Umami: Fayetteville's Hidden Gem for Authentic Japanese Flavors

Umami Introduce

umami sushi on cumberland, umami menu fayetteville nc

For residents of Fayetteville, North Carolina, who are on a quest for truly authentic and high-quality Japanese cuisine, Umami stands out as a noteworthy destination. The very name "Umami," referring to the fifth basic taste, suggests a depth of flavor that this restaurant strives to deliver in every dish. It's the kind of place where locals can find a comforting bowl of ramen, expertly prepared sushi, or a satisfying curry dish, all within a charming and welcoming setting. This article will delve into what makes Umami a compelling choice for North Carolina diners, providing a clear, engaging, and informative overview from a local perspective.

Umami aims to bring a genuine taste of Japan to Fayetteville, focusing on fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation. Unlike larger, more theatrical Japanese steakhouses, Umami provides a more intimate and focused dining experience, where the quality of the food takes center stage. The restaurant prides itself on serving dishes that evoke that rich, savory 'umami' taste, from its carefully crafted sushi rolls made by a "legit sushi chef" to its flavorful katsu curry and a variety of noodle and rice dishes. With attentive service and a cozy atmosphere, Umami strives to be a consistent source of delicious and authentic Japanese flavors, making it a beloved spot for those in the know.

Location and Accessibility

Umami is conveniently located at 6031 Yadkin Rd B, Fayetteville, NC 28303, USA. Yadkin Road is a well-trafficked route in Fayetteville, making the restaurant easily accessible from various parts of the city. While it's described as a "snug little place," its location within a commercial area typically means there's parking available, contributing to the convenience for diners. This accessible spot on a main road makes Umami a practical destination for a planned dinner, a casual lunch, or a quick pick-up for those living or working nearby. Its presence on Yadkin Road ensures it's a known option for locals seeking quality Japanese fare.

Services Offered

Umami offers a diverse menu that spans various beloved Japanese and Asian fusion categories, designed to satisfy a wide range of palates.

Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Selection: Umami boasts a comprehensive sushi menu, including a wide array of maki rolls (both classic and creative "Chef Special Rolls" like the Phoenix Roll, Queen Bee Roll, and July 4th Roll), fresh nigiri, and sashimi. The presence of a "legit sushi chef" making the rolls indicates a commitment to quality and authenticity in their sushi offerings. They offer various sushi and sashimi samplers.
Ramen and Noodle Soups: A significant highlight, Umami is known for its ramen, including popular options like Tokyo Style Tonkotsu Ramen. They also offer other noodle soups such as Asam Laksa (spicy and sour lemongrass broth), Bangkok Curry Noodle Soup, Malaysian Curry Noodle Soup, Pho Beef Noodle, and Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura Udon.
Japanese Curry Dishes: A standout offering for many, Umami serves various Japanese curry options, including Vegetable Curry and Chicken Katsu Curry. The availability of katsu curry is specifically praised by customers.
Teriyaki Plates: Classic Teriyaki dishes, such as Beef Teriyaki, are available as entrees or bowls, providing a popular grilled option.
Umami Special (Dons/Rice Bowls): The menu includes various rice bowls topped with different proteins and ingredients, offering hearty and flavorful single-serving meals.
Appetizers: A wide selection of appetizers is available, including traditional choices like Edamame, Gyoza (pork dumplings), Harumaki (Japanese spring rolls), Shumai (shrimp stuffing), and various Tempura (vegetables, shrimp, calamari). Unique offerings like Bang Bang Shrimp, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and Umami Wings (Asian style fried wings with spicy teriyaki sauce) are also featured.
Salads: Fresh salad options are available, including mixed green salad with avocado, Kani Salad (spicy crab meat and cucumber), and more elaborate sushi-grade salads like Yellowtail Jalapeno and Seared Tuna Salad.
Signature Asian Dishes: Beyond traditional Japanese, Umami also offers a selection of other Asian-inspired entrees such as Crispy Beef, Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp, Korean BBQ Beef, Orange Chicken, Panang Curry Salmon, Peking Duck, and Thai Style Garlic Chicken, showcasing a broader Asian fusion approach.
Desserts and Drinks: A selection of desserts and beverages, including Japanese beer and wine, are available to complete the dining experience.
Dine-in and Takeout/Delivery: Umami welcomes dine-in customers to its "snug little place" and offers convenient takeout. They also partner with popular third-party delivery services like DoorDash, making their menu accessible for those who prefer to dine at home.

Features / Highlights

Umami stands out in Fayetteville's dining scene due to several key features that resonate with its patrons.

Delicious Food Quality: The most consistent highlight from reviews is the "delicious food." Whether it's the sushi, ramen, or katsu curry, customers often praise the taste and quality of the dishes.
Fresh Sushi and Authentic Sushi Chef: The emphasis on "nice and fresh fish" and the presence of a "legit sushi chef making the rolls" is a significant draw for sushi enthusiasts, indicating a commitment to traditional preparation and quality ingredients. The "Volcano Roll" is specifically mentioned as being delicious.
Availability of Katsu Curry: For locals seeking this specific comfort food, finding a place that serves "katsu curry nearby" is a definite highlight, and Umami delivers on this front.
Attentive and Friendly Service: Reviewers commend the "nice, attentive service," which contributes significantly to a positive and welcoming dining experience.
Cute Decor and Cozy Atmosphere: The description of the place having "cute decor throughout" and being a "snug little place" suggests a pleasant and intimate ambiance, ideal for a relaxed meal.
Broad Menu with Diverse Options: Beyond standard Japanese fare, the inclusion of various ramen styles, Japanese curry, and other Asian fusion dishes like Korean BBQ Beef and Thai Style Garlic Chicken offers a rich variety for repeat visits.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, ongoing promotions can vary and are often updated periodically, it's always recommended for residents of Fayetteville to check directly with Umami for any current specials. Many Japanese restaurants in North Carolina may offer lunch specials, often featuring reduced pricing on certain sushi combos, bento boxes, or noodle dishes during midday hours. Seasonal promotions highlighting new menu items or special discounts for online orders might also be available through their website or third-party delivery platforms. To discover any current discounts, loyalty programs, or unique culinary events, the best approach for local North Carolina diners is to visit Umami's physical location for posted signs, check their official website or social media pages, or simply give them a call. Direct inquiry often provides the most up-to-date information for patrons looking to maximize their dining experience.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations (if applicable), or to place a takeout or delivery order, you can contact Umami using the following details:

Address: 6031 Yadkin Rd B, Fayetteville, NC 28303, USA

Phone: (910) 867-1039

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their menu, operating hours (which are typically 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM daily, closed Wednesdays, with Sunday closing at 8:00 PM), or specific dietary requests, direct communication with the restaurant is recommended.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For the discerning palates of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Umami stands out as a highly suitable and indeed, cherished, Japanese dining destination. Its location on Yadkin Road ensures practical accessibility for residents across the city, making it a convenient choice whether planning a special dinner or simply craving authentic Japanese flavors.

What truly makes Umami ideal for locals is its consistent dedication to quality and flavor, living up to its very name. Patrons consistently rave about the "delicious food," with particular praise for the "nice and fresh fish" in their sushi, expertly prepared by a "legit sushi chef." The availability of specific, in-demand dishes like katsu curry further cements its appeal within the local culinary landscape. Beyond the food, the "nice, attentive service" and the "cute decor" within its "snug little place" create a welcoming and enjoyable dining atmosphere, encouraging repeat visits.

While occasional past delivery issues might occur, the overwhelming positive feedback for dine-in and food quality confirms Umami's status as a reliable and high-quality Japanese restaurant. For North Carolina diners seeking an authentic, flavorful, and comfortably intimate Japanese dining experience in Fayetteville, Umami offers a delightful journey for the taste buds, making it a true local favorite.

Umami Menu

All Day - Appetizer
Spicy Tuna On Crispy Rice US$12.00
Spicy tuna, crispy rice, ponzu sauce, eel sauce, and green onion.
Yellowtail Cilantro With House Ponzu Sauce US$18.00
Yellowtail sashimi, cilantro, masago, and house ponzu sauce.
Tuna Tataki With Crispy Onion US$18.00
Seared tuna, crispy onion, green onion, and house ponzu sauce.
Fresh Salmon & Avocado With House Ponzu Sauce US$17.40
Salmon sashimi, avocado, masago, and house ponzu sauce.
Fresh Salmon Ceviche US$12.60
Salmon sashimi, avocado, masago, and ceviche sauce.
Heart Attack (Deep-Fried) US$10.20
Jalapeño, spicy tuna, cream cheese, eel sauce, spicy mayo, and tempura flakes.
Edamame (Soy Beans) US$4.80
Steamed soybeans lightly salted, served in their pods.
Umami Side Salad US$4.20
Spring mix, cucumber, cherry tomato, and ginger dressing.
Miso Soup US$4.80
Savory broth with miso paste, seaweed, and tofu.
Wakame (Seaweed Salad) US$5.40
Fresh seaweed salad with sesame seeds and a light dressing.
Fresh Soft Tofu US$6.60
Fresh soft tofu, tofu sauce.
Agedashi Tofu (Deep-Fried) US$9.60
Agedashi tofu, tofu sauce.
Crispy Gyoza Dumplings (5 Pc) US$9.00
Golden-brown dumplings filled with a savory mixture, served with a soy-based dipping sauce garnished with chopped green onions.
Chicken Karaage US$10.20
Japanese fried chicken.
Vegetable Tempura (7 Pcs) US$10.20
Crispy battered vegetables including broccoli, pumpkin, and sweet potato, lightly fried to golden perfection. Seven pieces per serving.
Shrimp Tempura US$7.80
Crispy shrimp tempura, available in 3 or 5 pieces.
Vegetable (7 Pcs) & Shrimp (3 Pcs) Tempura US$16.20
Takoyaki (5 Pc) US$9.00
Savory octopus-filled balls topped with tangy sauce, creamy mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Five pieces per serving.
Monkey Brain US$12.50
Crispy avocado halves filled with spicy tuna, drizzled with eel sauce and spicy mayo, garnished with a sprig of kale.
KaKi Fry (3 Oyster Frying ) US$6.90
Crispy breaded oysters drizzled with tangy sauce and creamy mayo.
HoTaTe Fry( 4 Scallops Frying) US$6.90
Crispy breaded scallops drizzled with savory sauce and creamy mayo.

All Day - Salad
Spicy Tuna Salad US$17.40
Spring mix, spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomato, with ginger dressing.
Fresh Salmon Salad US$17.40
Spring mix, fresh salmon, avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomato, with ginger dressing.
Tuna Tataki (Seared) Salad US$17.40
Spring mix, seared tuna, avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomato, with ginger dressing.
Fresh Tofu Salad US$15.00
Spring mix, fresh tofu, avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomato, with ginger dressing.
Mixed Sashimi Salad US$19.80
Spring mix, assorted sashimi, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomato, with ginger dressing.

All Day - Umami Noodle
Tokyo Style Tonkotsu Ramen US$16.20
Chashu (2 pc), egg (1 pc), fish cake (1 pc), and green onion.
Sapporo Style Spicy Miso Ramen US$18.60
Chashu (2 pc), egg (1 pc), fish cake (1 pc), green onion, sprouts, sweet corn, and spicy miso paste. (Only Spicy available)
Kake Udon US$13.20
Mushroom, white onion, green onion, and fishcake.
Tempura Udon US$16.20
Shrimp tempura (2 pc), tempura flakes, mushroom, white onion, green onion, and fishcake.
Chicken Udon US$16.20
Chicken, mushroom, white onion, green onion, and fish cake.
Yakisoba US$12.60
Chicken, carrot, and cabbage with soba noodle.

All Day - Umami Special
Oyako (Chicken) Don US$16.20
Chicken, mushroom, white onion, egg (undercooked), donburi sauce, pickled radish, green onion, and steam rice.
Chicken Katsu Don US$17.40
Breaded chicken, mushroom, white onion, egg (undercooked), donburi sauce, pickled radish, green onion, and steam rice.
Pork Katsu Don US$17.40
Breaded pork, mushroom, white onion, egg (undercooked), donburi sauce, pickled radish, green onion, and steam rice.
Chashu (Pork Belly) Don US$17.40
Chashu (5 pc), egg (1 pc), pickled radish, green onion, and steam rice.
Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl US$17.40
Spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, masago, nori, poke sauce, and sushi rice.
Mixed Sashimi Poke Bowl US$19.80
Assorted sashimi, avocado, cucumber, masago, nori, poke sauce, and sushi rice.
Unagi (Freshwater Eel) Don US$22.20
Unagi (freshwater eel), tamago, and sushi rice.
Sake (Salmon) Don US$22.20
Salmon sashimi, sushi rice.
Gyudon US$15.50
Tender slices of beef with onions over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and pickled ginger.

All Day - Teriyaki
Garlic Butter Chicken Teriyaki With Vegetable US$17.40
Chicken, garlic butter, broccoli, carrot, teriyaki sauce, and steam rice.
Beef Teriyaki With Vegetable US$18.60
Beef, broccoli, carrot, teriyaki sauce, and steam rice.
Salmon Teriyaki With Vegetable US$19.80
Salmon, broccoli, carrot, teriyaki sauce, and steam rice.

All Day - Japanese Curry
Vegetable Curry US$16.20
Broccoli, carrot, white onion, curry, and steam rice.
Chicken Katsu Curry US$18.00
Breaded chicken curry, steam rice.
Pork Katsu Curry US$18.00
Breaded chicken curry, steam rice.
Beef Curry US$18.60
Beef, broccoli, carrot, white onion, curry, and steam rice.
Chicken Curry US$17.40
Chicken, broccoli, carrot, white onion, curry, and steam rice.
Shrimp Tempura Curry US$18.60
Shrimp tempura (6 pc), curry, and steam rice.

All Day - Umami Rolls
Popcorn Langoustine Roll US$18.60
Spicy tuna, avocado, topped with tempura langoustine, spicy mayo, and eel sauce.
Bake Langoustine Roll US$18.60
Crab meat, avocado, and cream cheese, topped with langoustine, baked in spicy mayo.
Baja Fresh Roll US$12.00
Crab meat, avocado, onion, and cilantro, wrapped in soy paper.
Japanese Fresh Spring Roll US$16.20
Tuna, salmon, crab meat, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, cucumber, and asparagus, wrapped with rice paper.
Spicy Warm Spring Roll US$16.20
Spicy tuna, crab meat, soft shell crab, avocado, and shrimp tempura, wrapped with rice paper.
Honey Salmon Roll US$12.60
Salmon, deep-fried, avocado, wrapped in seaweed topped with spicy mayo and eel sauce (no rice).
Dragon Roll US$18.60
Crab meat, avocado with BBQ eel and eel sauce.
Half & Half Hand Roll (2 Pcs) US$15.00
Spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, crab meat, and avocado, wrapped in soy paper.
Spicy Soft Shell Crab Hand Roll (2 Pcs) US$16.20
Fried soft shell crab, masago with spicy mayo and eel sauce, and wrapped in soy paper.
Tuna Tataki Crispy Onion Roll US$17.40
Crab meat, shrimp tempura, topped with seared tuna, ponzu, fried onion, and green onion.
Shrimp Killer Roll US$16.20
Shrimp tempura, crab meat, topped with ebi shrimp, avocado, and eel sauce.
Crazy Boy Roll US$12.60
Crab meat, avocado, and tempura roll, topped with eel and spicy mayo.
Hot Night Roll US$17.40
Shrimp tempura, crab meat, and avocado, topped with spicy tuna and eel sauce.
Crunch Shrimp Tempura Roll US$13.80
Crab meat, avocado, and shrimp tempura topped with eel sauce.
Rattle Snake Roll US$17.40
Shrimp tempura, crab meat, and BBQ eel with eel sauce and avocado.
Yellowtail Cilantro Roll US$18.60
Yellowtail, cilantro, and cucumber, topped with yellowtail and jalapeño, and house ponzu sauce.
Albacore Tataki Roll US$17.40
Spicy tuna and shrimp tempura, topped with seared albacore and house ponzu sauce.
Chicken Teriyaki Roll US$15.00
Rice with soy paper wrapped, chicken teriyaki on the top.
Spider Roll US$16.20
Deep-fried soft shell crab, avocado, and cucumber topped with eel sauce.
Yummy Crunch Roll US$16.20
Spicy tuna roll topped with albacore, tempura flakes, and mustard dressing.
Hulk Roll US$17.40
Deep-fried soft shell crab, masago, and spicy sauce, topped with avocado and eel sauce.
Baked Salmon Roll US$17.40
Crab meat, avocado, topped with baked salmon, spicy mayo, green onion, and eel sauce on top.
Katsu Roll US$16.20
Chicken or pork katsu (cutlet) wrapped with a soy paper or seaweed.
Super Dragon Roll US$19.50
Fresh crab, avocado, and cucumber wrapped in seaweed and sushi rice, topped with eel and drizzled with a savory sauce. Garnished with ginger, wasabi, and a sprig of parsley.
Yum Yum Roll US$16.20
Crispy tempura roll filled with avocado, crab, and cucumber, topped with spicy mayo and eel sauce, served with pickled ginger and wasabi.
Sun Flower Roll. (6pc) US$17.60
Six pieces of sushi roll filled with tuna, avocado, cucumber, and crab, topped with a sprinkle of orange fish roe.
Pink Lady Roll US$17.50
Shrimp tempura, avocado, and cucumber wrapped in pink soy paper, topped with spicy mayo and a garnish of kale.
Rainbow Roll US$17.90
An assortment of fresh tuna, salmon, and avocado layered over sushi rice and seaweed, creating a colorful and vibrant roll.

All Day - Simple Rolls
California Roll (8 Pc) US$8.40
Crab meat, avocado.
Spicy Tuna Roll (8 Pc) US$8.40
Spicy tuna.
Avocado Roll (6 Pc) US$7.80
Avocado.
Vegetable Roll (6 Pc) US$8.40
Spring mix, cucumber, avocado, and asparagus.
Philadelphia Roll (8 Pc) US$11.40
Fresh salmon, avocado, and cream cheese.
Eel And Avocado Roll (8 Pc) US$10.80
Eel, avocado.
Spicy Yellowtail Roll (8 Pc) US$10.80
Spicy yellowtail, jalapeño, and spicy sauce.
Salmon And Avocado Roll (8 Pc) US$9.60
Salmon, avocado.
Tuna Maki (6 Pc) US$8.40
Tuna.
Salmon Maki (6 Pc) US$8.40
Fresh salmon.
Yellowtail Maki (6 Pc) US$9.60
Yellowtail.
Heart Attack US$10.60
Crispy tempura roll filled with spicy tuna, avocado, and jalapeño, drizzled with spicy mayo and eel sauce.
Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll US$17.50
Spicy tuna roll topped with crunchy tempura flakes, drizzled with spicy mayo and eel sauce, garnished with fish roe, served with pickled ginger and wasabi.

All Day - Sushi or Sashimi (2 Pcs)
Tuna (Maguro) US$7.80
Tuna (maguro) prepared as sushi or sashimi, served in two pieces.
Salmon (Sake) US$7.20
Salmon, available as sushi or sashimi. Two pieces per order.
Albacore (Bincho Maguro) US$6.60
Albacore (bincho maguro) sashimi, 2 pcs. Option for sushi style.
Seared Tuna (Tataki) US$8.40
Seared tuna tataki, available as sushi or sashimi, 2 pcs.
Yellowtail (Hamachi) US$8.40
Yellowtail (Hamachi) sashimi, option available as sushi or sashimi.
Freshwater Eel (Unagi) US$8.40
Freshwater eel, delicately placed atop vinegared rice, option for sashimi style.
Shrimp (Ebi) US$6.00
Ebi, served as sushi or sashimi, two pieces.
Masago US$6.00
Masago sashimi: Two-piece serving of smelt roe, available as sushi or sashimi.

All Day - Kids' Menu
Chicken Teriyaki With Rice US$8.40
Tender chicken pieces in teriyaki sauce, served over steamed rice.
Beef Teriyaki With Rice US$9.00
Tender beef teriyaki served over a bed of white rice, featuring savory marinated beef strips.
Chicken Katsu With Rice US$9.00
Crispy breaded chicken cutlet served over a bed of steamed white rice.
Chicken Curry With Rice US$9.60
Tender chicken pieces in a mild curry sauce served with steamed white rice.

All Day - Drinks
Milk Tea US$6.00
Milk tea available in small or large sizes.
Soda US$1.80
Green Tea (Cold) US$3.60
Organic Lemonade US$3.50
Organic lemonade, available in small or large sizes.
Taro Milk Tea US$6.00
Small or large.
Honeydew Milk Tea US$6.00
Honeydew milk tea; available in small or large.
Thai Tea US$6.00
Thai tea available in small or large sizes
Passion Fruit Tea US$6.00
Passion fruit tea, available in small or large sizes.
Mango Iced Tea US$6.00
Mango infused iced tea, available in small or large.
Juice US$3.00
Selection of juices with options including apple and orange.
Organic Coconut Water US$3.50

All Day - Dessert
Japanese Ice Cream US$4.20
Japanese ice cream available in green tea or red bean flavors.
Mochi Ice Cream US$4.20
Mochi ice cream in choice flavors: strawberry, mango, green tea, red bean. Wrapped in soft, chewy rice cake.
Cheesecake Tempura With Japanese Ice Cream US$9.00
Come with ice cream (green tea or red bean).
Taiyaki Ice Chocolate US$4.99
Taiyaki Ice Green Tea And Red Bean US$4.99
Taiyaki Ice Strawberry US$4.99

Umami Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

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

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Family friendly
Tourists
University students

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Umami Photos

Umami Location

Umami

North Carolina Cumberland County Fayetteville Westover Yadkin Road

6031 Yadkin Rd B, Fayetteville, NC 28303, USA

Umami Reviews

Food was delicious. Nice, attentive service. Cute decor throughout. Snug little place!Glad to have found a place that serves katsu curry nearby so had to try that, along with the volcano roll. Fish was nice and fresh... Nice to see they had a legit sushi chef making the rolls. Yum!
November 22 · Nola
I ordered delivery from this place tonight because I was craving Ramen. To my surprise the food arrived with horrible presentation, smelling weird and items were missing from it. My husband and I feel extremely upset. We literally have nausea and dizziness after eating not even the half of it. It ended up in the trash.
February 21 · Nahara Del Mar
second time coming here and really enjoyed the food. probably the best sushi in the area! staff were friendly and welcoming.chicken karage was great and the spring roll roll was huge too.highly recommend.
February 23 · Austin Le
This small but mighty restaurant impressed me with their quality of sushi and service! You’ll be sitting pretty close to the chefs cooking your food, so it feels a bit intimate. I would get their salmon sushi and roll again, the tender fish just melts in your mouth. Definitely what I was hoping for to satisfy the cravings!
December 21 · Inna B.
The Agedashi Tofu was good. The Pork Katsu was a bit dry and spicy. Not sure if they gave me the spicy one when I asked for Mild. The Sapporo Style Spicy Miso Ramen was good and spicy. The Taro Milk Tea was good. Not too sweet.
February 17 · Cindy Chan