Umai

For residents and visitors across Illinois, the vibrant culinary scene of Chicago offers a diverse array of international flavors, with Japanese cuisine holding a special place. Among the many establishments, Umai stands out as a noteworthy Japanese restaurant, located in the dynamic Printer's Row neighborhood. While its unassuming exterior might lead some to walk past, those who step inside are greeted by a surprisingly pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Umai offers a comprehensive menu that extends beyond just sushi, delving into various traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of cravings.

Umai aims to provide an authentic Japanese dining experience with a modern twist. Its commitment to serving well-prepared, satisfying comfort food, alongside fresh sushi, positions it as a reliable option for those seeking genuine flavors in the heart of the city. From a quick lunch to a leisurely dinner, Umai strives to cater to the diverse preferences of its Illinois clientele. The restaurant's ambiance, with its high ceilings, large windows, and subtle background music, creates a relaxed yet sophisticated setting, inviting diners to linger and enjoy their culinary journey.

Umai is situated at 730 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA. This address places it squarely in the Printer's Row area of the South Loop, a vibrant and easily accessible neighborhood in downtown Chicago. The location is particularly convenient for those working or residing in the immediate vicinity, including the numerous residential buildings and businesses that characterize the South Loop. Its spot on S Clark Street means it’s well-integrated into the city’s grid, making it fairly straightforward to find, even for those unfamiliar with the specific street.

Accessibility is a key advantage for Umai, especially for Illinois residents relying on public transportation. The restaurant is within walking distance of several major CTA train stations, including LaSalle (Blue Line), Harrison (Red Line), and LaSalle/Van Buren (Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines). This makes it highly convenient for commuters from various parts of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. While street parking can sometimes be a challenge in downtown Chicago, there are often metered spots available nearby, and numerous parking garages are within a reasonable walking distance. For optimal convenience, particularly during peak hours, utilizing public transit or ride-sharing services is often recommended when planning your visit to Umai.

• Dine-in Service: Umai offers a welcoming environment for an in-person dining experience. The interior, with its high ceilings, large windows, and modern decor, provides a comfortable and laid-back vibe for enjoying your meal.
• Sushi Bar Experience: For sushi aficionados, Umai features a sushi bar where skilled chefs prepare fresh sushi, providing a dynamic and interactive dining experience.
• Extensive Menu: The restaurant boasts a diverse menu that goes beyond typical sushi offerings. It includes a wide range of hot and cold appetizers, various udon and ramen dishes, chef's specialties, Japanese BBQ, and traditional Japanese entrees like Katsu Kare, Sukiyaki, and Teriyaki dishes.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Umai operates with distinct lunch and dinner hours, typically from Monday to Saturday, with dinner service only on Sundays, accommodating various dining schedules.
• Takeout and Carryout: Recognizing the needs of a bustling city, Umai provides convenient takeout and carryout options, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite Japanese dishes at home or on the go.
• Delivery Service: Umai partners with popular food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, making it easy for Illinois locals to have their Japanese cravings satisfied right at their doorstep.
• Full Bar: The restaurant features a full bar, offering a selection of beverages including sake and wine, to complement your meal and enhance the dining experience.
• Reservations: Umai accepts reservations, particularly for larger parties (typically 6 or more), which can be made by phone, ensuring a smoother dining experience, especially during busy times.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Umai is noted for having vegetarian-friendly and vegan options, along with gluten-free choices, catering to a broader range of dietary preferences and restrictions.

• Diverse Culinary Offerings: A standout feature of Umai is its comprehensive menu that caters to various tastes within Japanese cuisine. From fresh sushi and sashimi to comforting ramen bowls, savory udon, and hearty sukiyaki, there’s a dish for every preference.
• Fresh Sushi and Sashimi: Umai consistently receives praise for the freshness and quality of its sushi and sashimi, making it a reliable choice for discerning raw fish enthusiasts.
• Comfort Food Focus: Beyond the raw bar, Umai excels at Japanese comfort food. Dishes like udon kare, shrimp tempura, and sukiyaki are frequently highlighted for being satisfying and well-prepared, offering a taste of authentic Japanese home-style cooking.
• Modern and Laid-Back Atmosphere: The interior boasts high ceilings, large windows, and a pleasant street view, contributing to a cool, laid-back, and modern vibe. This creates an inviting setting for both casual meals and more intimate dining experiences.
• Strong Service Ethic: While some experiences might vary, the general sentiment points to Umai providing professional service, with many customers appreciating the attentiveness and efficiency of the staff.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Its location in Printer's Row, coupled with robust public transportation access and availability of delivery services, makes Umai highly convenient for a wide segment of the Illinois population.
• Artistic Decor: The presence of Japanese murals and an elevated design with natural earthy colors and hanging lights contribute to a visually appealing and hip atmosphere, enhancing the overall dining experience.

While specific, regularly advertised promotions for Umai are not extensively detailed in publicly available information, it is common for Japanese restaurants in a metropolitan area like Chicago to offer various deals to attract and retain customers. Illinois locals interested in potential savings or special experiences at Umai might consider:

• Lunch Combos: Many Japanese restaurants feature special lunch Bento boxes or sushi/sashimi lunch combos at reduced prices, offering a great value for a midday meal. Umai has specific lunch hours and a dedicated lunch menu, so inquiring about or checking their online menu for lunch specials is recommended.
• Seasonal Specials: Restaurants often highlight seasonal ingredients or limited-time dishes, which can be a unique way to experience new flavors.
• Delivery Platform Promotions: Keep an eye on popular food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, as they frequently run their own promotions, such as discounted delivery fees or percentage off orders, which could apply to Umai.
• Social Media Announcements: Following Umai on social media platforms can often provide early access to information about any new promotions, events, or loyalty programs they might introduce.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any promotions or special offers, it is always best to directly contact Umai or visit their official website before your visit.

Address: 730 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Phone: (312) 986-8888

Mobile Phone: +1 312-986-8888

For reservations, particularly for larger parties, it is recommended to call the restaurant directly at the provided phone number. Further information regarding online ordering and their full menu can typically be found on their official website, which also serves as a valuable resource for updated business hours and any additional services.

For Illinois residents, Umai offers a compelling choice for Japanese dining in Chicago. Its prime location in the easily accessible Printer's Row neighborhood means it’s convenient for anyone working or living in the city, or commuting in from the suburbs via public transit. The restaurant’s extensive menu, which skillfully balances fresh sushi with a comforting array of cooked Japanese dishes like udon, ramen, and sukiyaki, caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences. This versatility makes it an excellent option for families, groups with diverse dietary needs, or individuals simply looking for a satisfying meal.

Despite its somewhat discreet exterior, Umai delivers a pleasant and relaxing interior, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages diners to enjoy their food at their own pace. The availability of both dine-in and convenient takeout/delivery services further enhances its suitability for the local lifestyle, allowing for flexible dining whether you prefer a night out or a cozy meal at home. Umai's commitment to quality ingredients, coupled with a diverse menu and a welcoming environment, positions it as a reliable and enjoyable destination for authentic Japanese cuisine right here in the heart of Illinois.

Umai

730 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA