Geelong favourite Asian-fusion restaurant Mr Umami’s finally reopens with a bold menu and sleek new look
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09.06.2021

Geelong favourite Asian-fusion restaurant Mr Umami’s finally reopens with a bold menu and sleek new look

The venue officially reopens tonight.

A local favourite, Mr Umami’s has been delivering the flavours of Asia to Geelong for the past few years with their delicious handmade delights – from dumplings, curry pastes and sauces to duck dishes and sashimi.

Combining a range of different regional Asian ingredients and cooking styles with fresh Australian produce, Mr Umami’s have earned themselves a solid reputation for making a modern fusion menu that can be enjoyed in a fun and relaxed environment… and now they’ve finally reopened after being closed to the public for regular dinner service since March this year.

Throughout the perils of last year, the loved restaurant only operated at limited times, offering a small takeaway menu during restrictions and bottomless brunch and dinner across the weekends. Boasting four courses of Asian fusion and bottomless cocktails, these were a great way to get your umami fix.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news via our website.

Kicking off the new year with a renewed focus, Mr Umami’s Restaurant has undergone a bevvy of renovations in recent months, including vibrant new branding, refreshing new dishes and a revitalised atmosphere.

A big part of the new look comes from a new hyper-realistic portrait mural depicting an emotive “5th sense” theme, which will offer diners a multi-sensory experience that includes visual art, food and atmosphere.

The mural, painted by award-winning mural artist, Kirsten Walsh is the main feature of the restaurant – positioned at the rear, which was formally the lounge of the Barking Dog. Mr Umami, defined by the 5th sense – a heightened sense of taste; was the inspiration behind the project and the face depicted on the wall.

“I wanted to bring impact to the space and bring out the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant whilst picking up the theme of incredible taste,” says Kirsten Walsh, who you might recognise from her work with the stunning mural at Baker’s Delight.

“My work in hyper-realism, allowed me to develop a stylistic interpretation which strongly engages with the viewer, drawing them into the space with the elements of luxury, exquisite cuisine and a taste sensation that can only be experienced at Mr Umamis.”

Finally reopening tonight, Wednesday, June 9, the restaurant will operate from Wednesday to Saturday for dinner service, as well as Bottomless Brunch on Saturday and Sundays from noon onwards.

With a focus on super-fresh ingredients and authentic techniques, pretty much everything you’ll find within the four walls of Mr Umami’s is mouth-wateringly delicious. The food here is designed to share, however can also be enjoyed solo ‘cos let’s face it, we all know someone who’s a little too territorial about their food!

To start, you’ll find the likes of chargrilled sourdough, flavoursome rice paper rolls, cauliflower and coconut croquette’s, the most perfect sashimi kingfish, crispy school prawns and crying tiger beef.

The handmade dumplings and bao buns are both winners, packed with delicate and interesting flavours for when you’re keen to experiment.

For something a bit heartier, highlights include the beef cheek braised in Asian spices, popcorn chicken, a warming Massaman beef curry complete with Kipfler potato and spiced peanuts, pressed duck, and Mumma U’s BBQ chicken. An order of the chicken skewers is another must, which comes served with papaya salad, Kimchi puree and a coconut BBQ sauce.

Vegetarians are also catered to at Mr Umami’s, with delicious options like the five-spiced silken tofu, crispy eggplant, and the sticky jackfruit bao, alongside the delicious wok-tossed Asian greens.

For the sweet tooths, we spy a steamed Ginger pudding with star anise Anglaise and a frozen Yuzi yoghurt with meringue, passionfruit curd and fresh berries. Intriguing right?

Thirsty? Well of course you are! The good news is that Mr Umami’s has been busy crafting a new and improved extensive drinks list of local and international beers, wines and ciders, along with the most delicious tipples we’ve heard of in ages.

From the gin-based ‘Bangkok Baby’, and the strawberry and chilli frozen margarita, to the White chocolate and passionfruit martini and the Vodka-based Bloody Mami, these cocktails are quirky, creative and utterly delicious…don’t be surprised if you find yourself ordering more than one!

Alongside the new menu and renovations, they’ve also continued to offer brilliant bottomless dining options as well as introducing a private karaoke room available for event bookings.

A welcome return to the local dining scene, next time you get that craving for Asian fusion food in Geelong, make sure you pay a visit to the new-look Mr Umami’s.

Mr Umami’s is located at 126 Pakington St, Geelong West and is open from 5pm. You can book via the website here.