UMI Japanese Restaurant

40 Cloninger Mill Rd NE, Hickory
(828) 322-5511

Recent Reviews

Joey Yoder

UMI delivers an exceptional dining experience, boasting fresh and meticulously crafted sushi dishes that leave a lasting impression. Whether savoring traditional classics or innovative creations, every bite bursts with flavor and freshness. The inviting ambiance further enhances the overall dining journey. UMI consistently exceeds expectations with its top-notch quality and attentive service. A must-visit destination for any sushi enthusiast craving an unforgettable dining experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi, Edamame, Family Reunion Roll

Matt

The most flavorful sushi I’ve ever had. The squid and salad were delicious as well.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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

Brian Stone

We love dining at Umi’s. We go there for special occasions. The exquisite Japanese food and atmosphere make Umi’s our visits a pleasant respite from the high speed of life. An evening at Umi’s refreshes the soul.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Rainbow Rolls, Miso Soup, Ocean's Wink and Lobster Roll, Katsu Curry

Matt Day

Best in Class!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Rainbow Rolls, Sushi, Dragon Rolls, Spider Rolls

Cris M

Food was very simple, fresh, and had lots of flavor. It was expertly prepared. They only have 3 tables and it is only by appointment. They were full when we went on a weekday so you'd likely have to plan way ahead of time. Overall very nice experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Charles Graham

This restaurant is absolutely amazing, I think the best in Hickory, NC. They have only four tables, and reservations are required for this hidden gem, but if you love food and are in Hickory, they are not to be missed.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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

Matsuto (マット)

We had delicious food here the other night, it was amazing, you can feel the omotenashi, great service! I enjoyed bringing my family and friends there to eat!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi, Miso Soup, Tempura

Jon Jacob

The BEST authentic Japanese food in North Carolina. Make a reservation and brace your taste buds for incredibly delicious nigiri & unique rolls. Best salad dressing and miso soup I have ever tasted. Small, tranquil and comfortable setting. The service is beyond anything you can imagine. We have celebrated every birthday, anniversary and special occasion here since 2009. Only tell people you love about Umi!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi, Miso Soup, Tempura, Dragon Rolls, Spider Rolls

Jasmin Carr

It has such a nice vibe there and the food and service are

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

N N

Wonderful atmosphere and excellent sushi!!

Chantel Bedington

First time here for our anniversary. Very nice atmosphere. Sushi was clean, fresh, and delicious. Miso soup and edamame were also very good. We were gifted two roses, and the service was perfect.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi, Miso Soup

Skylar Barti

About as authentic as you can get. Can't wait to return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi

Carolina C

This place is absolutely amazing. All our plates were incredible, starting with the salad which was very tasty, delicious miso soup, perfect tuna tataki, sashimi was really really fresh, presentation and flavor of our sushi was phenomenal. The music and atmosphere are amazing. We thought we could not find a good Japanese restaurant in Hickory, well this is one of the best we have ever had and very authentic. We highly recommend it. It is a gem ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sushi, Miso Soup

CPPSFan

Very intimate and cozy. The waitress was very kind and patient. I came here with a friend and the food was very delicious and nicely priced. I got the unagi nigiri, the amaebi, and the katsu curry. My friend got the miso soup and the katsu dinner. We enjoyed the salad that came with the meal and the water was very refreshing and nicely filtered.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tonkatsu Dinner, Sushi, Miso Soup

JD Yang

Tiny intimate restaurant. Literally only has 4 tables. Only run by the husband and wife who are the cook and waitress. Most authentic Japanese food and sushi you’ll find. Amazing flavors. This is the only place I’ll order sashimi from bc it’s fresh fish that’s buttery and tender. Not rubber like most places you get raw fish from. The eel is so flakey and juicy. Rice is done right! Rice is so easily under appreciated in America. Each grain is bursting with satisfaction. Definitely try the dragon and spider roll. Really appreciated the art on the wall and the small descriptions of the master pieces that was located in the menus.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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