UMI Japanese Restaurant

this place is quite litterally the best Japanese place you will find. a few things you MUST know though. one its tiny, 2 you need a reservation, its not required per say, but theres only 4 tables so good luck getting in without one. and lastly this is NOT your typical american japanese restaurant. this place is like going to a familys home in japan to eat. outside of it not being a house thats the feeling. and thats a good thing. haveing so few seats is honestly what makes this place so amazing. they have heart. and if they for some reason expanded to a larger location and got overwhelmed trying to serve 20 people at once quality might fall. this place is awesome. and i recommend anyone that likes asian style food to try it at least once. your not just a customer here. your a guest in their home so to say.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Most authentic japanese food in hickory

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is my second visit and both were awesome can get any better if you want traditional food
This is the place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I adore this place. It's unlike anything else you'll find in the area. It's a tiny restaurant run by a wife and husband team. The food is fresh, authentic, and delicious. A wonderful place for a calm and cozy experience. Big portions and a great sake menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We tried Umi for the first time tonight and we LOVED every single thing we ordered. We will definitely be back!!

Wow! Umi was a 5 star experience all around. Excellent food and atmosphere. It is small and elegant. The service goes above and beyond - we were able to learn about the family traditions and recent trips. Easily my favorite restaurant experience in Hickory!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Consistently outstanding food, authentic Japanese cuisine, simply the best!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sushi and sashimi are fantastic!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi

What a wonderful authentic Japanese restaurant. I lived in Japan and this restaurant makes you feel like you are there. This is real Japanese food and it is delicious. The sushi is fabulous and gorgeously presented. The Japanese hospitality shines and well worth a visit. Highly recommended

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Outstanding! Fresh!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This restaurant is a gem. It is the most authentic experience we’ve had in a Japanese restaurant ever and that’s saying a lot because we’ve lived in major cities on both coasts and who knew that here, in Hickory, there would be as good of a Japanese restaurant.
The restaurant has only four tables, reservations suggested. The ambiance puts you into Japan with soft Japanese music in the background.
The food? Beyond, way beyond expectations.
This place is special.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My wife and I came here together and everything we had taste great! I ordered the sashimi and my wife ordered the curry katsu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best sashimi in the state! Everything was great! I love it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We came to visit my husband's home town and found this spot in the midst of the adventures. This was our highlight! The simple and authentic Japanese menu was the best I've experienced, and I've been to big cities that have amazing authentic Japanese cousine.

We would drive 2 hours to come back here now that we know about this place.

I will say, if you're used to sushi with overly sweet and supersaturated sauce, this isn't for you. They probably wouldn't disappoint, but this is not what the typical American sushi lovers are used to. It's pure and good ingredients, amazingly prepared and curated. An absolute gem ?

Try everything... even the simplest sushi and miso soup were amazing

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything we ordered was fresh and the flavors balanced. This place is quality over complexity.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5