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    Umi

    4.8 (129 reviews)
    Closed 5:30 pm - 9:00 PM

    Umi Photos

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    UMI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Quiet

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    Reviews With Photos

    Hamachi Rolls
    James N.

    What a hidden gem! I was visiting my mother-in-law and needed my sushi fix. I drove here to get a table but they only take reservations unless you're lucky enough to find a free table. I wasn't lucky enough to get a table the first night. So, I called then left a message for a reservation and got one two days later. I still needed my sushi fix and I went to another restaurant that had 4 stars on Yelp and it was horrible. Don't go waste your time or money on sushi anywhere else. There's no bar seating here and only 4 tables total. This is a small husband and wife duo that is turning out amazing quality food and perfect service. Starting with the apps I had a miso soup that was perfect. It wasn't too salty, and had the perfect amount of tofu with the most perfect texture. Their Ikayaki (grilled squid) was amazing. I'm a sucker for squid and there's tasted like I was in Japan again. I think they use butter and soy sauce. Again it was perfect! The tempura appetizer was light battered to perfection and included a variety of asparagus, sweet potato, zucchini and eggplant. Not sure if they use the same veggies every time but they were all delicious. For sushi I got the sashimi plate that included beautiful cuts of tuna, yellowtail, salmon, octopus, squid and roe and yellowtail roll. Excellent presentation and taste. Everything I had was excellent! I will definitely be making reservations in the future when I come back. Eating here is the closest experience to being served in Japan and I live in Hawaii. I feel like that is saying a lot. Hickory y'all have a hidden gem here! 10/10 would recommend to any sushi lover or traditional Japanese food. Tips: * Make reservations, will probably have to leave a message * To go orders need to be called in before they open * Try and eat everything that you can

    Entrance at night
    Jeanette C.

    Whenever my husband is in Hickory for a business trip, he makes reservations here. I was able to join him for two of the visits! This is the most delicious Japanese food I've had! I try to order a different dish each time and every dish has been made with the best of quality and freshness. Umi is owned and ran by a husband and wife. The husband is the chef and the wife provides the table service. I hope they keep the restaurant open for many more years!

    Anh V.

    This place is one of the best sushi restaurants I've been to and I've been to a 3 Michelin star sushi restaurant in Japan. We had the nigiris and 2 rolls and I must say the nigiris were amazing. The restaurant is owned by a sweet lady and her husband. They are both from Japan and you can taste the love in their food. I can't believe I found this place and the reviews don't lie. This place is amazing and the quality of fish is some of the best.

    Snow crap roll , lobster roll and spicy tune roll
    Terry M.

    Food was outstanding from presentation to freshness to taste top-of-the-line all the way. Service was swift and she was kind and sweet inside its so cute tiny warm inviting dining area with 4 tables truly a hidden gem total recommend and I will definitely be dining here again.

    Sake
    Sarah O.

    Phenomenal experience! I had never eaten at an authentic Japanese restaurant before. The waitress was super nice and patient. She ensured we ordered an appropriate amount of food for our table. We ordered 2 appetizers and 5 sushi rolls to share between 3 people. She offered to take our group picture at the end of our meal. I'll definitely be back!

    Half eaten bento box! $24 worth of deliciousness!

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    6 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    2 months ago

    One of the neatest dining experiences ever! Delicious Japanese food! One of Hickory's hidden gems. Never disappointed.

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Food is great. Owners are outstanding. Small place. Hard to get into without reservations way ahead of desired date.

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Excellent food and service! We will definitely be returning! The Bento Box was amazing!

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    1 year ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Outstanding place. Quiet and peaceful and amazing food! Take your time and enjoy a truly special meal.

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    3 years ago

    Amazing food, great service, incredibly authentic. One of the best restaurants you'll find in Hickory.

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    2 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Very fresh ingredients used, owners are so kind and welcoming. Only a few tables so plan ahead with a reservation.

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    8 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great food and wonderful service! Everyone was very polite and friendly! Very cozy and perfect for a date night dinner!

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    5 years ago

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    KOBE - Japanese House of Steak and Seafood

    KOBE - Japanese House of Steak and Seafood

    (105 reviews)

    $$

    Came here on a weekday with a gang of coworkers. It was nice to see the place pretty packed for a…read moreweekday, most tables were full. No draft beers from what I saw, only bottled beer which is fine. We all got Sapporo which was nice, 22oz tall boys. For food we all got hibachi which was delicious - I was surprised how flavorful and delicious it was. I personally got the steak and chicken and loved it. Like all hibachi you get soup, salad, shrimp, and the hibachi meal you ordered with fried rice. We all left full and happy. The staff was super friendly and we were sat quickly, our orders were taken quickly and the food and drinks came out quick. Only thing that could have been improved was the hibachi tricks! Spinning knives and the egg in the hat are a classic - but no onion volcano !? no sake water gun!? Gotta step up the production value here lol, overall a great spot though.

    KOBE - Japanese House of Steak and Seafood is as the name suggests... a Japanese steakhouse that…read moreserves grilled meats and vegetables along with other items such as sushi, but I believe most people go for the hibachi experience. The inside looks a bit outdated, but it was not that big of a deal to me as everything was running properly. I thought that the chefs were very cool to watch. I got the Hibachi Chicken. It was a really filling meal! This place does not skimp out on portions. I enjoyed how tender the zucchini and chicken were cooked and the shrimp sauce made it taste a lot better (who does not love shrimp sauce?!). I thought that everything was seasoned well, but a bit too well? My meal was a bit salty for my liking, but that is just a personal preference. As my first hibachi experience, I would probably give this place a 3.5/5 stars if I could. It is not overly fancy and works for a place like Hickory.

    Umi - japanese - Updated May 2026

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