THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Umami Burger Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Umami Burger Restaurant Review:

At Umami Burger, patties are cooked at low temperatures to reach just-right medium-rare, then thrown on a griddle for balanced char. Cheeses are crafted in-house. Homemade condiments, such as umami ketchup, are designed to balance and contrast each burger’s ingredients. (The menu at this San Francisco location features ten unique burgers.) Despite this attention to quality, flavors don’t always pop. The truffle burger, though juicy and succulent, doesn’t exude much truffle. Hand-pressed tater tots with a cheesy center aren’t the voluptuous dish that one hopes. Locally made Humphry Slocombe ice cream is paired with most desserts, such as piping-hot freshly baked cookies. Weathered floorboards, sparse lighting and cool greys create a soothing, modern atmosphere. A cedar-shake shingled wall is reminiscent of Japan; a backlit samurai sword is definitely L.A.; and an emphasis on hand-crafted beers is very Bay Area.