Ume

In the ever-evolving tapestry of New York City's culinary scene, finding a dining experience that transcends mere sustenance and truly transports you can be a rare delight. Ume, a distinguished Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers precisely such an escape. It's not just a place to eat sushi; it's an immersive journey that combines culinary artistry with a serene ambiance, making it a standout destination for locals seeking something truly special.

Ume has quickly gained renown for its unique approach to Japanese dining, particularly its innovative sushi set and the inviting atmosphere it cultivates. From the moment you step inside, the experience begins: guests are often invited to remove their shoes and sit on cushions on the ground, fostering a calm, relaxed, and intimately traditional Japanese feel. This attention to detail, coupled with the exceptional freshness of the fish and a playful, interactive handroll concept, ensures that every visit to Ume is not just a meal, but a memorable event. Whether it's a romantic date night or a gathering with friends, Ume promises a blend of delicious food, engaging presentation, and impeccable service that leaves a lasting impression on New Yorkers.

Ume is elegantly situated in a prime location within one of Brooklyn's most vibrant and sought-after neighborhoods: Williamsburg. You can find this unique Japanese dining establishment at 237 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA. This address places it directly on Kent Avenue, a bustling thoroughfare known for its trendy boutiques, scenic waterfront views, and an array of popular dining and entertainment venues.

The accessibility of Ume is a significant advantage for New Yorkers. Its location in Williamsburg means it's highly connected by public transportation. The Bedford Avenue L train station, a major subway hub with direct links to Manhattan, is within a comfortable walking distance. Additionally, numerous bus routes serve the surrounding area, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Brooklyn. This central and easily reachable spot makes Ume an ideal destination for special occasions, weekend outings, or a sophisticated mid-week treat, seamlessly integrating into the urban fabric of New York City.

Ume offers a highly curated and intimate dining experience, focusing on exceptional Japanese cuisine with a unique interactive element.

• Unique Sushi Set Dining: Ume's signature offering is a pre-fixe sushi set, priced at $78 per person. This set typically includes 12 pieces of seasonal sushi, a set maki, and soup of the day. What makes this unique is the "DIY aspect" where fish, rice, nori, and a variety of global salts are presented deconstructed, allowing guests to make their own handrolls and experiment with different flavor pairings.

• Traditional Omakase Experience: In addition to the signature sushi set, Ume also offers a traditional omakase experience, typically priced around $125 per person for 15 pieces of sushi. This more intimate setting, often at the sushi bar, allows diners to interact directly with the chef as they skillfully prepare each piece.

• A La Carte Menu Options: Beyond the pre-fixe sets, Ume provides an a la carte menu with innovative dishes and dons, ranging from $20 to $60. This allows for additional choices or for those who prefer to customize their meal further. Popular items include the "Literally Everything Don" and "Uni and Ikura Don."

• Reservations: Given its intimate setting and popularity, Ume strongly recommends making reservations, especially for the traditional omakase or during peak dining hours. Reservations can typically be made via platforms like Resy. They also note that direct communication is preferred via text for certain inquiries.

• Beverage Options: Ume offers a selection of good drink options, including sake and craft beer. Examples include various types of sake like "Southern Beauty," "Kansansui Kitaya," and "Otokoyama," along with unique craft beers like "Kagua Blanc."

• Special Occasion Accommodations: The staff are attentive to special occasions. One reviewer noted that the server asked if they were celebrating something special and brought a dessert with a candle, adding a personalized touch to the dining experience.

Ume distinguishes itself from other Japanese restaurants in New York City with a series of unique features and highlights that create a truly memorable dining experience.

• Immersive Ambiance and Decor: The restaurant's atmosphere is consistently praised as "so pretty and quite," "very cute inside," and creating a "calm and relaxed" feeling. A signature element is the requirement to "take your shoes off and sit on cushions on the ground," which instantly transports diners to a more traditional Japanese setting. The "garden" seating option is particularly noted as "so nice, especially if you're looking for date-night." The decor and ambiance are often cited as being "worth the money," despite the price point.

• Interactive DIY Sushi Experience: A standout feature is the interactive element of building your own handrolls. The signature sushi set provides fresh fish, perfectly seasoned rice, nori, and a palette of "different salts" (including exotic ones like hickory salt from South Africa and charcoal salt from Iceland) allowing guests to "experiment with the different salts and make our own handrolls." This playful and customizable approach makes dining fun and engaging.

• Exceptional Freshness of Fish: Despite the interactive concept, the quality of the fish is paramount. Reviewers consistently highlight that the "fish is really fresh," and "Every piece was delicious," reassuring diners of the high culinary standards.

• Attentive and Thoughtful Service: Customers commend the "great service!" with servers checking on them multiple times and being "helpful regarding the menu." The gesture of bringing a dessert with a candle for a special occasion further emphasizes the personalized and thoughtful approach of the staff.

• Well-Presented Food: Beyond taste, the food is described as "nice and well presented," aligning with the restaurant's overall aesthetic and attention to detail. This visual appeal enhances the dining experience.

• Unique Omakase Introduction: For those new to omakase, Ume offers an accessible entry point with its $78 signature sushi set, allowing guests to experience high-quality, chef-curated selections in a less formal, more interactive manner compared to traditional omakase counters.

While Ume is primarily known for its unique dining experience and pre-fixe offerings, making it a destination rather than a discount spot, there are certain aspects that can be considered in terms of value or occasional incentives.

• Pre-Fixe Sushi Set as a Value Proposition: The signature sushi set for $78 per person, which includes 12 pieces of seasonal sushi, a maki set, and soup, is considered a significant highlight. While a reviewer noted the overall cost after tax and tip was around $200 for two, they concluded that "the experience, the decor, the ambience is worth the money." For an immersive and high-quality sushi experience in NYC, this price point for a curated set is competitive and provides inherent value.

• Traditional Omakase Pricing: Their traditional omakase at the sushi bar is offered at $125 per person for 15 pieces of sushi. This is often considered a reasonable price for an intimate, chef-led omakase experience in New York City, which can typically range much higher.

• A La Carte Options: The availability of an a la carte menu with dishes ranging from $20 to $60 allows diners to supplement their sushi set or choose individual items, providing flexibility for different budgets and appetites.

• Special Occasion Touches: While not a discount, the provision of a complimentary dessert with a candle for special occasions, as noted by a customer, adds significant value to the celebratory aspect of a meal at Ume.

It is always advisable for New Yorkers to check Ume's official website or reservation platforms (like Resy) for the most current pricing, seasonal menu changes, or any specific, limited-time offerings that might be available. Given its focus on a curated experience, direct discounts may be rare, but the value lies in the unique ambiance and high-quality culinary journey.

To book your unique Japanese dining experience at Ume, here's how you can get in touch:

• Address: 237 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

• Phone: (929) 420-3253

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use online platforms such as Resy. They also note that for inquiries, texting their phone number is preferred, indicating a streamlined communication process for their clientele.

For New Yorkers, Ume offers a highly compelling and distinct Japanese dining experience that caters to specific desires within the city's vast culinary landscape. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, blending unique ambiance with high-quality cuisine and attentive service.

Firstly, its location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, makes it an attractive and accessible destination. Situated on Kent Avenue, it's easily reachable via public transit, fitting seamlessly into a night out in one of the borough's most vibrant neighborhoods. This prime spot means a special dining experience is never too far away for Brooklynites and Manhattanites alike.

Secondly, Ume provides a truly immersive and artistic dining environment. The emphasis on traditional Japanese seating (shoes off, cushions on the floor) and the "pretty and quite" garden setting creates an escape from the city's hustle and bustle. This unique ambiance is particularly appealing for locals seeking a memorable "date-night" spot or a relaxed, intimate gathering. The fact that the "decor, the ambience is worth the money" speaks to its success in crafting a captivating atmosphere.

Finally, the freshness of the fish and the interactive sushi concept elevate the culinary experience beyond a typical sushi meal. The opportunity to "experiment with the different salts and make our own handrolls" adds a playful and educational dimension, making it engaging for both seasoned sushi lovers and newcomers. Coupled with "great service" and a focus on well-presented, delicious food, Ume offers a complete package. For New Yorkers looking for a unique, high-quality Japanese culinary adventure that prioritizes experience as much as taste, Ume is an outstanding and highly recommended choice.

Ume

237 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA