Uni Alum Debuts Solo Sushi Restaurant in Cambridge

One Japanese restaurant has replaced another in North Cambridge. Umami, which bills itself as an omakase and sake bar, is now open at 2372 Massachusetts Ave., formerly the home of Hana Sushi, which closed this summer after about 30 years in operation.

Umami opened on Wednesday, October 2, under the direction of chef Gary Lei. Lei is an alum of Uni, Tony Messina and Ken Oringer’s acclaimed Back Bay restaurant with a luxurious sushi menu.

At his own place, Lei appears to be following in the Uni footsteps with plenty of fancy ingredients, including crab legs, truffles, and uni, not to mention a large sake selection. Stay tuned for details on the Umami menu.

The restaurant operates Tuesday through Sunday, according to its website, and it will eventually offer online ordering. Lunch service has not yet begun.

Update, October 10, 2019: The article has been updated to indicate that Umami is currently serving dinner only, and the menu is currently limited while the restaurant ramps up to a grand opening. Below, take a look at the current menu (as of October 9), which offers three levels of omakase dining and two sake tastings. (Sake and wines are also available by the glass.)

• Hana Sushi in North Cambridge Has Closed [BRT]
• Umami Omakase [Official Site]