Umami Omakase

For those in Massachusetts seeking a truly exceptional and immersive Japanese dining experience, Umami Omakase in Cambridge stands as a pinnacle of culinary artistry. More than just a sushi restaurant, Umami Omakase offers an "omakase" experience, a Japanese tradition where guests entrust the chef to create a bespoke, multi-course meal using the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients. This intimate and carefully curated approach sets it apart, promising an unforgettable journey through flavors and textures that will delight even the most discerning palates in the Bay State.

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Umami Omakase is designed to deliver a high-end, fine dining experience centered around the chef's expertise. The term "omakase" translates to "I leave it up to you," signifying a unique interaction where diners surrender their choices to the culinary vision of the chef. This approach allows for a dynamic and personalized meal, showcasing the chef's skill, creativity, and the peak seasonality of ingredients.

Since its opening in late 2019, Umami Omakase has quickly earned accolades, including "Best Sushi of 2021 & 2023 Awards" and being recognized among the "Top 50 restaurants in Boston." The restaurant is known for its "artful" presentation, where each dish is a miniature masterpiece. Guests consistently highlight the phenomenal food, the expertise of the chef (Gary Lei, an Uni alum), and the "attentive" and "cheery" servers who enhance the entire experience. While it is a fine dining establishment, it maintains an intimate and focused atmosphere, allowing the food to take center stage. For special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, Umami Omakase provides an ideal setting for a truly memorable celebration in Massachusetts.

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Umami Omakase is conveniently located at 2372 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA. This address places it in the vibrant and well-connected area between Porter Square and Davis Square in Cambridge. This location is easily accessible for residents across Cambridge, Somerville, and the greater Boston metropolitan area.

For those utilizing public transportation, the restaurant is situated on a major artery, Massachusetts Avenue, which is served by several MBTA bus routes. While not directly adjacent to a Red Line subway station, both Porter Square and Davis Square MBTA stations are within reasonable walking or a short bus ride distance. This makes it accessible for patrons who prefer to use the "T." For drivers, parking in this part of Cambridge can involve metered street parking (until 8 PM) on Massachusetts Avenue and surrounding streets. It is advisable to factor in time for parking, especially during peak dining hours. Its placement within a bustling, yet refined, part of Cambridge contributes to its appeal as a destination for high-quality Japanese cuisine in Massachusetts.

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Umami Omakase focuses on providing a specialized and refined dining experience, primarily through the following services:

• Omakase Dining Experience: Their core offering is a multi-course Omakase menu, where the chef curates each dish. They typically offer different tiers, such as 15-course and 18-course options, varying slightly in price and content depending on the day and seasonality. These menus include a progression of dishes such as miso soup, sashimi plates, assorted nigiri featuring various Japanese fishes, toro, caviar, A5 Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffle, kitchen specials (e.g., duck breast, chawanmushi), and a hand roll, concluding with a special dessert.
• Chef's Counter Seating: For the most immersive Omakase experience, seating at the sushi counter is available, allowing direct interaction with the chef and observation of their meticulous preparation.
• Table Seating: Tables are also available for the Omakase experience, providing a more private setting while still enjoying the full culinary journey.
• Add-on Specials: Guests can enhance their Omakase experience with special add-ons, such as the highly recommended "uni special," or other premium ingredients like Hokkaido Jo Uni.
• Sake and Wine Pairings: To complement the exquisite food, Umami Omakase offers a selection of sake, wine, and beer. Guests are encouraged to ask about sake pairings to enhance their meal.
• Gift Cards: For those looking to share this unique dining experience, gift cards are available, making it a perfect present for food lovers in Massachusetts.
• Reservations: Given the intimate nature of Omakase and its popularity, reservations are highly recommended and often essential, especially for weekend dinner services.

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Umami Omakase offers a range of distinctive features that make it a premier Japanese dining destination in Massachusetts:

• Exceptional Omakase Menu: The highlight is undoubtedly the chef's tasting menu, featuring "off the charts" food with "courses spaced nicely and very flavorful." The multi-course progression is designed to build drama and culinary excitement.
• Premium Ingredients: The restaurant uses luxurious ingredients, including Hokkaido Uni (sea urchin), A5 Wagyu beef, foie gras, and caviar. One reviewer specifically noted the uni as being "as good as the uni I had at Hokkaido, Japan."
• Personalized & Attentive Service: Servers are consistently praised for being "very cheery in a lowkey way," engaging in "casual convo to connect in a non-intrusive way," and being "polite and attentive from start to end." This high level of service significantly enhances the overall dining experience.
• Chef's Signature Dishes: The chef's "signature" dishes, like the uni special add-on, are particularly lauded, demonstrating the chef's mastery and distinct culinary style.
• Phenomenal Ambience: The "ambience" is described as "phenomenal," contributing to the overall high-end and special occasion feel of the restaurant. It's noted for being intimate, romantic, and classy.
• Attention to Detail: Customers appreciate the "attention to detail and the effort put into the experience by the chef and staff," showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind each course.
• Impressive Desserts: Even the dessert at the end of the Omakase meal is described as "lowkey impressive," providing a sweet and satisfying conclusion to the experience.
• Special Occasion Destination: Widely recommended for "special days," "special dinners," birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations, making it a go-to spot for milestones in Massachusetts.
• Chef Gary Lei: The expertise of Chef Gary Lei, an Uni alum, is central to Umami Omakase's success, bringing a high level of skill and creativity to the Japanese culinary scene in Cambridge.

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Given the nature of an Omakase restaurant, Umami Omakase primarily offers its value through the curated experience itself rather than traditional discounts. However, there are aspects that can be considered "special offers" or unique propositions for Massachusetts diners:

• Tiered Omakase Pricing: They offer different Omakase options (e.g., 15-course and 18-course, with prices around $138-$178 per person depending on the day). While not a discount, this provides choices for different budget levels within the high-end dining segment.
• Seasonal Add-ons: The availability of "uni special add-on" and other premium ingredients, while at an additional cost, acts as a special highlight, allowing diners to enhance their experience with rare or highly sought-after items.
• Gift Cards: The availability of gift cards allows for the experience to be given as a thoughtful present, enabling friends and family in Massachusetts to enjoy a unique culinary journey.
• Experience-Based Value: The core "promotion" is the exceptional quality and artistry of the meal itself. Customers frequently state that the "food was off the charts" and "everything was phenomenal," indicating that the value lies in the unparalleled dining experience rather than reduced pricing.

For the most current information on their Omakase formulas or any unique seasonal additions, it is best for Massachusetts residents to visit their official website or contact them directly, as special offerings are integrated into their evolving menu.

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For those in Massachusetts wishing to book an unforgettable Omakase experience at Umami Omakase, here's their contact information:

• Address: 2372 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
• Phone: (617) 868-2121
• Mobile Phone: +1 617-868-2121
• Website: umamiomakase.com (This is where you can find menu details, make reservations, and learn more about their offerings.)
• Email: umamiomakase@gmail.com
• Instagram: @umamiomakase (Follow for updates on special ingredients and new offerings).

Current Operating Hours (always best to verify directly, as hours can change):

• Tuesday - Sunday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
• Monday: Closed

Please note that for Omakase dining, punctuality is important, especially for the second dinner service, to ensure a smooth flow for all guests.

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Umami Omakase is exceptionally well-suited for Massachusetts locals, particularly those in the Cambridge and greater Boston area, who are seeking an elevated and truly memorable Japanese dining experience. This is not a casual sushi spot, but rather a destination for special occasions or for discerning food enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry and precision of traditional Omakase.

What makes it ideal for locals is the unparalleled quality of the food, often compared to experiences found in Japan, as one reviewer noted about the uni. The commitment to premium, seasonal ingredients, combined with the masterful skill of Chef Gary Lei, ensures that every course is a culinary revelation. The highly praised, non-intrusive yet attentive service creates an atmosphere where diners feel genuinely cared for, making the entire evening delightful from start to finish. While a previous suggestion noted potential timing issues between dinner services, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by phenomenal food, ambience, and staff dedication.

For Massachusetts residents celebrating a significant event, or simply desiring to indulge in a top-tier Japanese culinary adventure, Umami Omakase provides an intimate, exquisite, and unforgettable journey that stands out in the region's vibrant dining scene. It's a place where the attention to detail and the passion for Japanese cuisine truly shine, offering a refined escape within the heart of Cambridge.

Umami Omakase

2372 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA