Umami Burger
1520 North Cahuenga Blvd (map)
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 469-3100
La Brea (323) 931-3000
Los Feliz (323) 669-3922
Santa Monica (310) 451-3100
Umami is a word adopted from Japanese that describes the taste of “savory,” (to be held alongside “salty, “sour,” etc.). Umami Burger knows exactly how to capture this taste with interesting, less-than-obvious combinations of ingredients that include truffle ricotta, blue cheese, green goddess dressing and other eyebrow-raisers on the sort of buttery bun favored by higher-end burger places. Turkey and veggie-patty options are on the menu, and side options like sweet potato fries, salads and tempura onion rings are modified-classic. Of course, the real strength of Umami Burger is the oblique array of sauces, such as jalapeno ranch, roasted garlic aioli and the homemade house ketchup. Prices are on par with most non-burger restaurants, substitutions are not allowed, and Kombu Meal #2 is served with a glass of red wine. Subtext: Just let Umami do the work.
The haiku version:
The Zen of burgers
Chants echo from mountaintops
OM Umami OM