It is a huge huge surprise to find this authentic Japanese restaurant! The decoration makes you feel like you are in Japan! The owner & chef is a couple from Japan, they are very nice and their service is absolutely top-notch! As an expert in Chinese and Japanese food and already tried 100+ different Chinese and Japanese restaurants in US, I have to say the food they provide is very authentic Japanese. Even the portion of the dishes is pretty small (if you ever went to Japan, you will know the portion of food there is always small). But, this could be a disadvantage in US. If you are pretty hungry, I will not recommend the ramen because the portion is too small to fill you up. I do recommend the Sashimi Dinner, 5-7 selections of sashimi on the soft sushi rice in a nice bento box! The Botan Ebi (Sweet Shrimp NIgiri) is very fresh and worth to try. $6 for two pieces is a resonable price! Pros: Authentic Japanese food Top-notch service Quiet and nice atmosphere (Only 5 tables) Cons: Small portion of food may cannot fill you up Reservation may needed (Only 5 tables) read more

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Tast excellent and kind place. When I have a chance, I would like to visit and order other dishes

We just enjoyed a wonderful 55th Anniversary at Umi's. Most wonderful presentation of authentic Japanese cuisine. Such a kind, meditative place to celebrate our lives together. Always a joy! ありがとうございました Arigatōgozaimashita read more

This restaurant serves the best authentic Japanese food from tempura, fresh sushi, curry, and miso. It's quiet elegant setting has four tables, soft music and terrific menu choices. Their salmon sushi is some of the best we have had in the US. We look forward to going back every chance we get. read more

Umi is small, but great. The many partitions around the cozy space help maintain an air of intimacy and is tastefully decorated. The food is really good for such a varied menu! I ordered a grilled salmon with miso sauce appetizer and an unagidon (grilled freshwater eel over rice) and it was perfect. At most places the unagi is just a prepackaged affair and this is common in Japan as well. Well not here, I got freshly grilled unagi with a slight char and the slight tinge of vinegar in the sushi rice it was served over gave the perfect balance to the richness of the eel. Prices are reasonable and portion sizes are prefect. Unfortunately my idea of a reasonable portion size may be a bit on the small side. If you want to go on a weekend make some reservations or plan on going somewhere else cause you're not getting in with how small the space is. Definitely one of Hickory's well kept secrets cause this place is pretty hard to find. Eat here if you get a chance. read more

Umi - grilled salmon with miso sauce appetizer - Japanese Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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Best sushi in town! Small and quaint. The sushi is on point and I love the atmosphere. Reservations needed.

Picked up food from their limited "covid" menu which they were so sweet to message me! I haven't been here in YEARS but one thing remains the same the food is still a 10/10. For a zero contact pickup they set up my food on a table with receipt inside a bill holder and a "made by chef" hand sanitizer next to my bag. Can't wait to go back when dining is available! read more

Awesome restaurant. It has delicious Japanese foods. My wife and I celebrated our anniversary here the past 2 years. Our favorite was the grill squid! I also got the cold sake. Savor the taste of sake with the restaurant unique decoration. read more

Such a beautiful restaurant and such good service . Make sure make a reservation due to limited seating , everything tasted authentic and will be back , perfect for special occasions. read more

Best authentic Japanese by far. Amazing sashimi, the quality is the best I've tasted in North Carolina. The Brown Curry is amazing.

Hidden gem of Hickory. Best sushi and intimate location of only 4 tables! Reservations required for dine in and advance orders required for call ahead. read more

I lived in Hickory for the better part of 9 years and visit my parents once or twice a year. They have been singing UMI's praises for over a year, for which I'm glad I listened and went. This place is truly a gem! I could not believe how good the food tasted. The katsu curry was some of the best I have ever had (I live in San Francisco where there is no shortage of Japanese restaurants). The soba and udon dishes were exquisite and satisfying. The soft shell crab roll fresh and balanced. After years of visiting old stomping grounds in the Hickory area, UMI has in one visit become my #1 NC food destination. If you do not try this place you're nuts!! Oh yea, best service as well! read more

Um. The ONLY place to eat Sushi in Hickory, don't even consider trying anything else. In a town where your only option for "Japanese" is fast food teppanyaki or sit down teppanyaki....... UMI is a refreshingly authentic Japanese Restaurant. I lucked into this place for my first time on a night when the Restaurant's Owner was dressed in Kimono and teaching a class of 14 patrons how to speak Japanese. She is incredible. Thanks for coming to Hickory. read more

During my visit to NC from CA, I was surprised to find that such a good quality Japanese restaurant was this close to my family's home. My sister made a reservation for us as this was recommended since we were a large party of 11 and this is a small store, with about 3 or 4 other regular tables and our party taking up half the place. The quality of the food is excellent. I had the philly rolls and my sister had 2 other kinds of sushi, the rest of my family had either pork katsu (the server said they could make beef katsu too) or the very popular katsudon (or oyakodon, chicken version). My dad had shrimp tempura which he shared with everyone and it was the best shrimp tempura I ever had, light and non-greasy! And the wasabi was so good! I could feel it clearing out my sinuses. I usually didn't care too much for wasabi but it must be that they had the best quality wasabi here that really made a difference. If you are ever in Hickory, or anywhere in NC, do go the distance and try this place! read more

Love the environment. Small place, but the SUSHI is some of the best I've had. FRESH FISH

WOW! What a gem of a place hidden away in Hickory, NC of all places. This place is as authentic as you can get. I was bit nervous about how the service will be since the only person working was the Japanese lady, but she was very prompt and was very attentive to all the tables. I ate..... -- Hamachi collar - nice and meaty with good grilled tatse -- Hamachi - SOOO buttery; was my fav! -- Sake - so fresh! good color and perfect texure. -- Ikura - love the bursting flavors. -- Amaebi - the flesh was fresh and tasted as if it just jumped out of the water. The head was fried perfectly. I love hearing the crunch when I bite in. I probably could have ate few more piece of sushi. Sushi pieces are fairly small but that is how they are supposed to be; with tiny amount of wasabi in-between the fish and the rice. The hot green tea they serve is high quality. I drank two full pots. Total damage was about $40. Can't wait to revisit is I am ever forced to go to Hickory again. read more

What an amazing find in Hickory, out of all places! A friend of mine made us a reservation in this little, pretty place , I would recommend to do the same as there are about 7 small tables. First of all I would like to say that we eat sushi all over the world and also try to go to Japanese restaurants as sushi is nowadays offered in almost every Asian restaurant, it always makes me kinda sad when I see Thai/Korea/ Sushi restaurant signs. So we were very pleased with this original Japanese place. The drink menu is quite extensive lots of wines , several of them also served by the glass from all over the world and a good selection off different sakes, I decided on a non filtered one and it was very tasty. As appetizers we had the grilled squid and Piri Piri Yellow tail , when the squid came out we literally gasped , it not only looked but also tasted so good. Then I chose to take a sushi roll ( and forgot the name) with marinated tuna , it was great presented and had a very good taste, I often judge Sushi places by the Tuna , if you can't get real pieces of it, only ground like in spicy tuna rolls or deep fried it is usually not a very good place because they buy the tuna cheap. At Umi the tuna surly was a winner , lightly marinated , soft and still great own taste. For a main I just got the sashimi dinner it came with a great Miso soup that had a perfect Miso cloud when I opened it. Normally I don't really like samplers but here the fish was just so nice and fresh and the sushi rice I decided on wasn't freezing and slightly sweet. My partner had Ramen , very tasty broth with smoked salmon on top( interesting) good noodles, not too soft. The service was super friendly and attentive , a Japanese lady that refilled water promptly and had her eyes everywhere. Oh and serving water in a glass is just plain nice, I hate these plastic cups . We for sure will be back , compared to other nice sushi places the prices are very reasonable. read more

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I think I've found the best authentic Japanese in the Hickory area. This place is seriously amazing. Everything from the food, to the service, to the decor was simply amazing. The sushi was to die for! I WILL be back. Truly an enjoyable experience! read more

Umi is only the best Japanese restaurant in Hickory. This is a small, intimate restaurant. You have to have a reservation, so call ahead. One of my favorite dishes is the Ikura Don. The wine menu is vast. You can't make a mistake with any of the appetizers. The sushi rice is delicious. read more

This place was great. I was tipped by a coworker to call and get a reservation and so I did do go dine in with a colleague. They promptly called me back and asked if we could come by 5.45pm so we agreed and went in. The place was small but the ambiance was very authentic. Service and food were wonderful :) Loved it. I really could not believe such a gem could be hidden here in Hickory. I got sea weed salad to start and then had their sushi with Goat cheese and asparagus. (It was very novel and refreshing) I got their vegetable tempura too and it was fine, nothing special. Overall, i enjoyed the good and experience. Come here to get the real Japanese flavor of food! TIP - Make reservations, fellow yelpers. read more

Only 3 stars because the service was amazing! Cons: Only 5 tables-make a reservation-no walk in SMALL SMALL Portions- more for your money at Sakura! EXPENSIVE!!!!! Very let down because it was so built up!!! read more

The best sushi in Western North Carolina! Highly recommend!! Make a reservation as soon as you can!

Best Japanese restaurant around. It was delicious years ago, it was delicious last week. Comforting environment, good food, only a couple of tables though so a reservation would be recommended. They have a lobster roll which you can't typically find. Love the sushi and the dinner entrees. I think the price is good for the quality and dinner experience. You get miso soup and salad with a great ginger type dressing as well with your entree which is awesome and tasty. Thank you umi read more

What a great Bistro! We came in from California and being a group of 4 Japanese food lovers we were a bit skeptical of the authenticity of the food in this remote area. We were greater calmly and they were able to seat us without any reservations which we really appreciated. The customer service is exemplary of the Japanese customs of calm, soft spoken and very polite attention to the customer. The place is cozy and very tranquil, now the past part is the food, OMG. The best Japanese food we have ever had, the fish was fresh, the wasabi is actual real wasabi not horseradish, the rice was perfectly seasoned and high quality - the first and main ingredient to a sushi roll. We had the lobster, spicy tuna, chirashaki, tonkatsu curry, and sashimi special coupled with a few entrees like tempura and seaweed tuna salad. Everything was perfectly balanced, if you want to explode your taste buds with pleasure, give this place a try, you won't regret. read more

The biggest downside to this restaurant is the fact it's a small, reservation only restaurant. I had a bento box when I went and it was delicious. read more

So glad Umi's is open again. We used their takeout during pandemic, and food was still great, but it is not the same without Satako-san's smile while waiting on us. This place has the most authentic and wonderful Japanese food around, bar none. Highly recommend. read more

this resturant is perhaps the best dining expereience ive had since i left New York in 1974. it gourmet dining. moderately priced, its well worth it, everything about the place is in exquisite good taste, nothing more so than the food. its a tiny start up, you wont believe how good it is. im at a loss for words, trying to contain myself, doing backflips as i think about it. go! read more

What is going on here? Did they just transport Nobu to Hky? This place is incredible. This may be the best restaurant in Hky and could hold its own in any city in my opinion. Killer food, super fresh, great service and super cool atmosphere. Wow. Nice work. read more

Absolutely amazing sushi. When they say crab you think someone took it out of the can, here it's crab. Even though it's in a small office building, this place is truly authentic with some of the best cuts of Tuna you'll find for sushi in the area. read more

This place is owned by a couple from Japan for 9.5 years. Although the location is not ideal, it is definitely a must-go if time permits. You will be surprised how nice the food and service are. Remember to call for reservation even if you are by yourself. read more

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Absolutely love this restaurant! This is an authentic Japanese restaurant with a quaint but delightful atmosphere. My husband and I love their sushi and we have never been disappointed with our meals. They are great place for takeout as well. The owners are always courteous when we call into or arrive at Umi. After my daughter was born, they gave her a beautiful book when my husband picked up our takeout order. I would reccomend to anyone who wants amazing Japanese cuisine and impeccable service. read more

Was looking for an authentic Japanese cusine that served tonkatsu and found just the right place. The place is small and would highly recommend one to reserve a table before hitting the place up because it is totally worth it. read more

Umi - Totally worth every penny! - Japanese Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Walked in here on a whim one day. What I experienced was a very delicious, and thoroughly comfortable dining experience. Traditional Japanese food in a tiny little storefront where the owners somehow expanded the interior. The place is like the Tardis on Doctor Who. I never felt cramped at all. The food: so refreshing. The cost is a little on the high side. But I never regret quality like that. Although I save it for special occasions, it is in the front of my mind. read more

Fantastic, authentic Japanese restaurant! I lived in Japan and if you didn't know better you would think you were over there. The food was superb and the atmosphere serene and enjoyable. Anyone who knows good sushi and true Japanese food would love this restaurant. read more

Exquisitely prepared Japanese food. I've had a passion for good Japanese since I was a kid, and I was shocked to discover how good this place was. Better than any Japanese food I ever growing up in Atlanta, better than anything I've eaten in New York or San Francisco, and at least as good as the Japanese food in Japan. Try the tempura (which includes deep fried spring lettuce and perfect tentsuyu sauce). The sushi is very good, as are the assortment of traditional appetizers. You really can't go wrong. Well worth the hour drive from Boone, Asheville, or Charlotte any day. read more

What a DELIGHT! They had a private party early in the evening, so by the time we arrived for our 7:00 reservation, we were the only ones in the restaurant. Such a treat. The waitress was so kind and did not make us feel rushed at all. We had a few sushi rolls that were just so fresh and delicious, and then I had the marinated tuna bowl, and my boyfriend had the vegetable tempura, and everything was just simply perfect. I have been meaning to try this restaurant for a long time, and am so glad it finally worked out. Can't wait to go back! read more

I am so glad to have this restaurant in my community. Umi is family owned and operated. Not only does it offer a wonderful dining experience - but the proprietors create an intentional culture to your experience. Wonderful, wonderful. Go there - now - help ensure they stay busy because I don't want them going anywhere. read more

Best Japanese food in NC hands down. Everything is delicious and the service is excellent. Get the goat cheese and asparagus sushi when it's available. read more

We have been visiting UMI for more than five years. They are family owned and offer very authentic Japanese food. Their sushi is tremendous and the service is beyond amazing! I would suggest calling ahead for reservations since they have a very "intimate" dinning area. read more

I'm a quarter Japanese my father's half and my grandmother is full. If you are looking for an authentic Japanese restaurant then this is the place for you. My first experience was superb! It took me back to my Grandmother's house where I have had plenty of amazing meals that you would get in Japan. Umi is definitely a place to go if you like trying different food and another plus is the friendly owners from Japan. A couple of my favorite items I like to get there that I recommend is gyu-don, katsu curry, and the futomaki sushi roll. I hope you guys try this place if you haven't already. Very few places in North Carolina like this one. Enjoy! read more