Umai Japanese Restaurant - CLOSED

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8400 Bellaire Houston, TX 77036

713-750-9222

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2 User reviews Write A Review

Houston Press
Recommended

Cuisine(s): Japanese

Hours: Sun, Tue-Sat 11am-9pm

Price: $

Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
Attire: Casual

Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Takeout

Serving: Dinner, Lunch

Alcohol: Full bar
Reservations: Not Accepted

Parking: Lot Available

Description

At Umai - Japanese slang for "delicious" - prepare your palate for different Japanese cuisine than you may be accustomed to. There's virtually no sushi available here, but there is an array of authentic ramen soups and treats like shiso hasami age instead, as well as an excellent sake selection, considering it's a small, family-run establishment. Vegetarians and carnivores alike can enjoy edamame gyoza and spicy yo tofu soup, while the breaded pork cutlet in curry sauce - katsu-kare - is a must-have for anyone who thinks Japanese food is all fish and rice.

100 Favorite Dishes: No. 64, Miso Ramen at Umai

By Katharine Shilcutt | Thu, July 21, 2011

This year leading up to our annual Best of Houston issue, we're counting down our 100 favorite dishes in Houston. This list comprises our favorite dishes from the last year, dishes that are essential ... More »
The Top Ten New Restaurants of 2010

By Katharine Shilcutt | Thu, January 06, 2011

Houston has been fertile ground for innovative and passionate restaurateurs this year, making the selection of only ten restaurants out of the many that have opened in the past 12 months a truly difficult task. All ten restaurants were chosen for... More »
Authentically Inauthentic

By Katharine Shilcutt | Thu, October 07, 2010

Take a look behind the scenes at Umai's kitchen in our slideshow. A bowl of ramen — its thick, almost nutty broth steaming up from the table — sat in front of me at Umai Japanese Restaurant on my first visit. There aren't that many places in town... More »
Umami at Umai

By Katharine Shilcutt | Wed, October 6, 2010

Umai Japanese Restaurant (8400 Bellaire) may be located along Bellaire Boulevard, but the restaurant is mostly removed from the hurly-burly tumble and flow of Chinatown, being closer to Sharpstown ins... More »
Ramen and Veggie Gyoza at Umai

By Katharine Shilcutt | Thu, August 5, 2010

It turns out that the authentic shiso hasami age that our own Paul Galvani raved about back in February isn't the only delicious trick that Umai (8400 Bellaire Boulevard) has up its sleeve. I headed ... More »
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danielle.dalati | Houston, TX | 17 Reviews

| Wed, February 10, 2010

Really nice atmosphere and great food. Extremely affordable for the amount of food you get. Paid 11 bucks for entree "set" that comes w/ soup, salad, tempura veggies, and a few other sides like egg plant and potato salad.
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Kelski | Houston, TX | 7 Reviews

| Mon, January 18, 2010

The first time I walked in to Umai I was impressed! The shopping center is a little run down but don't judge... once you walk in the modern decor will impress. This cute restaurant is totally not what you would expect to see in a Bellaire strip center. Great service, fine dining quality food all at a great price. Most entrees come with the option of a la carte but go for the menu set -- think mega bento box with a huge variety of food (most are $8 and under). Must try: Sea Bass melts in your mouth!!!