I came here today with my partner for brunch! The servers were all amazing and the atmosphere was very welcoming. We were immediately seated and handed menus, waters, etc. when our food came we were blown away! We got the sweet plantains and spiced cornbread(which I personally didn’t like but my partner loved) and both were great, plantains being my preference. I got the Pina colada challah French toast, and it was so good!! I was expecting more fruits/icing but it was mostly just toast. My partner got the chicken and waffles and surprisingly the chicken portion was pretty small. He barely had enough chicken for the amount of waffles he received, and small amount of meat on the bones. He did say he enjoyed the chicken, just wasn’t a good meat to waffle ratio.The food was good but peculiar portions for the price we were paying, which was a bit pricier than most brunch places in the area. The Fluffy Mango drink is literally just a vegan mango lassi with a coconut salt rim for $9, which was NOT worth it at all to me but was good. The Mexican hot cocoa was alright, good for a cold day but tasted like a normal hot chocolate :( ! Nonetheless we were satisfied with our brunch today but it could’ve been better for the price we paid.
I’m a NY long islander Traveling to a conference upstate in Saratoga. I took a detour to this restaurant.I’m sorry but I was let down with my first experience here.We come in and the waitress tells me “she has a table for me, let me clean it up for you. “ I say ok cool” let me go get my lady.I come back in and the lady goes “ I’m sorry it’s going to be a 5 min wait. So I’m still like cool. 10min later we sit down.We ordered And 5 mins later The biscuits come out and they were cold And didn’t taste fully cooked.The waitress come back to tell us They didn’t have hashes that’s in my fiancé order so they switch it with something else. Cool, 5 mins later she comes back and tells us their out of order on her meal, is there something else she’s wants.So she goes with the chicken and waffles. And there’s were it went down hill. The chicken was like baked bbq chicken! And waffles!She tried one piece and she couldn’t eat her food!I tried to eat my food but I started feeling strange. I couldn’t finish my food. Talk about hurt. we had high hopes for this restaurant. And then I didn’t even tell the waitress about my food. I just told her my fiancé didn’t like her food. And she saysaww I’m so sorry about that” “ do you know why she didn’t like it” I couldn’t even say anything to her. And she told everyone in the back and no one said anything. And then the waitress try’s to offer us a piece of chocolate cake for the road. Just sad!And the owner was there.I took a whole detour and spent $68 and didn’t enjoy nothing not even the drinks.Thank you.
one of my favorite restaurants in albany, umana yana is so flavorful and delicious. they have a vegan menu and gluten-free options. i could eat here every dang day!
This is hands-down my favorite restaurant in Albany. I’ve been here multiple times now (for brunch & dinner) and everything I’ve eaten has been well-seasoned, perfectly cooked, delicious, and left me wanting more. My faves so far are the fish tacos (for dinner) and the Brazilian Breakfast plate with tofu (for brunch). I also love that they have an extensive and interesting non-alcoholic beverage menu. The service is top-notch, as well, as the servers are very friendly and knowledgeable and clearly love the restaurant. Come dine here—you won’t be disappointed!
Excellent food, staff, and cocktails. This is my new favorite place!
The staff was warm, welcoming and fun! We were there for a bit and never felt rushed. The menu was simple and delicious! We were there for dinner but cannot wait to try their brunch!
One star to any restaurant which takes the time to read their reviews and respond. Another star for responses that show they care. But it's an automatic 5 when they serve food as good as it is at Umana Yana!We just moved into the neighborhood and have been eager to try this restaurant. Umana Yana exceeded our every expectation.My husband ordered the Chicken and Waffle. While the menu states chicken on the bone, it was served boneless (my preference always!). He said the waffle was cooked perfectly and had a hint of...cardamon perhaps? Whatever it was, he liked it. The chicken seems to have been marinated before being battered and fried which added a nice depth of flavor to the poultry. The spicy, syrupy sauce was the perfect match for the chicken, while he opted for standard syrup for his waffle.I chose Shrimp and Grits. Tail-on shrimp lay atop a large bowl of creamy grits with chunky chorizo and tender peppers and onions piled high in the middle. I added hot sauce only because I like a bit of spice but the dish has enough flavor to stand on its own.Wheat Ale with Earl Grey Tea (beer)...it's a winner too!The staff was most pleasant and helpful. The dining room and bar provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Staff wore masks as did patrons while they were away from their tables.We're excited to have found this gem of a restaurant in our neighborhood. It's definitely worth a visit.UPDATE:Valentine's Day Dinner w/ picturesAnother winning meal at Umana Yana with live music made our Valentine's Day a memorable one.Check out the creative menu they came up with for their prix fixe evening.
1 Star to any restaurant which takes the time to read their reviews and respond. Another star for responses which show they care. But it's an automatic 5 when they serve food as good as it is at Umana Yana!We just moved into the neighborhood and have been eager to try this restaurant. Umana Yana exceeded our every expectation.My husband ordered the Chicken and Waffle. While the menu states chicken on the bone, it was served boneless (my preference always!). He said the waffle was cooked perfectly and had a hint of...cardamon perhaps? Whatever it was, he liked it. The chicken seems to have been marinated before being battered and fried which added a nice depth of flavor to the poultry. The spicy, syrupy sauce was the perfect match for the chicken, while he opted for standard syrup for his waffle.I chose Shrimp and Grits. Tail-on shrimp lay atop a large bowl of creamy grits with chunky chorizo and tender peppers and onions piled high in the middle. I added hot sauce only because I like a bit of spice but the dish has enough flavor to stand on its own.Wheat Ale with Earl Grey Tea (beer)...it's a winner too!The staff was most pleasant and helpful. The dining room and bar provide for a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Staff wore masks as did patrons while they were away from their tables.We're excited to have found this gem of a restaurant in our neighborhood. It's definitely worth a visit.
Food is pretty good and it was fairly easy to get a last minute reservation on a Sunday morning for brunch. The name of the restaurant has its roots in Guyana, but it’s not a Guyanese restaurant. Instead, the menu draws from the foreign historical connections of its namesake. The art work on the walls are so beautiful, including a creative portrait of the owner’s (Dale) mother. I would definitely recommend trying the food if you’re looking for something different.
Food is pretty good and it was fairly easy to get a last minute reservation on a Sunday morning for brunch. The name of the restaurant has its roots in Guyana, but it’s not a Guyanese restaurant. Instead, the menu draws from the foreign historical connections of its namesake. The art work on the walls are so beautiful, including a creative portrait of the owner’s (Dale) mother. I would definitely recommend trying the food if you’re looking for something different.