Milwaukee's best "other Asian," 2010: Umami Moto

Published Oct. 30, 2010 at 5:07 a.m.

The votes are in, and the winners have been selected for OnMilwaukee's Best Dining 2010. The results of this readers' poll, including an editors' pick, are available in this series of articles that run all October long during Dining Month on OnMilwaukee.com.

For the third straight year, OnMilwaukee.com readers picked Umami Moto as their favorite other Asian restaurant (not strictly Chinese, Japanese or Thai).

Umami Moto is self-described as the origin of "the source of the fifth element of taste-deliciousness."

In a review, OnMilwaukee.com dining critic Amy Schubert called the menu at Umami Moto "simple, precise and delicious" and added that the service is "prompt, attentive and uses a team approach without being intrusive."

Add in the sleek, elegant decor, diverse clientele and the hip location on Milwaukee Street and you have a winning combination.

OnMilwaukee.com editors' choice: Hue

Runners-up:
2. Genghis Khan Mongolian Restaurant
(tie) West Bank Cafe and RuYi
4. Phan's Garden
5. Noodle House (closed)
6. Seoul
7. Mekong Cafe
8. Asiana
9. Rice Palace
10. Noodle Shop
11. Vientiane

Talkback

Talkbacks

Stoutlover | Feb. 20, 2011 at 10:24 a.m. (report)

Umami Moto is way over-rated and I won't be going back. The food was just O.K., but very overpriced (like everything at the restaurants owned by the SURG group). It's one of those places where all the wait-staff wears black on black and tries to be super upscale, but doesn't pull it off. The biggest issue was that they pack the tables so close together that you feel you are sitting at a community table. There was no more than 8 inches between the tables on either side of us, and every time the waiter served something to the table next to us, you had to lean to the side so you didn't get bumped. And even if you talked as quietly as possible, the tables next you can hear every word. Fortunately, the waited who was serving the table next to us wore deodorant, because him armpits were 3 inches from my head several times. This is, without a doubt, the most uncomfortable place I have ever had dinner.

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TOJU | Nov. 1, 2010 at 1:17 p.m. (report)

Hue ---- Bay View

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