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Um.Ma
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Um.Ma
8.0
Homestyle Korean flavors—stews, BBQ plates, and rice bowls—in a polished, friendly setting. On weekends it pushes later than most nearby kitchens, making it a dependable Inner Sunset finish after evening plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi Jjim, Soondubu, Bibimbap (Dolsot)
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Refined take on Korean comfort plates with weekend later hours.
Who should go: Couples or families craving polished classics
When to visit: Fri–Sat 8–10pm for relaxed seating
What to order: Galbi jjim, soft tofu stew, dolsot bibimbap
Insider tip: Seats at the counter move quickest; ask about off-menu seasonal stews.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking—look along Irving or side streets; metered until 6pm, tight after 7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; neat jeans and button-downs are common, but many dress up for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling energy but conversations remain clear at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait during peak noon hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including tofu stews, bibimbap, and veggie pancakes.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be adjusted, but sauces may contain fish base.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be modified; soy sauce in marinades may contain gluten, so confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Um.Ma’s refined setting and warm lighting make it a cozy, polished choice that feels elevated without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights before 7pm, yes. Weekends fill fast, so book ahead or try counter seating for quicker access.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; the space is calm and clean, but limited stroller space makes it better for ages 6+.
Best For
Better for: Date nights and polished Korean comfort food in a more refined setting than casual BBQ joints.
Skip if: You’re seeking all-you-can-eat BBQ or very late-night eats—kitchen closes earlier than true night-owl spots.
Um.Ma
8.2
Modern Korean kitchen serving double-fried wings in sauces like citrus gochujang, ginger-soy, and honey butter. A sit-down option with cocktails and shareables when you want wings and a proper night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Citrus gochujang wings, Ginger-soy wings, Honey butter wings
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: Double-fried wing program with three distinct, dialed sauce profiles.
Who should go: Wing fans wanting a sit-down experience
When to visit: Prime 6–8 pm with reservations or after 8 pm walk-in
What to order: Citrus gochujang; ginger-soy; honey butter wings
Insider tip: Ask for half-and-half on a 10-piece to split sauces.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Irving; meters until 6pm, nearby garage at 9th & Irving available evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests lean polished but relaxed; jeans and a button-up or nice top fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly but with a lively bar hum during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, often shorter after 8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait; dinner walk-ins typically seated within 15–20 minutes before 7pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable starters and tofu mains available.
Vegan options: Limited—some shareables can be modified, but sauces often contain honey or mayo.
Gluten-free options: Partially—certain wings and dishes can be adjusted; inform your server for safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the dim lighting, bar cocktails, and polished Korean plates make it a comfortable but lively first-date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can usually snag bar seats or a table after 8pm, but prime 6–8pm windows book out—reserve ahead for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—menu skews spicy and portions are share-style; better suited for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Date nights, small groups, and Korean fried chicken with cocktails in a stylish setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for quick, budget-friendly takeout or quiet family dining—try Manna or Toyose instead.
Um.Ma
8.2
Modern Korean kitchen pouring drinks alongside double-fried wings in sauces like citrus gochujang, ginger-soy, and honey butter. A sit-down option when you want wings with shareables and a proper beverage list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean Fried Chicken Wings (choice of sauce), Seafood Pancake, Kimchi Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Double-fried wings with three distinct sauce profiles.
Who should go: Wing fans wanting a sit-down experience
When to visit: Prime time reservations 6–8pm or after 8pm walk-in
What to order: Citrus gochujang wings; ginger-soy wings; seafood pancake
Insider tip: Split two sauces by ordering a 10-piece and requesting a half-and-half.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight after 6pm, but easier on side streets north of Irving or near 10th Ave.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests wear jeans with a polished top or casual jacket.
Noise level: Moderate; energetic buzz from groups but still comfortable for conversation at two-tops.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating fills early.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—opens for dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some share plates like kimchi pancakes, tofu stew, and veggie bibimbap.
Vegan options: Few options; most dishes use egg or sauce bases containing fish or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be modified, but soy-based sauces often contain gluten—ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, craft soju cocktails, and shareable plates make it ideal for a relaxed but lively first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly after 8pm on weeknights, but weekends require advance booking or a long wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially; the vibe skews adult with a full bar and louder evenings. Older teens may fit fine, but not ideal for small children.
Best For
Better for: Best when you want Korean fried chicken in a more upscale, social setting with cocktails and shareable plates.
Skip if: You’re looking for quick takeout or traditional homestyle Korean—head to a classic barbecue spot instead.
Um.Ma
8.5
Modern Korean kitchen with tabletop BBQ, wood-fired kalbi, and homestyle stews, plus a patio for al fresco meals. Balances neighborhood warmth with a polished menu ideal for date nights or small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
48-hour marinated kalbi, Pork belly soon tofu, Seafood pancake
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Tabletop BBQ and homestyle stews with a modern polish.
Who should go: Date nights and small groups
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30pm for minimal wait
What to order: Kalbi, pork belly soon tofu, seafood pancake
Insider tip: Request patio seating on mild evenings for a quieter meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Irving and 9th Ave is limited during dinner rush; aim for side streets north of Judah or use nearby garages after 6pm when rates drop.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops are fine, but many guests dress up slightly for date nights or special dinners.
Noise level: Moderate—lively hum from BBQ tables but still comfortable for conversation at most two-tops.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without reservation; bar seats and patio spots may open faster for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short 5–10 minute turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several banchan, tofu stews, and vegetable pancakes accommodate vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items like vegetable pancake and bibimbap (without egg) can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some BBQ meats and stews can be made gluten-free if soy sauce is avoided; inform the server in advance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—shared BBQ and warm lighting make it a great interactive date spot, especially on the patio where it’s quieter and more private.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible for small groups before 6:30pm or late evening after 8:30pm, but weekend walk-ins often face long waits—book ahead for peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who can sit through a full meal; limited high-chair availability and BBQ setup may not suit toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Upscale atmosphere and patio dining—more polished than most Korean BBQ options in the Sunset while still neighborhood-accessible.
Skip if: You’re after quick counter-service or all-you-can-eat BBQ; Um.Ma focuses on quality cuts and crafted dishes over volume.