UMI by Eden is the Most Inventive Sushi Happening in Glendale Right Now
If you’re a Glendale resident, you’ve undoubtedly seen the changes in the city’s culinary landscape. Brand Boulevard, once known for ethnically traditional and groundbreaking restaurants like Carousel and Porto’s, is filling up its commercial real estate pockets with fast-casual spots like Shake Shack and Fat Sal’s. Now, while I enjoy a good meal based on quality control as much as the next person, what is lacking here is distinction. That’s what makes UMI by Eden so special.
*This piece contains one affiliate reservation link. Thank you for considering the click. The author was a guest of the restaurant, but the opinions belong to EatDrinkLA.
Who Is UMI by Eden?
UMI by Eden is the latest addition to Eden on Brand, the three-story restaurant by Erik Khojoyan. He has been a force on the restaurant scene since 2016, and I still remember the excitement of the opening of the rooftop restaurant, famous for its burgers. It has since shifted toward American-fusion. UMI by Eden is the restaurant’s foray into the world of sushi, and it’s helmed by Executive Chef Soojin Lim but managed daily by Chef du Cuisine Chef Hoon Kang, who bases many of the dishes on his own experience in the culinary world. Mind you, this is not a Japanese restaurant, but a restaurant steeped in traditional Japanese cooking methods. Similar to the way Eden on Brand is American fusion versus just stylized “American.” The name UMI means sea in Japanese, while Eden represents the land.
What to Order
UMI by Eden occupies the restaurant’s first floor; the vibe is dark corners and base-pumping music, even at 5 p.m. It’s the place you’ll seek out to impress out-of-towners and friends but not necessarily meet your fiance’s parents for the first time. An atmosphere like this makes Cocktails a must, along with gorgeous dishes you might never have thought of before. Don’t just crutch on the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice! However, it should be noted that the inventor of the dish (made famous at Katsuya) now calls UMI his home.
Turn your sights instead to seasonal dishes like the Sawagani, which are Japanese soft-shell water crabs presented at your table LIVE before being cooked and served with a side of ginger sauce.
If crunchy is not your preferred texture, the Red Snapper with crème fraîche, kumquat, yuzu foam, and micro-shisho from the UMI Specialty menu paints a beautiful picture of the restaurant. It’s meant to evoke waves and sea foam lapping against the land, and all the elements in one bite are an umami of flavors on the palate.
The menu is divided into Appetizers, UMI Specialty, Sushi/Sashimi, Hand/Cut rolls, and Premium Cut Rolls. However, you can enjoy everything out of order or focus on one section and still leave satisfied.
Must-Have Dishes at UMI by Eden
In addition to the above, the Wagyu Tartar, made with A5 Miyazaki Wagyu and served with truffle toast, is a deliciously decadent appetizer.
The Halibut with leche de tigre and pickled Thai chili is one of the best tasting dishes on the menu, while the Spanish Bluefin Tuna with squid-ink chips is a savory masterpiece—although I wish it came with more chips for dipping.
If you’re looking for rolls, try the Banh Mi, which is available in both cut and hand roll format and feels truly original. The Yellowtail Jalapeño with cucumber, avocado, gobo, serrano, and cilantro yuzu ponzu is quite comforting, and my husband – who also happens to be Korean like the Chef – felt it was the texture of kimbap.
Lastly, if you want a real treat, order the Toro with kizame wasabi and Eden soy. It might be the best bite of your night. The pieces with the kizame wasabi gently folded inside each layer are just perfection.
Now, What are you Drinking?
The drink menu at UMI by Eden is extensive, offering Signature Cocktails, Sake, Pours of Japanese Whiskey, Wine, and Japanese-imported Beer.
Signature Cocktails include the Matcha Sour, a Maracuya Cocktail with gin and Peruvian passion fruit, and a Spicy Pineapple Margarita. There’s also an entire half page of just cocktails, thanks in part to the second bar that is located on the roof of the restaurant. Mocktails like the Gold Rush with zero-proof whiskey ensure that everyone can participate in the nightlife feels.
Secret Menu Items
While not on the menu at the moment, it was hard not to ask for the luscious Uni Caviar Toast, which can be found on their website. Eden even has its own brand of caviar now! The chefs were happy to oblige, and I hope it makes its way back to the specialty list because it’s so darn good, even if you’re not in the uni fan club.
When to Visit UMI by Eden
UMI by Eden is open nightly, beginning at 5 p.m., except for Mondays. Make your reservations on OpenTable. Valet parking is available in front, but you’ll also find ample metered street parking on Brand Boulevard and the surrounding side streets. Visit their website for more delicious details. Prices range from single digits to 38 dollars per item, so for a well-rounded meal like the one described in this article, a night out for two is about $200.
