Cafe
4.2 (167)
Umami Café at the Portland Japanese Garden offers a serene and authentic Japanese dining experience within beautifully tranquil surroundings. Customers appreciate the quality and presentation of the tea and traditional sweets, which contribute to a true taste of Japanese tea culture. However, some customers have noted inconsistencies in service and a limited savory menu, so it's recommended to have clear expectations about portion sizes.
Restaurant website: Website
Phone number: (503) 223-1321
Address: 611 SW Kingston Dr, Portland, OR 97205, USA
Opening hours
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" We stopped by the Umami Café for a quick bite and some of their Japanese teas after walking through the beautiful gardens. I have to say, I was quite impressed! The service was friendly and attentive, and they made sure we were well taken care of. The green tea was exquisite! I didn't love the portions, as they felt a bit small, but considering that it's more of a tea experience, I guess that’s expected. I highly recommend trying their matcha desserts if you get the chance! " (*Curated Review*)
" Expectations are key when dining here. The focus is on tea and sweets rather than a full meal. That said, the quality is impressive, and the matcha I ordered was served precisely as I enjoy it. Service is where I think they need improvement; although they were friendly, they seemed to struggle with timing. The scenery is beautiful, which adds to the charm of the place. I plan to visit again, but I would certainly manage my expectations. " (*Curated Review*)
" I had the shiitake chazuke and it was absolutely delightful! The tea here is genuine, and you can taste the quality in each cup. Our server was polite but a bit rushed, possibly because it was quite busy. The ambiance is simply stunning; being surrounded by nature adds to the experience. If you're after a hearty meal, though, you might want to look elsewhere as the portions are rather small. Regardless, I'd highly recommend visiting for the experience and beautiful views. " (*Curated Review*)
" Wonderful experience overall! As someone who appreciates Japanese cuisine, I was thrilled with the authentic quality of the tea. The staff seemed a bit overwhelmed at times but remained respectful and courteous throughout our visit. While I wish there were additional savory options on the menu, I found the whole atmosphere refreshing and true to what a Japanese tea house should be. " (*Curated Review*)
" If you're in the Portland area, Umami Café is a must-visit! The matcha tea was vibrant and rich, a truly authentic experience that reminded me of Japan. We had a little wait without a reservation, and although the staff were busy, they managed to keep a positive atmosphere. I will say the food portions juxtaposed the prices slightly; I wish for a bit more on my plate. Still, I left satisfied and will definitely return. " (*Curated Review*)
" After an enjoyable stroll through the gardens, we decided to stop by Umami Café. The selection of teas was decent, but we were somewhat disappointed by the food options, as they appeared limited. While the staff were friendly, the lack of attention during peak hours was noticeable. The rice was plain and lacked flavor, but the matcha was exactly what we expected: authentic and smooth. A bit pricey for what we received, but the atmosphere does redeem it a bit. " (*Curated Review*)
" I admit, I had higher expectations for my visit. Although the service was warm and the view quite lovely, the portions were minor compared to the price we paid. The teas were well brewed but lacked the depth of flavor I experienced at actual tea houses in Japan. However, I commend them on the authenticity they brought to the table, which deserves recognition. Perhaps just stick to desserts in the future. " (*Curated Review*)
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