Fusion Cuisine Sparks Appetites at Milwaukee’s Umami Moto

Stylish modern decor and tantalizing Asian fusion flavors combine for a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience at Umami Moto, an innovative new Milwaukee restaurant. The Japanese word umami translates loosely as “deliciousness” and refers to an ethereal savory flavor or fifth element of taste. For Milwaukee diners, this nuanced concept more literally translates into an enticing menu of inventive and well-prepared dishes ranging from super fresh sashimi to tender braised short ribs. Located on Milwaukee Street, a nightlife district that has more recently been dubbed “Restaurant Row,” Umami Moto’s culinary creativity isn’t the only factor that draws crowds to this downtown Milwaukee restaurant. With a full bar, late night dining menu and stylish crowd, Umami Moto draws a diverse group of food and nightlife enthusiasts for dining and a lively social scene.

Innovative Style and Flavors at New Milwaukee Restaurant

Modern lines and a spare black and white palette give Umami Moto’s dining room an elegant simplicity. Pillars of polished black river rocks add texture and weight to the airy space and convey a Japanese aesthetic to the dining room. Designed to be both hip and accessible, Umami Moto’s well-conceived menu truly reflects a fusion philosophy.

Kobe beef sliders – tiny appetizer-size burgers – and crispy chicken wings share the menu with lobster potstickers and chicken chow fun. Even within each dish, Eastern and Western flavors commingle and play off each other in innovative ways. A classic American combination of grilled pork tenderloin with sweet potatoes and apples is given an Asian twist with a hoisin and five-spice marinade. Slow cooked short ribs are served with cheddar cheese grits and piquant char sui (Chinese-style barbecue sauce) while crispy fried calamari is served with a sriracha (hot chile sauce) aioli. For dessert, Milwaukee residents rave about the rich chocolate pudding, white chocolate mousse and freshly made doughnuts with pomegranate sorbet.

Ultra Fresh Seafood and Sushi in Milwaukee

Umami Moto’s creative sushi and sashimi offerings are standouts, even among Milwaukee sushi restaurants. The chef’s unique sashimi creations combine surprising elements to create dishes that are as mouthwatering as they are beautiful. Translucent slices of raw hamachi are served with a crunchy salad of julienne apple, jicama and preserved lemon, drizzled with aromatic ginger lemongrass vinaigrette and finished with celery foam and chives. Even a simple spicy tuna roll is elevated to new heights with an elegant sriracha-laced mayonnaise, crunchy cucumber matchsticks and toasted sesame seeds.

Late Night Dining and Creative Cocktails at Umami Moto

With a late night dining menu and a lengthy wine and sake list, including many hard-to-find imported sakes, this Milwaukee bar and restaurant is a sophisticated nightlife destination for Milwaukee residents. Known for its creative mixologists, Umami Moto caters to jaded bar hoppers with a list of signature cocktails including the plum vodka-spiked Umami Cosmo, Asian pear flavored Panda Bear martini and vibrant Green Buddha. The late night menu of tasty appetizers, elegant sushi and sashimi and luscious desserts at Umami Moto is available until midnight Thursdays through Saturdays, making this Milwaukee dining experience appealing for all crowds.