The Umami experience begins with an inviting izakaya-style dining atmosphere that is flavor for the scenes. The journey begins through natural elements as you first encounter shoji style frames that home live orchids and greenery. A dramatic piece of live-edge wood (and a smiling hostess) guides diners upstairs, where the food journey across Asia begins. Young, talented chef, Sam Josi (who's hot Mexican menu is nothing short of awesome at Mamacita) brings a education sequence of various dishes from Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Korea. Balancing the courses is best left in the hands of the servers who will guide you through the menu and recommend sake pairings to go with favorites such as kanpachi carpaccio, yellow curry crusted mahi, an incredible duck okonomiyaki. Palate cleanse with the green papaya salad before finishing with the Korean bi bim pap - lovely to say and lovely to eat! Understated with a commitment to bring izakaya-style dining to the Marina, Umami is a welcomed new favorite.
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