Umu

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Umu London: Michelin-Starred Kyoto Kaiseki in Mayfair

A Kyoto Kaiseki Experience in Mayfair

From its discreet entrance on Bruton Place to its elegantly dressed room, Umu has always been a restaurant for that special occasion. Since opening in 2004, it has been a beacon of Kyoto-inspired Japanese dining in the heart of Mayfair. The name "Umu," meaning "born of nature," reflects the restaurant’s dedication to honouring the natural world through its cuisine. Within just five months of opening, Umu earned its first Michelin star, an accolade it has maintained ever since, affirming its place among London’s finest Japanese restaurants.

The restaurant is influenced by the traditions and delicate cuisine of Kyoto, where the philosophy of kaiseki is preserved and celebrated. Executive Chef Ryo Kamatsu leads a kitchen that balances classic Japanese techniques with a clear nod to its UK location – many of the ingredients are sourced from the British Isles. The fish, for example, is line-caught off Cornwall and handled using the traditional Japanese method of ikejime, a 17th-century technique that ensures unparalleled flavour and texture in sashimi.

Umu’s Kaiseki menu is a multi-course journey through seasonal ingredients. At £260, it might include dishes such as Cornish lobster with tomato water and caviar, a fine clear soup with abalone, red seabream and tuna sashimi, charcoal-grilled monkfish with nuts miso, and a selection of Japanese Wagyu sushi. Each course is meticulously crafted to highlight the natural flavours of the ingredients, and the menu is devised to be enjoyed by the whole table. The restaurant also offers a notable sake list, with pairings from renowned Japanese breweries, alongside wine and non-alcoholic options.

The space itself seats up to sixty-four guests, with intimate options including a sushi table, sake table, and a private cellar. The service is courteous and knowledgeable, whether guests are experienced Japanophiles or those simply wishing to learn more. Umu remains a cornerstone of London’s culinary scene, where the art of Kyoto Kaiseki is delivered with precision and warmth.