Umai in the South Loop/Printers Row area

Has anyone tried Umai, the Japanese/Sushi restaurant in the South Loop/Printers Row area? I am not very familiar with Japanese cuisine but have been here a few times and enjoyed it I am wondering how authentic it is. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Welcome. More important than how authentic any of us think it is would be how it worked for you. What made you enjoy it specifically? Any particularly good dishes / items in your experience?

Umai
730 S. Clark
312.986.8888
http://www.umaichicago.com/

I came here with a large group of coworkers a month ago for lunch. It's nestled in a quieter area of the South Loop/Printer's Row. They accommodated our party of about 15 very well, which is not really surprising since I think there were only 2 other parties in the place during the Friday lunch hour.

Coming into the place, the decor is very impressive. Everything looks extremely modern, clean, and well designed. It's certainly a great place to go on a date.

I ordered the Bento box lunch special, which included a larger cup of miso soup, a salad, one roll (choice of a few different fish, I had spicy tuna), 3 pieces of sashimi, 3 pieces of shrimp tempura, and some fruit. The sashimi was honestly some of the freshest I've had, I'm not sure where they source their fish from, but the quality was exceptional. Overall I was surprised with the quantity of food, especially since the special was around $15. Other dishes tried during our lunch included the pork katsu, which wasn't so great according to my coworker, and veggie gyoza.

I will definitely be coming back to Umai, as I'd like to try some of their other small plates, and a few other rolls. I can't comment on the "authenticity" of the dishes, but I'd certainly say the food was above average and quite delicious.

I've dined three times, one delivery (not recommended), once seated at a table with one other person and once at the bar by myself. Both dining-in times, the service was superior. It's clear that a lot of thought went into the space, the interior design, the servicewear, etc. Whilst sitting at the bar, the sushi chef was kind enough to hand a few extras over, which were excellent.

The food is really remarkable. The fish is so fresh, the rice perfectly formed in the rolls, the seasoning just right. Truly, the only other sushi I've had that's better has been Itto on Halsted but even that is rating 9/10 vs 10/10. It's a bit pricey, as sushi can be, but the experience is better than a lot of little youre-on-your-own type neighborhood joints. ($75 for two people without cocktails or tip, but we ate a ton).

The ramen runs a close second to Urban Belly, which is my favorite in the city, but I did still have to season it to make it a bit more flavorful. It was delivered, and they packaged it expertly, but it doesn't quite translate. Overall, a really wonderful spot I'd recommend to anyone.

Hmm, sorry if this sounds like a Yelp review.

Umai Restaurant Set To Open Second Location On DePaul Campus

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/2016020 ... aul-campus