A cute gem! Came across this spot after having dinner in the area. I loved looking at all the ceramic pieces and trinkets, it reminded me of being in Japan! There's a sake bar at the end of the store, and my friend and I had such a good time trying the sake flight and cocktails. They had a variety of sake, cocktail, and whiskey choices. There's limited seating, but we were able to grab a seat at the bar around 7pm. I'd love to come here again! read more

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An excellent selection of sakes: fancy ones like kirinsan, Dasai, Den Sake (local and awesome), canned sakes in seasonal metals or porcelain and fun and random impressive tengu shapes. This is also a place to get Japanese condiments, new year ceremonial items (decorative wooden arrows), cocktail bar ware (brass, glass), even pine wood mats and tea pots. They also regularly hosts festival mini markets, sake shoju tasting, especially for their sake gumi members. They get to meet famous chefs and local sake makers. They can also learn and taste from the bar. read more

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A hidden gem! Such a cute kitchen store with authentic and minimalist home goods and a great selection of japanese whiskies/sake/gin. Reminded me so much of the souvenirs and ceramics I can find from kitchen street in Tokyo and Muji. We ordered the sake flight and a mikan cocktail: both were delicious. What a great experience. It was a low key, laid back bar. Def coming back with friends. Didn't have to book a reservation since we got there by 6, an hour before they close. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Umami Mart - Kitchen & Bath Near Me - Oakland, California

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This indispensable and charming Japanese oriented shop is a ongoing tribute to the two ladies, but also a tremendous educational gambit for us all. read more

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

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Adorable. A whole vibe. Picked up the Rintaro cookbook & gifts for Mom. Some zero waste Japanese cleaning tools & mochi. I love it here! read more

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. read more

Umami Mart - Umami Mart - Kitchen & Bath Near Me - Oakland, California

I was looking for a business gift for someone who really liked Sake. I don't drink sake much, and had no knowledge of what to get lol. Upon searching on Google, I found Umami Mart and lured in by the raving reviews. So I made the drive to find the perfect gift lol. I was greeted warmly as I walked in. I informed him what I needed (and shared that I know nothing a out sake lol). The worker asked me what my budget and I told him around $100. I also showed him a photo of the sake that my client drinks regularly, so he proceeded to show me about 5-6 sake that he thought would be the similar style. They were in the $40-$60 range. I appreciate that he was not trying to up sell things (especially since I did inform him my budget). I asked him to show me more recommendations for the higher range and he showed me a couple more. I ended up with a nicer bottle that was around $105 since I thought it would be a nice gift . My client later texted me and raved about how great the sake was! So yes, it was a success! Thank you Umami Mart! I'll certainly come back for more sake gifts in the future and even to get a bottle or two for myself. They have a small bar I'm the back, so it's a nice spot for a leisure drinking too. read more

This probably a five star place for those who know it. For a nobody walking in, it's a wonderful place, but tbh a bit intimidating! We came in a coupe of times looking at a matcha kit and their matcha teas. They have a house brand which tells me they are a serious place. And then the wall of sakes and other liquors, a great selection, looks like some house brands, looks like if I know my sake I will find exactly what I'm looking for. Someday maybe I will be that guy. read more

Beautiful selection of Japanese Sake and libations, kitchen tools worth coveting, delicious snacks and knowledgeable, friendly staff. I can never leave without a treat. read more

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. read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Very cool place where everyone knows what they're talking about and loves what they do. One of the guys even recommended local restaurants near me (was only in the area to visit someone) that hold great sake. read more

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. read more

Umami Mart - Kitchen & Bath Near Me - Oakland, California

I've shopped at Umami Mart occasionally over the years and it's the perfect shop for gifts and treats. A few things I've gifted or bought for myself from here include tiny, beautiful bud vases, hinoki bath sachets, handcrafted ceramics, small home decor items, stunning bar ware, specialty beers, and an array of unusual but delicious condiments. Before the pandemic they hosted wonderful events, too. A truly lovely women-owned small business. I hope it never closes! read more

Lots of weird grumps in these reviews. Umami Mart is awesome! They have tons of good stuff to buy and drink. I like all the Japanese cook wear, drink accessories and sake. It's fun to peruse and is great for finding gifts. It's also fun to visit for drinking-in now that the back bar is open. They've got a good selection of sakes and drinks and a few little snacks. Servers are mega friendly and make you feel at home. Zero complaints! read more

Umami Mart - Dried fish snack - Kitchen & Bath Near Me - Oakland, California

Phone first, y'all. Came all the way out here and they were closed an hour before their hours posted right on the freaking door, zero explanation. read more

Fantastic local small business with very knowledgeable owners! Their selection has grown to cover so many varieties of drinks from Japan and we love being able to try pours from their spirits menu at the bar before committing to a bottle. They sometimes have collaborations with other local businesses and we appreciate that they hold events for enthusiast to gather and have a good time together. read more

A cool hole in the wall shop that is located in the Chinatown area. This little store has some interesting goods that are Japanese based - from beer and liquor to barware to snacks to random small things. Its nice that they have some stuff that are harder to find. I found a bottle of Nikka Coffey Vodka that they do not sell back home. Some of the prices may slightly be a bit more, but you are paying for the convenience. read more

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Love, love, love this store. Been on my list for months to visit. I wanted to buy everything in the store. My SO pretty much had to drag me out. Great selection of sake, beer, snacks, condiments, and housewares. Yuzu lovers rejoice: I found yuzu sake, yuzu salt, yuzu koshu (green and red), yuzu beer, and plenty of other yuzu items. In the great words of Jack Shephard: WE HAVE TO GO BACK. read more

I love this place. Interesting Japanese kitchen stuff and, more importantly, a great bar with sake tastings and fabulous cocktails. I just wish they were open a bit later so I didn't have to drink in the afternoon! read more

Located in old Oakland is this little shop of wonder. As the name implies, this is a store that sells food/beverages and related goods imported from Japan. Products are arranged neatly and labeled clearly for those not native to Japanese. Though the selection may be somewhat limited, this is made up by the quality of the goods supplied. read more

Umami Mart - Kitchen & Bath Near Me - Oakland, California

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Sadly, my husband went to pick up a cake and he was treated really disrespectfully and met with a lot of sacarsm both on the phone and in person. Was really hoping to come back at some point to support but maybe another time when the dude answering the phones/cashier isn't as rude. read more

Support UMAMI MART is all I have to say. The owners are super nice and knowledgeable; friendly staff. The shop is simple and beautiful felt like I was in Kyoto). They carry authentic Japanese goods, the REAL deal. If you're a beer lover, they have an excellent selection of imported Japanese beers. When I couldn't find fresh udon noodles here, I was directed to where I could find it - another shop. She didn't flinch to offer up another merchant, to help their business. Thank you, Umami, for being so awesome and being part of our community. We've followed you from your location on Broadway! Keep up the great work. read more

Unami Mart held it's 5th Anniversary in the Oaktown parking lot behind their store. Emeryville Daiko provided the opening. vendors provided the eats:: J-Shack -j crepes and japanese snacks Trappist -japanese beers, beer slushies Shiba Ramen -$8 miniramen. looked tiny, fried lotus chips... Unami -Yuku soda(4) organic sake from oregon (6) Red Bay Coffee -cold brew coffee -hot day, bizz slow Aburaya -Japanese Fried Chicken, not chocolate covered as rumored 4/$9 with cabbage. no waiting at their store usually. here wait 20 minutes. no seating seen, unseen is outside patio outside Trappist. interesting for the uninitiated, normal fare for some who experience it regularly... shop was too crowded to browse, need to return on a normal day. read more

I don't mean to write a bad review but I feel the need to. It's my first time here just browsing and decided to sit on the coffee/bar area. I was sitting on a table just observing and seeing how I go about ordering a cup of coffee and a sake. Less than 5 mins, the bartender asked me if I could get up so a couple can sit there. I'm just thinking, I am a customer too and I wasn't provided a menu of sake or anything. First and last time. Place looks nice but bartender wasn't. read more

Very cute local market with imported and specialty whiskey, sake, etc. The owners were friendly and clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the goods! read more

Where do I begin? Umami Mart is all about authentic, personally selected items, sincere and dedicated staff and great products, many of which you can't find just anywhere. And, if you are there on a weekend, a wonderful "daytime" bar serving wonderful sake, sochu and spirits. And with cool restaurants nearby, it would be very easy to spend the better part of the day on this block! read more

5/5 for sake jello drink. If you haven't tried it yet what are you waiting for? It is a delicious fruity bubbly drink with some kind of coagulant that turns some of the drink into jelly. You shake up the can hard before opening it to break up the jello. Now simply enjoy every exciting sip. All three flavours are great; yuzu and peach are my favourite. I've tried some of the other little drinks they have in their fridge and they are all great. I think this would also be a great place to buy gifts for the people in your life who are into drinks, kitchenware, Japanese accoutrements, and other things. The staff are always friendly. A nice local shop that is a great spot to check out in Old Oakland. read more

Came here because I started following them on Instagram. Not a huge selection of stuff but the stuff they have is very unique. A lot of stuff you don't see anywhere else. Ended up getting some umami mart glasses. read more

I feel I was treated unfairly after supporting their business. Spent lots of money here over past year, even told to wife to by any gifts for me here to help support them. So she buys me a father's day gift. She specifically asks the staff if they allow exchanges (since she knows I've purchased a lot of stuff from here). They say YES, NO problem. Get the gift, love it but already have it. Try to exchange it a few weeks later (didn't want a refund, wanted something else they stocked). Get a condescending attitude from staff : "You should have looked at the receipt, it states NO RETURNS or EXCHANGES AFTER 14 DAYS". My issue with them is that they should have been clearer with their exchange policy, otherwise I would have got my ass to their store sooner. First, they told my wife exchanges were allowed "no problem" (BUT didn't indicate it was the same timeframe as their RETURN POLICY), second their return policy on their receipt doesn't mention anything about exchanges: "Purchase in store: Items can be returned within 14 days of purchase date for a full refund. The item must be unused, undamaged and returned in its original packaging. No exceptions. All sales are final for food, drink, syrups, alcohol, books and products on sale." I'm all about supporting local businesses, however in return I expect to be treated fairly. In the age of Amazon, that's one of the few benefits brick and mortar shops can offer consumers: friendly service by developing relationships with their customers. These guys don't get it. Didn't happen here, you'll get way better service from Amazon. They stock many books in their store including "DRINK more WHISKEY" which I just purchased for HALF the price on AMAZON. I need to drink more whiskey after dealing with these guys! Lesson Learned: DON'T SHOP HERE, SHOP ONLINE - YOU'LL GET BETTER SERVICE AND BETTER PRICES read more

Umami Mart - PURCHASED ON AMAZON FOR HALF THE PRICE AND FRIENDLIER SERVICE COMPARED TO UMAMI MART - Kitchen & Bath Near Me - Oakland, California

Before I moved to Oakland, I had heard there was a shop that had the best selection of sake in America. Little did I know I would end up moving a 10 minute walk from it. If you've been to the Trappist, you've been right next to Umami Mart. With the entrance on Broadway, you'll probably see the gorgeous, but probably overpriced bougie barware - strainers, kits, etc., and even Japanese cookware. But make your way to the back to find not just the best selection of Japanese beers, but sake. All types - there are some in fridges, more out on the shelves. They have small bottles, big bottles, and those delicious yet dangerous single cans that are 200 ML but around 18%. First time I picked one up, I realized I wouldn't be getting up. What's also great is the events they throw with the local Japanese vendors and the Trappist. Between Matsuri and the Japanese Beer event during SF Beer Week, it's a great spot to visit. I'm a big fan, but definitely have to rein myself in when I come. read more

Disappointing product quality and customer service. I washed my new 'seamless plain mixing glass,' then mixed a drink with ice and it cracked ... in half. Maybe it was my fault, but it was sitting out for over an hour. CS reply was disappointing: "Unfortunately the glass does indeed crack when it suddenly changes temperature. Hot to cold, or cold to hot. It is not a faulty product, but extremely fragile because it is hand-blown.... In the future, we would recommend hand washing it, and letting it cool to room temp after washing before putting ice into it. Thanks for your understanding." To be transparent they did offer 10% off if I repurchased it. I guess it's not made for practical use. read more

I think if I come here by myself, it'd be detrimental to my wallet. It many not be a very filled store but there are so many interesting things to find here. There's Japanese drinks and snacks available here, some you can find else where in Chinatown but most are pretty unique. This has been the only place that I've found a butterfly can opener (something that I grew up using). I personally don't like using the typical one that everyone is familiar with... but my old one from my dad's kitchen is nearing the end of it's days. I'm beyond estatic that I was able to find one here. There are some things that can be a bit expensive but I wouldn't be able to find it else where. Final Thoughts: A bit on the pricey side but definitely worth it to have a look around. read more