The Story
Umami opened in 2013 in Lawrenceville, bringing chef Kevin Sousa's creative pan-Asian cooking to one of Pittsburgh's most rapidly evolving neighborhoods. The restaurant draws from Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian traditions while maintaining a commitment to local sourcing that ties it to western Pennsylvania's agricultural community.
The menu is playful and inventive: ramen with unexpected broths, rice bowls built on seasonal vegetables, and small plates that showcase Sousa's technical skill and global curiosity. The cocktail program matches the food in ambition, with Asian-inspired ingredients woven into classic and original drinks.
Umami helped establish Lawrenceville as a destination for diverse, chef-driven dining and remains a neighborhood favorite years into its run.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
Umami represents Pittsburgh's expanding culinary identity. The city's food scene was once defined by a handful of traditions, but restaurants like Umami have broadened the conversation, proving that Pittsburgh diners are hungry for global flavors executed with local ingredients.
Sousa's decision to stay in Pittsburgh and build his career here has been an anchor for the city's chef community.