If you like to eat out but hate crowds, this pan-Asian storefront is a pretty safe bet. Since it does most of its business through carry out and delivery, you may be Umaiya Cafe's only full-service customer—even on a Friday night. That said, enjoying a meal at one of the less than 10 tables does have its perks, including watching your food being made in the open kitchen and eating it off real plates, rather than out of plastic containers in your living room.
What the restaurant lacks in size, it makes up for with its large menu, chock full of traditional Japanese and Thai fare. Staples like California rolls ($4) and pad Thai ($7) are there for the less adventurous, while the chef's signature rolls ($8) and entrees served with steamed jasmine rice ($7) will please those with a more developed palate. Try the Chicago roll (salmon, red snapper, cucumber, carrot, cilantro and yuzu sauce) or the cashew chicken entrée (with peapods, pineapple, mushroom, bell peppers and water chestnuts). Portions are big enough to share or take home for leftovers (unless you're like me and pick out all the good stuff first).
Small fountains, live plants and Buddha statues serve as decoration, and the pretty cloth cases that hold the silver chopsticks are another nice touch. (You'll have to ask for a fork if you need one). The sushi presentation is also notable, with a green strip of paper made to look like grass separating the rolls from the wasabi and ginger.
Don't forget to pick something up at the liquor store across the street if you want booze with your meal; this place is BYOB.
Centerstage Reviewer: Erica Walkup
