A hidden gem! I stopped in while visiting from out of state, and I couldn't have been more impressed. The atmosphere was clean and inviting, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. The menu is small and simple, which I actually loved. It's clear they focus on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering a huge menu. Every dish has obviously been perfected. The ramen was packed with incredible flavor, and the portions were generous. I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen, and the pork belly was hands down the best I've ever had. It was packed with flavor and cooked so perfectly that it literally melted in my mouth. I can't recommend the Spicy Miso Ramen enough, it was absolutely incredible. I was honestly surprised that only a handful of customers came through during my meal because this place deserves so much more business. If you're anywhere in the area and craving ramen, do yourself a favor and stop by. I would absolutely recommend this restaurant to anyone I know who's in the area. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in town! read more

Umami Noodle Bar - Gyoza - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

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The food is hit or miss, some days they get your order right some days they don't. If you plan to dine in, prepare to never see your server again. Forgotten items are often, and good luck asking your server why. The days the food hits, it really does! But I'm fed up. read more

My daughters and I have been trying new places in the area lately and Umami Noodle Bar was next on our list! This was my first time having ramen at a restaurant (as opposed from a baggy at home). I enjoyed it! We started with truffle fries. They stole the show! I opted for the create your own bowl with miso broth, ramen noodles, pork, bok choy, mushrooms and pickled daikon. I will say that my broth was barely warm, however delicious! My leftovers the next day were superb (and hot). I am looking forward to going back and trying a new combination. read more

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The best ramen I've ever had! I had the spicy miso broth with shiitake mushrooms, tofu, bok choy, and udon and WOW was it good. I will make a trip back to Bangor just to have some more this winter. read more

Located in the heart of downtown Bangor, you can't miss this stop! Tucked on the corner of a busy intersection, but you won't have any difficulty finding it. Parking is also a non issue which means there's no excuse as to why you can't try this place! :) The space is very open, plenty of seating. They have tables and also single seats facing the window for optimal people watching. Service is quick. Menu is simple, you can order their options or even build your own bowl. Do yourself a favor and try the chicken katsu or breaded/fried chicken with the curry! DIVINE. My husband and I couldn't get enough and ordered to go the very next day. Coming from a big city, we felt there aren't a lot of options in Bangor, but Umami definitely stands out in terms of their flavor profile. Give it a shot! read more

Umami Noodle Bar - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

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I went here one night while I was in town for work. They were out of the Ramen noodles, but the server was quick to let me know that they had lots of udon! Which was fine by me. I did a build your own bowl and loaded it with all kinds of things. I ordered the Gyoza's and a big Ramen bowl. The food was delicious. The service was fantastic and the ambience was beautiful downtown Bangor. read more

Surprisingly very, very good! Lots of locals. Had the tonkonsu soup ramen. Very flavorful without being too salty.

I was hoping so badly to give this place a good review but I just can't. I ordered the vegetable broth with rice noodle, chicken, bokchoy, corn and an egg. I was hoping for a hard boiled egg but the waiter let me know that the soft boiled eggs are made before hand and they could not make a hard boiled egg. O.k. not a huge deal. When the food arrived it was not hot. The add ins I paid extra for were miniscule. The bok choy was about 4 tiny little chopped pieces. Not actually leaves just like a couple pieces ripped up and thrown in. Maybe the amount of half a baby bokchoy leaf, about a tbsp of flavorless rubbery canned corn. A few of the noodles were still hard on the ends. My boyfrienda noodles very undercooked also. We spent about $50 on something I could've made from the sink trap after doing the dishes. I think this place only stays in business from the ppl that have never been to am actual ramen place and think they're having actual ramen. I live right around the corner from them and wanted for it to be good. I just couldn't, I wouldn't feed this to my dog. Sorry Umami but how have you stayed in business read more

Food was delicious, waitress was helpful and friendly but not fake friendly. Serving was big, leftovers are a win for me !

Went in for a bite on an afternoon where there was no one else in the place. I understand that there are no servers. There was a girl who helped us, and that was nice. The order wasn't ready after we waited 45 minutes. We left after only having water. The girl followed us out and gave us attitude. We won't be back. read more

Ran in for a quick take out lunch on a Saturday. The place was packed and there was a line. I would have left but a friend at work wanted this so I stayed. The line moved fast enough. The one lady visible both ran the cashier and was the server for people seated and waiting for their orders. I asked her recommendation between two soups and she recommended the Tom Yum. I love Tom Yum! I ordered our two soups and waited. The lady behind the counter told me it was ready and thankfully I checked the ticket - nope, it was someone else's order. I let her know and went back to wait. About 10 minutes later the correct order came out. I ran back to work and immediately ate. After all that waiting, it was just ok. The Tom Yum was kind of flat and one-note. Even my friend who wanted noodle soup thought it was just ok. I was bummed after waiting so long for the food. Maybe they were too busy or it was an off day? I wouldn't go back. read more

Umami Noodle Bar - a view of the dining area - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

Checked out this noodle bar downtown. First time going there and was pretty good. Lots of soup choices as well as a build your own option so you can make your own tasty creation! The prices were reasonable for the large portion. The space inside was roomy so can find a more quiet corner or gather with a larger group. No complaints. read more

Umami Noodle Bar - Thailander bowl - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

Had the spicy miso pork belly. Flavor is pretty good. Noodles are very average and were slightly overcooked and stuck together in one spot. Pork belly was better than excellent. Worth a shot? Yeah probably. Will I return? Only in town for a week so I doubt it. read more

Umami Noodle Bar - Spicy miso ramen - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

Simple fast and good hearty lunch. Atmosphere could use improvement. Quick service even though moderately busy lunchtime.

Umami Noodle Bar was the second choice for my family and I as we did not want to wait 45 minutes for another restaurant to have a table available. The restaurant had a few people inside and a eclectic mix of tables inside with a bunch of pizza place seating and a glass table with wood chairs and wooden tables with cloth and plastic chairs. The menu is posted above the main area which includes some appetizers like wings, edamame, gyoza, and scallion pancakes. They also have signature bowls, or you can do a create your own with choices of broth, noodle, protein, and add-on. They have soda, tea, and beer/cider. You order at the counter and they'll bring the food to you. While you wait, you can play one of the board games in the tower available. The food came quick and was spot on with the spice level. Cleared out my sinuses! My kids just about finished their bowls, and my dad and his wife really enjoyed their vegan bowls but did say it was a little too salty for their taste. Service was a single female staffer who was very friendly and helpful. About $100 for six bowls and soda and a couple of beers/cider not including tip. For our family, this was something a little different, and it's nice to help out a family-owned restaurant. They said they're expanding soon so go check rhem read more

I was surprised and disappointed at the same time. The ramen was good, for Bangor Maine, but simplistic at the same time. Ironically the broth lacked the umami of the namesake. Our server was prompt but lacked enthusiasm. It took around 15 minutes to be served a rather simple noodle bowl. The menu is also a bit pricey for what it is. read more

Due to the ambiance here - a Hinge first date / first meeting occurred here. Relaxed atmosphere, board games in case the conversation gets stale, and great food! All while having the ability to people watch downtown. After the first date, we ate at Umami many many more times and now: happily married. The service was never bad - and every staff member has always been so friendly. 10/10! read more

Umami Noodle Bar - a woman sitting at a table with a plate of food - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

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The ramen was amazing. It's hard to find authentic ramen but this place is really good

Great noodle bar, highly satisfied with the Tonkotsu bowl (pictured). Added some chili garlic sauce to give it a kick and had an Thai tea. Tea was a little heavy on the cream but tasty nonetheless. Nice place with plenty of space. Guy working the counter was very nice and helpful. Will definitely go back for more! read more

Umami Noodle Bar - Tokyo Tonkotsu Bowl and an Iced Thai Tea - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

I was very recently in downtown Bangor on a work excursion and found this place. It has cool modern minimalist, artistic-friendly atmosphere. It's spacious. I ordered a bowl of udon with the vegetarian curry broth, tofu and 3 extra ingredients- baby boy chocolate, Asian mushrooms & onions. It was fantastic- really delicious, hearty, excellent broth- I'd say big city quality. The server was very nice, had a genuinely cool, helpful attitude. My only frustration here is that the little paper ordering form on my table said "base starts at $1.99" I figured it for sure shoots up from there, with noodles, protein & veggies, so I'd end up in the low/mid teens price for my bowl. Turns out my bowl was $20, and with my Boba tea (almost $10) I was at $30 + tip for a quick simple lunch. Once again, it was fantastic, but I was genuinely surprised at price. It turns out my ordering slip really did have a printing error- it was meant to say "base starts at $11.99". Another employee looked and acknowledged the printing error but no discount was offered. I want to credit the things this place does really well and not be negative. Hopefully the ordering slips are all printed exactly correctly from now on. read more

I really wanted to like this place, since I love Ramen. The broth was bland and noodles soggy. It's like the person making the ramen, never had good ramen before. read more

I came in as soon as they opened at 11AM. I decided to try the Woodland Forager. The price point for ramen and a drink seems kind of high. 23 dollars for ramen is sort of up there. The ramen was okay. Beef was good inside ramen. It was nothing to write home about. The dinning room did have a very distinct old smell. It could use a renovation. At the end of the day, I would not return to Umami noodle bar. Overall rank of 2.5/5 read more

Umami Noodle Bar - Woodland forager - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

The pork katsu rice bowl was good, the soft boiled egg is a nice addition. The restaurant itself has two very distinct spaces which are connected, the main dining area looks like a normal eatery and the other one is more like a bar setting with little lighting and some tables. It's a bit odd at first glance. read more

I went here last month when I was not feeling well and needed some soup. It's completely changed after not being there for a few years. It hit the spot that I went again the next day!!! Lol read more

I REALLY wanted to like this place, as I'm a big noodle fan, but I'm also a vegetarian, and I think that was where I went wrong coming here. It's not that they didn't have vegetarian options, but vegetarian soups have to be really tasty to work, and unfortunately, this one didn't cut it. What I notice is that places either have water-like broths that taste like nothing, or super salty attempts that are poorly executed. This one was the latter. They tried, they really did, but the broth was so salty I had to give up. I also should not have added jalapeños, as they were almost a 1:1 ratio with the noodles. Also, do not order the scallion pancake if you're looking for an actual scallion pancake. It is more like a tasty tortilla chip and less like an actual scallion pancake. See pics attached. Don't even think about getting the Thai iced tea - watery, not very sweet, and tasted mostly of cream, less of tea. The workers here were AMAZING. They were super nice, funny, prompt, and even brought water out for my dog. I'd come back just to buy a Coke here. I would definitely recommend coming here if you are a non-vegetarian, but since I am not, I won't be back. read more

Umami Noodle Bar - More like a greasy tortilla chip... - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

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I really love Umami! I've been coming here for a few years now, and it has never disappointed. I have tried both the pork and chicken broths and have found them to be full of flavor. They might not be the clearest broths in the world, but they do not lack flavor and are not watered down in the slightest. The toppings have always been fresh, and I do appreciate the variety of sauces and self serve things they have. I've always taken out, but sitting inside and eating would be a good option as well! Food comes out pretty fast and it's usually easy to find a space to sit. It's a four out of five spots due to the varying levels of cleanliness in my visits! read more

Best place ever! Umami is quick, healthy and delicious. I follow a gluten friendly & diary free lifestyle and I always struggle with finding good food to go. My favorite meal is the curry broth, pork belly, rice noodle, boiled egg, broccoli, snow peas, kale & bok choy + chicken! Tip: Make sure to get the chili oil & red pepper flakes from the spice bar to give it an extra kick! I work remotely and this is my go to spot to work and grab a nice lunch or dinner. It's not weird to go here by yourself and sit by the window. I love that they are open later than coffee shops and I can get great coffee and work late. They serve locally roasted Wild Life Coffee. It's amazing! read more

Umami Noodle Bar - Curry broth, rice noodle, kale, broccoli, bok choy, chicken, red pepper flakes & chili oil - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

I was looking for an alternative to the usual sandwich spot for lunch when visiting my parents in Bangor recently. My mother, at age 80, is always up for something new, so we stopped here for a quick meal. I love that you can creat your own bowl - broth, noodles, proteins and toppings. It wasn't the most flavorful soup broth I have ever had but overall it was very good! read more

Umami Noodle Bar - Build your own Ramen! - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

One of, if not my favorite restaurant in Bangor. College kid or not, Umami has a casual vibe in the middle of the city that just adds to it's own experience. The food there will reach into you, find your soul, and give you a pat on the back. Every time I go here, I feel physically and spiritually full. 11/10 Great spot. read more

Kenzie is awesome. We were planning on going to Timber which is right down the road so we called for reservations and Timber said they don't take reservations for anything under 6 ppl. Ok. Can we bring a cake for a birthday to add to deserts we'll buy there? No cakes. Disappointed we called Umami and Kenzie answered and was so so happy to accommodate us! She excitedly said "Of course we can take a reservation and we'll gladly serve your cake! No problem come on down!" The food was great too. Kenzie even turned on some happy birthday music when she brought out the cake for us. read more

My wife and I stumbled across Umami Noodle Bar while looking for vegan spots in the area. We were extremely impressed with the food and the service. When you walk in, there's scattered seating, plenty of plants, and a long front counter where you order the food. The staff was extremely welcoming and polite to us. The food came out quickly and everything was so fresh! The miso is quite good and I really enjoyed the soba noodles. I left craving more and will definitely be returning in the near future! read more

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I was up in Bangor for the day with some friends and we randomly dipped into this place for lunch. It's centrally located in the heart of downtown and pretty easy to stumble across. We decided to give it a whirl and there was some good and some bad with the experience. I will attempt to elaborate and explain. The first thing that struck me when I walked in was the atmosphere and setup. It's a bizarre sort of hodgepodge of furniture that doesn't really tie together into a cohesive theme. I was expecting more of an Eastern vibe (it's a noddle place named Umami) and that is not at all what I got. The menu isn't extensive. Noodles and a few appetizers are what they do. They have two options when ordering noodle bowls: house recipes and build your own bowl. I went with the first thing on the menu, the Tokyo Tonkotsu. It's a ramen-based noodle dish with chicken and veggies. As someone who eats Japanese style ramen on a semi-regular basis, what I got was not what I expected. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing but it wasn't particularly good. Now, in all fairness, you get a lot of food. But it wasn't very flavorful. I really felt like the broth could use some love. A stronger, more savory broth would help improve the dish in my opinion. Also, the chicken served with the dish was not tonkatsu. So, I felt like that was a little misleading. As mentioned, you do get a lot of food and all of it piled into the bowl makes for a tight fit. A larger bowl would have made it easier to eat. I like the idea of the build your own bowl but doubt the quality would be significantly different. They do have soy sauce, chili powder and assorted other condiments to spice up your noodles. I made the effort and it helped a little. At the end of the meal, I was full. But it was neither what I expected or nor did I particularly enjoy it. I'd say it's a very Western take on an Eastern dish. If I'm in Bangor again, I'll dine elsewhere. read more

Umami Noodle Bar - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

Stopped in for lunch and this place was great. We ate outside because we had our dog so I can't say much about the atmosphere inside. The noodles were tasty and we also had fried dumplings that were quite tasty and crispy. I would definitely come back when in Bangor again! read more

Umami is underrated! First- it's so easy to order, pick a broth, a protein, a noodle, and your toppings. I got ramen with beef and beef broth and it was so tasty. They have plenty of variations and many vegan options as well. Inside the restaurant is very cozy and makes for a great view of the heart of Downtown Bangor if you sit up by the windows. This might be one of my favorite places in Bangor. read more

Love this place. Delicious noodles. Great drinks. Family friendly. What else could a guy ask for?!? A long list of options, which you get to fully customize, truly sets this place apart. Pick your broth. Then your noodles. Then your protein. Then your veggies. Then special add ons. And it all leads to an awesome smorgasbord of flavor in your mouth, that is never quite the same twice! Every time we are in the area, we stop. And every time it is amazing! (Ok one time I ordered jumbo shrimp and got salad shrimp as they were out of jumbo, but they fixed it in a way that was satisfactory). Trust me, stop here, get some Tom yum, with rice noodles, boiled egg, baby corn, mushrooms, snow peas, greens and some pork.... wash it down with a glass bottle of coke... heaven can't be far off from this. AND!!! They have board games. It gets better and better! Only downside is there can be a bar crowd on the other half of the restaurant that is loud at times, and parking can be difficult. Just go early and avoid all that! read more

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A favorite location during my time at nearby Husson University, we decided to pick some ramen up to go on our way to a concert downtown. My fiancee and I both ordered some ramen noodles in our bowl, and honestly the noodles were so underwhelmingly disappointing. They tasted like overcooked mush, straight up worse than noodles out of a pack of instant ramen. This is the only negative experience I have had with Umami in general - you're hard-pressed to find a better custom ramen place in the area, but whoever cooked those ramen noodles tonight should be ashamed. I was contemplating the udon noodles tonight for $1 more, and regret not making that call after the experience we had tonight. Umami, please check on the quality of the ramen noodles (and all other noodles as well) - that was the only terrible aspect of our meal, but the noodles were virtually inedible and had to be tossed. read more

Very disappointing. I live in a walking distance from it and have tried it a couple times since I moved into the area. The first time the noodle tasted like instant noodle that had been left on shelf for ages. The second time I added marinated eggs. They came cold like they had just come out from the refrigerator while the soup and the noodles were hot. The third time I did a takeout. When I got home it was literally not what I had ordered. Clearly, they swapped the bags with another client. This is definitely not "Umami" read more

Andrew and Sam whipped up a special ramen for my little guy (7 yrs) and made his trip to Bangor! I got the spicy miso ramen which was also delicious and the playlist was great. read more

As someone who doesn't much care for lobster, I was wondering where to get good food on a road trip through Maine. This place provided a perfect experience with great service, customizability, and solid portions for a good deal. The food was as flavorful as it was nourishing. This was perfect for us after a long day on the road, and is also perfect for anyone staying in or around Bangor since it's right in the middle of town. I recommend their soba noodles! read more

Umami Noodle Bar - Noodles Near Me - Bangor, Maine

This place has improved! They added bowls that combine some of the add ins. They fixed the problem with too many noodles. They now have enough silverware. It's a solid choice for a noodle bowl lunch, and I would reccomend it. They could still be even better if they made thier own noodles. Still doesn't make sense that certain noodles cost extra, but all proteins cost the same regardless of how much the cost in bulk. read more