Umai Nori
1147 20th St NW, Washington
(202) 506-5218
Recent Reviews
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It’s so pretty in there & the service was great.
The mango madness Specialty Rolls (8pcs) were my favorite 😭. Most definitely returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service here was amazing 🙏
Probably the best Hamachi Kama we’ve ever had, and we get it every time we try a new sushi restaurant. Everything was fresh and high quality. Would highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chef Choice Nigiri
I’m a sushi snob, I’ve done the Nobus, Shotos, Omakase experiences and this sushi spot is by far my favorite in DC. The freshness and combinations are amazing. Extremely fresh. I will be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We are really looking forward to visiting -all the appetizers, salad and soups were delicious. The sushi was... I have no other adjective: disgusting. The rolls were extremely large (we did not order futo makis). The avocado was brown on some. The fish was sad (and tasted weird) and they were just disheveled. It really was one of the most horrible restaurant/sushi experiences I've ever had and as a member of the service industry I understand that there's good days / bad days and things can happen, but those dishes should've not left the kitchen and it was more than one dish. The handrolls that came from suhi counter were great. The rolls that were served were awful. There was also a roach that came to greet us at the table AND one up the wall.The service was outstanding. Sad this happened. This was in October 2024.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Love this place immensely. Service was top notch and food is SO GOOD. I got the spicy salmon roll and the Ninja Turtle specialty roll and neither disappointed. Probably the best spicy salmon roll i’ve had, ever. Period hands down, no competition. Ambiance is great-standard sushi bar spot.
Will 1000% be back! I’m currently typing this as I finish my food. It’s that good—I couldn’t wait!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’m an old sushi fan, but I’ve never seen this quality chirashi ever in the US (even in Japan/Korea). Not only for the food but also their service was super great! Kay and Peter provided really warm-heart deep-care services toward our family. Special tempura udon for kids were exceptional… and the house hot sake on the chill-windy day was truly a life-saving warm relief!! If I were a local, I might be here every week.. super impressive!!
Kid-friendliness: Kay and Peter were great for our family!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Omakase, Salad Dressing, Seared Salmon Belly
I always dine in here whenever we come to D.C. The restaurant has great value for superb food. Kay, who assisted us added more happiness to our dining experience here. I will come back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Chef Choice Nigiri, Seared Salmon Belly
where to begin, if I could give this restaurant 10 stars I would. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left from service to food to atmosphere was amazing. We were able to walk right in with no reservation and be seated immediately. Kay was our server and she specifically made the entire evening by making us feel right at home and and not only answering our many questions but she took the time to get to know us and treated each of us like family. We tried a little bit of everything and nothing disappointed. I definitely will be going back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Omakase, Crispy Rice, Seared Salmon Belly, Tuna Poke Dip
What an absolutely phenomenal dining experience! Kay was a wonderful server who was incredibly kind and welcoming and made us feel like family. The food was outstanding and the experience was so enjoyable! I can not recommend this place enough! I definitely will be coming back any time I’m in DC.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Chef Choice Nigiri, Tuna Poke Dip
One of the only reviews I’ve ever written - this is the best restaurant I’ve been to in a long time. Absolute warmth from the staff (Kay was incredible!!), super high quality sushi at good prices with a wonderful vibe. I wasn’t drinking and Kay brought me out a butterfly pea tea for free. I went with three friends but this would also be a great date spot or bring the family. Set and forget type of reservation for any fantasy football heads out there, couldn’t recommend more highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
They will make sushi with crab meat instead of crab sticks if you ask
Food: 5
Service: 5
FOOD IS AMAZING - SERVICE WAS TERRIBLE! Please read for details.
Let me start by prefacing, literally EVERYONE but our server was amazing and deserves 5 stars.
My boyfriend and I came here for his bday; we’re new to the area and did research on a few places and landed on Umai Nori. When we arrived, we were greeted - EVERYONE was so nice and welcoming and we got there right at 5 and were the only ones there for a while. They sat us at a table in the corner upstairs where once my boyfriend sat, our server finally came over. Not talkative, didn’t go over the menu; at one point, my boyfriend was asking him a question and he just walked away (mind you, we’re the only ones here in this small space upstairs, so it’s hard to believe he didn’t hear him). We asked questions about the menu but he didn’t seem to know much, only directed us to the higher priced items.
We got 2 of our 3 apps out rather quickly, and when I kindly asked about the 3rd (which was edamame), he went to the computer then began to do something behind the bar. My roll was delivered and our edamame came almost immediately after that. During this time, it was another server that checked on us (the gentleman helping our server open the bar). Asked us how the food was and commented on our choice of sake. This was also the server that cleared our table in between our apps and entree.
When my boyfriend’s entree came out, he simply dropped it off and kept walking. Never once asked if he needed anything or how it looked… He spent most of the time leaning on the bar or ducked down where no one could see him (on his phone). He did finally come back and ask how it was (towards the end).
I never do this, because my boyfriend and I have both worked in hospitality and customer service for years and we’ve all had jobs we hate, but there’s no excuse for the lack of customer service or dismissive attitude we experienced tonight. It was a pretty terrible first impression and if it weren’t for the amazing food and other friendly faces, we wouldn’t come back.
I don’t want to not recommend anyone here because the food and the vibe is amazing. Maybe just ask for someone other than the gentleman with the nose ring and red tips.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Edamame, Chef Choice Nigiri
The food was incredible and the service was fantastic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've visited twice and each time has been a fantastic experience! First and foremost, a big shoutout to Peter for his incredible service and positive energy. He’s so warm and welcoming, and his service is always quick and top-notch.
The food is consistently amazing! I've tried a few of their chef rolls, and they never disappoint. The nigiri is full of flavor, and I noticed they add just a touch of wasabi on the rice—such a thoughtful detail that shows true attention to quality.
Highly recommend reservation before you head there cuz this place is so popular!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Place is alright. Very friendly and beautiful hostess. But found scale in their sushi
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
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