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    Umami Mart

    4.3 (94 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    May 2025 menu
    Erica L.

    BEEN WANTING TO COME - will be back again soon! Walked over after doing some work at Mother Tongue cafe and bar right down the block. Walking around the store is a real treat: everything is very curated and all the staff seem to love their job and are all really knowledgeable about the sake bottle taste profiles and ideal pairings. We came right before the Kissaten Cafe was ending toast service but the worker was really friendly and offered to make some if we wanted. We ended up skipping toast this time, but another customer came and got 2 red bean toasts to-go [looked and smelled so delish]. Tip: The cafe/toast specifically is every Saturday, but the bar service is all the time! We ordered: Whiskey highball - loooove the fresh orange peel. You can smell the rind while sipping the well balanced drink. My partner is a whiskey fan and he was really happy with it. Umeshu highball - fresh and bright flavor + perfect cold temp for a hot day.

    Jack R.

    Came here for their Kit Kats! Multiple flavors, chocolate cake, matcha, creme brulee, etc. They also have a sake bar and various Japanese spices such as the Furikake. Clean store. Great addition to this street.

    Richard R.

    A fun spot to enjoy breakfast on a Saturday. Plus they have a whisky and sake bar. Good times can be had here.

    Umami Mart
    Rob L.

    Thx SFChronicle. We just happened to be in EB over the weekend, and decided to give Umami Mart a try. The bar in the back was awesome. The shochu flight was good and the staff was very informative and attentive. However, the shochus didn't like us. We both had a headache right after. Something that usually happens to me when I drink regular sake. It has something to do with sake's high glycemic index. Regardless, we'll be back. Maybe next time, they'll have unfiltered sake to try. These sakes seem to have a lower glycemic index.

    Sheila S.

    It is last call for alcohol at the sake release party at umami's bar when we walk in at 6:30pm on a Friday night. One of the shopkeepers finds us a little space to perch on the bookshelf because the place is packed. We try one of each sake that is limited release today. They are pricey but 10% off for club members as we are now for the next six months. We only have time for one drink and our credit card is processed on a handheld machine. We don't buy anything this time but have bought many specialty boutique Japanese items from them over the years. I have come for special events like their 10 year anniversary where they set up parties in the back parking lot. The unisex restroom is to the left back of the bar. There is space to hang your coats on the wall. The bar is small and very specialized, with limited hours. The shop is clean and well organized as you would expect a Japanese store to be. There are all kinds of unique finds from household goods to alcohol bottles to wall decor to ice imported from Japan. There is street parking or neighborhood parking if you want to walk a little bit. It is a 13 minute walk from the MacArthur station BART. They have a mailing list and you can keep updated on social media for the latest happenings.

    Shochu
    Jeremy C.

    Looking to learn more about sake or shochu? Well, then Umami Mart is the perfect place for you! The proprietor and the bartender on duty were both friendly, attentive and ready to answer questions and impart their knowledge about their various sake and shochu offerings. They also have a compelling cocktail menu--though i opted for sake and shochu instead. Bartender was spinning some great American and Japanese jazz on the turntable, which created a great vibe. I'll definitely be back to imbibe on their knowledge and on some more of these divine elixirs. Thank you Umami Mart!

    Janette W.

    What a gem of a place! I love sake and Umami mart has a such a knowledgable team that is a great place if you've never had sake or are a pro. They always listen to you and provide great suggestions! The little bar in the back has just enough seats and tables that you feel like you're at home. Everything in the store feels very curated and there are great finds for yourself or for a gift.

    Inside
    Tiena L.

    This place is such a cool find! I like sake but I'm not very knowledgeable about it and these guys definitely know their products. They have a wide range of selection from $10 to $100 and a some other little treasures to buy. I will be back for sure to try some more.

    Shochu and sake display (partial)
    Justin S.

    I come here primarily for liquors that other shops, including other ethnic shop, don't carry, from niche shochus to obscure Japanese whiskeys. While the selection doesn't compare to a large grocer, Umami Mart holds it's own in terms of unique and interesting products. Additionally, I quite like the interior decor, with its emphasis on natural lighting and light wood notes.

    Bellea M.

    Let me start by saying that although I loved their former location in Old Oakland, their new location two miles up the road is even better. They have a wonderfully curated collection of all things Japanese - bar tools, glassware, cookware, snacks, locally crafted condiments, and an extensive selection of sake, shochu, Japanese whiskey, beer - and more. I love the aesthetics of the shop because everything is beautifully displayed. Other gift items include a whimsical selection of cards reminiscent of characters from Hayao Miyazaki's animated film, "Spirited Away". The new store boasts a sake tasting bar, something the old location did not have. We attended their first sake tasting event (for members of their sake subscription club) that featured the current month's selections. It was quite close and cozy there for a minute but everyone was friendly. If you are looking for that perfect bottle of sake or Japanese whiskey, this is the place to come. Owners Yoko and Kayoko, and their number one guy, Chris, can answer any questions you may have. So many wonderful things here. I love this store and I think you will, too.

    Michael S.

    Umami Mart!?! What foodie could resist stopping into any place named Umami Mart? On Broadway just south of the Oakland City Center, Umami Mart proudly displays Japanese foods and beers, which themselves are worth a visit - among with our area's Asian grocery stores - but what gobsmacked me was their TASTABLE selection of soy sauces. That's right, a bunch of curated soy sauce varietals, with tiny tasting cups alongside. It's eye opening to sample the differences between the types of lovingly crafted artisanal shoyu. There are some with light taste, others with a deep almost chocolate taste, and others that have added highlight flavors. Also Japanese glassware and other home decoration stuff, but those didn't taste good and will not be mentioned further.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Umami Mart

    Review Highlights - Umami Mart

    This place is very cool - all sorts of interesting Japanese products and a huge selection of sake and shochu.

    Mentioned in 27 reviews

    Read more highlights

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