Dylan Prévost
Kuma is a quaint little spot for Korean and Japanese food. I think it’s the only place in Charlottesville where you can find takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The takoyaki and bibimbap were great, and from previous trips, we found the spicy seafood udon to be truly phenomenal. The okonomiyaki – while impressive in the number of seafoods in it (octopus, squid, scallop, mussel, shrimp) – was very strange. Instead of cabbage, it had onions, carrots, and bean sprouts. The batter lacked seasoning like bonito stock and ginger, and seemed to lean instead on the toppings (okonomi, mayo, bonito flakes) and the seafoods. Still, it was great for the value, the restaurant itself is charming and unassuming, and the staff were very friendly and fun. Happy to try out their broader menu soon.
… moreMinnie L
Pot stickers were delicious, some of the best I’ve had. The sushi was good. I prefer a higher ratio of fish to rice, but that’s a personal preference. The miso soup was delicious. The chicken teriyaki was absolutely amazing, the chicken was tender and flavorful. The dessert was also good, their Mochi ice cream is good.
… moreTrice J.
Tuna sushi was cut very thin but very fresh and vibrant. The smoked salmon inside the philly roll was flavorful. The dumplings were slightly overcooked and the filling was partial.
The spicy miso ramen was not too spicy but still delicious. However, the pork miso was bland. Specialty drinks are concocted well.
… moreAndrew Mercer
One of my favorite restaurants in Charlottesville. This is a charming little establishment that serves various delicious Japanese and Korean dishes. The owner is also extremely friendly and welcoming. Definitely try the Dolsot Bibimbap and Takoyaki.
… moreNick Barrales
Had the takoyaki, miso ramen bowl, and lunch “special” bento tray. The takoyaki was delicious, but everything else was surprisingly bland. The miso ramen had no flavor and both the pork and egg were way over cooked. I didn’t even order the tonkatsu tray, I ordered spicy pork, but I try not to send things back, even though this lunch special was $18. The gyoza had hardly any filling and was again bland, California roll was meh, and the edamame wasn’t even salted. Somehow even the sauce and wasabi tasted watered down. On top of the food, the table was filthy, and my wife’s water cup had dirty bits floating in it. This place was much better 8 years ago, I won’t be returning unfortunately.
… moreMaddy A
Great food and reasonably priced! The place is super small so the food came out very fresh. It’s decently expensive (as with any sushi) but I would say it is very reasonably priced for the quality. They have a lot of great options and dishes you don’t see at other resutrants such as takoyaki. Highly recommend!
… moreEutteum Lee
Highly recommended! I’ve been a customer for the past 6 years, and this is truly my favorite restaurant. As a Korean myself, I can confidently say the Korean food here is the BEST in the neighborhood! The staff are also extremely nice. I will surely miss this place after I graduate this semester.
… moreElena Gillis
I really like there ramen! My friend is vegan and she gets there vegetable broth and I usually order Tonkatsu Ramen with extra spices on the side. There sushi are great too and if you’re there, try tofu for appetizer! WoW! It blew my mind!
… moreTommy Ferrier
Such a gem hiding on the corner. The food is great and well priced. Service was awesome and there is even a convenient parking garage right across the street. Highly recommend Kuma, and most importantly I finally found a restaurant in cville that serves takoyaki! ❤️
… moreZoe Hall
I got a Philly Roll and gyoza and both were PHENOMENAL! Sweet staff too <3
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