Seemor
UmaiB+Worth Trying
730 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605
· Japanese restaurant, Sushi restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1700 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative Japanese spot in South Loop with fresh sushi and ramen, reasonable prices, and lively vibe, but service consistency and occasional quality lapses warrant tempered expectations.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Umai delivers competitive neighborhood Japanese dining through strong food quality featuring fresh sushi and creative rolls at reasonable prices, supported by generally attentive service and appealing modern design. However, inconsistent execution on certain dishes like katsu and occasional service lapses during peak hours prevent a higher grade, while isolated food safety reports add caution to an otherwise solid profile.
Restaurant Summary
In South Loop, Umai buzzes with a sleek yet relaxed energy that fills fast as the evening rolls on. Servers are often warm and quick, and plates land with colorful presentation. One diner summed it up: "Fish was fresh and beautifully plated," while another noted occasional service hiccups during peak hours. The kitchen leans contemporary Japanese with creative specialty rolls like Surf & Turf and Mexicana, plus comforting ramen and small plates. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: modern twists on familiar formats rather than culinary theater. When it hits, it is vibrant and satisfying; a few dishes, like katsu curry, draw mixed feedback on texture. Families do fine here early in the evening: kids can gravitate to edamame and tempura, simple maki like California or avocado, and miso soup. Ramen spice levels vary by bowl, so ask if sensitivity is a concern. Portions are fair, prices are reasonable, and the lively room suits casual family dinners.
At a Glance
- Fresh, well-prepared sushi with creative rolls under $16
- Reasonable prices; two rolls typically fill one diner
- Service consistency varies during peak hours
- Katsu dishes receive frequent texture complaints
- Occasional sanitation and foodborne illness reports among otherwise positive feedback
What Sets It Apart
- creative_specialty_rolls
- broad_menu_with_ramen_and_don
- reasonable_pricing_for_quality
What People Love
- Fresh sashimi that melts in the mouth
- Inventive rolls like Mexicana and Surf & Turf
- Warm atmosphere with modern touches
- Short waits early, lively buzz later
- Value for quality in central location
Points of Concern
- Service can be inattentive or slow when packed; a few guests reported feeling overlooked
- Katsu curry/don often criticized as dry or soggy
- Isolated sanitation complaints and a few illness reports; not a dominant pattern but noteworthy
- Pricing practices like mandatory service charge and tip suggestions raised concerns for a few diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$30-45 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a balanced meal: miso soup, one creative roll ($12-16), one classic roll ($7-9).
- Vegetarian diners: Beni Imo or Veggie Maki plus oyster mushroom tempura.
- Value play: Two mid-priced rolls and share an appetizer for ~$30-35 per person pre-drink.
Perfect For
- Casual date night with sushi and cocktails
- Weeknight ramen fix without breaking the bank
- Friends sharing creative rolls
- Solo sushi stop before or after an event
Location Insights
Area: Lively South Loop corridor with condos, students, and office spillover; casual dining with after-work and weekend traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked urban area; standard city awareness at night.
Nearby: Near Printers Row, Grant Park, CTA access, residential towers; mix of bars, cafes, and quick eats.
Printer's RowPrinter's Row is a historic district within the South Loop known for its converted loft apartments and a mix of casual and upscale dining options. The area has a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, attracting residents and workers who enjoy a blend of residential calm and urban convenience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:00
Friday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:30
Saturday11:30–15:00, 16:30–22:30
Sunday16:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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