If Japanese food is your love language, then you’re going to want to add Umaya Japanese Restaurant to your must-visit list. Nestled on the rooftop dining level of Westfield Kotara, this fresh new spot is dishing up bold flavors and comforting Japanese eats—without the eye-watering price tag.
You know that feeling when hunger really kicks in, and all you can think about is a steaming bowl of ramen or perfectly crispy karaage? Same. That’s exactly where I was when I stumbled across Umaya. Sleek, modern, and with that irresistible just-opened buzz, it immediately piqued my interest.
Japanese food isn’t exactly overflowing in this part of town, so finding Umaya was like striking gold. Their menu is packed with the kind of dishes that hit all the right notes—big on flavor, easy on the wallet, and absolutely worth coming back for.
Quick bites:
Price: $$
Reservations: nope, just walk in!
Parking and Location: mall parking
Vibe/Ambience: Soft, japanese-inspired interiors. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating
Drink list: yes, but not extensive
Wifi: mall wifi
Hygiene: overall clean and toilets available
Menu options: a great selection of Japanese and Asian fusion dishes
Will you go home hungry? nope!
Walking into Umaya Kotara, we were met with a stylish open-floor layout, with soft lighting and delicate cherry blossom-inspired décor draping from the ceiling. The ambiance felt calm, yet vibrant—perfect for a casual lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a quick solo ramen stop. There was an effortless flow to the space, making it an ideal spot to unwind while enjoying Japanese comfort food.
Japanese gem inside Westfield Kotara
Let's talk food 🍲
Umaya Japanese Restaurant food menu
Of course, the real test was the food, so we wasted no time diving into the Umaya restaurant menu. Here’s what we ordered:
Takoyaki – A classic Japanese street food staple. While it wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, it was still satisfying, with a crispy outer layer and a creamy, savoury centre.
Beef Udon Stir Fry – This one was a hit with my husband. Rich, savoury, and packed with flavour, it was a step above your average stir fry. He didn’t even want to share with me, lol.
Crispy Pork Dry Noodle – Now, this was something special. The egg noodles were beautifully tender, served alongside a chilli lime sauce that added the perfect amount of zest. The crispy pork? Absolutely stellar—golden, crunchy, and juicy on the inside. The combination of textures and flavours worked so well together, making this dish an instant favourite.
Tempura Udon Noodle – Our toddler is obsessed with tempura, and this dish did not disappoint. The udon was silky soft, swimming in a rich, comforting broth, while the tempura added that perfect crunch. A kid-approved winner!
Bonus tip: Don’t miss out on the FREE and REFILLABLE miso soup! Seriously, people didn’t even know it was there. The soup serves as a nice, warm appetizer and a palate cleanser after eating your main dishes.
Takoyaki
Beef udon stir fry
Tempura and udon soup
Since their menu is quite extensive, there are still so many dishes I want to try. I’ll definitely go back there whenever I’m around Kotara.
Should you try Umaya Japanese Restaurant?
Yup! Umaya Japanese Restaurant is a fantastic addition to Newcastle’s dining scene, offering a solid selection of Japanese classics in a welcoming space. Whether you’re hunting for the best ramen in Newcastle, craving a delicious bowl of udon, or just looking for a new go-to sushi spot, Umaya is well worth a visit.
Would I go back? Without a doubt—I’m still thinking about that crispy pork dry noodle! 🍜🔥
