Umu

4 stars
Umu Cuisines:

Umu
14-16 Bruton Place
London
W1J 6LX
Nearest tubes:

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Description of Umu
Billed as London's 'first true Kyoto restaurant' Umu specialises in kaiseki cuisine which originates from Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto. One of the most expensive ways in the world to eat, kaiseki is Japanese cooking at its most refined, defined and designed. Those last three adjectives also best describe Umu's luxurious look. Dark, rich wood is moodily matched with mirrors and low velvet banquettes. Umu means 'born of nature' but there's nothing natural about the prices. Set kaiseki courses, with or without sushi, start at £60 rising to £200 per person. Classic, modern and warm sushi cost £3 to £6 per piece, and there's a separate specials menu. Highlights include a teriyaki of tuna belly with yuzu served by attractive kimono-clad waitresses.

Additional information for Umu
Up to sixty guests can dine here at any one time, with up to 12 around a single table. Such as the long table at the back of the restaurant that serves as a private area. Don't want to hide fact you're at Umu's? Marvellous. You can't. Umu's is a particularly popular choice for business lunches and dinners (probably because it never fails to impress. And everyone knows it's an eaterie for the very rich). Menu options are simply a la carte or set. Cocktails start at £8, champagne at £12 a glass. The sake list is an education. Air-conditioned. Chef's table available on request.
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Umu Reviews

DW reviewed Umu on 15/08/2008

We took a friend to Umu for her birthday. Despite us arriving 30 minutes late from traffic, nobody rushed us out of our table despite being informed at booking that our table would be needed at 8pm--we finished at 9:30pm and the restaurant was full.

I went for the a la carte whilst the others had the kaiseki. My chu-toro salad, wagyu beef, and the Kyoto sundae were equally amazing. The staff were discreet about presenting candles on my friend's dessert--a nice touch. Can't wait to go back!

anon reviewed Umu on 14/08/2008

Umu is definitely an experience, but an expensive one, I can't fault the food, ambience and service, but it would've actually been cheaper to fly to Tokyo and have a meal there!

KLS reviewed Umu on 11/09/2008

Went to UMU for my birthday. The Sushi is exceptional. I expected more from the Waggu beef .. however was left alittle disappointed. The decor was fine, but the lighting was alittle too dark. Service was very good. I would recommend this place, but only for Very special occassions as it is very expensive!

alex tran reviewed Umu on 13/12/2008

Probably my best japanese meal ever! The sushi and quality of the fish was spectacular. The grilled eel was the yummiest i have ever tasted. Wide selection of sake and very attentive staff. Michelin quality in every sense, hence the price tag, but well worth it for a special occasion. Will go back again for sure.

AS reviewed Umu on 01/11/2008

My husband took me to Umu for my birthday as I am a fan of Japanese food. We had the classic kaiseki: well presented, well served, tasty, creative. There were larger kaiseki options but this was definitely sufficient food. The sake and wine list is unbelievable. We loved our sake. Service is the best you can imagine. Of course there has to be a downside. It IS expensive. You can get as good food for cheaper but for a special occasion, Umu with great service, ambience and food, is a good choice.

KB reviewed Umu on 26/09/2008

Go to Umu for a special occasion - the modern kaiseki food is fun and tasty but the drinks really hike up the price of the meal. The service was very attentive, but beware the waiter who tells you to wait for your shabu shabu soup to boil before cooking the fish. It just has to be steaming/simmering hot. Also, please note that you drink soup straight from the bowl (no spoons) in Japan. It was sad to see fellow diners just eat the tofu, and not the soup...

LC reviewed Umu on 12/09/2008

Umu is the best jap restaurant I've been to and we've tried lots in London. We ordered from a selection fr the ala carte menu-starters, sashimi, modern sushi. Mains were lobster & wagyu beef. Everything was amazing except for the miso soup (tried both red & white versions). Matcha pudding was very good, sundae was ok. Service was ok had to wave to get their attention at times. cocktails did not impress but they def deserve the michelin star for food. Shame it is quite pricey.

TT reviewed Umu on 31/10/2008

Umu lived up to the immensely positive other reviews.
The service was simply outstanding, and the food was brilliant.
And you just so wish a room in your house could have a darkness and warmth such as Umu!

Marie-Claire Newman reviewed Umu on 20/09/2008

I was extrememly impressed with this restaurant. It was gorgeous and we got a glass of champagne each as it was our wedding anniversary.

AZ reviewed Umu on 02/10/2008

Umu is THE place for authentic Japanese food. I particularly like how they follow the seasons: our set menus featured various mushrooms and chestnuts, and were decorated with maple leaves. A wonderful, if costly, experience.

NS reviewed Umu on 18/10/2008

Umu is very special. The food is a joy and I recommend it to anyone looking for really wonderful Japanese food. However, it is very very pricey so be prepared. A meal for two is around £300. If you can afford it do go because the food is really wonderful!!

Hamlin Lovell reviewed Umu on 02/09/2008

Umu is top end Japanese. At night you can spend hundreds but at lunch 3 courses can cost twenty. The fish was super fresh and delicate in sea bass sashimi. Miso soup contained something sweet and fruity and miso ice cream was the most surprising delight.
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