Date nights deserve to be memorable—a time to connect, laugh, and enjoy exceptional food.
Urban Umami, nestled by Century City, offers an intimate yet vibrant ambiance that set the tone for a recent date night evening that we still think back on today.
The restaurant’s Small Plates Offer allowed us to order five delectable small plates for only R465, a special that’s available every day from 15:00.
- It’s the ultimate opportunity to sample a variety of culinary delights without committing to just one favourite. And sharing is definitely encouraged! While the menu might be entitled small plates, these dishes are anything but small. Sharing fives of these culinary master-pieces will definitely satisfy any food cravings that you may have.
Talking of the venue, Urban Umami’s interior is a stunning fusion of contemporary elegance and warmth. The chic furniture, with its plush, rounded chairs and minimalist table settings, exudes understated sophistication that makes any date night so much better. You feel like you are treating yourself as soon as you enter the restaurant, and that’s the start of any memorable date night. The venue also boasts a stylish terrace, offering a fully sheltered al fresco dining experience. Guests can savor their meals under the open sky without worrying about the chill or wind, making it a versatile spot for any weather.
Exploring the Menu: A Symphony of Flavours!
Each dish that we tried on an extensive small plates menu is a work of art, crafted with precision and a deep understanding of how flavours and textures interact and bring out the best. Beautifully presented at all times, which made devouring each dish an exciting visual adventure while making you wonder what the taste explosion brings once you take your next bite.
Calamari (R115): The Chilli and Coriander Fried Calamari was a vibrant introduction to the meal. Perfectly crisp and golden, the calamari was infused with just the right amount of chili and an addition of fresh coriander. The accompanying lime sour cream added a creamy tang, balancing the heat and making every bite zesty and refreshing.
Pork Belly (R105): Urban Umami’s Crispy Pork Belly was pure enjoyment. The pork’s crackling exterior gave way to tender meat, perfectly complemented by sweet and smoky charred corn. The ginger soy glaze tied it all together with its aromatic sweetness and umami depth, leaving a lingering warmth on the palate long after the last bite had been taken.
Short Rib (R135): A true showstopper (just look at this beauty of a dish!), the 150g Short Rib was marinated in red wine and hoisin, creating a flavour profile that was both rich and complex. Served with a dollop of cooling coconut yogurt and topped with a tangy grapefruit salsa, it was a dish that balanced sweet, sour, and savoury notes effortlessly. The crispy coconut added a delightful crunch, enhancing the contrast that made experimenting with all the different elements & combination of ingredients a really fun time.
Dim Sum (R90): The Pulled Beef Dim Sum was delicate yet bursting with flavor. The tender beef, infused with spring onion and basil, was perfectly paired with a ponzu and soy dipping sauce.
Potstickers (R95): The Hoisin Chicken Potstickers offered a satisfying combination of textures. The crispy, golden exterior encased tender chicken filling, rich with the sweet and savory flavors of hoisin. Paired with garlic sautéed asparagus and a spicy Asian-style soy sauce, the dish provided a perfect blend of softness, and bold flavours. It was a wonderful end to an incredible evening.
Urban Umami’s small plates menu is perfect for those who love variety and the joy of sharing. We sure did! Each dish tells a story of balance—sweet meets savory, crispy meets tender, and rich meets fresh. Perfect for a date night like we had or just a casual evening with friends, their Small Plates Offer is pure indulgence worth every bite.
Adding to our evening, Urban Umami brings a full romantic charm with live acoustic music every Friday and Saturday from 18:30. We enjoyed soothing guitar melodies being played which set the perfect tone for our cozy date night, making the experience truly unforgettable and something we still think back on today. From the chic décor to the ambient tunes, and delicious small plates full of flavour, every detail at Urban Umami invites you to linger and enjoy.
As the sun sets over Century City, let Urban Umami’s flavors take you on a culinary journey—one small plate at a time.
3 Energy Lane, Bridgeways Precinct, Century City
021 202 9133
book@umamirestaurant.co.za
