how is Umai Umai? (vs Sagami)

[It'sJessMe]

We're heading out for sushi tonight and since my husband and I only get to go out on a date about once a month, we tend to stick with what we know so that we can be guaranteed it will be good. Usually that means heading over to Sagami in Collingswood.

But that great new app Shosh posted has Umai Umai at 30% off tonight so we're considering it. Yelp reviews look good, anyone want to weigh in on a comparison or with an opinion?

[PhillyChitChat]

I just ate at umai umai for the first time last week, and it's is delicious. I had the seafood paella, and then a dragon roll. OMG I can't wait to go back. I had no idea it was in my neighborhood for 6 years. I must go to
Center City too much.

[BenDee]

We're heading out for sushi tonight and since my husband and I only get to go out on a date about once a month, we tend to stick with what we know so that we can be guaranteed it will be good. Usually that means heading over to Sagami in Collingswood.

But that great new app Shosh posted has Umai Umai at 30% off tonight so we're considering it. Yelp reviews look good, anyone want to weigh in on a comparison or with an opinion?

I love Umai Umai, although have never been to Sagami. If you haven't been, go. It's worth it, even without 30% off.

[phillycat]

they are totally different. Sagami is true traditional japanese sushi. Umai is funky Korean rolls pretending to be japanese. They're both good.

[DocAwesome]

It is non traditional but in the top 5% of sushi restaurants in philly imo.

[boognish]

Sagami is true traditional japanese sushi.

Well said. I think their hot food is actually superior to their sushi offerings (just thinking of their broiled yellowtail collar makes me drool), but they do a nice job with the sushi in a very traditional way. Which is often the best way.

OTOH, I frequent Zento for sushi so I don't have to cross the bridge.

[It'sJessMe]

Thanks everyone. We weren't in the end feeling adventurous so we did the traditional Sagami route. They were HOPPING. OMG, we got there at 6:40, placed our order by 6:45 and got our sushi at 7:45! It was amazing as always but we've never had to wait that long - I'm so happy they're doing well. (We got our appetizers quickly at least).

Umai Umai is on the list though!

[AbortedWalrus]

I went to Umai Umai once and while it was good it was much more expensive than most sushi places in the city with smaller portions, and we could barely get a table. If you're looking for something local to the Fairmount/Spring Garden area I think that Doma is actually a better bet. Their food is a fantastic mix of Korean and Japanese, their portions are larger, and their prices are better. I personally tasted no difference between Umai Umai's sushi and Doma's sushi, other than the fact that the cuts of fish at Doma were much larger. The freshness was there with both.

In fact, the only sushi I've eaten in the city where I could actually tell the fish freshness and preparation was a class above the rest was at Morimoto.

[drala]

I think Umai Umai is the best sushi restaurant in the city. Bigger slices of fish is not always better - it depends on the freshness of the fish, but also on the ratio and seasoning and preparation of the rice. Case in point for bigger isn't always better is Shiroi Hana which used to be my favorite but seems to have gone downhill after I last tried it this weekend. The slices of fish were huge there though, for sure if that's what you're looking for.

Umai is definitely expensive with all the upscale rolls, but I recommend looking for the best values on the menu and you will come out paying no more than any other sushi restaurant. I don't want to share what they are, as I'm afraid it will be even harder to get a table !

[3rd&Brown]

I am surprised to hear the (albeit one) negative review. I have heard nothing but raves about Umai Umai, though admittedly, I have not yet been myself.

That being said, I have a good friend who's father lives in Newtown (Bucks Co) and comes into town just to eat there. There is when there are great options nearby in Newtown and Doylestown, and his office is minutes from Sagami. That is no small feat, as this particular man is hardly an urbanite, and comes into town for very little.