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January 2025 by Daryl Hall
It's a nice looking store, but I got some organic matcha there and it was awful. The flavors were muted and bitter, and based off of the dull color it was stale. Even worse, the tin tells you to make koicha (a more concentrated form of matcha tea) with it, and the results were undrinkable.
They should be embarrassed to sell this at all, let alone charge $40 for it. If you want really good organic matcha check out Hibiki-an instead.
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August 2024 by Hamza Rajput
Beautiful
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April 2024 by Ben Park
Loved the displayed stuff. Definitely not inexpensive. I wish I could afford more of the stuff.
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January 2024 by Carolyn D.
Very cool place where everyone knows what they're talking about and loves what they do. One of the guys even recommended local restaurants near me (was only in the area to visit someone) that hold great sake.
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January 2024 by Sheila S.
It is last call for alcohol at the sake release party at umami's bar when we walk in at 6:30pm on a Friday night. One of the shopkeepers finds us a little space to perch on the bookshelf because the place is packed. We try one of each sake that is limited release today. They are pricey but 10% off for club members as we are now for the next six months. We only have time for one drink and our credit card is processed on a handheld machine. We don't buy anything this time but have bought many specialty boutique Japanese items from them over the years. I have come for special events like their 10 year anniversary where they set up parties in the back parking lot. The unisex restroom is to the left back of the bar. There is space to hang your coats on the wall. The bar is small and very specialized, with limited hours. The shop is clean and well organized as you would expect a Japanese store to be. There are all kinds of unique finds from household goods to alcohol bottles to wall decor to ice imported from Japan. There is street parking or neighborhood parking if you want to walk a little bit. It is a 13 minute walk from the MacArthur station BART. They have a mailing list and you can keep updated on social media for the latest happenings.
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December 2023 by Gabe Ortega
Great place for sake tasting!
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September 2023 by Charles S
Fantastic experience with my wife. Thank you for the personal service, Kayoko. Your business is a gem.
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July 2023 by Alex Witkowski
My favorite hangout spot in Oakland. Awesome little shop in the front with a small selection of beautiful, simple houseware items and a massive wall of Japanese liquors. Fantastic bar in the back with some of the coolest bartenders in the area spinning great records. Love this place so much.
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June 2023 by Butts B.
Phone first, y'all. Came all the way out here and they were closed an hour before their hours posted right on the freaking door, zero explanation.
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February 2023 by Clinton Swiedom
Fun shop with helpful staff and offbeat goods. From kitsch to home goods, definitely worth checking out if you are nearby.
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September 2022 by Janette W.
What a gem of a place! I love sake and Umami mart has a such a knowledgable team that is a great place if you've never had sake or are a pro. They always listen to you and provide great suggestions! The little bar in the back has just enough seats and tables that you feel like you're at home. Everything in the store feels very curated and there are great finds for yourself or for a gift.
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September 2022 by Anthony H.
Very cute local market with imported and specialty whiskey, sake, etc. The owners were friendly and clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the goods!
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July 2022 by Andrew Chang
Love this store!Been shopping here since they were by Old Oakland, and the addition of the bar in this spot is great!Super friendly staff and owners
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May 2022 by Brewster Malevich
It's the Umami Mart. What more needs to be said. Staff are great. Outstanding selection of liquor including sake and shochu. Excellent local kaku-uchi.
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May 2022 by Jeffrey O'Connell
If you have slightest interest in sake, shochu, or Japanese whisky, you could not ask for a better group of people than the ones at Umami Mart. Prepare to find the perfect drink!The store is also just gorgeous, with lots of Japanese glassware, kitchen supplies, and some specialty grocery items. There is even a bar in the back where they were playing some chill beats. Will definitely go again!
