Massive Portions and Quality Flavors: A Great Japanese Find Ume is a fantastic dining spot if you are looking for high-quality Japanese food with impressive portions. The sushi here is incredibly massive compared to usual restaurants—it's delicious, filling, and definitely worth the price. Between the two rolls I tried, the fresh flavors of the salad sushi stood out more than the nature spring sushi, though both were enjoyable. While the ramen was just okay and didn't quite reach the level of specialty shops, the tempura was the absolute star of the meal. These were the biggest tempura prawns I have ever eaten, and unlike many places that use batter as an extender, these were humongous and packed with actual shrimp meat. Even though the prices are on the steeper side, the quality and scale of the food make it a worthwhile experience for any Japanese food lover.
Overview
Ume Japanese Cuisine in Cebu offers a delightful and authentic taste of Japan in a serene and inviting atmosphere. Located on the ground floor of Bai Hotel Cebu, at the heart of Mandaue, this restaurant is a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts and anyone looking to indulge in traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and impeccable service, making it a top dining destination for both locals and tourists alike.
From the moment you walk into Ume Japanese Cuisine, the ambiance sets the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The sleek and contemporary design is complemented by soft lighting and Japanese-inspired decor, providing a comfortable space for both casual meals and special occasions. Whether you're enjoying a quiet dinner for two or celebrating a family gathering, the warm and welcoming environment makes every visit feel special.
When it comes to the menu, Ume Japanese Cuisine offers a wide variety of options that highlight the best of Japanese culinary traditions. The sushi menu is a crowd favorite, featuring expertly crafted rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. Each dish is made with fresh, high-quality fish, ensuring an authentic and flavorful experience. The attention to detail in the preparation of each sushi roll is evident, and it’s clear that the chefs at Ume Japanese Cuisine take great pride in their craft.
For those looking for something beyond sushi, the menu includes a range of other Japanese staples, such as ramen, tempura, and teriyaki. The ramen bowls are rich and satisfying, with a perfect balance of savory broth and tender noodles. The tempura is crispy and light, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. And the teriyaki dishes, whether with chicken, beef, or seafood, are marinated and grilled to perfection, providing a smoky and sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the rice.
Ume Japanese Cuisine also stands out for its commitment to offering a variety of options that cater to different dietary preferences. Whether you're a fan of traditional sushi or prefer to explore other Japanese dishes, there's something for everyone. Vegetarians will appreciate the assortment of veggie rolls and tofu-based dishes, while those with a preference for seafood can enjoy an array of fresh fish options. The restaurant also offers a range of beverages, including Japanese teas and sake, which complement the meals perfectly.
The restaurant’s location at Bai Hotel Cebu adds to its appeal, as it’s easily accessible from key areas in Mandaue and nearby cities. Whether you're staying at the hotel or simply visiting the area, Ume Japanese Cuisine is an ideal choice for a satisfying meal. The convenient location also means you can enjoy a great meal before exploring the vibrant area of Cebu, making it a perfect stop for tourists and locals alike.
In terms of service, Ume Japanese Cuisine consistently delivers a top-notch experience. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, always ready to recommend dishes or explain the ingredients used in the various meals. The chefs take great care in preparing each dish, ensuring that the presentation is as impressive as the taste.
If you're looking for a place that combines traditional Japanese flavors with a modern dining experience, Ume Japanese Cuisine is a fantastic choice. Its exceptional menu, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service make it one of Cebu's premier dining spots. Whether you're in the mood for sushi or craving a comforting bowl of ramen, this restaurant has something for everyone, making it a go-to destination for anyone who appreciates fine Japanese cuisine.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great dessertPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Cheques ✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
First time dining here and it definitely didn’t disappoint. We ordered quite a lot, but two dishes really stood out , the gyoza and the beef. Both were flavorful and well-prepared. The serving sizes were decent, and the service was good and very accommodating. Overall, a satisfying experience and worth a try!
If you're looking to eat great Japanese food in Cebu, then Ume is a great option to go to. Their food is delcious and well-prepared. The staff are courteous and attentive , and the places has a great, calm atmosphere. We ate there during lunch on a Friday and there weren't a lot of people, which was a plus. Their food is on the pricier side, but everything we ordered was worth it. I highly recommend to try out Ume, especially if you happen to stay at Bai Hotel.
Great portions, good cocktails, good service. The manager was very personable and constantly checked in on us to make sure everything was well. Leodelyn and Christine we’re our servers and we loved them. The attention to detail was amazing - from the serving platters to the plating of the dishes and drinks, all was wonderful! Would highly recommend to everyone.
I am rating only the ramen. IMO, the restaurant is not focusing on the ramen. The broth is not well prepared to perfection. But the meat ball was great.
I lived next door to this place, craving Japanese cuisine on a Friday night; I was quickly seated because I arrived at 5 pm and was the restaurant's only patron. Located to the right of the Bai Hotel Lobby, the décor reminds me of a fancy steak house with a Japanese twist. The meal started with a surprise complimentary tuna appetizer, followed by my ordered appetizer of Fried Salmon and fried squid balls. The Fried salmon was okay; the fried squid balls were flavored on the sweet side, which I believe did not complement the squid. For my main, I went with the cold Soba and tempura; this was delicious and refreshing. The staff was super attentive and made sure the dining experience was carried out in a 5-star manner. To top off the experience, I mentioned where I could get a hallo hallo, which is not traditionally the venue for this sweet dessert. In the end, the staff delivered the hallo to my table in Ume. This act of elevated customer service shocked me. I thank the staff for the memorial experience and will come by again.
Situated and hidden in a corner of bai Hotel is the impressive Ume. It’s got the most attentive and friendly staff, excellent Japanese food (as well as exquisite presentation), and an excellent dining experience. It’s a little bit on the pricier side, but they make it up with the overall experience and you’d never feel cheated. Seems on par with the standard and elevated bai Hotel experience.