They have little Japanese garden at the entrance, it’s supposed to be nice spending evenings there in the summertime. Food was good, but quite expensive for those little portions.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Alys Byram
Save yourself time and read the real reviews which are all one star. Parking was a little difficult when I arrived so I was expecting the inside to be somewhat busy. It was not. There were two customers outside and two customers inside. The place was empty. Upon entering I was not greeted by a hello, but by the owner yelling at me that no outside items were allowed in the restaurant and that i will have to order to-go. I had a coffee with me and didn't really take offense at first. In my mind, I can always put my coffee in the car and come back. Before doing so, I asked if I could get a seat outside as it was sunny and could enjoy the food out there. The owner, who was livid since before i walked in, told me that no I couldn't sit outside and that I could only order to go. I wasn't rude or really that upset but i had anticipated eating my food at the restaurant, although the owner wouldn't allow that so i told him that's fine i can just get food somewhere else and he was happy to see me leave. Very toxic and scary behavior from someone who is in charge of handling your food. It's clear that the owner doesn't care about or need returning customers. I wont be back and will never recommend this place to anyone moving forward. I honestly got the impression he would have found another reason not to serve me if I had returned without my coffee in hand and after reading other reviews I would have either been rushed to finish my meal or told to leave before finishing my meal if I wasn't spending more money. The mask of calming ambiance is quickly striped once you enter and is not worth the headache. Please travel up the hill and go to either Bai Tong or AJI. Both are delicious and staff are pleasant.
Service: 1
bland
Umi used to be one of my favorite places in Issaquah but on a recent visit the host (maybe owner?) was incredibly dismissive and rude. We had an outside drink in hand, which we would have been happy to put back in the car, but we were yelled at upon entering (in front of other customers) that it wasn't allowed. This was before we said a word to the host.We asked if there was any available seating and he said he would only do to-go orders for us. This was around 1:30 p.m. while other people were already seated indoors.There's much better food and much better service to be found throughout Issaquah. Umi used to be a great little spot but I cannot recommend them any more.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Olga P.
Absolutely delightful place. First, I was greeted by a cute outdoor garden complete with koi pond. The atmosphere is wonderful, and had it not been raining, I would have enjoyed my meal outside. Inside, it's fairly simple but clean. The server was very attentive, and the food was SO good. I loved the crab buns. The strawberry milk tea was also very refreshing. I'll definitely come back!
Sherilyn Smith
Outstanding menu, great food and fast service
Paige C
LOVE, love, love Umi Cafe! It’s a staple when visiting the area. Favorites: Drink = Einspanner, App = duck bun, Dish = any curry dish or Umi fried rice!
Really disappointed this visit. One drink was 3/4 ice. The mango ice blended had almost no mango, juat milk. And there wasn't enough boba. But the worst part was the service, or lack thereof. The server was curt when we ordered and acted like we were wasting his time. He scolded our large group for taking up two tables that he could use for "his customers". (It was a light weekday afternoon and no one took the table that we freed up.) We won't be returning, which is a pity as we have been customers since they had great Taiwanese food as Cafe Chi. The garden seating is charming, hence the single star.
Kerstin Brooks
In town yet tugged away. Nice patio. Tasty Asian fusion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Nguyen
Excellent Vietnamese food with refreshing sparkling fruit drinks. The Umi fried rice with duck and bone in short rib pho were especially flavorful. Outdoor seating is worth the wait.
I had the duck bun last night and it was delicious. It was mildly spicy, sweet, and salty - well balanced. I've also tried the garlic and basil wings and found them excellent. These choices were very high quality and unique in my experience. This is now my favorite place to order food and I'm on to the crab bun and pork belly bun next. Very good work, Umi Cafe!
I regret to say that my visit to Umi Cafe was far from pleasant. As a new mother, I was dismayed to find that the restaurant lacked a diaper changing station. Given that there were no other customers around, I politely asked if I could use a seating booth to change my baby. Shockingly, the owner responded with, "If you are mature enough, you should have known to change in your car. Not at my restaurant," and repeated this several times.To make matters worse, the owner's behavior continued to be extremely rude throughout our visit. When he took our order, he stood about 4 feet away and practically threw the glass and food onto the table with a noticeable attitude. Even my friend Amanda, who doesn't understand English, asked me why he was being so rude.It's disheartening to encounter such unwelcoming and disrespectful treatment, especially in an establishment that should prioritize customer service. Unfortunately, due to this experience, I cannot recommend Umi Cafe and will not be returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Angela C.
I regret to say that my visit to Umi Cafe was far from pleasant. As a new mother, I was dismayed to find that the restaurant lacked a diaper changing station. Given that there were no other customers around, I politely asked if I could use a seating booth to change my baby. Shockingly, the owner responded with, "If you are a mature person, you should have known to change in your car. Not at my restaurant," and repeated this several times. To make matters worse, the owner's behavior continued to be extremely rude throughout our visit. When he took our order, he stood about 4 feet away and practically threw the glass and food onto the table with a noticeable attitude. Even my friend, who doesn't understand English, asked me why he was being so rude. It's disheartening to encounter such unwelcoming and disrespectful treatment, especially in an establishment that should prioritize customer service. Unfortunately, due to this experience, I cannot recommend Umi Cafe and will not be returning.
Eric Norris
We stumbled upon this gem recently and can't wait to get back for round 2. I had shortrib pho and it was ridiculous. We're so tired of Issaquah restaurants, it's awesome to find a new star.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beau F.
Best egg tofu, amazing curry. And the tea drinks and coffee are to die for. Favorite place to eat in Issaquah!
Abhi Hakhu
Wheelchair accessibility: Good wheelchair accessibility; a ramp walks one to the entrance.
They have little Japanese garden at the entrance, it’s supposed to be nice spending evenings there in the summertime. Food was good, but quite expensive for those little portions.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Save yourself time and read the real reviews which are all one star. Parking was a little difficult when I arrived so I was expecting the inside to be somewhat busy. It was not. There were two customers outside and two customers inside. The place was empty. Upon entering I was not greeted by a hello, but by the owner yelling at me that no outside items were allowed in the restaurant and that i will have to order to-go. I had a coffee with me and didn't really take offense at first. In my mind, I can always put my coffee in the car and come back. Before doing so, I asked if I could get a seat outside as it was sunny and could enjoy the food out there. The owner, who was livid since before i walked in, told me that no I couldn't sit outside and that I could only order to go. I wasn't rude or really that upset but i had anticipated eating my food at the restaurant, although the owner wouldn't allow that so i told him that's fine i can just get food somewhere else and he was happy to see me leave. Very toxic and scary behavior from someone who is in charge of handling your food. It's clear that the owner doesn't care about or need returning customers. I wont be back and will never recommend this place to anyone moving forward. I honestly got the impression he would have found another reason not to serve me if I had returned without my coffee in hand and after reading other reviews I would have either been rushed to finish my meal or told to leave before finishing my meal if I wasn't spending more money. The mask of calming ambiance is quickly striped once you enter and is not worth the headache. Please travel up the hill and go to either Bai Tong or AJI. Both are delicious and staff are pleasant.
Service: 1
Umi used to be one of my favorite places in Issaquah but on a recent visit the host (maybe owner?) was incredibly dismissive and rude. We had an outside drink in hand, which we would have been happy to put back in the car, but we were yelled at upon entering (in front of other customers) that it wasn't allowed. This was before we said a word to the host.We asked if there was any available seating and he said he would only do to-go orders for us. This was around 1:30 p.m. while other people were already seated indoors.There's much better food and much better service to be found throughout Issaquah. Umi used to be a great little spot but I cannot recommend them any more.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Absolutely delightful place. First, I was greeted by a cute outdoor garden complete with koi pond. The atmosphere is wonderful, and had it not been raining, I would have enjoyed my meal outside. Inside, it's fairly simple but clean. The server was very attentive, and the food was SO good. I loved the crab buns. The strawberry milk tea was also very refreshing. I'll definitely come back!
Outstanding menu, great food and fast service
LOVE, love, love Umi Cafe! It’s a staple when visiting the area. Favorites: Drink = Einspanner, App = duck bun, Dish = any curry dish or Umi fried rice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Belly Bun, Umi Fried Rice
Really disappointed this visit. One drink was 3/4 ice. The mango ice blended had almost no mango, juat milk. And there wasn't enough boba. But the worst part was the service, or lack thereof. The server was curt when we ordered and acted like we were wasting his time. He scolded our large group for taking up two tables that he could use for "his customers". (It was a light weekday afternoon and no one took the table that we freed up.) We won't be returning, which is a pity as we have been customers since they had great Taiwanese food as Cafe Chi. The garden seating is charming, hence the single star.
In town yet tugged away. Nice patio. Tasty Asian fusion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent Vietnamese food with refreshing sparkling fruit drinks. The Umi fried rice with duck and bone in short rib pho were especially flavorful. Outdoor seating is worth the wait.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Short Ribs & Rib-Eye Pho, Umi Fried Rice, Garlic Wings
I had the duck bun last night and it was delicious. It was mildly spicy, sweet, and salty - well balanced. I've also tried the garlic and basil wings and found them excellent. These choices were very high quality and unique in my experience. This is now my favorite place to order food and I'm on to the crab bun and pork belly bun next. Very good work, Umi Cafe!
Restaurantji Recommends
I regret to say that my visit to Umi Cafe was far from pleasant. As a new mother, I was dismayed to find that the restaurant lacked a diaper changing station. Given that there were no other customers around, I politely asked if I could use a seating booth to change my baby. Shockingly, the owner responded with, "If you are mature enough, you should have known to change in your car. Not at my restaurant," and repeated this several times.To make matters worse, the owner's behavior continued to be extremely rude throughout our visit. When he took our order, he stood about 4 feet away and practically threw the glass and food onto the table with a noticeable attitude. Even my friend Amanda, who doesn't understand English, asked me why he was being so rude.It's disheartening to encounter such unwelcoming and disrespectful treatment, especially in an establishment that should prioritize customer service. Unfortunately, due to this experience, I cannot recommend Umi Cafe and will not be returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I regret to say that my visit to Umi Cafe was far from pleasant. As a new mother, I was dismayed to find that the restaurant lacked a diaper changing station. Given that there were no other customers around, I politely asked if I could use a seating booth to change my baby. Shockingly, the owner responded with, "If you are a mature person, you should have known to change in your car. Not at my restaurant," and repeated this several times. To make matters worse, the owner's behavior continued to be extremely rude throughout our visit. When he took our order, he stood about 4 feet away and practically threw the glass and food onto the table with a noticeable attitude. Even my friend, who doesn't understand English, asked me why he was being so rude. It's disheartening to encounter such unwelcoming and disrespectful treatment, especially in an establishment that should prioritize customer service. Unfortunately, due to this experience, I cannot recommend Umi Cafe and will not be returning.
We stumbled upon this gem recently and can't wait to get back for round 2. I had shortrib pho and it was ridiculous. We're so tired of Issaquah restaurants, it's awesome to find a new star.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best egg tofu, amazing curry. And the tea drinks and coffee are to die for. Favorite place to eat in Issaquah!
Wheelchair accessibility: Good wheelchair accessibility; a ramp walks one to the entrance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Belly Bun, Umi Fried Rice