LeBan Reviews Umai Umai

[Winston]

And generally likes it, except for the non-sushi food.

Had I really missed something here?

After a couple of revisits the answer is yes - and no.

No because the cooked food is just as uninspired as ever, the details of which I'll turn to shortly. But the 38-seat Umai Umai is really all about the magic that McCoy methodically spins behind his sushi bar. His creations aren't all entirely successful. But he displays such individuality in a town replete with maki-copycats that the most important answer, if you're seeking a distinctive sushi experience, is a resounding yes.

Full article here.

What do people think? I like it there but think it's a bit overpriced for a neighborhood BYOB. Though I suppose with sushi you get what you pay for.

[niel]

We're happy to have sushi within walking distance, and yeah, I generally don't want underpriced sushi. It's always been fresh, tasty and creative when we've gone. I haven't really bothered with the non-sushi items, since when we go that's what we want.

[#1MetsFan]

I think they make the best sushi in the city -- best sushi that I've had, anyway.

[funkeveryfriday]

every time we've gone, we've loved it there. great house/lounge music to set a nice chill atmosphere, and the service has always been attentive. the sushi is a great addition to the neighborhood. however, we haven't tried anything other than the sushi yet.

[Moonraker]

I appreciate all of the comments and the link to the review. We will give it another try and hopefully at at time when we can get seated and served in a reasonable time.

It's been over a year since my family has been there and then we gave it an OK. My criteria/pallet was based upon my Asian co-workers and the private owner operator restaurants in the Newtown-Ewing corridor.

[#1MetsFan]

I make a reservation every time, just because I know how crowded it can get.

[bernie25]

best sushi in the city

hands down

[boredjake]

Agreed. Ate there last friday for the first time. By far the freshest fish in the city. I had Maguro, Shima-aji, hamachi, salmon, and scallops. All were beyond fresh and very well prepared. The edemame were also very well prepared and not too salty. If you like fresh fish as the key to your sushi experience I highly recommend this place. Also the outside seating was very nice on a crystal spring evening.

[AbortedWalrus]

I only ate here once, and I was a bit disappointed by the size of the portions and the price. It was all great, but I didn't think it was anything I couldn't have gotten elsewhere. I didn't find the fish to be more or less fresh than you'd get at other places in the city either. Granted, I did not eat any of his specialty creations, so I can't comment fully. I just got your standard sushi, with no rolls.

If I'm going to get sushi in the neighborhood I'm going to Doma. It's got better prices, it's not as crowded, and from everything I've had all of the menu is delicious.

Lari Robling of the Daily News gave Doma two and a half forks. She may not be LeBan, but I think she's spot on with this one.

[drala]

Abortedwalrus,
I thought the same about Umai - overpriced and so so until I started sticking to the Chef's Special sushi plate. Out of this world fresh fish and a great value. Give it another shot

[BenDee]

I was there last week for the umpteenth time in a row, and absolutely must say - try the seafood paella. Fan-f*cking-tastic!

[boredjake]

I was there last week for the umpteenth time in a row, and absolutely must say - try the seafood paella. Fan-f*cking-tastic!

Seafood Paella seems like overkill. Isn't all paella with seafood? Is this with ONLY seafood- i.e. no chorizo and chicken?

[BenDee]

Seafood Paella seems like overkill. Isn't all paella with seafood? Is this with ONLY seafood- i.e. no chorizo and chicken?

Yes, all seafood, in a curry sauce. Not a traditional paella, but sinfully delicious!

[DocAwesome]

Went there once with a friend. It was pretty great. We only got the sushi though, but service was nice and food tasty.