Umi Sushi: A Hidden Gem in Reno
After exploring nearly every sushi joint in Reno over the past 8 years, we thought we had seen it all. Some were worthy of our taste buds, while others were a complete waste of time (and stomach space). Enter Umi Sushi, a place we had never laid eyes on before. Curiosity got the best of us, fueled by tantalizing food pictures and mixed reviews about their customer service. We knew we were taking a gamble, but with the promise of good sushi, we were ready to roll the dice.
Walking into the restaurant, we noticed two groups of four and a lone lady sitting in the corner. We had the privilege of choosing between a table and the bar, and we went with the former, excited at the prospect of hand-picking our desired table (talk about VIP treatment!).
Our waiter wasted no time and promptly took our drink orders, double-checking if we were up for the all-you-can-eat option. He handed us the order sheet, and before we could say "sashimi," our drinks appeared, fast and furious.
Our feast began with a mouthwatering array of 16 pieces of nigiri, 5 rolls, 4 orders of mussels, gyoza, yakitan, and tempura shrimp. The appetizers swiftly arrived within a mere 5-8 minutes, perfectly maintaining their desired temperatures. The tempura was a tad on the hot side, so remember to nibble with caution. Choosing between the muscles and yakitan for the best appetizer was like picking a favorite child -- an impossible task.
Now, let's talk about the nigiri. Freshness oozed from every bite, with a fish-to-rice ratio that was sheer perfection. The rice was merely an accompaniment to the beautifully thick slices of fish, providing just the right balance. As for the rolls, they were bite-sized wonders, allowing us to savor a delightful variety. Unlike other all-you-can-eat joints, which tend to fill you up with rice, Umi Sushi kept things light, ensuring we could continue our sushi adventure without feeling like beached whales. Our first round left us satisfied, yet eager for more.
Contrary to the previous Yelp reviews, we experienced no difficulty in summoning our waiter. The order sheet was promptly handed to us as soon as we finished our initial feast, and refills were executed with impeccable timing. We decided to indulge in another round, adding Miso Soup, another platter of the sensational 16 nigiri, and three additional rolls to our order. Once again, the nigiri wowed us, and the rolls were an absolute triumph.
Now, let's give credit where credit is due. The rolls that we can recall and highly recommend are the "King Kong," "1080 Scallop," "Black Mamba," "King Cobra," and "TNT." As for the nigiri, each piece was an explosion of flavor, too numerous to list individually.
To top it all off, the playlist was filled with modern tunes, creating a vibrant atmosphere. We were delighted to receive warm greetings from all three sushi chefs as we entered and bid our farewells. Without a doubt, Umi Sushi has earned the prestigious title of our new go-to spot for all-you-can-eat sushi in Reno.
In conclusion, if you're in the mood for a hidden gem that combines exceptional sushi, friendly service (contrary to the rumors), and an inviting ambiance, Umi Sushi should be at the top of your list. Take a leap of faith and let your taste buds dance with joy--it's a gamble that's definitely worth taking. read more