Glendale’s American-fusion restaurant, Eden on Brand, is expanding its culinary offerings with the introduction of a new Japanese concept restaurant, UMI By Eden. Occupying the entire first floor of the massive three story space, UMI is positioned to become a must-visit culinary destination.
Eden, located next to the historic Alex Theatre on Brand Blvd, has been a staple in the community since its inception in 2016. Under the guidance of Founder, Erik Khojoyan and Executive Chef Soojin Lim, the restaurant offers a dynamic menu that blends American classics with international flavors. From its BLB burger to the Black Truffle Flatbread, Eden on Brand caters to diverse tastes while continually evolving to meet the desires of its patrons.
UMI, translating to “sea” in Japanese, had its soft launch in March of 2024, and is the latest venture of the Eden on Brand restaurant group. This new establishment offers an exclusive dining experience inspired by the beauty and tranquility of the ocean.
As UMI challenges the competitive scenes in elevated Japanese contemporary fusion, Erik has paired with a duo of Michelin chefs: Kirk Sandel (UMI Chef de Cuisine), and Hoon Kang (UMI Sous Chef) that brings forth a culmination of talent and skill to his new restaurant.
UMI’s menu features fresh seafood dishes that celebrate the essence of Japanese culture, providing a unique culinary journey. The menu has traditional dishes with unexpected twists such as the red snapper sashimi with kumquat and panna cotta creme fraiche as well as luxurious sushi staples like wagyu tartare with truffle vinaigrette and toasts. Over half of UMI’s recipes are gluten-free, including their tempura and house soy sauce made with tamari.
UMI complements its counterpart, Eden, by offering a distinctive yet harmonious dining option for locals and visitors alike. UMI’s gold accented black pearl debut on the main dining room floor breaks barriers with elevated Japanese contemporary gastronomic fusion. From the bar to the formal dining area, UMI’s layout and dark ambiance was intentionally designed to make every experience intimate.
For Erik, developing Eden on Brand has been a passion project, one he has enjoyed sharing with the Glendale community over the past decade. He is thrilled to offer his customers another dining staple with the opening of UMI.
