Umai Omakase

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For New Jersey residents with a discerning palate and a love for authentic Japanese cuisine, Umai Omakase in Verona offers an unparalleled dining experience. Nestled at 18 Grove Ave, Umai brings the esteemed tradition of "omakase" – meaning "I leave it up to you" – right to our local community. This allows diners to entrust their culinary journey to the highly skilled sushi chefs, who meticulously curate each piece using the freshest, often daily-flown, ingredients from Japan.

Umai Omakase is more than just a sushi restaurant; it's an immersive and educational culinary adventure. The chefs are not only masters of their craft but also incredibly knowledgeable, ready to answer questions and guide you through the intricacies of each meticulously prepared bite. This dedication to quality and interaction ensures that every visit is not just a meal, but a truly fantastic experience.

While their omakase experience is a definite highlight, Umai has also expanded its offerings to include a more extensive menu of sushi rolls and other Japanese delights, catering to a broader range of preferences. Whether you're a sushi connoisseur seeking the peak of freshness or simply looking for a delicious and well-crafted Japanese meal, Umai Omakase promises a treat that will undoubtedly leave you wanting to come back for more.

Umai Omakase is conveniently located at 18 Grove Ave, Verona, NJ 07044, USA. This address places it in the charming borough of Verona, making it a desirable destination for residents of Verona and surrounding towns in Essex County, such as Montclair, Caldwell, and Cedar Grove. Grove Avenue is a local street that is relatively easy to navigate, ensuring a smooth arrival for patrons.

Given its location within a town center, accessibility is generally good. For those arriving by car, there is a small parking lot out front, though it can fill up quickly, especially during peak dining hours. Many local reviewers suggest that parking at one of the metered spots across the street is a reliable alternative, saving potential aggravation. This awareness of parking options can help locals plan their visit more efficiently.

While specific public transportation routes are not prominently featured, Verona is a walkable community, and local bus services would likely connect to areas near Grove Avenue, providing options for those who prefer not to drive. Umai Omakase's accessible location ensures that residents across the region can easily experience its highly-regarded Japanese cuisine.

Umai Omakase offers a refined and comprehensive Japanese dining experience, specializing in chef-curated menus alongside a diverse à la carte selection.

• Omakase Dining Experience: This is their signature offering, where diners entrust the chef with the selection of courses. There are typically two options:

  • 12-Piece Omakase: A curated selection of 12 pieces of sushi, showcasing the chef's daily freshest catches and creative preparations.

  • 18-Piece Omakase: An extended culinary journey featuring 18 meticulously curated pieces, often including premium cuts and more adventurous selections like A5 Japanese Wagyu, O Toro with Ossetra Caviar, and the "Big Mac" (Wagyu, Scallop, O Toro, Uni).

  For omakase at the counter (limited to 13 seats with specific seating times), pieces are served one by one, offering direct interaction with the chef. Table and high-top omakase pieces are typically plated and served all at once.

• Extensive À La Carte Menu: Beyond omakase, Umai offers a wide range of individual items, including:

  • Sushi & Sashimi: A la carte options for various fresh fish, including Hamachi, Kampachi, Salmon, Akami Tuna, Toro (Chu Toro, O Toro, Kama Toro), Hokkaido Uni, and specialty items like Wagyu, Foie Gras, Truffle, and Triple Decker (O Toro, Quail Egg, Uni).

  • Maki Rolls: An expanded selection of 8-piece rolls, including classic options like Salmon, Spicy Salmon, Tuna, Spicy Tuna, California, Boston, and Philadelphia rolls, as well as specialty rolls such as Umai Big Roll, Katya Roll, Wagyu Scallop Uni Roll, Spicy Crispy Crunch Roll, Red Dragon Roll, and more.

  • Appetizers & Crudo: Starters like Edamame (with sea salt, white truffle, or spicy tagarashi), Shishito Peppers, Tuna Tartare (with or without Ossetra caviar), Blue Fin Toro Tartare, Japanese Eggplant, and various Crudo dishes (Hamachi, King Salmon, Seared Toro, A5 Wagyu).

  • Crispy Rice: Options including Tuna, Salmon, Spicy Scallop, Chopped Eel, Wagyu Crispy Rice, and a Crispy Rice Flight for sampling.

  • Salads: Kani Salad, Seaweed Salad, Grande Buddha Salad, Tuna Avocado Salad, and Salmon Avocado Salad.

• Reservations Recommended: Especially for the omakase counter, reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating and specific seating times (e.g., 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:30 PM for dinner). Reservations can typically be made by phone.

• Private Events: Umai Omakase can accommodate private omakase events and gatherings for parties up to 50 people, offering various dining options from omakase to platters.

• Takeout and Omakase Boxes To Go: For convenience, the restaurant offers takeout services and even specially prepared Omakase boxes to go, allowing customers to enjoy the Umai experience at home.

Umai Omakase boasts several distinctive features and highlights that set it apart as a premier Japanese dining destination in Verona, New Jersey.

• Exquisite Omakase Experience: The cornerstone of Umai is its omakase offering, described as a "must try journey." Each piece is "meticulously curated" by the chef, focusing on enhancing the natural flavors of the fish without the need for additional soy sauce. The 18-piece option is particularly praised for its elevated selections.

• Incredibly Fresh Fish, Daily from Japan: A core commitment is to use the "finest quality ingredients," with fish "flown in daily from Japan." This dedication to freshness is a recurring highlight in customer reviews, ensuring a superior sushi experience.

• Knowledgeable and Engaging Sushi Chefs: Customers consistently commend the sushi chefs for being "extremely knowledgeable" and willing to "answer all my questions," creating an interactive and educational dining experience at the counter.

• Perfectly Seasoned Rice: The rice is specifically noted as "deliciously seasoned," a critical component of high-quality sushi that often goes overlooked but is perfected at Umai.

• Unique and Memorable Bites: Guests rave about specific, innovative dishes such as the "Caviar fist bump" and "Edamame with truffle," which demonstrate the chef's creativity and attention to unique flavor combinations.

• Expanded Menu Options: While rooted in omakase, Umai now offers a more extensive menu of traditional and specialty sushi rolls, appetizers, and crudo, providing greater flexibility for diners who may prefer à la carte selections or have varied preferences within their party.

• High-Quality Ingredients and Preparation: The restaurant prides itself on using premium ingredients like Ossetra caviar, A5 Wagyu, and Hokkaido Uni, expertly prepared to highlight their inherent richness and flavor.

As a high-end omakase and sushi restaurant, Umai Omakase in Verona focuses on delivering a premium culinary experience rooted in the quality of ingredients and the chef's expertise, rather than frequent, broad discount promotions. However, there are a few aspects to consider regarding potential offers or ways to maximize value:

• Omakase Pricing Structure: Umai offers distinct pricing for its 12-piece ($85) and 18-piece ($150) omakase menus. While these are set prices, they represent the curated "special offer" of the chef's selection of the day's freshest and best ingredients, offering a unique value proposition for a fine dining experience.

• Lunch Specials: Some information suggests a "new lunch special at $45 for a build-your-own Grande Buddha Box," which could be a more accessible entry point to Umai's cuisine during lunch hours (Tuesday-Friday: 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM).

• "Ladies' Night": Past promotions have included a "Ladies' Night every Thursday with drink and food specials," indicating that they do offer targeted promotions. It's advisable to verify if this is still ongoing.

• Follow on Social Media: The restaurant explicitly states on its website to "FOLLOW US For specials, updates on the freshest fish, last minute availability and good vibes from Chef Allen make sure to follow Umai on Instagram (@umaisushinj)." This is likely the best way for New Jersey locals to stay informed about any current or upcoming promotions.

• Gift Cards: Umai Omakase offers gift cards, which can be a great way to introduce friends or family to the experience or to plan a future visit.

Given the nature of omakase, the "promotion" is often the unique, ever-changing menu itself, crafted from the freshest market ingredients.

To plan your exquisite dining experience at Umai Omakase in Verona, New Jersey, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 18 Grove Ave, Verona, NJ 07044, USA

• Phone: (862) 277-4125

Umai Omakase's operating hours are as follows:

• Tuesday - Friday:

  • Lunch: 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM

  • Dinner: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Omakase counter seatings at 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:30 PM)

• Saturday:

  • Dinner: Hours typically align with evening omakase seatings, extending later than weekdays.

• Sunday & Monday: Closed

It is highly recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially for the limited omakase counter seats, to ensure availability. You can also visit their official website (https://www.google.com/search?q=umaisushinj.com) for the most current information.

For New Jersey residents, particularly those in Verona and the surrounding Essex County area, Umai Omakase is a truly exceptional and highly suitable dining destination that elevates the local culinary scene. Its suitability stems from its commitment to delivering a high-quality, authentic Japanese experience that discerning locals crave.

Firstly, the core omakase experience is a significant draw. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with Japanese culinary artistry, where each piece of sushi is a meticulously curated surprise, utilizing "incredibly fresh fish flown daily from Japan." This level of freshness and craftsmanship is often sought after but rarely found with such consistency locally. For residents who appreciate the finer nuances of sushi, the expertly seasoned rice, the "Caviar fist bump," and other unique touches make every visit a special occasion.

Moreover, the restaurant caters to more than just omakase purists. The newly expanded menu of sushi rolls and other à la carte items means that locals can enjoy Umai's quality in various formats, whether it's a dedicated omakase journey or a more casual sushi dinner. The knowledgeable and friendly sushi chefs enhance the experience, providing insights and making diners feel welcome and informed. For New Jerseyans looking for a treat, a special occasion spot, or simply the very best in fresh, authentic Japanese cuisine close to home, Umai Omakase is a celebrated addition to the local dining landscape and an absolute must-try.

Umai Omakase

18 Grove Ave, Verona, NJ 07044, USA