Umu - Born of Perfection (Venues)
Umu's Mayfair location, in Bruton Place, takes diners a world away from bustling shoppers to Japanese dining that’s fast being acknowledged as London’s best. When GQ magazine needed somewhere sufficiently GQ to entertain guests such as Tracey Emin, David Bailey and Peter York for its Christmas bash, Umu became its festive host.
Presciently awarded a Michelin star only five months after opening, Umu (“born of nature”) is London’s first Kyoto restaurant and it offers both a classic and a modern interpretation of Kyoto food.
Umu’s success has been propelled by executive chef Ichiro Kubota who perfected his craft in some of Kyoto’s most renowned restaurants. Tsuruya restaurant heads this list and has famously entertained the Japanese Imperial family.
Kubota’s culinary precision strikes the balance needed to preserve the delicate flavours associated with Kyoto food. “For me, true Kyoto cuisine is without compromise on technique,” says Kubota. “I follow the basic rules at every turning point, reminding myself of the methods that I learnt from my master and father.”
His menu features a selection of Kyoto cuisine: tsukuri, known as sashimi and a variety of sushi and Kaiseki, a traditional tasting menu which includes vegetarian dishes that derive from the Zen Buddhism-style method of cooking in China. Wild fish is flown directly from the Pacific, Atlantic and the Mediterranean while indigenous Japanese vegetables such as red carrots are flown in directly from Japanese suppliers. There is also an à la carte menu allowing guests to select the dishes of their choice.
The perfectionist attention to detail also extends to Umu’s architecture and design thanks to award-winning designer Tony Chi of “tonychi and associates.” The New York-based venue designer aligned the architecture, interior design, graphics and furnishings to bring opulent Kyoto style to the diners.
Implementing architects SHH, of The Greenhouse and Aura fame, have worked closely with Tony Chi to create his Japanese vision. The restaurant’s ceiling feature comprises individually crafted pieces of Murano glass fabricated in Italy and shaped in New York. The precision detail even encompasses the Japanese flower displays, in tribute to a highly respected historical art form.
Umu is the third establishment to be opened by MARC (Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation) in London, after The Greenhouse and Morton’s, both of which re-opened after extensive refurbishment in spring 2004. The portfolio also includes Gaia in Greenwich, Connecticut, A Voce in Manhattan and MARC Fine Wines, the group’s independent fine wine merchant.
Private dining is available on the Sake Table away from the main restaurant. It can accommodate parties of up to twelve and guests can create bespoke menus with a choice of Japanese à la carte or the traditional Kaiseki menus.
Venue Vitals ___________________________
Capacity
Number of Seats: 60
38 restaurant seats, 12 at Chef’s table, 10 at tasting table
Wine list
Over 700 bins, including four wines from the Japanese Château Mercian Estate.
Largest sake list in Europe with quality to match
Head sommelier - Kumiko Tamba, she is Kikisake-Shi qualified and classically-trained.
Sake variety includes Kyoto Prefecture, Momonoshizuku, Junmai Ginjo made by Matsumoto Shuzo at £42; Kochi Prefecture, Tempyo Daiginjo made by Tosatsuru Shuzo at £85; oldest Koshu Junmai (aged sake) in Europe from Toyama Prefecture made by Kidoizumi Shuzo at £1,800.
The bill
Average price lunch £40.00 per head
Average price dinner £70.00 per head
The team
General Manager: Mika Hori
Executive Chef: Ichiro Kubota
Head Sommelier: Kumiko Tamba
The location
14-16 Bruton Place, Mayfair, London W1J 6LX
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7499 8881
RK _________________________________________