep in mind is to only bring a small party because the restaurant is so tiny that anything over four people is too squishy.
(5)
Mary S.
Mike the waiter made our evening perfect. His description of the tuna tartare trio for an appetizer was Oscar-worthy (and yes, we were won over by it!). Fun cocktail list, hip vibe (read: dark). Some day I hope to be seated in one of the window seats - very Brooklyn! Our dining friends suggested the chicken curry over black rice; all four of us ordered it, so glowing was their description, and it was a wow. We even brought part of wow home and enjoyed it the next day. Salade? Too full! But not for your creme brulee, Umami ...
(4)
Liz W.
First, I love the atmosphere. This is a quaint tiny restaurant with ecletic details, such as the super cool lights. Second, they have excellent cocktails-- I had the one with the lychee pure and it was delicious!! Menu is creative and mouth watering--I think that it is a tad overpriced considering this is Cleveland. I had the pumpkin soup to start, which was excellent. The udon noodles with beef and vegetables was good; yet, I wanted more vegetables. Nevertheless, I will be going back!
(4)
Jonathan F.
I was very disappointed. It is a cute little place. And the concepts of the dishes are interesting, sort of modernized Asian. But the execution was weak. We had two spicy dishes: spicy tuna rolls and I had udon noodles with spicy beef and neither was anything close to spicy. And just about everything we had was "close, but it just needs something....". On top of that, the service was weak. Everyone was pleasant, but the kitchen was very slow, and the servers didn't make up for it. They were pretty slow and inattentive. It was $84 for two people before the tip (I had a beer, my wife had a cocktail, two dinners, two appetizers, one salad), and I expect a lot more for that price in this area. I won't be back.
(2)
B R.
I was visiting from L.A. for the holidays. I grew up in Chagrin and return there at least twice a year. THIS is a different kind of restaurant for my hometown. And I certainly didn't expect it be better than most any Japanese restaurant found in an international metropolis, for half the price. (That does NOT mean this place is cheap. It's not. But is super cheap compared to this quality of food and atmosphere other places.) Having had about the best Salmon I've ever had (the whole party agreed), and other quite excellent dishes, I'm surprised to see so many luke warm reviews. However, I learned that the chef working there now is someone different than a few months prior, so maybe we're just getting the goods? I agree, I AM surprised that the chef and staff are pretty much non-Asian, AND that the chef studied in a normal culinary institute in Massachusetts, not somewhere exotic or in Asia. I chalk it up to the guy being really talented -- like a reality TV chef. (Makes me worry he won't be here long. He'll be lured to NYC or something.) I'm also an interior design nut, and this place it on it. The whole experience was a totally unexpected (though pricey for a Sunday dinner in the village, sure) surprise. Delightful. No regrets. I'll be back.
(5)
Ben S.
This is a very small restaurant so advance restaurants are recommended. It books up however not just because it's small, but because it's good. The menu is small, but there are a few specials (appetisers, entrees, and desserts) written on a chalk board on the one wall each day. I ordered the special local salad of the day which was speckled romaine - it required cutting before eating which annoys me when it comes to salads, but it was very good. It was served with seared tomato wedges and parmesan. I also got the salmon which even though the restaurant asked if they could cook it medium rare they cooked it perfectly all the way through (well done) when I asked them to. Definitely a cool spot - kinda of intimate in size and lighting, a good addition to downtown Chagrin Falls. Parking in rear in Giant Eagle parking lot. And note if you reserve off their website via OpenTable you don't get points - go directly to OpenTable to reserve.
(4)
Chris L.
Decent food, but way overpriced for what you get. The ambiance was quite nice and the place is very well decorated. But they charge too much and don't give you enough food. Before we even stepped in the door my friend warned me that often after eating here he feels the need to go get a cheeseburger. He was right on. I needed a cheeseburger when I was done. Ok, what did we eat? My girl and I got two appetizers: the bacon and the goat cheese dumplings. The bacon appetizer was a disappointingly small hunk of pork that tasted like a hunk of salty pork. I was thoroughly unimpressed. The goat cheese dumplings on the other hand, were the highlight of the meal. Delicious and gooey and tender with an awesome sauce. My girlfriend liked the sauce so much she even ordered some rice to soak up the sauce, but the rice was very unusual tasting and not very good. How can a restaurant call themselves Asian and do rice wrong? Also, my friends got the salmon roll (the day's special) and the fish was just old. Ugh. Ok, so then we got the udon for our dinner, which was actually quite tasty. BUT, it still pains me to pay $17 for a bowl of noodles. Overall I would say I was underwhelmed.
I arrived with my family to this restaurant to be told that they didn't carry high chairs because they weren't aloud to store them. My husband actually went next door and borrowed one from the restaurant adjacent to them. I first noticed that the menu was very limited. I believe, if you have a small menu, then what you offer should be done exceptionally well. Not here. I ordered a Cosmo which tasted nothing like a Cosmo and was barely drinkable. I was told later by the waitress that it was the first one she had ever made. Note to chef: don't let inexperienced people make any food or drink. I asked for water for our table 3 times before I received it. I was given a litany of things that they had run out of. I think about 35% of the menu was unavailable. I ordered rice for my children. I was told they had green rice or black rice. I asked the difference and the waitress could not give me any information other that the black rice "might scare the children". I can't even begin to describe the flat affect of the waitress. I ordered 2 entrees, California roll, & miso soup. The waitress forgot to put in half our order. So after waiting to receive our entire order, we received California rolls which consisted of avocado, rice, & crab salad (mayonnaise & everything!). Beyond the less than appetizing concoction, the sushi was rolled too large. The side of soy was in a dish that was so small you couldn't even dip the sushi in it. The miso was not miso. I don't know what it was, but it was not miso. It had tofu & mushrooms in it, but that was as close as it got. Both entrees were tasteless. Needless to say, we were very disappointed in the service and the food. Then after all this, you walk out with an extremely overpriced bill. I wouldn't have paid $5 let alone the $76 I was charged. Ridiculous! Don't waste your time or money. This was so bad. The only plus was it had nice decor. It is misleading to say they have patio seating. They just put 2 tables outside their front door on the sidewalk. So, in general, if you can BYO food, drink, & highchair, this is a great restaurant.
(1)
Brenda M.
An absolute must! Everything is fresh, made to order, and DELICIOUS! Each day brings unique specials, along with the standard small and large plates. The chef sources local produce and meats as much as possible. I've never known of a disappointed customer, and I've been there plenty! There is limited seating, and weekend evenings often require reservations. The comments I see about waits for food, well I haven't found that to be true myself. When you visit Chagrin Falls, be sure to include lunch or dinner at Umami!
(5)
Kris P.
A cute friend of mine took me here for dinner. I think it was a date, maybe one of those unsaid situations. Needless to say we had a great time starting the evening at Umami. Upon entering I was immediately impressed with the decor and ambiance which enveloped me. It was literally like dipping into a trendy, cave amongst old-town Chagrin Falls. Light, modern asian decor and soft, upbeat music. The kitchen was small and open. The dining room has seating for maybe 25. I was excited to try the food. We ordered Goat Cheese Dumplings to start with. Fantastic. Great flavor, nicely presented. Definitely recommend. Followed the dumplings with Sesame Noodles and a seared Tuna main course. Both were tasty. I wouldn't call them amazing, but simply Asian pretty much sums up the taste. They were well prepared. I paired dinner with a Kirin light beer, and my cute friend enjoyed a tasty Malbec. I had a nice experience.
(3)
Ace S.
Had a quick lunch at Umami and LOVED it. My server recommended a nice white wine and the goat cheese dumplings. Awesome! A high quality (albeit light/small) meal in a comforting, very cool atmosphere. I think I'll go back tomorrow and try the tuna.
(4)
Melissa A.
I really don't like restaurants where I leave wanting to swing through a drive-thru on my way home because I'm still hungry (Chris, I concur). Unfortunately, Umami is that kind of restaurant. I had soup and a noodle dish, which were decently flavored, but left me hungry. The food was okay, but certainly not mind-blowingly delicious. What a waste of money :(.
(2)
Brian M.
My wife and I love this place so much it is our Go to place for special occasions. We just had our anniversary dinner there last weekend which was wonderful: sat right up in front at the picture window table: great for people watching! My wife had the curry chicken with black rice. The serving side was large and I got to finish about half of her dinner. I had the salmon and it did not disappoint.
(5)
Megan S.
I bought a livingsocial deal for Umami Kitchen after reading some of the reviews on opentable. I'm not sure why they are rated a 4.5 there because I was really not all that impressed especially by the prices. The restaurant is very very small. There are maybe 7 tables and can probably seat around 20 max. The atmosphere was a nice modern Asian decor. My guy and I went on a cold rainy October night and the restaurant was very warm and cozy which I liked. I had a cup of $4 Jasmine bloom tea which was actually very good. The menu selection was a bit disappointing. There are 5 Sushi/rolls dishes to choose from (as appetizers). 8 small plates choices and 7 large plate choices. We started with the $9 Spicy BBQ Ribs from the small plate. It came with 4 ribs and some kimchi. It was delicious. I picked the Udon noodles with spicy steak ($19) and my guy picked the Massaman Curry Chicken(19). My Udon noodles was just maybe 1 min over cooked, the beef was not spicy and a little bit tough. The soup overall was a bit flavor less and too salty especially when I got to the end. My guy said that the Curry chicken was good but he's definitely had a better $12 curry at a lot of other places with bigger portions. The chicken chunk was too large and a bit burnt. The curry flavor was a bit plain, almost missing something. The serves was attentive and the food came out quickly. Our bill came out to be $51 total. A bit much for the quality I would say!
(3)
Howard Z.
Okay but weak taste profile ... Needs stronger flavor ... Expensive not worth the price
(2)
Caroline E.
Umami really is a special place with unexpected food in a very unique setting. The menu is sophisticated with ingredients and combinations not often found on Cleveland menus. Highly recommend this restaurant for a night out with friends that truly enjoy wonderful food!
(5)
James O.
Fantastic Asian fusion at a great price!
(4)
Daniel H.
Ok, reviews I have seen here are mixed, which surprised me at first. My wife and I really do treasure the quaint time away from the kids and in a small and cozy Umami with Asian "inspired" dishes at the heart of one of the treasures in North east Ohio... Chagrin Falls. If location has anything to serve in a review, this location needs to be regarded for sure. Chagrin Falls is a pleasant and relaxing place to meander and enjoy the town feel. For Umami itself, the servers (1 for the entire dining room traditionally) are helpful yet un-intrusive . The food is pleasantly creative yet simple I call, contemp-ameri-asian. Gnocci, and seafood is fabulous with high end yet non pretentious approach. Although not my "go to" spot for sushi or sashimi, the entrees and apps are a satisfying and delicious event. Being raised in Northeast Ohio I see why many think it's over priced, when our typical NEO guts are usually bombarded with cheap food by the metric ton... this is a place to relax, enjoy and share conversation. Not to gorge on piles of slop, and completely disregard each other during a meal.... sorry for the rant... Prices for the quality and creativity of this food are tremendous if you compare or travel to other cities at all. it remains a delightful spot for my wife and I as a weeknight treasure.
(4)
Anne B.
FANTASTIC! We had one of our best meals of the year here last night. We started out with cocktails, based on previous recommendations posted here. We were not disappointed as they were amazing, as was the sake. We found the staff to be friendly, knowledgable, attentive and accommodating. We ordered Alaskan copper river salmon off the special menu and had half of the portion served as sashimi. It was amazing! Some of the best sashimi we have ever had (including in NYC and Hawaii). All of the ingredients were very fresh and cooked to perfection. We are considering returning again during our one week trip to the Cleveland area! And to address the portion sizes, no they are not huge but they are appropriately sized and we did not leave hungry. Just pleasantly full!
(5)
Vince L.
when dining in the presence of not one, but TWO yelp Elite '10, do you: a) carefully observe their jaw movements with their every bite, and imitate them as such b) stand no more than 10 inches away, with napkin in hand, ready to dab at any sign of stray food c) answer all their requests with "as you wish, your Eliteness" d) pray that when you write a review of the place, that you might meet their kind approval-- or else be banished into a Yelp purgatory, thereby resigning yourself to a mundane life, writing for urbanspoon just to be safe, i'd shoot for all of the above. and so, with, napkin in hand, i had the extreme pleasure of having the distinguished company of renowned Yelpers Rachael N. and Ferdinand H. among the party this evening, as we ventured forth into Chagrin Falls. Umami wins points for decor, ambience, and creativity; their dishes are probably best described as asian fusion. chicken and pork dishes are on the menu as much as fish, which was a bit of a surprise. the entrees are broken down into small and large plates. you'll definitely need at least one of each in order to not leave hungry. the dishes themselves seemed pretty hit or miss. those in my group who ordered the pork small plate dish seemed fairly happy. i had the special-- a sashimi grade tuna with soy glaze over brussel sprouts. it was prepared well, but not particularly memorable. the service was attentive and pleasant. it's a fine place to hold conversation. or concentrate on imitating jaw movements. all-in-all-- a nice place in Chagrin Falls that you'll remember more for its interior than its food. hope this review helps! (if not-- i'll see you on urbanspoon.)
(3)
Hema S.
While the menu at Umami is mouth-watering, I found that the execution of the dishes fell flat. The items listed on the limited menu all sound delicioius and describe unusual flavor combinations. When we got our food, however, I was less than impressed. Our party of four shared 3 appetizers - the umami sushi roll, mussels in a thai lemongrass/coconut broth, and a lobster salad with a wasabi aioli. I don't describe the dishes with justice, mostly because I've forgotten the descriptions provided on the menu. The sushi roll was fine. As for the mussels, the quality of the mussels themselves were ok but the tasty broth didnt add anything extra to the mussels. On top of it all, there was no way to sop up the lovely broth. Our server informed us that there was no bread or anything similar to eat up the broth, and on top of that, she forgot to bring the spoons she had suggested for eating the broth as a soup. The lobster salad was a huge disappointment, mainly because it was swimming in the wasabi aioli, making each bite a thick, creamy blob with a bit of lobster hidden within. For my entree, I had what was described as a udon/soba (i dont remember which) noodle dish with stirfried vegetables. The dish was a little greasy and tasted like it had been seasoned with a generic spice/curry mix and soy sauce. The vegetables consisted of mostly edamame, bok choy, and napa cabbage - certainly not the bright, crunchy veggie medley I had hoped for. I'm not sure it was any better than something I could quickly cook up in my own kitchen. Overall, I found the creativity of the menu to be very impressive but falling short with the execution. The flavors were not at all balanced - they were either severely lacking or overdone.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy, Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
robert b.
Indifferent personnel. We had a reservation, but the hostesses tried to seat us in an uncomfortable, crowded area although there were 3 other tables available. We left without staying and will not return. There are many other places which are accommodating and don't take business for granted.
(1)Craig B.
With all the local accolades and buzz, my party of 4 sat down with a certain level of expectation. Our assessment was that the food was OK, but considering we spent about $190 on the meal, we said, "meh". My tuna dish was good, not outstanding, as was the curried chicken and the appetizers--goat cheese dumplings, onion soup, and spring-like roll. The creme brûlée was just so so. The wine offerings were good but not any hidden gems that would make us say wow. We got the impression this restaurant doesn't know what it wants to be yet--we found their fusion concept to be lacking in taste and execution--and at the price point I'm not going to wait for them to do so.
(2)Dan W.
The lamb chops and grouper specials were delicious, creative. Portions were very adequate. Exhortatory note: there is a lot of obesity in this country and portion size is a major factor. The chef attempts to use local fresh produce from the area and the green salads were great! And the vegan onion soup was amazing. Very attentive service. Noisy and very busy during this Saturday summer evening.Very clean well maintained restroom. Keep in mind that this is a small venue with tables so close so as not to be conducive to intimate conversations. We expect to be back soon.
(4)David B.
Went there with my youngest Son. We read the menu (outside) and decided to go to Shinano's for a better selection. I can't for the life of me figure out how such a limited Sushi menu is attractive to Sushi fans. I, and my Son, like variety in our sushi outings.
(2)Kelly F.
Can we all agree that the phrase "hidden gem" is beyond played out? Okay - now that we've got that behind us, Umami is that and then some. A favorite of mine, especially throughout the frigid Cleveland winters, this warm and inviting establishment reliably offers nothing but lovely experiences. So, when friends (with high expectations and an appetite for quality seafood) were in town from Boston last week, I knew exactly where to make reservations. Much appreciated was that the manager was kind and accommodating enough to make room for a party of six with slightly short notice (and on a popular evening with the holidays quickly approaching) - not such an easy task for a quaint restaurant. The server was knowledgable, the food was superb, and the atmosphere was perfect - lively and somehow festive, as we celebrated our valuable time with close friends. Thank you, Umami, for being just what your name suggests - a beautiful taste.
(4)Ed K.
We had an early dinner prior to going to a art show. People at the restaurant are the best friendly and helpful. Whenever I go to this place I always aim to try something new. Last night was a grand slam oyster mushroom app. And fish both specials off the board. My wife enjoyed a salad and the duck Breast. In addressing the cost of dinner, I can only say the value was there. We will return.
(5)Elana B.
The food is always solid here. I love their creative fresh fish dishes (always very flavorful) as well as their Massaman chicken. The setting is cozy and intimate. Take note that there is no bar to wait at before your table is ready. In addition, reservations are a must on the weekends.
(5)Vineet G.
Drinks: their cocktail menu is good and there are a lot of custom drinks which I appreciate at any restaurant. They do tend to be on the sweeter side and use a little too much fruit juice/syrup. Otherwise certainly strong. Food is amazing! The sashimi is fresh and their goat cheese appetizer will blow you away. A must try!! Main courses are light, with unique flavors.
(4)Pat D.
This is chagrin falls only worthwhile restaurant. Meaning if it wasn't in a great locale it'd still be worth the effort it takes to get a table in this little gem.
(5)Sam P.
Too expensive for small helpings of average food. Tried apps. to determine if we'd go for dinner some time. Had the following: Spicy Tuna Roll - lame. Honestly, supermarket sushi is better. Rice was cold and, worse yet, mushy. Spicy tuna was, eh at best. This item was clearly pre-made and sat in a fridge. Pork meatballs - 4 meatballs on top of a flavorless coleslaw for $9. Cheese dumplings - this actually was a tasty app. but, again, kinda small for the price. Good beer list and the house cocktail list was good. But this doesn't make up for the food prices. Very nice atmosphere and good service. We won't be back as the food was too expensive and merely average at best.
(2)Karl K.
I sometimes wonder how many people are involved in the restaurant business in this area that give poor reviews because they associated with another competing restaurant. I have eaten 2 dinners and as of today one lunch at umami. Each time I'm impressed and happy to pay the bill. If you expect 2 quality ingredient, nutrient-rich dinners, 2 apps, 2 trendy drinks, and a desert or salad for under $85 before tip then stop leaving poor reviews and maybe I'll see you at Red Robin. If you say something isn't spicy enough, tell them to add some when you order. You won't be able to taste any nuances, but who cares -- you'll similarly be gracing the fluorescent light filled Chinese establishments. If you want more than eleven pieces (I counted) of filet mignon in your lunch portioned soup (mind you, full size "bites") then go to an all you can eat Chinese restaurant and enjoy yourself, but don't write a poor review. If you DO like a meal where the udon beef is carefully constructed with crunchy bok choy, fresh green onion on top, udon noodles that were not previously cooked or mushy, and al dente (read "fresh") shiitake mushrooms, all in a rich, slightly spicy broth with a bit of melted parmigiano reggiano (non-domestic - I checked) for $10 bucks for lunch --get a job! I do remember having one of the best fish dinners I have had in a long time here, and would joyfully return if I could only remember it. The wine was so fabulous that night two of us ordered 2 bottles --each. The ambiance is great and please don't criticize the slow wait staff. You embarrass us when you travel to Europe and expect to be in and out for dinner so quickly you complain. Ugly Americans should also not be dis-allowed review status. Try this place out. Communicate with the staff, they are very accommodating and eat your heart out. You'll enjoy it!
(5)Tanya B.
Good location is pretty much the only thing this place has going for it. Completely overpriced! The menu is so limited and the food is... meh... If you're going to serve udon noodles soup for $20, it better be the best damn udon soup, with fillet mignon steak floating in it. In fact, it was mediocre at best. The sushi wasn't tasty at all. It honestly felt like they weren't even trying to cook great food for those prices. I went to try it cause they had a groupon, and for this this is a good way to get introduced to new restaurants. Well, I'm glad I had the groupon discount; cause I wouldn't be happy paying that bill in full for the small and not so tasty portions we got.
(1)Suzy W.
Love this place, it's very small do be sure to book ahead, it's worth it. Fantastic food and excellent service every time we go. I would highly recommend it.
(5)Karen C.
Chef Matt is the best. His food is killer and he gives so much back to the community . He is always sourcing the best local products around.
(5)Amy S.
I had the BEST soup I've ever had there last night. It's was a coconut fish chowder. Sweet baby Jesus. The food is incredibly fresh. They ran out of a lot while we were there and although some would see that as bad, I see that as fresh, being made daily, damn good- food. The ambiance is so wonderfully trendy yet warm. The staff was attentive and described the food perfectly. We ordered all specials but the main menu sounds amazing as well. We will most definitely be back.
(5)Sarah T.
Listen, it's gorgeous decor, great location, and good food. The server was unversed in miso soup at a place called Umami, but whatev. Maybe he was new. Who knows. My problem is that I ordered DUMPLINGS and they were trying to tell me how nice the gnocchi was that came out; it was slightly burnt but otherwise well made. When I ask for dumplings, I want a pan-fried pocketful o' Asian goodness. Not Italian knots of wood (which is what gnocchi).
(3)Ferdinand H.
First of, I'll admit that I came to the restaurant already biased. My expectations were set low; why? Because Umami Asian Kitchen is an asian kitchen run by those not asian. I'm generally avoidant of japanese restaurants run by any type of asian non-Japanese, as well as Italian not run by italian and so forth. On the other hand, having had Chinese food run by indians, cooking what amounts to Indian styled Chinese food, I must say that cultural hybrid cuisine can occasionally be very interesting if not compelling. After all, American Chinese food is a thing all its own... But what about Umami? Is it really U-ma-mi? Honmono desuka? Well, it's a yes and a no. The executive chef's Japanese influence is pretty clear in the menu selections and execution. With Kimchi flavoured skewers, tuna tataki, assorted rolls, the Japanese beers and selection of spice balances, the nipponification is definitely in there. It's like you took an Izakaya, simplified the menu, westernized the flavours just slightly, and also pub-i-fied the ambiance. It's quaint, cozy and intimate - very much like a small izakaya would be like if the decor ran more western. And I think that's precisely what this is, a westernized Izakaya. The prices might well be out of Ginza as well, which is really the sticking point. The food is decent. If you were served the food without respect to the price, you'd eat an enjoy the stuff. But the prices are a tad steep. I don't really know the pricing schema of Chagrin falls, but this seems a little over the norm. So, a 3 is reasonable, maybe a 2.9. A plug for the crisp pork-belly though. That is something I'd order and put over a bowl of rice any day. That dish is a 4 star flavour/texture.
(3)Rachael N.
3.5 stars. Umami is a quaint, small restaurant on the "main street" of Chagrin Falls. Chagrin Falls is this cute, small, quaint town, that has lots of old-town shops and places, and Umami definitely sticks out, as it's a Japanese-American fusion type of restaurant. Made reservations for a group of 12. Walked in..and felt bad. The restaurant is small, we took up half their seating! :P Ordered the red lotus as my drink. It.. was okay. I didn't really like the lychee and cranberry mix. For the small plate, I ordered goat cheese dumpling. Man, that was a strange plate- I was expecting an ACTUAL dumpling, but small pieces of goat cheese that were marinated, came out...on a bed of warm lettuce and great tasting sauce. I wasn't too happy it wasn't a dumpling, but still, a pretty good dish. My friend next to me had the beet salad. It was actually really quite good! I'm not sure how to rate beets though. I ordered the curry chicken for the entree. It was good- the rice was my favorite- it was kind of a smoky, black, flavored type of rice-like the type of rice you always fight over, as it's crunchy on the bottom of the pot. I thought the chicken was okay. I mean..it was...just very typical curry chicken. I liked the basil in it. I enjoyed my friend's dishes- the salmon was done quite well; the udon was good as well, with the beef cooked just right. Overall, this restaurant was pretty good. I wasn't blown away by anything, but still, a nice cute spot to grab some fusion Asian inspired food. It was nice too, as the waiter split up our check by person! Man, with a 12 person party? That's hard. Good job. It's not the most awe inspiring type of food, but still, a cool place to chill and chat. I had a friend who commented that he thought this was a type of place that belonged in NYC. hahha. But yeah, definitely was a good night.... with pretty good food.
(3)Greg K.
Food was just OK, but over an hour to get an entree? Here is our not-so-great experience, followed by details about the restaurant. The not-so-great experience... We had lunch reservations, were seated promptly, and our order was received within 10 minutes of our arrival. (I know these times because I had to watch the clock that afternoon.) When we didn't see our appetizers for 25 minutes I noticed, like us, many tables had patrons but no food. Having prior engagements, we asked to change our order to take-out, which was humbly accepted. Appetizers were received boxed and bagged now 35 minutes after our order (see pictures) - still no entrees. At 45 minutes after our order, we were advised that the entrees would take at least another 15 minutes - 1 hour after the order went in! Disappointed, we had to ask them to cancel our entrees off the check, which they did, and later scarfed the meal down in the car. The restaurant... Umami is located in pretentious downtown Chagrin Falls along the popular strip of restaurants near the falls. It has a narrow, slot-type layout with an aisle down the middle. Diners are seated on both sides of the aisle in a bench-table-chair format along one wall and in booths along the other wall. There are 10 - 12 tables inside and 2 outside on the sidwalk. Of the inside tables, only the most outermost 2 tables are by windows. The food... Simply Asian fusion, emphasis on Japanese - the lunch menu featured 6 little plates and 7 large plates. Our appetizers (california roll, goat cheese dumplings, and spicy tuna roll) were nothing exciting or dramatic to write home about - the flavors were nice but rather subtle and calm. I found both rolls (served maki style) rather bland and "needed" the wasabi and pickled ginger garnish. (Unfortunately, those garnishes are meant to be accoutrements to enhance sushi flavors, not be the sole provider of flavor.) We were actually looking forward to trying our entrees (massaman curry chicken & the sturgeon lunch special) but we can't judge what we didn't get... Again? Probably not. There are many good Asian Fusion and traditional Japanese restaurants to choose from out there both proven and left for us to explore.
(2)Chris P.
Like others, I have to say this place is delightful but a tad on the expensive side without a coupon. However, it fits the locale being that they bring all of their fresh food from within 100 miles of Chagrin. I'm not as into 'organics' as most people, but the freshness of the sushi we ordered was absolutely amazing. Not your average sushi rolls, and the pan seared Tuna sushi was better than I've tried anywhere else. I believe that was served on top of a bed of apple-relish with a delicious glaze. Their drinks were a bit overpriced, but the waitress was exceptionally attentive with a delightful Aussie (?) accent, and even the Sprite comes with a lemon AND lime garnish. Im a Miso Soup connoisseur, and theirs was just average... The coconut squash soup was different and just right though. The establishment was very cozy, and 'intimate' as others have said... But that just means you get more attention and don't have to worry about too much noise. Overall a nice place, but it would be nice if they were a bit cheaper.
(4)Jeffrey S.
This is a great little Asian eatery on the main drag of downtown Chagrin Falls. I went here with my girlfriend with a daily deal, so we ate at half price. The prices would have been fairly high if not for that. It's not the biggest restaurant, but that's fine with me as long as I can get a table. It's pretty dimly lit, which isn't really bad or good as that's up to the eater. My girlfriend and I got a little cozy table right by one of the front windows. This ended up being fantastic because it was wintertime and there was a heater right by our feet. There was also a comfy blanket folded up next to us, which we ended up using. In the end, we had a comfortable, tasty, and romantic evening at Umami. Highly recommended.
(4)Callie S.
Pros: Delicious food, great atmosphere Cons: expensive, small portions Overall: This place is a great restaurant in Chagrin-- but like most Chagrin restaurants, the price reflects the high taxes that they pay. What separates Umami from other places is that it is both expensive and has minute portions. So unfortunately, you pay quite a bit for the tasty food they serve. BUT I would say Umami is still worth the price, in certain situations- special occasions, going out on dates. But if you're just looking for casual dining, maybe look elsewhere.
(3)Mai N.
Who writes the review for this restaurant? The food was so awful that my husband I can't eat it! I mean my husband has had dog in china before and he ate that! Way overpriced for crappy food. It was a our first experience there yesterday and I can assure you it'll be our last! Instead of going on about the other crappy part, I'll just leave it as is.
(1)Scott G.
Here's the deal- we've been here three times now and each time there is a huge letdown at the table. It's like they get one or two things right and everything else is just wrong. One thing they always get right are the cocktails. The bartender is great, but for the price you are paying, they better be damn good. I would avoid any of the sushi rolls. We have tried them all three times hoping for something great, but each time we have been disappointed. More often than not, when you walk by Umami during a prime meal hour there are a lot of empty seats in an already small restaurant. Guess that says more than if I kept writing- right?
(2)Lord Edwin C.
Based on the reviews, I was expecting a whole lot more from this neighborhood gem. First, the best thing going for this place is it's quaint, romantic dining room. The two tables near the window are very cute and offer a nice alternative to a traditional table or sitting at a bar. Second, the service was just good. I had to ask of their we're specials and then for how much they cost. I expect a server to offer the special right away. Third and most importantly, the food. This is where Umami loses lots of points for me. We ordered 5 dishes: 1 app, 2 small plates and 2 large plates. 2 dishes had soy in them (buckwheat noodles with seared tuna and fried vegetable roll with sauce), yet both we're under seasoned. The tuna was cooked perfectly, but when it's atop bland noodles and cauliflower, throwing soy sauce on it isn't an effective fix. The other dishes weren't memorable: the goat cheese dumplings were a faint attempt at sophistication, but lacked flavor. The edamame hummus served with crispy wonton skins. That was tasty, however it was studded throughout with whole roasted garlic, which should have been very nice, but the garlic was undercooked and still had a bite. The last dish was the udon noodle dish, which was also soy based, and the beef, noodles and vegetables were well cooked, but again was terribly under seasoned. In summary, all the dishes had great potential, but all of them failed poorly at achieving what the restaurant's name suggests, "umami." I will not recommend this place, unless you're looking to only share saki with someone special in a romantic setting.
(2)Erica F.
This place is my go-to when no one in my family wants to cook. It is just about the only Asian fusion restaurant in the area, and although the menu is limited, pretty much everything on there is great. The specials make good use of whatever ingredients are in season. I love that they have bloom tea because its hard to find elsewhere and they have a pretty good selection. The most important thing to keep in mind is to only bring a small party because the restaurant is so tiny that anything over four people is too squishy.
(5)Mary S.
Mike the waiter made our evening perfect. His description of the tuna tartare trio for an appetizer was Oscar-worthy (and yes, we were won over by it!). Fun cocktail list, hip vibe (read: dark). Some day I hope to be seated in one of the window seats - very Brooklyn! Our dining friends suggested the chicken curry over black rice; all four of us ordered it, so glowing was their description, and it was a wow. We even brought part of wow home and enjoyed it the next day. Salade? Too full! But not for your creme brulee, Umami ...
(4)Liz W.
First, I love the atmosphere. This is a quaint tiny restaurant with ecletic details, such as the super cool lights. Second, they have excellent cocktails-- I had the one with the lychee pure and it was delicious!! Menu is creative and mouth watering--I think that it is a tad overpriced considering this is Cleveland. I had the pumpkin soup to start, which was excellent. The udon noodles with beef and vegetables was good; yet, I wanted more vegetables. Nevertheless, I will be going back!
(4)Jonathan F.
I was very disappointed. It is a cute little place. And the concepts of the dishes are interesting, sort of modernized Asian. But the execution was weak. We had two spicy dishes: spicy tuna rolls and I had udon noodles with spicy beef and neither was anything close to spicy. And just about everything we had was "close, but it just needs something....". On top of that, the service was weak. Everyone was pleasant, but the kitchen was very slow, and the servers didn't make up for it. They were pretty slow and inattentive. It was $84 for two people before the tip (I had a beer, my wife had a cocktail, two dinners, two appetizers, one salad), and I expect a lot more for that price in this area. I won't be back.
(2)B R.
I was visiting from L.A. for the holidays. I grew up in Chagrin and return there at least twice a year. THIS is a different kind of restaurant for my hometown. And I certainly didn't expect it be better than most any Japanese restaurant found in an international metropolis, for half the price. (That does NOT mean this place is cheap. It's not. But is super cheap compared to this quality of food and atmosphere other places.) Having had about the best Salmon I've ever had (the whole party agreed), and other quite excellent dishes, I'm surprised to see so many luke warm reviews. However, I learned that the chef working there now is someone different than a few months prior, so maybe we're just getting the goods? I agree, I AM surprised that the chef and staff are pretty much non-Asian, AND that the chef studied in a normal culinary institute in Massachusetts, not somewhere exotic or in Asia. I chalk it up to the guy being really talented -- like a reality TV chef. (Makes me worry he won't be here long. He'll be lured to NYC or something.) I'm also an interior design nut, and this place it on it. The whole experience was a totally unexpected (though pricey for a Sunday dinner in the village, sure) surprise. Delightful. No regrets. I'll be back.
(5)Ben S.
This is a very small restaurant so advance restaurants are recommended. It books up however not just because it's small, but because it's good. The menu is small, but there are a few specials (appetisers, entrees, and desserts) written on a chalk board on the one wall each day. I ordered the special local salad of the day which was speckled romaine - it required cutting before eating which annoys me when it comes to salads, but it was very good. It was served with seared tomato wedges and parmesan. I also got the salmon which even though the restaurant asked if they could cook it medium rare they cooked it perfectly all the way through (well done) when I asked them to. Definitely a cool spot - kinda of intimate in size and lighting, a good addition to downtown Chagrin Falls. Parking in rear in Giant Eagle parking lot. And note if you reserve off their website via OpenTable you don't get points - go directly to OpenTable to reserve.
(4)Chris L.
Decent food, but way overpriced for what you get. The ambiance was quite nice and the place is very well decorated. But they charge too much and don't give you enough food. Before we even stepped in the door my friend warned me that often after eating here he feels the need to go get a cheeseburger. He was right on. I needed a cheeseburger when I was done. Ok, what did we eat? My girl and I got two appetizers: the bacon and the goat cheese dumplings. The bacon appetizer was a disappointingly small hunk of pork that tasted like a hunk of salty pork. I was thoroughly unimpressed. The goat cheese dumplings on the other hand, were the highlight of the meal. Delicious and gooey and tender with an awesome sauce. My girlfriend liked the sauce so much she even ordered some rice to soak up the sauce, but the rice was very unusual tasting and not very good. How can a restaurant call themselves Asian and do rice wrong? Also, my friends got the salmon roll (the day's special) and the fish was just old. Ugh. Ok, so then we got the udon for our dinner, which was actually quite tasty. BUT, it still pains me to pay $17 for a bowl of noodles. Overall I would say I was underwhelmed.
(2)Page B.
I ate here for lunch yesterday. It was my first time here- I've been wanting to go for a long time. I am not a foodie, but I do like to cook and I know a little about food. Basically, I like yummy food that tastes great and I like warm, cozy restaurants. It's that simple. Well, this is a warm cozy restaurant that serves REALLY good yummy food. I am allergic to seafood (plus I do not like seafood). There were plenty of options for me. It's a smallish menu (at least for lunch). We got the goat cheese dumpling appetizer, and then my friends and I (a total of 3 of us) each got a large plate entree and shared. We got: Udon noodles with beef, pork belly with ginger, and I can't remember what the other one was called but it had beef in it. I have never tasted such tender meat in my entire life. I am not a huge meat eater but this was irresistible. Portions were great. For dessert (traditional desserts on the list) we each got the coffee creme brûlée and all but licked our dishes. I don't know about flavor profiles, or food creativity, or anything like that. I'll leave that to the serious foodies and the Chopped judges. But if you want to fill your tummy with delicious food in a pleasant atmosphere, go here! Can't wait to return for dinner.
(5)Jennifer L.
I arrived with my family to this restaurant to be told that they didn't carry high chairs because they weren't aloud to store them. My husband actually went next door and borrowed one from the restaurant adjacent to them. I first noticed that the menu was very limited. I believe, if you have a small menu, then what you offer should be done exceptionally well. Not here. I ordered a Cosmo which tasted nothing like a Cosmo and was barely drinkable. I was told later by the waitress that it was the first one she had ever made. Note to chef: don't let inexperienced people make any food or drink. I asked for water for our table 3 times before I received it. I was given a litany of things that they had run out of. I think about 35% of the menu was unavailable. I ordered rice for my children. I was told they had green rice or black rice. I asked the difference and the waitress could not give me any information other that the black rice "might scare the children". I can't even begin to describe the flat affect of the waitress. I ordered 2 entrees, California roll, & miso soup. The waitress forgot to put in half our order. So after waiting to receive our entire order, we received California rolls which consisted of avocado, rice, & crab salad (mayonnaise & everything!). Beyond the less than appetizing concoction, the sushi was rolled too large. The side of soy was in a dish that was so small you couldn't even dip the sushi in it. The miso was not miso. I don't know what it was, but it was not miso. It had tofu & mushrooms in it, but that was as close as it got. Both entrees were tasteless. Needless to say, we were very disappointed in the service and the food. Then after all this, you walk out with an extremely overpriced bill. I wouldn't have paid $5 let alone the $76 I was charged. Ridiculous! Don't waste your time or money. This was so bad. The only plus was it had nice decor. It is misleading to say they have patio seating. They just put 2 tables outside their front door on the sidewalk. So, in general, if you can BYO food, drink, & highchair, this is a great restaurant.
(1)Brenda M.
An absolute must! Everything is fresh, made to order, and DELICIOUS! Each day brings unique specials, along with the standard small and large plates. The chef sources local produce and meats as much as possible. I've never known of a disappointed customer, and I've been there plenty! There is limited seating, and weekend evenings often require reservations. The comments I see about waits for food, well I haven't found that to be true myself. When you visit Chagrin Falls, be sure to include lunch or dinner at Umami!
(5)Kris P.
A cute friend of mine took me here for dinner. I think it was a date, maybe one of those unsaid situations. Needless to say we had a great time starting the evening at Umami. Upon entering I was immediately impressed with the decor and ambiance which enveloped me. It was literally like dipping into a trendy, cave amongst old-town Chagrin Falls. Light, modern asian decor and soft, upbeat music. The kitchen was small and open. The dining room has seating for maybe 25. I was excited to try the food. We ordered Goat Cheese Dumplings to start with. Fantastic. Great flavor, nicely presented. Definitely recommend. Followed the dumplings with Sesame Noodles and a seared Tuna main course. Both were tasty. I wouldn't call them amazing, but simply Asian pretty much sums up the taste. They were well prepared. I paired dinner with a Kirin light beer, and my cute friend enjoyed a tasty Malbec. I had a nice experience.
(3)Ace S.
Had a quick lunch at Umami and LOVED it. My server recommended a nice white wine and the goat cheese dumplings. Awesome! A high quality (albeit light/small) meal in a comforting, very cool atmosphere. I think I'll go back tomorrow and try the tuna.
(4)Melissa A.
I really don't like restaurants where I leave wanting to swing through a drive-thru on my way home because I'm still hungry (Chris, I concur). Unfortunately, Umami is that kind of restaurant. I had soup and a noodle dish, which were decently flavored, but left me hungry. The food was okay, but certainly not mind-blowingly delicious. What a waste of money :(.
(2)Brian M.
My wife and I love this place so much it is our Go to place for special occasions. We just had our anniversary dinner there last weekend which was wonderful: sat right up in front at the picture window table: great for people watching! My wife had the curry chicken with black rice. The serving side was large and I got to finish about half of her dinner. I had the salmon and it did not disappoint.
(5)Megan S.
I bought a livingsocial deal for Umami Kitchen after reading some of the reviews on opentable. I'm not sure why they are rated a 4.5 there because I was really not all that impressed especially by the prices. The restaurant is very very small. There are maybe 7 tables and can probably seat around 20 max. The atmosphere was a nice modern Asian decor. My guy and I went on a cold rainy October night and the restaurant was very warm and cozy which I liked. I had a cup of $4 Jasmine bloom tea which was actually very good. The menu selection was a bit disappointing. There are 5 Sushi/rolls dishes to choose from (as appetizers). 8 small plates choices and 7 large plate choices. We started with the $9 Spicy BBQ Ribs from the small plate. It came with 4 ribs and some kimchi. It was delicious. I picked the Udon noodles with spicy steak ($19) and my guy picked the Massaman Curry Chicken(19). My Udon noodles was just maybe 1 min over cooked, the beef was not spicy and a little bit tough. The soup overall was a bit flavor less and too salty especially when I got to the end. My guy said that the Curry chicken was good but he's definitely had a better $12 curry at a lot of other places with bigger portions. The chicken chunk was too large and a bit burnt. The curry flavor was a bit plain, almost missing something. The serves was attentive and the food came out quickly. Our bill came out to be $51 total. A bit much for the quality I would say!
(3)Howard Z.
Okay but weak taste profile ... Needs stronger flavor ... Expensive not worth the price
(2)Caroline E.
Umami really is a special place with unexpected food in a very unique setting. The menu is sophisticated with ingredients and combinations not often found on Cleveland menus. Highly recommend this restaurant for a night out with friends that truly enjoy wonderful food!
(5)James O.
Fantastic Asian fusion at a great price!
(4)Daniel H.
Ok, reviews I have seen here are mixed, which surprised me at first. My wife and I really do treasure the quaint time away from the kids and in a small and cozy Umami with Asian "inspired" dishes at the heart of one of the treasures in North east Ohio... Chagrin Falls. If location has anything to serve in a review, this location needs to be regarded for sure. Chagrin Falls is a pleasant and relaxing place to meander and enjoy the town feel. For Umami itself, the servers (1 for the entire dining room traditionally) are helpful yet un-intrusive . The food is pleasantly creative yet simple I call, contemp-ameri-asian. Gnocci, and seafood is fabulous with high end yet non pretentious approach. Although not my "go to" spot for sushi or sashimi, the entrees and apps are a satisfying and delicious event. Being raised in Northeast Ohio I see why many think it's over priced, when our typical NEO guts are usually bombarded with cheap food by the metric ton... this is a place to relax, enjoy and share conversation. Not to gorge on piles of slop, and completely disregard each other during a meal.... sorry for the rant... Prices for the quality and creativity of this food are tremendous if you compare or travel to other cities at all. it remains a delightful spot for my wife and I as a weeknight treasure.
(4)Anne B.
FANTASTIC! We had one of our best meals of the year here last night. We started out with cocktails, based on previous recommendations posted here. We were not disappointed as they were amazing, as was the sake. We found the staff to be friendly, knowledgable, attentive and accommodating. We ordered Alaskan copper river salmon off the special menu and had half of the portion served as sashimi. It was amazing! Some of the best sashimi we have ever had (including in NYC and Hawaii). All of the ingredients were very fresh and cooked to perfection. We are considering returning again during our one week trip to the Cleveland area! And to address the portion sizes, no they are not huge but they are appropriately sized and we did not leave hungry. Just pleasantly full!
(5)Vince L.
when dining in the presence of not one, but TWO yelp Elite '10, do you: a) carefully observe their jaw movements with their every bite, and imitate them as such b) stand no more than 10 inches away, with napkin in hand, ready to dab at any sign of stray food c) answer all their requests with "as you wish, your Eliteness" d) pray that when you write a review of the place, that you might meet their kind approval-- or else be banished into a Yelp purgatory, thereby resigning yourself to a mundane life, writing for urbanspoon just to be safe, i'd shoot for all of the above. and so, with, napkin in hand, i had the extreme pleasure of having the distinguished company of renowned Yelpers Rachael N. and Ferdinand H. among the party this evening, as we ventured forth into Chagrin Falls. Umami wins points for decor, ambience, and creativity; their dishes are probably best described as asian fusion. chicken and pork dishes are on the menu as much as fish, which was a bit of a surprise. the entrees are broken down into small and large plates. you'll definitely need at least one of each in order to not leave hungry. the dishes themselves seemed pretty hit or miss. those in my group who ordered the pork small plate dish seemed fairly happy. i had the special-- a sashimi grade tuna with soy glaze over brussel sprouts. it was prepared well, but not particularly memorable. the service was attentive and pleasant. it's a fine place to hold conversation. or concentrate on imitating jaw movements. all-in-all-- a nice place in Chagrin Falls that you'll remember more for its interior than its food. hope this review helps! (if not-- i'll see you on urbanspoon.)
(3)Hema S.
While the menu at Umami is mouth-watering, I found that the execution of the dishes fell flat. The items listed on the limited menu all sound delicioius and describe unusual flavor combinations. When we got our food, however, I was less than impressed. Our party of four shared 3 appetizers - the umami sushi roll, mussels in a thai lemongrass/coconut broth, and a lobster salad with a wasabi aioli. I don't describe the dishes with justice, mostly because I've forgotten the descriptions provided on the menu. The sushi roll was fine. As for the mussels, the quality of the mussels themselves were ok but the tasty broth didnt add anything extra to the mussels. On top of it all, there was no way to sop up the lovely broth. Our server informed us that there was no bread or anything similar to eat up the broth, and on top of that, she forgot to bring the spoons she had suggested for eating the broth as a soup. The lobster salad was a huge disappointment, mainly because it was swimming in the wasabi aioli, making each bite a thick, creamy blob with a bit of lobster hidden within. For my entree, I had what was described as a udon/soba (i dont remember which) noodle dish with stirfried vegetables. The dish was a little greasy and tasted like it had been seasoned with a generic spice/curry mix and soy sauce. The vegetables consisted of mostly edamame, bok choy, and napa cabbage - certainly not the bright, crunchy veggie medley I had hoped for. I'm not sure it was any better than something I could quickly cook up in my own kitchen. Overall, I found the creativity of the menu to be very impressive but falling short with the execution. The flavors were not at all balanced - they were either severely lacking or overdone.
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