Find fresh, local cuisine at Kuma

Posted: 11:14 am, May 11, 2016 by Reporter Meagan Friberg

From the San Luis Obispo County Visitor’s Guide

Ramen, sushi, rolls, and more offered on ever-changing menu

Located in Los Osos, a funky beach town often referred to as, “the gem of the Central Coast,” the place to go in San Luis Obispo County for flavorful ramen and fresh sushi is Kuma, where the focus is on great food and good vibes.

The menu is jam-packed with offerings made from the freshest ingredients around, including local halibut, big-eye tuna and bonito that is fresh-off-the-boat in Morro Bay. The ‘Kuma family’ keeps things creative, fresh, local and of the highest-grade possible on a daily basis.

Individuality is the name of the game when it comes to Kuma ramen – diners have their choice of broth, meat, and add-ons including garlic chips, tofu, and spicy kimchi.

24-hour ramen & other culinary delights

“Our intention is to consistently offer great food and good vibes to everyone that visits Kuma,” said General Manager James Manning. “We are a community and family-oriented business and we like to create a good atmosphere that makes our restaurant guests feel like they are family. This is what sets us apart and what we strive for each and every day.”

Its generous servings of ramen, made with traditional Japanese broth that is cooked for 24 hours to maximize flavor, is just one of the reasons why Kuma was voted 2015’s Best New Restaurant by SLO New Times readers. Individuality is the name of the game when it comes to Kuma ramen – diners have their choice of broth, meat, and add-ons including garlic chips, tofu, and spicy kimchi. The gluten-free vegan ramen, crafted with kumbo edible kelp, steeped with all-organic miso, and served with rice noodles, is supreme.

The teriyaki bowls, made with slow smoked meat and then finished on a robata grill and teamed with veggies, are served yakitori-style. A wide selection of rolls, from the more traditional to creative Kuma varieties such as the Baywood and Morro Bombay, fills the menu. Try the Red Eye, with an inside of scallops, avocado, cucumber and an outside of salmon, spicy mayo, sriracha, and Cajun seasoning or the vegetarian Hippie, with cucumber, avocado, and berdock inside and daikon sprouts, avocado and brown rice on the outside.

Explore the entire Kuma menu, including the sushi, sashimi, and dessert options. Constantly-evolving, with vegan options and specials that often feature the local catch of the day, Kuma has something delectable to offer even the most finicky eaters. Visit Kuma on your birthday and celebrate with free cheesecake gyoza, a paper chef’s hat, and a balloon.

The “Kuma family” keeps things creative, fresh, local and of the highest-grade possible on a daily basis.

Sushi classes and catering

The restaurant interior, with all-wood walls and authentic Japanese touches throughout, features art from local artists that changes monthly. Touches of bamboo and a selection of succulents add to the natural effects. Stainless steel behind the sushi bar brightens the inside dining area where chefs add quotes, fun designs, and daily specials to the hanging chalkboards. Want sake with your sushi? Purchase a cedar masu box, decorate it, and add it to the display shelf to garner a 20 percent discount off sake in future visits.

The patio, lined with ambient light fixtures and outdoor heaters, is inviting and dog-friendly. The centerpiece, a Japanese maple, is covered in tree sweaters and diners are encouraged to add their personal touch to the tree. Local rocks, stamped with the Kuma logo, and recycled paper menus, napkins, and eco-friendly to-go containers tie together the nature-inspired theme.

Kuma offers sushi classes, taught by master sushi chef Hidehiko Nogi, where you can learn to make your own sushi and pair it with local wines or sake. Classes are fun and informative, perfect for date night and group events.

Catering from Kuma is available for weddings, banquets, and dinner parties, with professional sushi chefs available to ensure a creative and unique dining experience. Call (805) 528-OSOS (6767) and let the friendly, helpful staff plan your appetizers and meals.

Kuma, open daily from 11-9, is located in the Village Mall Plaza at 2011 10th St. in Los Osos behind La Casita and Jimmy Bumps. Take a right off of Los Osos Valley Road onto 10th Street and continue for about two blocks. For more info, call (805) 528-OSOS (6767) or check out kumabowls.com; see daily specials and more on Kuma’s Facebook and Instagram feeds.

–Meagan Friberg