Josh Inkell
Google
An Unforgettable Culinary Experience — Umami Is a Must-Try in Philly
If you’re looking for a restaurant that delivers both exceptional quality and a memorable dining experience, Umami in Philadelphia should be at the very top of your list. We had an absolutely phenomenal evening here—easily one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in the city, and we dine out often.
What makes Umami so unique is its ability to flawlessly marry two seemingly different worlds: premium steakhouse dining and top-tier sushi craftsmanship. We came in excited, and left completely blown away.
🐟 The Sushi: Fresh, Rare, and Sublime
We started with the rock shrimp appetizer, which had the perfect crunch and a rich, spicy aioli that we couldn’t stop dipping into. The coconut shrimp roll was creative, light, and packed with tropical flavor—balanced just right so it wasn’t overwhelming.
But the stars of the sushi side were the sweet shrimp (amaebi) and toro tuna. Sweet shrimp is rare to find done properly, but here it was fresh, buttery, and elegantly presented. The toro was decadent—exactly what you hope for when ordering high-end fatty tuna. Silky, flavorful, and expertly sliced.
🥩 The Steak: A5 Wagyu Done Right
Next came the A5 Japanese Wagyu, which was in a league of its own. It arrived beautifully marbled and then was charred tableside, adding a theatrical flair and a smoky crisp to the rich, melt-in-your-mouth beef. The attention to detail here was next level—the chef knew exactly how to enhance the natural flavor of the Wagyu without overcomplicating it. It was pure indulgence, and worth every bite.
🌟 Service: Friendly, Professional & Personal
We were lucky to have Alex as our server, and he truly elevated the experience. Alex was genuine, knowledgeable, and made us feel completely welcome from the moment we sat down. He walked us through the menu with real enthusiasm, answered all of our questions without pretension, and made thoughtful suggestions that turned out to be spot on. His timing, attention to detail, and easygoing nature struck the perfect balance between professional and personable. It felt like we were being taken care of by a friend who just happens to know a ton about steak and sushi.
🎯 Atmosphere & Final Thoughts
The ambiance strikes the perfect balance: upscale and polished, but comfortable and welcoming. Great for date nights, celebrations, or even a sophisticated night out with friends.
Umami delivers not just a great meal, but an elevated experience that rivals some of the best restaurants in New York or LA. From the rare and perfectly prepared sushi to the expertly cooked Wagyu, everything we tasted was unforgettable.
We’re already planning our next visit—and bringing friends. This is the kind of restaurant you want to introduce people to. Don’t miss it.