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  5. South Loop

UMAI Japanese Kitchen & Sushi

4.6
4.6
530 Reviews
$30 and under
Japanese
At Umai, the experience is meant to be a series of sensations to be shared and lingered over, whether it’s a cozy meal for a few or a lively evening out. The interior of Umai has a modern-lofty feel with an artistic decor of Japanese mural on the wall. The dining room has natural earthy color, dark high-ceiling and hanging lights that makes the dinning elevated, warm and hip atmosphere, providing an intimate and fun dining experience for any occasion. At the sushi bar, our expert chefs work their magic, creating a dynamic and interactive dining experience where guests can savor either the sushi or the full menu. Umai's kitchen is a laboratory for innovation. The chefs integrate classic Japanese techniques with international flavors to create stunning, mouth-watering bites for an eclectic crowd. From seasonal exotic fish, to an excellent sake and wine list, Umai is a promising destination for all to enjoy and share.

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    Japanese, Sushi

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:30 pm Sun 4:30 pm–9:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (312) 986-8888

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Neighborhood

    South Loop

  • Cross street

    Polk

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Red line Harrison Blue line Harrison Bus number 62, 22

  • Additional

    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 530 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6
4.6 based on all time ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. RobertM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Umai is one of favorite regular restaurants in Chicago.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just amazing place... great food, kind and awesome staff... Loved the ambience... 100% recommended
  3. LorraineN

    Naples

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Really great food and great service. A little noisy. The ramen was excellent.
  4. EngagedKandL2013

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good service. Pretty good food. Although we weren’t huge fans of the tonkastu ramen. I loved the spicy miso garlic ramen. The nigiri was excellent as well
  5. AngB

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Raman is always on point!!!
  6. TinaM

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    My favorite sushi spot in Chicago-- great food, service and ambiance.
  7. TyJaneeM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 21, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Me and my 5 friends went there and it was pretty chill. The service was good and although they made a mistake and gave me an iced green tea drink instead of green tea ice cream, they were very understanding of their mistake and corrected it right away. They even let me have the iced green tea drink. I really enjoyed my stay and I'd recommend anything from the menu.
  8. ABS0306

    Louisville

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was recommended by the bellhop at Hotel Blake. He hit the mark. This was excellent! It’s a cozy place, and people are packed in. It is well worth the money. Can’t say enough great things.
  9. Jennie

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2020

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Nice everyday place, somewhat loud but good and efficient.
  10. WinnieS

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 8, 2020

    overall3food2service3ambience2
    The roll isn’t tight. Sukiyaki is too sweet, beef is not fresh. The beef for sukiyaki is frozen beef. Not so good. Miso ramen tastes lightly.
  11. JustinD

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service was excellent. Nice choices.
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came here while visiting my sister and her boyfriend. Amazing place, classy atmosphere and best sushi I’ve had.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is always great
  14. Kyle

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every time we try a different sushi restaurant, we end up disappointed we didn’t just go to Umai. We tried out Tanoshii a few blocks down the street and actually stopped, hooked a reso at Umai, left Tanoshii and went over to Umai. The quality, portions, and prices are just great at Umai. Portions literally twice the size for $4 cheaper per two prices of Nigiri- it’s a no brainer. If there was a way to win free Umai for life, I would be desperately trying.
  15. Bella

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    It was a very nice experience ! The sushi was fresh and I like the miso soup and their house salad a lot. Normally many places I got served warm or room temperature miso soup but here they gave me a hot and delicious miso soup which I love a lot. And the dressing on the house salad was delicious... never had a tasty and creamy dressing like that in a Japanese restaurant. Overall it was a very nice dinner.
  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 18, 2020

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    It's the more American type of Japanese. If you have a taste for authentic Japanese food and atmosphere, you might be underwhelmed. I ordered Unagi Don, and I don't really need a decorative flower and 5 types of colorful pickles on it. All I want is hot rice + a decent amount of unagi, which was not quite the case. My friend ordered sushi and he says it's ok, but not outstanding.
  17. GuyM

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staf is friendly, helpful, the food is excellent and once you frequent 3 or 4 times the staff will know you making it a personal feel.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Ann, was great. She was very knowledgeable and made great recommendations. The rest of the staff was also nice, greeting us as we walked in and saying Thank You/good-bye when we left.
  19. Helena

    Chicago

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and excellent service. Dined on New Years Eve and loved the ambiance!
  20. AMANDA

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2019

    overall3food2service3ambience2
    One of our sushi rolls was made incorrectly. One of our cocktails was made incorrectly. One of the sushi rolls was pretty much inedible. The heat vent at our feet was blowing out such hot air that we could barely touch the seat or stand staying there to eat. The person next to me mentioned it to waitstaff and was told there was nothing they could do about it.
  21. Localfoodie

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Early dinner, the place was not crowded, service was great. Food, particularly the sushi was very fresh and beautifully presented. Tonkatsudon was tasty.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great meal with excellent service. Mook was a terrific, conscientious waitress. Standouts included the takoyaki and beef with asparagus appetizers, as well as the katsudon bowl. Sushi was very good as well. We ended up opting to take home much of our main courses, allowing for dessert. The green tea créme brulée was surprising and delicious. Nice vibe but both times I’ve been here it has been quite loud. Plan accordingly. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long waits.
  23. Enzocat

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 13, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    When we want Japanese we always go to Umai. Lately we have had to make reservations but that's no big deal. Consistently great and really not too expensive
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    My server was excellent! She was upbeat and attentive and had great recommendations. I come here often for the ramen and love the place!
  25. DebbieS

    Detroit

    19 reviews

    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great food. Happy that we tried Umai. The sushi lovers in our group gobbled up their meal. I tried a shrimp tempura roll that had avocado pieces in it. Really enjoyed this Japanese fusion dish.
  26. ChicScot

    Glasgow

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As reliably good food and fast service as ever.
  27. KerraM

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2019

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Just really wasn't impressed with the quality of sushi. I wouldn't recommend it. :(
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious sushi and ramen! The pork shoulder bbq melts in your mouth.
  29. JennieL

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, this place is amazing! Wonderful, friendly service and delicious food! The dynamite roll is our favorite!
  30. JohnKuczmarski

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing Japanese restaurant. A bit pricey, but worth it. Amazing ambiance and food! Went there with my mom on10/29/2019. Got the shrimp tempura dinner, tuna ngiri, and a soft shell crab maki. Superb food. Totally satisfied my Japanese food craving!
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Unspecified

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really delicious. You can eat real Japanese foods. Great experience, today.
  32. JoB18

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and reasonable pricing! Love the ramen and sushi.
  33. Gary808

    Las Vegas

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2019

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Good value
  34. pavlov75

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Umai is my go-to place for Japanese in Chicago. I've never had a bad meal there and have been there 20+ times. It is where I take out-of-town guests that want authentic Japanese at reasonable prices. Bonus that it is right down the street from Jazz Showcase so you can get your live music on after a fabulous meal!!
  35. ClintB

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2019

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    They added items on tab without my permission. This is not cool.
  36. jqc88

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food here is always consistent and good. I love the variety of sushi, really good ramen and various Japanese entrees.
  37. jswan6

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always the food was amazing. Sushi was fresh and well prepared. Service was timely and friendly. This is our favorite Japanese restaurant in Chicago.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great place to get Japanese food. Many options available and very reasonable pricing.
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    YUMMY!!! The food at Umai is always delicious and the staff is always friendly & polite. On a busy night dining indoors usually makes conversing a bit difficult as it’s a pretty small space so it can get kind of loud. However, my favorite time is during the summer months when we can dine on the patio which allows for more ease of conversation and great Chicago summer people watching.
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 27, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband took me here for my 35th birthday, it was delicious and service was very fast!

FAQs

UMAI Japanese Kitchen & Sushi is rated 4.6 stars by 530 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Polk

  • Neighborhood

    South Loop

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:30 pm Sun 4:30 pm–9:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Japanese, Sushi

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Red line Harrison Blue line Harrison Bus number 62, 22

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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