To preface, I have been here before on a night that was not a holiday and had a great experience. Came here for a Valentine’s Day dinner and had a reservation for 9:30pm, which was perfect because we had other plans at midnight. To start, we show up right on time, use the valet, and walk into the venue. Immediately we're shocked by the sheer amount of people inside this place. We go up to the hostess and she mentions that we’re checked in, but they’re running a “little behind,” so we can spend some time in their cocktail bar area while we wait. When I said sheer amount of people, think about one of the bars in midtown during peak hours. We waited over 20 mins for a bartender to even acknowledge us, so while we waited, we chatted up other people. The general consensus was that they were running an ENTIRE HOUR LATE, not a “little behind.” On guy in the bar area said he had a reservation for 8:30 and by this time, it was nearly 10pm. Needless to say, it was roughly 11pm until we actually got seated for our 9:30 reservation. When we were escorted to the table by the hostess, the first thing I noticed was that the tables were packed together like sardines, unlike the first time I was here, where the tables had ample space between them. Tables were so close that I could easily eavesdrop on the table next to us (who were also fed up by the wait time). So now we’re seated, 90 mins after our reservation time, and feel rushed because we have another obligation at midnight (which we did not make btw). This whole night was mismanaged by Ume - from the *obvious* overbooking to packing the tables together super close where I could practically taste my neighbor’s food. Honestly it’s a disgusting show of greed and lack of consideration for your patrons. Like I mentioned, I’ve been here on a normal night, so I know what baseline is for this place - this was not it. People want to have an enjoyable experience on Valentine’s Day, not wait 90 mins in a crowded bar area, then go eat in an even more crowded dining area. The food was good, but let’s be honest - there are plenty of other overpriced sushi spots in this area to get good sushi. I can’t justify supporting this level of inconsideration again. (And yes, some restaurants utilize similar practices to maximize revenue on special occasions, but not to this extent)
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Nikita Leibovici
The food was alright. But the service was terribly slow. Unfortunately it was so dark that you barely saw your food and the music was so loud that you couldn’t properly communicate. I thought it was pretty sad as it’s one of the 4 restaurants at the palmaia.
Dietary restrictions: They ask you for your dietary restrictions. Just to then make the decisions for you.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Eggplant Miso Yaki, Sushi
George
I was really looking forward to trying this Sushi place since my wife and I usually order 10-12 plates at fine Sushi establishments. Unfortunately, we will not be supporting UME due to having a reservation for Valentine’s Day only to be told 24 hours in advance that there is a 1 hour MAXIMUM. I understand time limits but have never heard of 1 hour. What a shame.
Too many reviews stating long times for drinks and mediocre service. I will not take that chance and decided to share my experience before I even got to spend a dime.
Very disappointing.
Adam F
tarah Hughes
As someone who was in the Industry for eight years and Have family members that own restaurants, My New Year’s Eve experience here was absolutely awful. I will never be returning. It took 42 minutes to get a bottle of sake… Which does not require the skills of a craft cocktail or even having to make a drink.. It’s a bottle that you twist open.. 42 minutes I asked the manager and he lied to my face. It’s New Year’s Eve. You guys offer reservations if someone walked out tell me the truth, but don’t lie to me and say you just got slammed… we were there to pay good money to tip our waitress well. Our waitress didn’t come back for almost an hour. The people I was with got their appetizer. I never did. I had to leave an Uber home before I got my food after an hour and a half because it was New Year’s Eve and we had plans and that was an hour and a half after I ordered, it was embarrassing because it was my idea to go there. I brought people with me and I had to leave them at the restaurant: if you are going to be short staffed you should probably tell the people walking in and not have your manager lie. Then the people I was with said that it was their second and third time there where the service was Just like this, we will not be back anybody in Houston. I will not recommend it ruined my New Years Dinner, one thing I’ve learned just be honest
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Brian Carpani, GeckoMediaGroup
The short summary is great food and absolutely horrible service. I was so disappointed as the MF sushi places usually don't disappoint. We were able to get seated right away for our reservation and most tables were full. We ordered edamame and crudo with our martinis after sitting down. The martinis shockingly took 50mins to be delivered after asking 2x. They apologized and said they were short staffed but come on. They did comp the drinks but I would've kindly paid for more but figured they would never arrive. About 10 mins after arriving we ordered some sashimi and 2 rolls from the sushi chef since we were seated at the sushi bar. They handed us the sashimi a few mins later and yet we had not seen our appetizers yet. They eventually came out 15 mins later after 25 mins of waiting for edamame which seems silly. We were out of water most of the meal and had to ask for fill ups. One time not finding anyone I asked the hostess who said sure I'll take care of it and it took 10 mins for someone to bring it so not sure why she couldn't have helped out if they were truly short staffed. The drinks were good when they finally arrived and all the sushi was amazing as always. Its really disappointing that the service was so bad but appears I need to stick to their sister place, MF Lobster instead as the service there was A+.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
Ali Kissinger
Horrible. Charged me $100 service fee for “cancelling last minute,” when I tried to call 24 hours in advance and got no answer. My reservation was 4 hours after I called to canceled again.
Bruce
This was our second time here and they did not disappoint!! We sat at the sushi bar and had great service. They sushi was very fresh with a good mix of selection. Definitely going back again!
Henry Tea
Great food and service!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christy
We waited for over 45 mins after placing our drinks order and still nothing. Food came out so slow, we ended up leaving and canceling all orders. Way under staffed and no manager on site to make sure everything was up to service. Many folks left angry.
Jae
Food was good, server was very attentive. Decent vibe and overall experience. Only downside was the price and size of the portion. Decent food but ridiculously overpriced for the size of the portion.
First time visiting everyone was friendly. Asked to be seated in restaurant rather than bar area however said no availability in the restaurant. We ate in 30-45 minutes and seats in the restaurant area were open the entire time but oh well. Bar seats were incredibly uncomfortable although they looked nice. Waitress was nice and friendly however overall service was somewhat slow. Not really a fan of having to wait for soy sauce to be brought over and poured for me, would rather it just be on the table. Sushi was just okay. Not sure if we would come back to give it another shot.
Lisa Nagle
Our bill was over $730 for 3 of us girls! The waiter brought us “off the menu” sushi! Would have been nice if the waiter would have mentioned the price!!
Matthew M
Great sushi! Try the lychee martini. Salmon bites are pretty authentic and delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso Soup, Sushi
Marq Single
Absolutely delicious! I sat at the bar and watched the amazing chefs prepare everything right in front of me. Beautiful, relaxing atmosphere. Don't be so quick to run to HEB and Kroger for sushi. Every person to pass me asked if everything was ok. They asked how was the food and is there anything else I needed. It was my first time so I was unsure of what to order. Every suggestion was amazing.
To preface, I have been here before on a night that was not a holiday and had a great experience. Came here for a Valentine’s Day dinner and had a reservation for 9:30pm, which was perfect because we had other plans at midnight. To start, we show up right on time, use the valet, and walk into the venue. Immediately we're shocked by the sheer amount of people inside this place. We go up to the hostess and she mentions that we’re checked in, but they’re running a “little behind,” so we can spend some time in their cocktail bar area while we wait. When I said sheer amount of people, think about one of the bars in midtown during peak hours. We waited over 20 mins for a bartender to even acknowledge us, so while we waited, we chatted up other people. The general consensus was that they were running an ENTIRE HOUR LATE, not a “little behind.” On guy in the bar area said he had a reservation for 8:30 and by this time, it was nearly 10pm. Needless to say, it was roughly 11pm until we actually got seated for our 9:30 reservation. When we were escorted to the table by the hostess, the first thing I noticed was that the tables were packed together like sardines, unlike the first time I was here, where the tables had ample space between them. Tables were so close that I could easily eavesdrop on the table next to us (who were also fed up by the wait time). So now we’re seated, 90 mins after our reservation time, and feel rushed because we have another obligation at midnight (which we did not make btw). This whole night was mismanaged by Ume - from the *obvious* overbooking to packing the tables together super close where I could practically taste my neighbor’s food. Honestly it’s a disgusting show of greed and lack of consideration for your patrons. Like I mentioned, I’ve been here on a normal night, so I know what baseline is for this place - this was not it. People want to have an enjoyable experience on Valentine’s Day, not wait 90 mins in a crowded bar area, then go eat in an even more crowded dining area. The food was good, but let’s be honest - there are plenty of other overpriced sushi spots in this area to get good sushi. I can’t justify supporting this level of inconsideration again. (And yes, some restaurants utilize similar practices to maximize revenue on special occasions, but not to this extent)
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
The food was alright. But the service was terribly slow. Unfortunately it was so dark that you barely saw your food and the music was so loud that you couldn’t properly communicate. I thought it was pretty sad as it’s one of the 4 restaurants at the palmaia.
Dietary restrictions: They ask you for your dietary restrictions. Just to then make the decisions for you.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Eggplant Miso Yaki, Sushi
I was really looking forward to trying this Sushi place since my wife and I usually order 10-12 plates at fine Sushi establishments. Unfortunately, we will not be supporting UME due to having a reservation for Valentine’s Day only to be told 24 hours in advance that there is a 1 hour MAXIMUM. I understand time limits but have never heard of 1 hour. What a shame.
Too many reviews stating long times for drinks and mediocre service. I will not take that chance and decided to share my experience before I even got to spend a dime.
Very disappointing.
Adam F
As someone who was in the Industry for eight years and Have family members that own restaurants, My New Year’s Eve experience here was absolutely awful. I will never be returning. It took 42 minutes to get a bottle of sake… Which does not require the skills of a craft cocktail or even having to make a drink.. It’s a bottle that you twist open.. 42 minutes I asked the manager and he lied to my face. It’s New Year’s Eve. You guys offer reservations if someone walked out tell me the truth, but don’t lie to me and say you just got slammed… we were there to pay good money to tip our waitress well. Our waitress didn’t come back for almost an hour. The people I was with got their appetizer. I never did. I had to leave an Uber home before I got my food after an hour and a half because it was New Year’s Eve and we had plans and that was an hour and a half after I ordered, it was embarrassing because it was my idea to go there. I brought people with me and I had to leave them at the restaurant: if you are going to be short staffed you should probably tell the people walking in and not have your manager lie. Then the people I was with said that it was their second and third time there where the service was Just like this, we will not be back anybody in Houston. I will not recommend it ruined my New Years Dinner, one thing I’ve learned just be honest
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
The short summary is great food and absolutely horrible service. I was so disappointed as the MF sushi places usually don't disappoint. We were able to get seated right away for our reservation and most tables were full. We ordered edamame and crudo with our martinis after sitting down. The martinis shockingly took 50mins to be delivered after asking 2x. They apologized and said they were short staffed but come on. They did comp the drinks but I would've kindly paid for more but figured they would never arrive. About 10 mins after arriving we ordered some sashimi and 2 rolls from the sushi chef since we were seated at the sushi bar. They handed us the sashimi a few mins later and yet we had not seen our appetizers yet. They eventually came out 15 mins later after 25 mins of waiting for edamame which seems silly. We were out of water most of the meal and had to ask for fill ups. One time not finding anyone I asked the hostess who said sure I'll take care of it and it took 10 mins for someone to bring it so not sure why she couldn't have helped out if they were truly short staffed. The drinks were good when they finally arrived and all the sushi was amazing as always. Its really disappointing that the service was so bad but appears I need to stick to their sister place, MF Lobster instead as the service there was A+.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
Horrible. Charged me $100 service fee for “cancelling last minute,” when I tried to call 24 hours in advance and got no answer. My reservation was 4 hours after I called to canceled again.
This was our second time here and they did not disappoint!! We sat at the sushi bar and had great service. They sushi was very fresh with a good mix of selection. Definitely going back again!
Great food and service!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We waited for over 45 mins after placing our drinks order and still nothing. Food came out so slow, we ended up leaving and canceling all orders. Way under staffed and no manager on site to make sure everything was up to service. Many folks left angry.
Food was good, server was very attentive. Decent vibe and overall experience. Only downside was the price and size of the portion. Decent food but ridiculously overpriced for the size of the portion.
Restaurantji Recommends
First time visiting everyone was friendly. Asked to be seated in restaurant rather than bar area however said no availability in the restaurant. We ate in 30-45 minutes and seats in the restaurant area were open the entire time but oh well. Bar seats were incredibly uncomfortable although they looked nice. Waitress was nice and friendly however overall service was somewhat slow. Not really a fan of having to wait for soy sauce to be brought over and poured for me, would rather it just be on the table. Sushi was just okay. Not sure if we would come back to give it another shot.
Our bill was over $730 for 3 of us girls! The waiter brought us “off the menu” sushi! Would have been nice if the waiter would have mentioned the price!!
Great sushi! Try the lychee martini. Salmon bites are pretty authentic and delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso Soup, Sushi
Absolutely delicious! I sat at the bar and watched the amazing chefs prepare everything right in front of me. Beautiful, relaxing atmosphere. Don't be so quick to run to HEB and Kroger for sushi. Every person to pass me asked if everything was ok. They asked how was the food and is there anything else I needed. It was my first time so I was unsure of what to order. Every suggestion was amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Tempura Appetizer, Sushi
Usually have a great experience. Food, service, and drinks are pretty good but when they are really busy then mistakes can happen but thats normal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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