Kristen S.
Yelp
Update: Still the best place for Korean Fried Chicken wings in Nashville! I love them so much that it's the only order my partner and I ever place here. The price has gone up a bit since pandemic spiked supplier prices, but they are worth every penny! The owner, Michelle, is super friendly and accommodating.
Note - They will not serve their wings without sauce or with the sauce on the side!
Some things to know:
PARKING & ACCESS - There is a small open parking lot right out front that is attached to a large garage. There's also street parking on Porter House Drive. The main entrance is facing the parking lot on the corner of the building (to the right).
INTERIOR - The space is mostly one large room. There is a large projector screen that plays music videos (mostly kpop) most of the time or sports games on special occasions. There are also several mounted TVs around the restaurant. If there's not a big game, the music is normally whatever MVs are playing. There's also a sink for washing your hands in the corner by the projector and restrooms - love the easy access for messy wings!
ORDERING & SEATING - Umami is a table service restaurant. There is normally a sign at the entrance telling you to seat yourself or wait for a hostess. Often, the owner, Michelle, will call out "sit wherever you like!" from behind the bar. There are barstools at the bar, bench seating against the wall with windows, and metal chairs for all other tables. Waitstaff here are always friendly, but they often seem understaffed. Don't hesitate to politely grab their attention if you need something! This is not a place that will check on you every 10 minutes.
OUTDOOR SEATING - Umami also has a nice covered patio available with large picnic tables. This is a great option for good weather!
RESTROOMS - There are two large, gendered single-person restrooms down the hallway next to the hand sinks. The women's restroom has a large counter in the middle that may make maneuvering a bit tight for larger patrons or patrons who use wheelchairs - just something to be aware of!
SENSORY NOTE - With the TVs, music, music videos, and some color-changing lights ("Umami" sign by the bar and one light near the entrance in the ceiling), Umami can be overwhelming sometimes. If you are a person who is sensitive to lights or sounds (its me, hi), you may want to consider this before sitting down. Michelle and the staff are very kind - I'm sure if you needed to move seats or request that a TV is muted, etc, they would be willing to accommodate you as long as they aren't super busy! Despite all this, I've never found the interior to be too loud - just a lot going on!