Umami Mart

Umami Mart is a very cute little bar-​focused shop in Oakland — easy to miss, but worth checking out, for sure. They’ve done a very nice job curating a fairly unique collection of Japanese barware, snacks, ceramics, and drinks.
That being said, they’ve also done a very nice job of marking up their prices quite a bit compared to your typical local Asian market. I would avoid buying any of their snacks/​foods here, simply because you can get them much cheaper at a legit market.
They do have a very good selection of sakes and beers, though, that are a bit harder to find, and may be worth the splurge here. A ‘Sake of the Month’ club is also offered, should you be so inclined.
I’ll probably drop by again to browse their ceramics and sakes, though.

Prices are a bit high, but they do have a pretty large selection of Japanese drinks. They also sell various trinkets and glassware. I wish there were more of these around the Bay Area.

Little adorable trinket store in downtown Oakland. They have quite an extensive collection of rare and obscure Japanese beer, sake and other types of liquor. Umami mart also has unique and glass wear and knick knacks to add to your home décor. They also boast a collection of wall art, which I quite like. The store also has really cool utensils for making craft cocktails. Last but not least, they have hella Japanese candy, even the sought after green tea kit kats can be found here! If I wasn’t a starving student, I’d probably buy the whole damn store.

Love their glassware so much that I took a Saturday to trek to Oakland from SF on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. We never leave the city, so that’s just proof of how much we love their products. This company really focuses on quality. Such quality products. We have their crystal cocktail glasses, gold bar tools, and crystal martini mixing glass (not sure what these are called…). Sooooo happy with they. Quality and not fragile. Love, love, love. We just recently bought a set of low ball crystal glasses from William Sonoma (which we love) — but I love these even more than those!!!
In Oakland? Def stop in. They also sell their products in certain locations in SF if you live in the city. One store I know for sure that carries some of their bar tools is on Valencia Street — Little Paper Planes. Cute store with other products that feature things made by local artists, which I recommend stopping in as well.

I’ve wanted to check out Umami Mart since it opened, but just never made my way down there, but when I was early for a dinner in Chinatown, it was time to check out this adorable shop. So first I was really surprised at the excellent collection of bar gear — for true cocktail enthusiasts. They also have a nice collection of home goods like pretty ceramic cups. As you make you way to the back, you’ll find a really impressive collection of sake and Japanese beers. There’s also a small selection of Japanese snacks and condiments. I ended up purchasing some Japanese Doritos and an awesome 3L bottle of Tanuki sake (ok, I bought it mainly for the packaging). I can’t wait to go back and try more beer and sake.

Cute little boutique with a huge variety of trinkets and kitchen items as well as a smattering of Japanese foods and drinks. Momoko S. has it right, however, in noting that a lot of the items can be found in Japanese– or Asian-​specialty supermarkets and stores throughout the Bay Area, if you’re adventurous enough to visit them and/​or can get past the language barrier and identify these items easily. If not, then this is a safe place to introduce yourself to Japanese items that you might not otherwise be exposed to in your normal everyday American routine.
Nevertheless, a pretty store to peruse and sample if you’re out and about in Old Oakland.

Came here right after reading an article saying their Japanese beer/​sake section is finally opened. They also have a small Japanese import snack section, where I picked up a couple bags of corn Cheetos. My boyfriend is an avid fan of Japanese beer. We picked up a few bottles of Hitachino Nest, which is definitely hard to find in the States (Benu was the only other place we’ve found that serves it on their alcohol menu). The lady at the store was very knowledgable and recommended us a few beer, which did not disappoint. They also carry kitchenware, especially barware and coffee ware. If you are a fan of beer or love Japanese beer, definitely stop by this store!

A beautiful and inviting shop featuring Japanese products with friendly service ~ I could spend a lot of time here admiring all its wares.
It’s a great place for gifts or a special treat since the prices are a bit high (like in Japan). Nonetheless, I love its tempting products including:
— snacks — Green tea Kit Kats, rice crackers
— cooking products — rice vinegar, ponzu sauce
— coffee & tea accessories — also Bicycle Coffee beans
— attractive graphic prints
— barware — jiggers, shakers, strainers
— bottles of beers, cocktail syrups and bitters ~
— magazines — cooking, aesthetics, lifestyle
— handcrafted mugs and artwork
— kitchenware
— onesies
— totes
Check out their website for an overview.
The back of the shop connects with the patio of the Trappist Belgian bar. An indulging combo.

I think if I come here by myself, it’d be detrimental to my wallet. It many not be a very filled store but there are so many interesting things to find here. There’s Japanese drinks and snacks available here, some you can find else where in Chinatown but most are pretty unique.
This has been the only place that I’ve found a butterfly can opener (something that I grew up using). I personally don’t like using the typical one that everyone is familiar with… but my old one from my dad’s kitchen is nearing the end of it’s days. I’m beyond estatic that I was able to find one here. There are some things that can be a bit expensive but I wouldn’t be able to find it else where.
Final Thoughts: A bit on the pricey side but definitely worth it to have a look around.

I stopped by here for a last-​minute gift for my brother. I have no idea what he likes (except for bacon, which was literally what his vegetarian girlfriend bought him for Christmas one year!). I knew that I would NOT be buying him a pork product, so I considered the alternatives. I figured that a nice tea set could work, as he is a tea fanatic.
Unfortunately, most of the ceramic cups were outside of my price range (about 20 bucks each, so an entire set including a teapot would have cost at least 100 bucks). I am a poor girl, even though I don’t eat like one. I believe that life is short, so you have to treat yourself. This store kind of abides by that mantra, as they are more $$ than $.
I bought him an overpriced tin of organic hojicha green tea ($ 24) and a jar of shichimi togarashi spice ($ 8). For 10 cents, you can get a petite handlebag with «Umami Mart» on it.
I am intrigued by all of the fancy teas, charming cups, and kitschy cat spoons. I’m half Korean, so I can appreciate Asian goodies without feeling like a complete tourist.
Would I return? Sure, but definitely after payday.

This is definitely a fun place to shop by! There are some really cool things to look at in regards to to coffee, tea, and bar ware! The associate (I think his name is Chris) was really cool and we chatted a bit about Japanese culture and what not. There is small selection of snacks, drinks, and teas so if you are new to the Japanese culture, this place gives a nice introduction of what you will find in Japan. All in all, this is a nice little stop that gives Downtown a little Japanese flare.

Not sure if you *need* anything here, but you’ll definitely want lots of stuff. It’s like a gallery of fancy kitchen/​bar tools and artisan ingredients (yuzu bitters, matcha powder, local honey, etc). For wannabe chefs or at-​home mixologists, Umami Mart is a dream.
We bought an ice cube mold that makes those giant spheres of ice for cocktails. Totally frivolous, but a cool party trick. We also bought the ‘umami seasoning’ made by Oaktown Spice Shop and will be putting it on everything.
Lots of nice glassware, too. I hear they’re opening a beer & sake shop, probably within the existing store. Don’t quote me, but there’s more good stuff from Umami Mart coming down the pipline.

I don’t quite understand this store. I guess if you are unfamiliar with Japanese goods, you may find this place exotic or something, but to me, someone who grew up in Japan, the items displayed here are nothing special, and they should not cost that much. You can find the same stuff in Japanese grocery stores or even other Asian stores throughout the Bay Area.
In fact, there are far more interesting and useful Japanese cookwares and stuff in other stores with less prices, so what’s the point of this? I have no idea.
This is a «Jappaneesee» store for gringos who like to spend money on stuff so they feel exotic. It’s a fashion shopping place than anything else.
If it’s working as a money making business, good for them.

Awesome store! Great finds. A few things are little higher priced than what they should be, but it’s not too bad. Came here for the 2^nd annual Matsuri Fest a few days ago, and that was really fun! Thanks for a good time and good food!

Clean design, quality craftsmanship.
If that’s your thing, this is your place.
Barware and ceramics made in Japan and hand selected. They aren’t cheap, but I wouldn’t call it overpriced. The barware is crafted and selected for serious home bartenders and professional mixologists alike. From cocktail coupes, old fashioned glasses, shakers, stirrers, sake cups, to bitters and shrubs, something for every aficionado.
Also find snacks, reading materials centered around delicious libations, home décor, and everything from spherical ice trays to decorative wall hangings and paring knives… you name it.
It’s a favorite spot for gifts and I’m hoping soon enough someone will return the favor.

This place is dangerous. Dangerous for my wallet.
I’ve been in Oakland for over 2 ½ years. I’ve heard of Umami. I have always known where they were located, yet, Wednesday was my first time coming here. I love Inna Jam and Whole Foods seems to have stopped carrying them. I know that Umami carries them and that it’s probably the most convenient location for me to buy Inna Jam products.
On my way to Ratto’s for lunch, I decided to stop in Umami to see their Inna Jam selection. I walked out spending $ 40 and not just on jam, mind you. There are so many cool trinkets. Both local and from Japan. And they have the Green Tea Kit Kats!
This is one of my new favorite stores.

Love this store! Came in here to buy a gift for my boyfriend who is into bartending. Left with the beautiful seamless Yarai mixing glass which we both use all the time. The store is simply beautiful, and you can tell that the collection of items is carefully curated by people with great taste that have a passion for design.
Don’t forget to sign up for their mailing list! They send out info about sales and some events they have at their stores, which I haven’t been to yet but hope to because they look very interesting.

Cute little store full of hidden Japanese gems.
Loved all the glassware from Japan and the corner of snacks.

Time: 1:33pm
Purpose: Pass by it last week but for some reason it was closed so today on a hunch just wanted to checkout their bento boxes.
Set-​up: A real authentic japanese cookware place. Their shelves are unique has that crafty look to it. Place mostly represent the kitchen pantry scenery.
Staff: Caucasian girl with real red lipstick shades on laptop. Was busy running back and forth checking on some items probably a customer asking for specifics. She pause and greeted me before heading back to her task. She knows simple info on products but still needs to be more informative about shipping items out.
Cleanliness: Pretty good shape every spot was dustless maybe its a newer place. Very organized as I see USPS boxes ready to be pick-​up. Products on shelves are not expire or near it so snacks would be safe here. Some items are out of package some are package depending on what you buy.
Products: Here you would find cookwares, cookbooks, honey, syrup, snacks, bottle teas&juice drinks cold or room temperature, herbs&spices, bar-​set wares martini shakers, strainers, bar spoons, magazines (japanese only).
Punch Line: Local independent business, real products, flat rate shipping, rare one of a kind items, lots of small crafts&utensils.
Final Thoughts: Think of it like a CostPlus market but japanese and much smaller and pricier items but that’s the real mccoy. That’s exactly how I felt while in there bit then again any imports from Japan will be significantly higher. BTW way people they discontinue their bento boxes so if that’s your only reason to come don’t bother.

Umami Mart is magical. Beautiful, well-​crafted barware and more! I have also found Umami handy for gifts– housewarming, wedding, birthday. If you bundle a nice gift package together you can receive a discount.
Umami has also started carrying some food stuffs in addition to Peko Peko bento boxes on Thursdays, Ippo ramen pop-​up on selected days, along with a whole host of additional events. Get on their mailing list!
HOORAH FOR UMAMI!!!