Umami — Restaurant in Manchester

Have you ever seen that episode of How I Met Your Mother where Marshall finds a neon sign that just says "Burger," and it turns out to be the best burger he has ever randomly found/eaten? (If not, that's what happens). Well that's how I feel about Umami, except with noodles, sushi, curry, etc. I was walking with my partner in the pouring rain to an Electric six concert, and we were both hungry for something plentiful and cheap before going out. And then we saw it - in a glowing, beautiful neon light: "noodle bar."

Upon entering Umami my partner and I were impressed. It's sort-of secret/private underground location makes it feel like you've found a hidden gem. Its interiors are clean cut, with big, generously sized tables, minimalistic but authentic decor, and a clear view of both the sushi bar and the hot food chef in the back.

To start, the drinks are very reasonably priced. £2.60 for a bottle of Tsingtao is a bargain compared to some of the other restaurants in the city centre. You can also get an entire bottle of wine for £8.95, which I'm pretty sure is unheard of outside of student bars or Wetherspoons.

Then, the food. Good god, the food is so tasty. To start we shared the salt and pepper tofu, which even for my meat-eating boyfriend was so deliciously moreish that we were tempted to order a second portion. But we didnt, as our mains were out shortly after and were incredibly generous. I went with the Seafood Ramen, which was so, so good. They are not stingy with their meats or seafood at all which is a bonus considering it cost £7.95. My partner, liking spicy food, had the Singapore Vermicelli which he says he still craves constantly.

Since the first time, we have been back on four occasions, always bringing friends with us. It's a great, relaxed environment and it never leaves you feeling like you spent way too much (like Wagamamas). The sushi lunch specials are also such a bargain, and extremely tasty.

Also, excellent choices for vegetarians! Every section hosts a vegetarian dish.

All I can say is, this is currently my favorite place to eat in...

Umami is such an intriguing restaurant as the view from before you enter the restaurant and when you are in it does vary accordingly. You would not expect such a nice atmosphere as to when you enter the restaurant. Tables are set evenly with maximum space which allows room for movement. Unlike many restaurants where space is prohibited as they try to maximise every space possible for customers.

The music was in the perfect level. You would be able to talk and catch up with your friends and peers.

The seating however appears to be too low. I had to lift my arms up slightly to eat.

In terms of the food, we ordered two Ramens. I ordered the Char Siu Ramen and my dad ordered the Chili Beef Ramen.

Both Ramens were amazing and would be highly recommended. The pork from Char Siu Ramen was very distinct and savoury.

There was however an uneven amount of noodles between the two Ramen as the Char Siu Ramen appeared to have more volume. The temperature of the ramen was also recognisable as it does not appear to be as hot/warm as expected.

Overall, it's not the most exceptional ramen spot out there, but it's a decent option if you're in the area and in the mood for...

I am not from Manchester but have always eaten here when in this area of the city. the last time I went I had told friends how good the food was and took a party of 4 here. We ate, the food was nice and then when we came to pay at the end of the meal we realised it would be better if some of us paid separately by card. The waitress was incredibly rude about informing us of the inconvenience that this caused her then to make matters worse a man came over and and also told us how much of a nuisance this was for them. I told them that with previous parties I'd been with that we had paid separately by card but then called me a liar!

I informed the man that this was highly embarrassing for me especially after I had recommended this place to friends with whom I'd been dinning. But, despite providing them with over £60 worth of income, he may as well have told me he didn't need our money because they were always busy.

In sum, the food is very good but don't expect it to be served with a smile or for the staff to help you in anyway. They want your money and that's about it. Even though I enjoyed the food there I shall never return...