Umi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Lounge

We love Umi!

Great experience with this place.

I visited this restaurant with my family to celebrate a graduation. Our host was outstanding—professional, courteous, and attentive. If not for her exceptional service, I wouldn’t have given even one star. She managed our table with grace, took our orders efficiently, and made every effort to ensure a positive experience.

Unfortunately, our visit was marred by the disturbing behavior of one of the chefs (I didn’t catch his name, but he has tattoos on both arms). After placing our order, my child and I had to switch seats—a simple change we communicated clearly to our host. I also tried to explain the situation to the chef, but it seemed he either didn’t understand English well or refused to grasp the logic of a basic seating adjustment.

His reaction was shockingly aggressive: slamming and throwing utensils, loudly blaming our host for the change, and berating her in front of us. Even after calming down, his attitude remained hostile and unsettling. I felt it necessary to document his behavior in case it escalated further. Later, our host confided that this was not the first time she had experienced mistreatment from him.

The food was acceptable, but no meal justifies the volatile and threatening conduct we witnessed. It is unacceptable for any staff member—especially a chef—to act in such a manner toward guests or colleagues. We deeply appreciated our host’s professionalism amid such adversity, but the overall experience was unsettling and disappointing.

The absolute BEST sushi in Winston! The service is amazing as well

The food here was SO good. We had soups, sashimi, rolls, gyoza, rock shrimp and tataki. Our waitress was very prompt and attentive.

First visit and it definitely made a good impression that I will definitely be coming back for more.

The staff were attentive and friendly. Portion sizes appropriate +. However, the shrimp sample and my husband’s dinner portion were EXTREMELY overcooked!!! The family next to us said the chicken was also overcooked. I ordered filet mignon medium, it was well done, but still had a good flavor. Our chef didn’t have too many skills… flaming the grill, a volcano and then throwing broccoli for patrons to catch was basically it.

Went with a group, they did hibachi, we did sushi. Everything was good, you get your money for alcoholic drinks, and the staff was awesome.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Salmon & Avocado Roll, California Roll

Very good sushi

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Roll, Hibachi Chicken, Different Types of Sushi Appetizer

Delicious food and fast service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Volcano Roll

The service was prompt and they made sure we had everything, and answered all of our questions. The food was delicious! We had the moneybags appetizer, and the sushi sampler with miso soup. The price is a little up there, with the apps, you seem to pay for presentation vs portion. But I will return.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tuna, Roll

Sadie, our Waitress, was wonderful. Our chef was awesome!

Wheelchair accessibility: Several parking spaces allotted for handicapped visitors

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Edamame, Hibachi Chicken

Hygiene concerns in sushi bar. Sushi prepared by an older gentlemen that had glasses. He would handle his glasses often w same hands he prepared sushi with. He would take off his glasses and place them inches from sushi prep area and pick them up to read food orders. Glasses are dirty. I got grossed out sitting at sushi bar praying He did not prepare my food.

Gross. (Oct 2024)

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 3

Hygiene concerns in sushi bar. Sushi prepared by an older gentlemen that had glasses. He would handle his glasses often w same hands he prepared sushi with. He would take off his glasses and place them inches from sushi prep area and pick them up to read food orders. Eye Glasses are dirty. I got grossed out sitting at sushi bar praying He did not prepare my food. Gross. (Oct 2024)

I thought it was a little loud but the food was good ?

Parking: We finally found a parking space

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Hibachi Steak and Shrimp Fried Rice Noodles

Ashley was our server and she was outstanding. Food was excellent.
We’ll be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5