Seemor
Umami PokeBWorth Trying
1252 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W5, Canada
· Hawaiian restaurant, Japanese restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (330 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Fresh, customizable poke bowls with standout sauces; excellent for a quick, healthy bite, though portions and pricing draw mixed reactions and service can feel rushed at busy times.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Umami Poke delivers solid neighborhood quality through fresh, flavorful poke bowls and exceptional speed, but inconsistent execution and limited seating comfort prevent a higher grade. The single contamination incident, though resolved, combined with occasional reports of bland or over-salty preparations, reflects reliability concerns that keep this a solid lunch spot rather than a destination.
Restaurant Summary
On Yonge near Summerhill, the room feels low key and clean, built for quick lunches and takeout. Service is brisk and often friendly, though a few guests felt rushed at the counter. As one diner put it, "Fish tasted clean and the sauces brought it together," a good snapshot of the experience. The cooking leans customizable and produce-forward rather than theatrical, with daily sauces like Tahini Twist and Jammin Ginger adding distinctive flavor spins. It is not a chef-tasting destination, but a reliable spot for bright, build-your-own bowls where the draw is freshness and easy personalization more than elaborate technique. Families do fine here if kids like simple bowls—rice, mild sauces, and tofu or salmon are available—but seating is limited and the focus is quick service. For younger eaters, a small bowl with white rice and light toppings is the safest bet; consider takeout for comfort if the counter is busy.
At a Glance
- Fresh salmon and tuna with house-made sauces
- Highly customizable bowls including vegan and gluten-free bases
- Portions can feel small for the price
- Rushed ordering experience during peak times
- Single reported contamination incident was refunded and addressed
What Sets It Apart
- daily_flavor_sauces
- high_customizability
- fresh_fish_focus
What People Love
- Clean-tasting fish and proper sushi rice
- Daily flavor sauces that differentiate from competitors
- Quick turnaround at lunch
- Zoodle and quinoa base options
Points of Concern
- Some guests felt rushed at ordering even when not crowded; experience varies by time of day
- Value debate: regular bowls can seem small and add-ons add up
- Inconsistent seasoning for a minority (bland or too salty reported)
- Review patterns show no manipulation, but enthusiasm can read marketing-like in a few posts
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average CostC$22-30 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose white rice for balance if adding multiple salty toppings
- Add avocado (C$1) for creaminess instead of extra sauce to avoid salt creep
Perfect For
- A fast, fresh weekday lunch
- Casual takeout before a commute
- Light dinner with customizable toppings
- Solo meals when you want something clean and quick
Location Insights
Area: Upscale midtown corridor with professionals and families; quick-service and boutique retail mix.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic along Yonge Street.
Nearby: Steps from Summerhill station, LCBO flagship nearby, boutiques and cafes attract lunch traffic.
Yonge and EglintonYonge and Eglinton is a lively neighborhood with a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. It attracts a mix of residents and visitors who appreciate accessibility, trendy spots, and a community-oriented atmosphere. The area is known for its walkability, transit connections, and a blend of modern and older architecture.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–20:00
Tuesday11:00–20:00
Wednesday11:00–20:00
Thursday11:00–20:00
Friday11:00–20:00
Saturday11:00–18:00
Sunday
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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