Uncover Bellevue’s Hidden Gem: Umami’s Sushi and Asian Fusion Delight

Bellevue, Nebraska, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking of extraordinary dining experiences, but as a new resident of this charming city (six months in and counting!), I’m on a mission to showcase the culinary treasures of 68005. While many might venture into Omaha for their food fix, Bellevue holds its own with some truly impressive local spots.

Among these local gems, Umami stands out. After reading an Omaha World Herald article about Chef Keen Zheng moving from New York City to bring his sushi and Asian cuisine expertise to Bellevue, I couldn’t wait to check it out. On a lazy Saturday (where I was deep in brainstorming for this very blog—exciting stuff!), I decided to venture over to Umami. Our cravings for sushi made it a no-brainer to see what this place had to offer.

Crab Rangoon & Pork Gyoza: A Perfect Start

We kicked off our meal with Crab Rangoon ($4.50) and Pork Gyoza ($5.00). These classic appetizers were executed flawlessly. The Crab Rangoon had a crispy exterior and a creamy, crab-filled center that didn’t skimp on flavor. Similarly, the Pork Gyoza was crisp on the bottom with a well-seasoned filling—simple, but done just right.

Sushi Rolls: Creative and Flavorful

When it came to sushi, we chose the Coconut Shrimp Roll ($10) and the Crunch Roll ($5.00). The Coconut Shrimp Roll was a bold choice, with shrimp covered in coconut and a drizzle of coconut milk. Though I wasn’t completely sold on the abundance of coconut, the roll’s unique flavor combination was intriguing. The Crunch Roll, with its crab, avocado, and tempura flakes, was a more straightforward, but satisfying option.

For a little more adventure, I went for the BBQ Omaha Steak Roll ($11.95) and the NY Roll ($6.95). The BBQ Omaha Steak Roll was a fantastic fusion of Omaha flavors and Japanese sushi, featuring seared steak, crab, and tempura, all draped in garlic soy sauce. It’s the kind of roll that might convert sushi skeptics. The NY Roll, on the other hand, was a crispy, creamy delight with crab, cream cheese, and eel sauce—a classic that delivered on every front.

Pad Thai: A Taste of Traditional

Despite focusing primarily on sushi, Umami’s menu also includes traditional dishes like Pad Thai ($10.50). We decided to add it to our order for a complete taste test. With a milder spice level and beef, the Pad Thai was decent but didn’t shine as brightly as the sushi. It’s a good option, but Umami truly excels in their sushi offerings.

Final Thoughts

Umami is a standout in Bellevue for anyone craving top-notch sushi and Asian fusion. While the Pad Thai is a solid choice, the restaurant’s true strength lies in its creative and delicious sushi rolls. For those of us in Bellevue, it’s a fantastic local option that brings a taste of New York’s culinary flair right to our neighborhood.

If you’re in the Bellevue area, don’t miss out on this hidden gem. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or just looking to try something new, Umami is worth a visit.