Set in Grey's Quarter within Eldon Square, Umai Mi Oriental Kitchen brings modern, chic Pan-Asian dining to the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne. The name combines the Japanese words umai (delicious) and mi (taste), a phrase with roots in the early 1900s used to describe the "fifth taste", the savoury balance of sweet, sour, salty and bitter that has since become known more widely as umami.
The restaurant blends traditional and contemporary cooking across an eclectic menu that draws on both Far Eastern and Western influences, with dishes designed to suit everything from a casual lunch to a more leisurely evening meal. Highlights include king prawns, chicken katsu and bao, alongside fresh sushi and the kind of theatrical sizzling rice and noodle plates long associated with Far Eastern dining. Green tea ice cream is a popular way to finish.
Umai Mi also stands out for its dedicated gluten-free menu, with dishes clearly labelled to make things straightforward for guests with dietary requirements, alongside accessible parking and toilet facilities. Reviewers consistently praise generous portions, attentive service and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere, with an open kitchen adding a bit of theatre to the room.
To drink, there's a well-considered selection of beers, cocktails and soju, plus sake for a more authentic taste of the Orient, alongside iced green tea, coffee and jasmine tea for something softer. Behind the bar, mixologists create cocktails designed specifically for the restaurant, and staff are trained to pair food with Oriental spirits.