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| - Overall, i'd say that I like Umami. It's certainly a different setting, as it feels like you're eating at a house rather than a business establishment. The large patio makes it a warm weather destination, as you're almost guaranteed outdoor seating. The service is fairly quick and also fairly pleasant. The dumplings are yummy. The buns are yummy, especially the spicy tofu. Especially since we're in Madison, where it seems to be impossible to get a freshly baked Chinese bun anywhere (someone tell me of a spot if you know it!). So, even just the fact that they serve good buns makes it a destination in this fair city.
Although I like most of Umami's offerings, one thing that bums me out about Umami is how disappointing I find their Ramen to be. This could very well be that I just don't like Ramen, but I find it difficult and time consuming to eat, to the point where it's cold by the end. It's also surprisingly lacking in flavor. I realize you can order spice/garlic bombs to spruce it up, but I don't like the idea of having to pay for flavor for my dish. The broth makes up for the lack of noodle/tofu taste a bit though.
The Ramen is the only dish there that I feel is appropriate for getting as an entree, as the buns/dumplings are more small plates. So, it deters me from coming here frequently. But, despite that, you can definitely have a good meal at Umami on occasion. I'd give a 2 for the Ramen, but a 5 for everything else. So, let's say a 4!
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