UMI Japanese Restaurant

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

I was blown away by this restaurant. Everything from the wonderfully ambient music to the decorations was an immersive experience. The owners clearly put a lot of time and care into their craft. Our server was so friendly and the food was out of this world. The miso soup was the best I’ve ever had!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi, Miso Soup

Family dinner, wonderful food with many textures and tastes. Had the Bento box to experience all the varieties available

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Miso Soup, Bento Box with Tuna and Yellowtail Nigiri

Absolutely best ramen I’ve had! Everything was delicious and so fresh! Beautiful restaurant with great service and a large menu! Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tonkatsu Dinner, Sushi

UMI provides a serene atmosphere with only three or four tables. We have dined several times with delicious food at each visit! They take pride in quality, fresh food and excellent service. We will return again and again, with a reservation of course. We loved the grilled eel and Tekka don (marinated tuna) especially.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi, Miso Soup, Bento Box with Tuna and Yellowtail Nigiri, Katsu Curry

Everything about this experience was amazing. Hands down the best sushi my GF and I have ever had.You must make a reservation beforehand, but this makes everything so much better!! They weren't overly crowded so you know everything is coming out perfect!Highly recommend for a date night.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi