Umai: A Culinary Gem for Authentic Japanese Cuisine in Chicago, IL

Umai Introduce

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.

Location and Accessibility

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.

Services Offered

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.

Features / Highlights

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.

Promotions or Special Offers

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.

Contact Information

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.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

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 Menu

Hot Appetizers
Edamame US$7.00
Boiled soy beans with sea salt.
Spicy Edamame US$9.00
Sauteed edamame in Japanese garlic spiced.
Age Dashi Tofu US$10.00
Fried silky tofu in dashi soy broth, ginger, scallion and bonito flakes.
Lollipops Chicken US$11.00
Japanese fried chicken served with yuzu mayo.
Asparagus Beef Roll US$15.00
Asparagus wrapped in lean steak, sauteed with ginger teriyaki sauce.
Tempura Plate US$15.00
2 shrimps, assorted vegetables served with warm dashi dipping.
Nasu Dengaku US$10.00
Roasted Japanese eggplant with house miso sauce.
Spicy Chicken Wings US$12.00
Fried chicken wings sauteed in house sweet chili sauce.
Hamachi Kama US$18.00
Grilled yellowtail with sea salt.
Gyoza US$9.00
6 pieces. Japanese style pork or veggies pot stickers.
Shrimp Shumai US$8.00
Steamed shrimp dumpling served with soy vinegar.
TAKOYAKI US$11.00
Flour battered, chopped tako, japanese mayo, takoyaki sauce, bonito flakes
IKA KARAAGE US$12.00
Deep fried squid tentacles with lemon
Salmon Kama US$17.00
Grilled salmon collar seasoned with sea salt, serve with ponzu sauce on the side

Cold Appetizers and Salad
Umai Salad
Mixed greens, green bean, romaine, carrot, tomato, Hawaiian sweet potato, tofu strip and dired nori served with deep roasted sesame dressing.
Seaweed Salad US$9.00
Cucumber, seaweed, masago and Japanese vinegar.
Goma Ae US$9.00
Chilled spinach and sesame puree sauce.
House Garden Salad US$9.00
Mixed greens, green bean, romaine, carrot, tomato with ginger mayo dressing.
Tako Su US$12.00
Octopus, wakame, cucumber with Japanese vinegar.
Sushi Appetizer US$16.00
4 pieces of nigiri. Chef's selection.
Sashimi Appetizer US$17.00
4 pieces of sashimi. Chef's selection.
Beef Tataki US$18.00
Thin sliced seared beef loin, garlic chips, scallion, ginger, daikon and ponzu sauce.
Salmon Skin Salad US$17.00
Assorted Japanese seaweed, romaine, mixed greens, green bean, carrot, tomato, salmon skin crushed served with ginger mayo dressing.

Soup
Miso Soup US$5.00
Miso broth, silky soft tofu and scallion.

Japanese BBQ
Japanese BBQ Beef Tongue US$10.00
Served with lemon sea salt.
Japanese BBQ Beef Hanger Tender US$10.00
House marinated.
Japanese BBQ Pork Shoulder US$9.00
Served with roasted garlic mayo.
Japanese BBQ Cauliflower US$9.00
Served with honey miso sauce
Japanese BBQ Shishito Pepper US$9.00
Served with bonito flakes.
Japanese BBQ Grilled Tofu US$8.00
Served with spicy miso sauce.
Japanese BBQ Grilled Assorted Vegetable US$17.00
Served with sankyo sauce.

Udon and Ramen
Tempura Udon US$21.00
2 shrimps, veggie tempura, fish cake, scallion and udon noodle in dashi broth.
Nabeyaki Udon US$20.00
Shrimp tempura, chicken, onsen egg, fish cake, bamboo, spinach, shiitake mushroom, udon noodle in dashi broth.
Udon Kare With Beef US$19.00
Smooth fragrant Japanese curry, udon noodle
Zaru Soba US$14.00
Chilled buckwheat noodle served with tsuyu sauce, ginger, radish, wasabi and quail eggs.
Tonkatsu Ramen US$18.00
Wakame seaweed, corn, fish cake, half boiled egg, Japanese leeks, menma (bamboo) and chashu (braised pork belly).
Spicy Roasted Garlic Pork Ramen US$19.00
Homemade spicy miso, ground pork, wakame seaweed, fish cakes, half a boiled egg, Japanese leeks, braised pork belly and garlic chips.
Winter Ramen With Sliced Ribeye US$19.00
Homemade spicy miso ground pork, sliced ribeye, wakame seaweed, fish cake, poach egg, Japanese leeks in spicy dashi broth.
Tsukemen US$19.00
Dipping noodle. Enjoy the umami ginger broth with thick al dente noodle, chashu, wakame and half boiled.
Miso Ramen US$19.00
Homemade pork and chicken broth with miso based soup, bean sprouts, bamboo, sesame seed, mushroom, half boiled egg, chashu and minced pork

Donburi
Chirashi US$36.00
Assorted sashimi on sushi rice.
Nama Sake Don US$29.00
Fresh salmon sashimi on sushi rice.
Tekka Don US$29.00
Tuna sashimi on sushi rice.
Hamachi Don US$29.00
Yellowtail sashimi on sushi rice.
Unagi Don US$30.00
BBQ fresh water eel sashimi on sushi rice with eel sauce.

Chef's Specialties
Japanese Steak US$40.00
Ribeye steak served in Japanese style served with salad, miso soup and rice.
Tempura Dinner US$23.00
3 pieces shrimp, veggie served with salad, miso soup, rice and fresh fruits.
Salmon Shioyaki US$24.00
Broiled salmon with sea salt served with small salad, miso soup and rice.
Salmon Teriyaki US$24.00
Broiled salmon with teriyaki served with small salad, miso soup and rice.
Teriyaki Beef US$22.00
Beef sauteed with teriyaki served with salad, miso soup and rice.
Teriyaki Chicken US$20.00
Chicken sauteed with teriyaki sauce served with salad, miso soup and rice.
Sukiyaki US$24.00
Thinly sliced beef loin, watercress, soft bamboo, shirataki noodle, mushroom, grilled tofu and house savory sukiyaki sauce.
Asparagus Beef Roll Dinner US$23.00
Asparagus wrapped in lean steak and sauteed with ginger teriyaki sauce served with salad, miso soup and rice.
Gyu-Don US$21.00
Sliced ribeye sauteed with sweet shoga shoyu sauce served over rice with a small udon soup and salad.
Oyako Don US$19.00
Chicken tender (not breaded) add egg simmered in sweet savory dashi sauce, dried nori served with salad and miso soup.
Katsu Don US$20.00
Popular Japanese food. A bowl of rice topped with a pork cutlet, egg, and condiments. Served with a salad and miso soup.
CHASHU DON US$19.00
Braised pork belly served over rice w/small salad, miso soup and japanese pickles
Katsu Kare Shrimp Tempura US$19.00
Katsu Kare Pork US$17.00

Platter from Sushi Bar
Moriawase Sushi US$36.00
Seven pieces sushi chef's selection. With your choice of roll.
Moriawase Sashimi US$38.00
Seven pieces of sashimi chef's selection. With your choice of roll.
Omakase Sushi US$37.00
Sushi 10 pieces chef's selection.
Omakase Sashimi US$40.00
Sashimi 10 pieces chef's selection.
Umai Grande US$49.00
5 pieces sushi and 5 piece sashimi chef's selection, una kyu ami and hamachi jalapeno maki.

Signature Roll
Mexicana Roll US$16.00
Tuna, salmon, wasabi tobiko, spicy mayo, avocado, cilantro, jalapeno topped with chili oil and limes juices.
Naked Roll US$19.00
Served without rice. Salmon, blue fin tuna, kani kama, tamago wrapped with nori sheet and cucumber topped with ponzu sauce.
Umai Crunchi Roll US$15.00
Lobster salad, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo, wrapped with crunchy and crushed seaweed topped with eel sauce.
Beni Imo Roll US$15.00
Baked Hawaiian sweet potato, asparagus, avocado, yamagobo, tomato, crunch and honey miso sauce.
Sloopin Roll US$19.00
Shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, cream cheese, spicy mayo, masago wrapped with crunchy topped with eel sauce and wasabi mayo.
Spicy Cajun Soft Shell Crab Roll US$17.00
Jalapeno, red bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, masago and lime.
Chicago Roll
Tuna, salmon, white fish, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo, wrapped with black tobiko and crunchy topped with honey miso sauce.
Goosebumps Roll
Shrimp tempura, asparagus, cilantro, sriracha sauce topped with seared calamari and miso sauce.
White Truffle Tails Roll
Seared hamachi, shrimp, asparagus, shishito pepper and white truffle sauce.
Surf And Turf Roll
Shrimp tempura, asparagus, cream cheese, apple, topped with seared medium rare beef sirloin, drizzled with parsley yuzu oil.

Maki Mono (cut into bite-size pieces)
California Roll US$10.00
Crabstick, cucumber, avocado and masago.
Philadelphia Roll US$10.00
Smoked salmon, cream cheese and avocado.
Shrimp Tempura Roll US$11.00
Shrimp tempura, cucumber, mayo, avocado, masago and eel sauce.
Fresh Philly Roll US$10.00
Salmon, cream cheese and avocado.
Spider Roll US$14.00
Soft shell crab, cucumber, radish sprout, mayo, masago and eel sauce.
Dragon Roll US$17.00
Shrimp tempura, cucumber, eel and avocado.
Futo Roll US$10.00
Sweet omelet, crab stick, spinach, kampyo and shitaki.
Caterpillar Roll US$19.00
Eel, shrimp tempura, cream cheese, cucumber, topped with avocado and eel sauce.
Rainbow Roll US$19.00
California roll, avocado, assorted fish and honey miso.
Dynamite Roll US$16.00
Sweet potato tempura roll topped with spicy kani kama salad, (crabstick mixed with cilantro, jalapeno, spicy mayo, chili oil, chili powder, lime juice and eel sauce.)
White Tuna Jalapeno Roll US$9.00
Super white tuna and jalapeno.
Tuna And Asparagus Roll US$10.00
Tuna and asparagus.
Negi Hamachi Roll US$9.00
Yellowtail and scallion.
Negi Escolar Roll US$9.00
Super white tuna and scallion.
Salmon Skin Roll US$10.00
Crispy salmon skin, radish sprout, masago and eel sauce.
Unagi Avo Crunchy Roll US$11.00
Eel, avocado and crunch.
Spicy Tuna Roll US$12.00
Tuna, honey miso, Sriracha sauce and chili oil.
Spicy Salmon Roll US$11.00
Salmon, masago and spicy mayo.
Spicy Hamachi Roll US$11.00
Yellowtail, masago and spicy mayo.
Spicy Unagi Roll US$11.00
Masago and spicy mayo.
Spicy Tako Roll US$11.00
Octopus, masago and spicy mayo. Contains sesame seeds.
Spicy Shrimp Roll US$11.00
Masago and spicy mayo.
Spicy Scallop Maki Roll US$13.00
Masago and spicy mayo.
Kyu Maki Roll US$10.00
Fresh salmon and cucumber. Served with choice of fish.
Avocado Maki Roll US$10.00
Fresh salmon and cucumber. Served with choice of fish.
Plain Fish Maki Roll US$9.00
Served with choice of fish.
Unagi Kyu US$10.00
Eel, cucumber and eel sauce. Contains sesame seeds.
Salmon Avocado US$10.00
Fresh salmon and avocado. Contains sesame seeds.
Tuna Avocado US$10.00
Tuna and avocado. Contains sesame seeds.
White Tuna Avocado US$10.00
Super white tuna and avocado. Contains sesame seeds.
Tuna Maki US$9.00
Tuna. Contains sesame seeds.
Salmon Maki US$9.00
Salmon. Contains sesame seeds.
Hamachi Maki US$9.00
Yellowtail. Contains sesame seeds.
Escolar Maki US$9.00
Super white tuna. Contains sesame seeds.
Tuna Kyu Maki US$10.00
Cucumber and tuna. Contains sesame seeds.
Hamachi Kyu Maki US$10.00
Cucumber and yellowtail. Contains sesame seeds.
White Tuna Kyu Maki US$10.00
Cucumber and fresh white tuna. Contains sesame seeds.
Hamachi Avocado Maki US$10.00
Yellowtail and avocado. Contains sesame seeds.
Unagi Avo Maki US$10.00
Eel, avocado. Contains sesame seeds.
Fresh Water Eel Maki US$9.00
Contains sesame seeds.

Veggie Maki
Cucumber Maki US$6.00
Avocado Maki US$7.00
Shitake Maki US$7.00
Asparagus Maki US$7.00
Kampyo Maki US$7.00
Marinated gourd.
Sweet Potato Tempura Maki US$10.00
Ume Shiso Maki US$7.00
Sour plum and shiso mint leaf.
Oshinko Maki US$7.00
Pickle radish.
Yamago Gobo Maki US$7.00
Marinated burdock root.
Goma Ae Maki US$8.00
Chilled spinach and sesame pure.
Asparagus Tempura US$9.00

Nigiri and Sashmi
Maguro US$10.00
Tuna.
Sake US$9.00
Salmon.
Hirame US$9.00
Flounder.
Madai Snapper US$10.00
Sea bream.
Hamachi US$9.00
Yellowtail.
Albacore US$8.00
Butter seared white tuna.
Escolar US$8.00
Super white tuna.
Smoked Sake US$8.00
Smoked salmon.
Ebi US$8.00
Cooked shrimp.
Unagi US$9.00
Fresh water eel.
Hotate Gai US$10.00
Sea scallop.
Tako Madako US$9.00
Octopus.
Ikura US$10.00
Salmon roe.
Tamago US$6.00
Sweet omelet.
Hokkigai US$8.00
Surf clam.
Saba US$8.00
Mackerel.
Ika US$7.00
Squid.
Tobiko US$8.00
Flying fish roe.
Uzura US$3.00
Quail egg.
Inari US$6.00
Soy bean pocket.
Aji US$10.00
Baby horse mackerel.
Masago US$8.00
Smelt fish roe.
Amaebi US$11.00
Sweet shrimp with fried head.
HOKKIGAI US$8.00
SURF CLAM

Sides
Brown Rice US$4.00
Sushi Rice US$5.00
Steamed Rice US$4.00
Any Extra Sauce US$2.00
Teriyaki Sauce US$3.00

Drinks
Hot Green Tea US$3.00
Iced Green Tea US$4.00
Iced Tea US$3.00
Soda US$3.00
tax included
San PellegrinoSparkling Water US$4.00
Fiji Bottled Water US$3.00
Melon Cream Soda US$4.00
soda

White Wines (Must be 21 to purchase)
Borgo Magredo Prosecco, Veneto, Italy, 187 Ml US$12.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Creamy and balanced, pleasant and lively on the palate with hints of green apples and wisteria flowers.
Grooner Gruner Veltliner 2020, Austria, 750 Ml US$53.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Light floral, apple and mineral aromas; dry light body; light melon and citrus flavor and crisp finish
Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio 2018, Trentino, Italy 750ml US$49.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Fresh, dry and flavorful with a firm structure leading into a lingering finish
Twin Islands Sauvignon Blanc 2018, NZ US$45.00
Must be 21 to purchase. It has intenses aromas of passion fruit and papaya with some grapefruit and fresh garden herb notes. The palate is bursting with citrus fruit and thyme, as well as succulent acidity leading to a fine juicy finish.
Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Marlborough, NZ US$48.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Aromas of lemon, papaya and dusty spices. A juicy, bright mid-weight, with a supple texture given cut by lively acidity. Pure citrus flavors are joined by spices on the persistent finish.
Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2022, Santa Lucia Highland,CA US$49.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Beautiful pale bright yellow robe. Fruit-scented nose marked by notes of banana, papaya, lime, and physalis with green tea and chamomile undertones.
Noble House Riesling 2022, Mosel, Germany 750 Ml US$49.00
Must be 21 to purchase. A classic off-dry German Riesling with an appealing bouquet of peach and apple aroma. A very balanced and harmonious wine with delicate aromas
Sawanotsuru Plum Wine, Japan 720ml US$41.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Premium plum wine brewed with 3-year aged sake. The sake is brewed in traditional Kimoto style that involves intense manual labor work to mix the rice mash for delicate flavors. With 3-year aging, the sake takes on a bit of nectar-like sweetness and texture. And soaking and resting high-quality plum in this aged sake creates these pronouced rich flavors.

Red Wines (Must be 21 to purchase)
Westmount Pinot Noir 2019, Willamette Valley 750ml US$49.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
Ancient Peak Cabernet Sauvignon,2021 California US$53.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Aromas of black currant intermingle with fresh herbs de Provence. On the palate, lush, plums mix with spicy black pepper, as the taste of rich caramel fills your palate.
Finca La Linda Malbec 2018, Argentina US$49.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Expressive plum jam, raisin tobacco aromas, with vanilla notes, the wine has balanced, spicy dark fruits and cassis.

Sake (Must be 21 to purchase)
300 Ml. Yamada Nishiki, Japan US$22.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Natural full-bodied sake with rice yet round flavors. A rich, fragrant sake with a smooth, creamy texture and delicate, fruity flavor.
300 Ml. Asabiraki Suijin Junmai, Japan US$20.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Dry sake, full of taste. Powerful flavor of rice, sharpness of SMV10. The taste reminds strong rice flavor.
300 Ml. Homare Aladdin Bottle Nigori, Japan US$20.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Unfiltered and fresh sake. Expressing the diversity of sake, this bottling has vivid aromas unfolding with layers of banana and pear
300 Ml. Homare Aladdin Bottle Junmai Yuzu Shu, Japan US$20.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Sweet and citrusy junmai blend made with yuzu. Easy and uncomplicated
180 Ml. Hatkutsuru Draft Sake, Japan US$9.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Draft sake has it refined freshness. It is characterized by its light, fresh and smooth taste. Drier and lighter than many sake.
500 Ml. Kaguyahime Junmai, Japan US$40.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Light and smooth, Honey and pear nose, Moderately strong. Crystal clear yellow. Medium body. Much less sweet than the aroma , little honey character, but honeydew dominates.
300 Ml. Homare Aladdin Bottle Junmai, Japan US$20.00
Elegant aroma unfolds with layers of fresh apple and melon, complemented with a light and clean finish
750 Ml. Kuro Kirishima Soju, Japan US$57.00
Produces this distilled spirit from potato, rice mold (called koji) and water. This drink has been part of Japanese culture for some 600 years
750 Ml. Satsuma Shiranami Kannoki, Shochu US$57.00
The light aging gives this spirit its yellow hue. Light and creamy and straight forward on the palate, Best enjoyed alone or on the rocks

Beers (Must be 21 to purchase)
Sapporo Premium Black Beer, Japan US$13.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
Hitachino Nipponia, Japan US$11.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
Hitachino White Ale, Japan US$11.00
Must be 21 to purchase. A refreshing mildly hopped Belgian-styled beer with a complex flavor of coriander, orange peel, nutmeg.
Stiegl Radler (Grapefruit), Austria US$10.00
Must be 21 to purchase.
Hitachino Real Ginger Brew, Japan US$11.00
Must be 21 to purchase. This Ginger Ale is brewed using fresh fragrant raw ginger.
Sapporo, Japan US$8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Extremely smooth and easy to drink. There is definitely a distinct rice flavor combined with a lemony aftertaste. Taste some malt as well along with the rice.
Asahi, Japan US$8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. Dry beer. The nose is malty and does have a distinctive note from the rice, and the palate is clean and crisp, with lemony fruit, a touch of oatmeal richness and a good level of herbal, hoppy bite. A very nicely made, crisp and refreshing beer.
Revolution Anti Hero IPA, Chicago US$8.00
Must be 21 to purchase. This iconic ale features a blend of four hop varieties which creates a crisp bitterness and imparts massive floral and citrus aromas.
Kirin, Japan US$8.00
Must be 21 to purchase.

Desserts
Mochi Ice Cream US$6.00
2 pieces per order.
Mango Sherbert Ice Cream US$5.00
Green Tea Ice Cream US$5.00
Lychee Sherbet Ice Cream US$5.00
Black Sesame Seed Ice Cream US$5.00

Umai Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Healthy options
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists
University students

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking

Umai Photos

Umai Location

Umai

Illinois Cook County Chicago Chicago Loop South Clark Street

730 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

Umai Reviews

Hard to spot from the outside—there’s no sign, so it’s easy to walk right past without realizing there’s a restaurant there. Once inside, the space is actually pretty nice. High ceilings, big windows with a nice street view, and some funky music playing in the background give it a cool, laid-back vibe.We tried the udon kare, shrimp tempura, and sukiyaki. Everything was good—satisfying and well-prepared—but nothing that totally wowed us. Solid comfort food.Service-wise, things felt a bit flat. Not unfriendly, but not especially warm either. Kind of a “just okay” vibe overall.One thing worth mentioning—the bathroom could really use some attention. Floor was sticky, and it didn’t feel super clean, which is always a bit of a red flag to me.So overall, nice atmosphere and decent food, but with room to improve when it comes to hospitality and cleanliness.
April 13 · Asif Rehmani
The place is nice and the sushi is good!Only the ramen recipe is too much spicy, be aware of it. The lemon martini was quite bad to be honest. Maybe I just didn’t chose the best options, but the service was 10/10
March 11 · Malena Bartaburu
Came here on Memorial Day with a group of 6 and they got us in within 20 minutes, which was pretty solid. Saw their chef special had mentaiko ramen and umi—unfortunately, they were out of the umi, which kinda sucked.But the ramen? So good. Super creamy and rich—if you’re into carbonara vibes or pasta dishes, you’ll definitely like this one. Not sure how long it’ll be on the menu though.I also got the yuzu sour. It was alright—tasted a bit watered down, but it still hit.
May 27 · Selena S
This is a great spot to grab a bite with friends! Walked in with a small group and was seated immediately. Cool vibes in the spot with high ceilings makes it feel like you’re away from home. The sweet potato sushi was tasty and a large roll. Fair prices for the area. Great location by the blue line too.
February 27 · Lou Lou
Stellar fresh sushi, with a great variety of options. The miso soup is very good and the sushi rolls are a lovely size. 2 perfectly feed a hungry person with a shared app.
March 31 · Kat Yunker