The best overrated burger?

Yes, I'm talking about Umami Burger. It seems as if the hype is dying down, but why all the craze? L.A. is filled with gourmet burger joints, and Umami is just another fish in a sea of burger restaurants. The menu is not all-that creative, the restaurants are small and every burger is $10 or higher. However, they have location, they execute their food well, and they draw a crowd. For that, I give them credit.

The Santa Monica Umami has a great parking lot that's free, so you'll never be without a spot. It's walking distance away from the 3rd Street Promenade, so you can stroll over while waiting for a table (which you surely will be).

The outside area is pleasant. Long tables are usually shared with random guests to maximize the amount of customers eating at once. Waiters and waitresses are attentive and our order was promptly taken. The food came out quickly, although one friend didn't get his soda, and he had to ask again for it. I tried something new that seemed to fit my criteria for healthy food, since burgers are always fatty (but good). I went with the Ahi Tuna Burger and to my liking, the flavor nor the full feeling after eating a burger was compromised. The spicy aioli sat beneath a monstrous lightly seared tuna burger. The fish was fresh and cooked rare, just how all quality fish should be cooked. The burger also had some pickled asian veggies that added a crunchy texture against the soft fish and bun.

I suppose Umami is not trying to be the most creative or be the most high end place out there, so credit is to be given for their success in L.A. Many new burger places fail quickly for all sorts of reasons, but Umami has managed to understand the trend and conquer it.

Sit down with a mediocre glass of wine, order a $12 burger smothered in everything truffle except raw truffle itself, and convince yourself this really is The Fifth Taste.