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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" What an amazing experience! The ambiance of the Umami Café is serene, and the tea selection is impressive. I tried the matcha, and it reminded me of my travels in Japan. The vibe is peaceful, making it a perfect spot to unwind with friends or a good book. I highly recommend the mochi for dessert; it was so delectable! Don’t forget to make a reservation though, as it can get crowded quickly! " (*Curated Review*)
" Had such a wonderful time at Umami Café! The servers were incredibly hospitable, and I appreciated their genuine engagement. The desserts were excellent, but I wish there were more savory options. If you plan to come here, make sure to book a reservation, as it fills up quickly! The atmosphere was calming, and the authentic Japanese tea delighted my taste buds. Will be recommending this café to friends! " (*Curated Review*)
" My overall experience at Umami Café was pleasant, but I was left wanting more. The tea selections are authentically Japanese and well-crafted, however, I found the menu too limited when it came to savory food options. I had the ochazuke, which was adequate, but it's just plain rice with tea—nothing to rave about. I’d recommend it for tea enthusiasts but manage expectations regarding the food. The environment is lovely and serene, so it's great for a quick break! " (*Curated Review*)
" We had a bit of a fault with our reservation, which was concerning, but the staff were extremely helpful in resolving it. Once seated, we could see that the tea selection was phenomenal and truly authentic! I enjoyed the matcha latte, but the savory options felt a bit lacking in flavors and variety. The desserts were delightful, very fresh, and paired perfectly with our teas. Overall, the experience was rather good, just be cautious about the reservation system if you plan to visit. " (*Curated Review*)
" What a hidden gem! You absolutely must get the matcha ice cream and the mochi while you're there! It's an experience rather than just food, and the staff felt like they genuinely cared about providing excellent service. The ambiance inside is lovely; it feels like a slice of Japan. Although I felt the number of savory dishes was limited, the desserts truly shine, making this cafe a relaxing retreat after a garden visit. " (*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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