Contest-winning Umami ramen & sake bar finally opens in downtown Tempe

Umami, a new ramen and sake bar, finally has opened on Sixth Street just east of Mill in downtown Tempe.

Chefs Jared Lupin (Republic Ramen, DownUnder Winebar) and Matt Marlowe won a restaurant-startup contest sponsored by the building’s landlord in March. The prize included six months of free rent and public-relations services.

Umami originally was scheduled to open in April. It then was scheduled to open last weekend, according to multiple media reports, including one on this website.

A call to the restaurant today confirmed Umami is now open.

Bowls of ramen start at $8. There also are udon, soba, and matcha noodle dishes. You’re able to add roasted chicken and pork, braised pork belly, or Spam for an extra dollar or two.

The bar serves about 40 kinds of sake, as well as sochu.