Umami World Kitchen to open restaurant in Middlesbrough

Umami World Kitchen has been announced as the latest firm moving into the redeveloped Captain Cook Square in the town centre. 

The restaurant firm, which is part of the COSMO Group, is known for serving up a mixture of Chinese, Italian, Indian, and Malaysian dishes at its all you can eat buffets.

It describes itself as a “new era in casual dining” with a “luxurious East meets West design featuring exquisite stonework, marble, and contrasting timbers”. 

Umami will join the likes of go-kart and gaming spot Level X, which recently celebrated three years in the town, soft play kingdom Fun Shack, trampoline park InflateSpace, the Wendy’s fast food joint and boutique cinema Roxy Movies at the complex once it opens.

Captain Cook Square said: “We’re so excited to welcome Umami, a brand-new pan-Asian dining experience, to Captain Cook Square, Middlesbrough!

Captain Cook Sqaure (Image: Dan Bolam/Captain Cook Square)

“Part of the famous COSMO Group, Umami is bringing exciting flavours, stylish vibes and an unforgettable dining experience right to the heart of our leisure destination.

“They’ll be joining an amazing mix of food, film & fun including Level X, Bazaar, Roxy Movies and Funshack / InflateSpace.

Captain Cook Square just keeps getting better – and Umami is the perfect new addition to our growing destination for unforgettable days (and nights) out.

“Get ready, Middlesbrough, the future is looking delicious…”

Umami currently has restaurants in both Blackpool and Telford and more planned in the likes of Leicester, Swansea, Peterborough and Colchester, in Essex. 

Middlesbrough Council bought the square – once a shopping destination home to TJ Hughes, Peacocks, Wilko, and USC – back in 2020. 

Since then it has used government funding to remove the former shops for leisure use, starting first with Level X in 2023. 

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke recently branded the entertainment venue, home to bowling, darts, go-karting, crazy golf, and karaoke, as a success story. 

He said; ““Level X feels like a perfect example of how to transform a former retail space into an attraction that offers so much fun and excitement to different generations.

“It’s done a fantastic job of attracting people to Captain Cook Square.”