Umami Sushi

Sushi restaurant · Downtown

1

@infatuation

"When it comes to personal - really personal - dining experiences, there’s a mother bird feeding her chicks straight from the beak, and then there’s sushi omakase. In the case of the latter, each individual bite is made one at a time. The chef crafts and shapes everything by hand, and it’s passed directly to you and placed on a tiny little plate that’s wiped clean after every course. It’s not quite as intimate as a baby robin’s breakfast, but it’s special (and more sanitary). But you almost always have to pay for that personal touch, both in time and money. When it comes to money, you’re usually looking at at least $100 per person. And when it comes to time, you often have to book so far in advance that you’re rolling the dice that the ocean won’t have completely run out of fish by the time you get to go. That’s why we love Umami so much. It’s a North Cambridge sushi place that offers the most accessible omakase experience in the city. photo credit: Tina Picz There’s no ordering a la carte at Umami. All you have to do is decide between three omakase options. For $68, you get 12 courses. $98 bumps you up to 15 with the addition of foie gras and wagyu beef. And for $138 you get 18 courses that’ll make you feel like a person who has built-in bookshelves in their “parlor room.” Granted even $68 still isn’t cheap. But considering that some places in Boston charge the equivalent of monthly memberships to fancy gyms that provide an endless supply of cucumber water (that would be the $285 grand omakase at O Ya), it’s a steal. And just as importantly, it’s actually easy to get in here thanks to the fact that it’s a bit out of the way and has four times as many seats as Boston’s only other omakase-exclusive place, No Relation. But despite the accessibility, there’s no drop in quality. You’ll find a lot of small details that make each piece great, starting with the fact that they use house-fermented brown rice instead of white, which turns out to be good in addition to different. From there you’ll find things like otoro infused with bacon fat and sashimi topped with garlic chips. It’s these little pieces that elevate a meal at Umami from a steady flow of high-quality fish (which you get at any good sushi place) to something that makes you happier than Ed Sheeran at an Ed Sheeran concert. photo credit: Tina Picz All in all, it makes for a pretty versatile place - something that works equally well for a third date (play it safe and go with the $68 option) or a fifth anniversary (ball out with the $138 meal - you deserve it after surviving 186 fights about the dirty dishes). In either case, you’ll be getting a really good meal and a personalized dining experience - one that doesn’t require eating inchworms directly from the mouth of a bird. Food Rundown photo credit: Tina Picz 12-Course Omakase It’s only $68 and, although you’ll miss out on some fancy ingredients, you’ll get more or less the same nigiri selection as the more expensive options. photo credit: Tina Picz 15-Course Omakase For an extra $30, you get a wagyu beef course, foie gras, and truffles. That actually ends up being not that expensive for those three ingredients. photo credit: Tina Picz 18-Course Omakase Pay $138, enjoy some caviar to go with the fish, and keep your monocle looking fresh." - Dan Secatore

Umami Review - Cambridge - Boston - The Infatuation
Tina Picz

417 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108 Get directions

umamisushiboston.com

1 Postcard

Reserve
See full details

More Places For You

Alex's Chimis

Chicken restaurant · Jamaica Plain

Alex’s Chimis is a lively, takeout-only Dominican spot in Jamaica Plain, famed for its succulent roast chicken, hearty subs, and mouthwatering sides.

5 Postcards

Pho Le Restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant · Dorchester

Pho Le offers a vibrant taste of Vietnam right in Dorchester, with cozy seating, lush plants, and a menu bursting with flavorful noodle soups and authentic dishes.

5 Postcards

Dorchester Brewing Company

Brewery · Dorchester

Dorchester Brewing Company is a vibrant space with 20 draft lines of expertly crafted beers, tasty BBQ from M&M, and a rooftop deck boasting stunning city views.

17 Postcards

South Boston Chinese Restaurant

Chinese restaurant · South Boston

Small, simple option whipping up lo mein, fried rice & other familiar Chinese fare.

1 Postcard

Top Shelf Cookies

Cookie shop · Dorchester

At Top Shelf Cookies in Boston, you'll find an irresistible selection of fresh, creative flavors, perfect for indulging or gifting, all crafted with love.

1 Postcard

Burro Bar South End

Mexican restaurant · South End

Burro Bar South End is the perfect spot for a lively, casual dining experience, blending vibrant decor with a tempting selection of tequila-infused tapas and all-you-can-eat brunch options.

5 Postcards

Make Way for Ducklings - Nancy Schön

Sculpture · Beacon Hill

Nestled in Boston's Public Garden, Nancy Schön's delightful bronze Mallard family, inspired by the beloved children's book, charms visitors year-round with their seasonal attire and inviting photo ops.

3 Postcards

Sugar Baking Co.

Bakery · West Roxbury

Nestled in West Roxbury, Sugar Bakery is a beloved bakeshop bursting with delightful cookies, cakes, and pastries, all crafted with creative flair and heart.

2 Postcards

Guy Fieri's Tequila Cocina

Mexican restaurant · West End

Eclectic Mexican fare & an extensive tequila list offered in a lively hangout at a live music venue.

6 Postcards

Fox & The Knife

Italian restaurant · South Boston

At South Boston’s Fox & the Knife, you’ll savor rustic Italian dishes crafted by chef Karen Akunowicz, paired with innovative cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere.

18 Postcards