Umami Japanese Restaurant - San Marcos, California

Kikue F.

Such a cute sushi spot in San Marcos! This was my first time coming here and we (my girlfriends and I) got a fresh roll with lemon, a salmon and tuna roll with ponzu, and hamachi slices with truffle ponzu, which was so fresh and clean on the palate! The atmosphere was bright and fun, and the service was quick. The waitress recommended the best tasting sake which wasn’t too sweet or bitter.

There isn’t much parking on the street so we had to park in a parking garage down the street which is free for 2 hours. The staff were happy to validate our parking. Overall really cute spot to have a sushi night out with the girls or go on a nice date!

Pranjali S.

We came here for lunch on a Friday. Service was a little slow but otherwise we had no issues. The restaurant menu is a mix of Japanese and Korean foods. We ordered the miso ramen bowl, the chicken karaage bao, the takoyaki and one of the rolls (either ninja or red dragon, I can't remember!). The food was great! The quantities were big. The bao was falling apart a little bit, which I don't like, but the karaage was delicious. The ramen was definitely a good miso ramen but lots of veggies and meat. We ended up taking about half of that home. The roll was good. The takoyaki was decent but I've had better ones. We wanted to finish lunch within an hour and it took us approximately that long to do it. I would recommend coming here if you're looking for decent food and want a little bit of everything (sushi/rolls/ramen/apps, etc).

Lauren B.

I usually have a few rolls that I normally get. However, when I came here I could tell from all their different rolls that I would try something new. I got the Lemon Roll, the server let me know that the Spicy Lemon Roll was more popular but I didn't want to test out the spice.

I only tried one roll this time, but it was really good. Can't wait to try more of their specialty rolls.

Arrived here around 650/7pm and it was pretty packed with a line waiting to be seated, although it was July 3rd so they may have been understaffed. Overall great experience and friendly staff. Looking forward to getting a few more their menu items.

Tobin H.

Sushi is great, by far the best sushi in San Marcos. Menu selection is phenomenal and the appetizers are yummy. The only downside is the service is so terribly slow. Only one server was working and there was so many people outside just standing around waiting for a table but they called someone from the waitlist like every 30 minutes. It’s located in a new neighborhood made for the nearby university, lots of young people and really nice setting and vibe around the surrounding shops/restaurants.

Amy L.

I've been to Umami a couple of times now and the food has always been fresh and delicious. The sushi is great, as are the bento boxes and the tempura! The atmosphere itself is very nice and laid back, and is overall a good spot to grab a bite with friends and hang out. I love their bao buns, and always ordered the mixed tempura. I would definitely recommend this place for sushi, as their rolls are plated absolutely beautifully and are always delicious!

Helene K.

We stopped in for lunch. It was past the normal lunch hour so it wasn't busy. Staff - constantly asked us if we were ready to order which made me feel rushed despite the almost empty restaurant.

Tried the signature dishes and they were okay. Would not recommend the sushi muffin. I didn't care for the flavors. The sushi we ordered tasted okay and not super fresh. The bao bun was soggy so it just fell apart and was messy. The gyoza was the only thing I enjoyed. Good flavor and sauce.

Parking is limited.

Hitoshi K.

It's like a beautiful American sushi restaurant.
I ordered the grilled salmon lunch box.
The salmon was big and tasty.

emily

Came here multiple times during my trip to San Diego and I could not get enough! The food here is so fresh and delicious! The service is so kind and attentive. Definitely recommend this spot.