Umai Japanese Restaurant
220 Pennbrook Pkwy, Lansdale, PA, 19446
Umai Japanese Restaurant Menu
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Address :
220 Pennbrook Pkwy
Lansdale, PA, 19446 - Phone (215) 855-5544
- Website https://umaisushibar.net
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Laura T.
This is the best sushi I have ever had. It is always fresh and delicious. While they do not have tons of flashy rolls like other restaurants, the fish is excellent, as sashimi, sushi or in rolls (and the rolls are not skimpy!) The staff is friendly and wonderful. Worth the trip to Lansdale.
(5)Sean K.
solid sushi joint. it is BYOB so make sure you bring your own drinks. my gf isn't a big sushi fan but I had the tuna which were described as fresh that night which cost little bit more but it was very fresh. great family/friendly environment and cute. had the udon which was solid.
(4)Sam H.
The sushi is pretty good here, but the service is absolutely SLOW. If you have a lot of time and patience, then I think you will enjoy this place. However, if you are like me where you like prompt service, I would find another place to have sushi. The rolls and sushi/sashimi are actually very good, but the slow service takes away from the eating experience.
(3)Tiffany L.
I didn't think this place was particularly great. It was decent. I just got a sushi roll. I did ask for extra ginger, and they gave me a very generous portion. Service was good. The waiters are friendly. I liked the kale juice they give you after you're done eating. That was something that sets this place apart from the others.
(3)Wallee W.
summary ... damn good sushi rolls at a cute BYOB I've been to Umai a few times and have found it to be a consistently good BYOB sushi place. Service can be a little slow, but they've always been friendly. We went on one Friday night and the place was packed and the sushi chef felt so bad about our wait time for our sushi rolls that he sent us another roll on the house. Very nice of them to do! As for the food, the soups and appetizers are good, but nothing special. The rolls however are awesome. They would easily rank in my top three for the Philly area. They have some really good specials (they change frequently) and the stuff on their menu is both tasty and very nicely presented by the sushi chefs. For some reason, I am in love with any of their rolls that contain eel here. I'm not sure if they use a different kind of eel or maybe use extra special eel sauce or something, but they just click with my taste. Would definitely recommend for anyone in the northern Philly burbs.
(4)Kevin G.
I cannot say enough good things about Chef Rae. Extremely knowledgeable, very generous, and superbly skilled with a knife. Since it was a slow night, he gave my me girlfriend some free sushi to try as well as sharing his knowledge about all of his fresh tasty sea creatures. I would recommend going on a slow night, sitting at the bar, and bringing sake to share with Chef Rae and others in the restaurant. The only downside is that not all of the sushi is always available (I have yet to try the uni). Other than that, if you're a friendly person, you will get along at Umai!
(5)Taeisha D.
Came here to dinner once because of the reviews I've heard. My friend order an iced green tea which taste watered down and had barely any taste. For dinner, we ordered the Beef Negimaki as an appetizer, because not too many place serves it. Flavorful, but the part of it was overly seared, which I didnt care for, but good overall. We ordered 2 special rolls (Volcano and something else), but I don't remember. I typically order special rolls at restaurants because it shows their creativity since everyone have the basics and can do sushi/sashimi, so there is nothing special about it, aside from quality. The rolls were a decent size but were BLAND. To the point where we didn't want to order anything else because it was flavorless, eventhough we were still hungry. We both ended up ordering food when meeting up with a friend for drinks an hour later. I would not be returning in the future as I found it to be very bland. I would've have given it 2 stars, but the service made up for it. There are other places I'd recommend in the area instead.
(3)James P.
Umai doesn't have a million "creative" rolls. Umai doesn't have a 2,000 SF night-club style dining room. Umai doesn't serve alcohol. Umai doesn't have an army of sushi chefs or apprentices cranking out dish after dish in machine like fashion. Umai doesn't do hibachi, or have an extensive non-sushi menu. Umai doesn't serve sashimi that can be bought at Wegmans (or any supermarket). Ok... now that we've gotten all the bulls**t out of the way, let me tell you what this place DOES have: The best fish in the area (make that a very large area). In my two decades of enjoying sushi/sashimi, I've not found a place that tops Umai. I've dined here since they opened a few years ago, and only occasionally get sushi elsewhere. If nothing else, visiting other area sushi joints (including downtown Philly) serves to reinforce Umai's standing as the best. My usual experience starts with either the Tuna Taco or Tuna Sundae - both are primarily diced tuna sashimi with complimentary supporting ingredients like sliced avocado, panko crumbs, scallions and thinly sliced hot pepper. Careful sharing these! Going for the last bite may result in getting impaled by your table-mate's chop stick. The Umai Pizza is also good and very popular, but I personally find it to be a little too "busy". Since Umai's fish is so good, and since I love good fish, I always get the Sashimi Dinner as my entree. Unlike most other sushi places, there's never any "B-Listers" on the plate. Every cut of every type of fish is as good as it gets, and the very best one is always the one that just vanished from the end of your chop sticks. The only thing that might suck about the sashimi dinner is the eventual dilemma of trying to decide which piece to savor last. Umai will redefine what you think good fish is. As for the rolls, by now I've had every one of 'em, but the Umai Roll and the Dynamite Roll are two of my favorites. But really, they're all good. If you are looking for a sushi menu expression of a statistics problem, look elsewhere. At Umai, the rolls are thoughtfully and artfully crafted - designed to accentuate the flavors and textures of the high quality fish packed within them. They do not use their rolls as a vehicle to hide leftover scraps of poor quality fish, nor are they trying to win a competition to see who has a bigger menu. If you love sushi, you'll love Umai. If you are a casual sushi eater, and are the type that drenches every piece in soy sauce and wasabi, then there's a good chance that Umai's exceptional offerings will be lost on you - and you'll end up complaining about the price, or the selection of maki, or some other goofy thing.
(5)Danan R.
Love this place. Chef Ray is great and thesushi here almost rivals Bluefin's. Try the tuna sundae and toro tartar. Both are incredibly fresh and melt in your mouth. The ika salad is very tender and not tough, as can be found at other places; the seasoning is also very flavorful. The crunch spicy tuna sandwich is a great variation on a classic but my personal favorites are the big spider roll and the umai roll. If you like spicy dishes, give the fire roll a try. The uni and toro here are very fresh but it was disappointing that they did not have hotate sashimi. Oh well. I just ate more of the other items. Service can be on the slow side but the quality of the food is worth it.
(4)Lauren B.
As an out-of-towner, I was looking for a good sushi place with good reviews. I decided to try Umai bc of the 4.5 stars and good reviews. I was disappointed to find a very limited menu with only modifications of normal rolls available. The sushi/sashimi list was especially short. For the ratings, I was hoping for better. the rolls I ordered were lack luster (I had to ask for sauce bc they came dry), and the edamame was almost raw. It's not worth a second attempt on my next trip to PA.
(3)Amy W.
Blasphemy, I know. My husband and I went here on a recommendation and I felt bad telling the suggester that we weren't impressed. The menu was quite limited, and the tuna was "mushy" as my husband described it. We like creativity in our rolls and their menu didn't really offer a variety of ingredients. The service was great (it was a Monday evening, so the place was dead, but still, our server was very attentive) and everything came out quickly. We chatted with our server for a bit trying to find something we could really look forward to, but she offered nothing but what we had already read on the menu. Although she was friendly, she wasn't much help. Not sure we'll go back, I'll either drive further for Bluefin or try several other places in the area.
(2)Seth H.
WOW, I love Umai. I live nearby and typically find myself here once a week. The waiter even knows us and gets us a bigger glass of water to drink when she sees us. Service can get a tad slow because they only ever have two waitresses on max, but they're very friendly and know their stuff. The fish is always fresh, the appetizers are excellent AND you get fried bananas and kale juice after your meal. It gets a little crazy on the weekend because its a tiny restaurant, so be careful then, but during the week I can always just walk right in and be seated. Once they had fresh blue fin tuna, OMG good but guilt riddled. The price is maybe a tiny bit on the spendy side, but you get what you pay for and its well worth it.
(5)Carol B.
Is the best!! Sashimi and sushi the freshest we have found in this area. Chef Ray is an outstanding host; Young, Daniel, Paul, Billy, Eddie and Stacy are the best servers ever! Gracious and know and remember everyone's names, their likes and special favorites. We are weekly customers and always enjoy the experience. This Japanese restaurant is authentic and a true winner!, Carol and Mike
(5)Patrick Y.
Wow. Excellent sushi. Fresh, great presentation, unique rolls. Chef's are very accommodating to special requests. A little pricey, but you get what you pay for.
(5)Robert A.
It is a quaint little sushi house with great feel. The chef's there are wonderful and quick. They always greet you with a smile and quick hello. Although the selection is less than I normally see, the rolls that I got were wonderful. There is something to be said for simple perfection. I would definitely return!
(4)Hassan J.
I am a big sushi addict and have gotten others addicted to having sushi also. When I go to a sushi place, I have two simple requirements. 1) The Sashimi has to be fresh 2) The Special rolls have to be creative / tasty. Umai has both these qualities. I work across the parking lot and go there for lunch often. The Boxes are really good and if you have a big appetite I would recommend the sushi and sashimi box. You get the best of both worlds and it is priced reasonably. The staff is also very nice and greet you with a smile everyone you walk in the door. My favorite part of the dining experience at Umai is after the meal. They present you with this shot of juice and friend honey dipped bananas, both are great.
(5)Michael C.
I went here with my friend who lives nearby, and really enjoyed it. The fish is really fresh, and they have some special rolls that are creative and delicious. Their prices are fair; you'll probably still end up spending about 25-30 per person, and the portions are plenty generous. I'd highly recommend it.
(5)Luzelena C.
Hands-down the best sushi in the area and among the best sushi I've ever had. Excellent quality fish and delicious dishes. I've been going to this restaurant since the first day they opened in 2008, and the quality has been consistent since the first day. I recommend sitting at the sushi bar, where you can chat with the sushi chefs and meet and share drinks (BYOB) with the other people at the bar. The sushi chefs are great and are always up for providing the recommendations of the day, based on the daily specials and freshest fish that day. In addition to the recommended sushi of the day (tuna and salmon always are delicious), my favorite dishes include (some may not be on the menu, but you can still order): agedashi tofu, hamachi carpaccio (yellowtail), honzukuri, tuna taco, rainbow roll, avocado salad. The dinner is always topped off with a complimentary kale juice (sounds strange, but it's great and refreshing) and fried banana with honey. Service is great too, now that they've increased their wait staff. I've never been disappointed at this restaurant.
(5)Kiera H.
I can't find a reason to break the 5 star review streak. I made a reservation for my husband's birthday and on the phone they told me I'd get 5% off for booking the reservation. Sweet! Good so far. We had no problems finding the place. When we walked in we were welcomed by the whole staff. They had decorated for christmas/winter and had lights strung on the ceiling and everything. Adorable and festive. And they played some "Nightmare Before Christmas" music. Yes! The staff is really attentive! They are always on hand to remove dishes or refill your drink whenever needed. The rolls I had were delicious (I wish that they didn't put wasabi on their sushi, though! bleh). At the end of your meal they bring you some fried bananas (I am a SUCKER for fried bananas) and a shot of some kind of green..liquid. Don't be afraid, though, it was tasty! It's a pricey place but sushi places tend to be pricey, and you get your money's worth here. I would definitely go here again!
(5)G C.
I'm a fan of Umai for many reasons. It has VERY fresh high quality ingredients. The seafood is delivered daily. There are daily specials. The location is superb. It is in an easy to locate part of town, next to the train tracks. It has a quaint atmosphere. The only negative I have is that the portion sizes are HUGE. I mean really really big. Normally, I wouldn't complain about that. The only problem is that the sushi rolls were too big to fit in my mouth. They were that big. To compensate for this problem, I have been ordering just select appetizers and one or two pieces. The pieces a la carte are awesome! You can get a really nice, sizeable portion of meat if you buy this way. This place truly excels in the tuna dishes. All of the tuna toro dishes were amazing! I've had tuna elsewhere, but this place is definitely one of the tops. It's like they got the tuna straight out of the ocean. There's absolutely no fishiness to it. If going with the appetizers, I recommend: 1. tuna taco 2. tuna pizza If going with specials: 1. tuna toro 2. tuna tartare AMAZING!
(4)Eve P.
For all those who have complained about slow service and high prices, you should probably just go down the street to Jim's Buffet. There, you can get, what is called sushi, both quickly and cheaply. Just be prepared for ill-prepared rice and crab with a "K". I, on the other hand, appreciate the time and effort that Chef Ray puts in to creating and preparing each dish. In my opinion, I would rather wait and be served quality fish rather than gobble down tasteless junk. I also appreciate being able to enjoy my own (it's a BYOB) glass of wine or beer mixed with good conversation instead of rushing through my meal. In response to other reviewer's qualms.... The servers and sushi chefs are, in my opinion, nothing but super-friendly. And, the fact that they recognize and know many of their clients by name is awesome, especially in such a busy establishment. The speed of service goes along with the fact that there are 2 chefs preparing each and every roll and cut of fish by hand. If you are expecting fast food, you should probably not be eating sushi, or, go at 3 PM when you're the only one in the joint. I have been to Umai over 25 times and I have never seen the sushi chefs slacking off. In fact, they work non-stop the entire time. Lastly, some reviewers scoffed at the prices. Can you really put a price on quality fish? Especially when you are eating something that is RAW? And, if you are concerned about $17 Chicken Teriyaki you probably shouldn't be eating at a sushi restaurant in the first place. Some of my favorites include Tuna Tacos, Umai Pizza, Tuna Sundae, Umai Roll, Dynamite Roll, Crunchy Spicy Tuna Sandwich, Seaweed Salad, and, most of all, the Sashimi! The salmon, yellowtail, and toro (fatty tuna) are my favorites. Finish it off with some Kale juice and fried bananas-offered free to every patron. My husband and I frequently enjoy dinner for two, including appetizers, Sashimi and rolls for around $70 total. You get a 5% discount if you make reservations in advance. Don't forget to BYOB and bring an extra drink for Chef Ray, as he commonly enjoys sharing a beverage with his guests.
(5)Jason Y.
Friendly staff, fair prices and delicious/fresh sushi! If you make a reservation in advance, then they offer a discount! I would definitely return, and as others have mentioned, it's just as good as Bluefin.
(4)David H.
Wow, second time here in a year, and it doesn't fail to satisfy. Really great food, very fresh fish, beautifully prepared. Coming back every time I'm in town.
(5)Simon C.
I stumbled across this place a few months ago when I was dying to find some good sushi. The place is kind of small and intimate but quite charming. The entire staff there is absolutely wonderful and extremely attentive to my needs. The food is absolutely amazing! I wasn't expecting their sushi to be so phenomenal. They really take their time to make sure the food is perfect. The presentation is simple and clean and lets the food speak for itself. It was so good that I ended up eating there a few days later and have been eating there on a regular basis ever since :) Wonderful food, nice imtimate setting, and excellent staff. Wheelchair accessible too which is great for me since I am a wheelchair user :) Umai has become one of my favorite spots.
(5)Allen A.
After seeing all the great reviews for this place, I definitely had to check it out for myself. The first thing I noticed as soon as I walked into the door was how kind the staff was. "Irasshai!" is what all the chefs said (Japanese for "Welcome!") upon me entering. The place was very clean and the atmosphere was great. It's not a large place, but that's something I liked. No matter where you sit, you'll be able to see the chefs prepare the sushi, and waiters will always be in sight in case you need anything. Now, the food was absolutely amazing! I ordered a Boston roll and a crunchy spicy tuna roll. They prepare the sushi unlike any place I've ever been to. They really pack a lot into the rolls, so each piece is full of flavor! Even their hot tea is delicious! The staff was extremely kind asking how the food was and hoping that I was enjoying it all, which I of course was. And when you're all finished, they even give you a small treat before you leave, a piece of banana tempura and (I think?) a shot of vegetable smoothie. Superb ending to a superb meal! I highly recommend this place to anybody. Food is amazing, the staff is wonderful, and the environment is comfortable. I can definitely see myself coming back here soon.
(5)John M.
I dined at Umai for the first time Saturday night & I must say it was by far the best sushi/sashimi I have had! The servers are super friendly & the food is amazing! The service is a little slow, but for the quality food they serve it is well worth it. I can't wait to go back again.
(5)Andrea G.
This place was a great find for not just Lansdale but anywhere. I am not the biggest sushi fan but I loved everything I tried here. There are a lot of options and you will not be disappointed. Defiantly try them out especially if you love sushi or just want to know what its all about. The staff is very friendly and helpful and the food was fresh. You may want to call ahead since they can get full especially on weekends.
(5)Greg F.
Went there on a Monday night, the food was good. The service was very slow; I do not know if it was because it is always like that or if it was Monday and they were not expecting many people that night(it was fairly crowded). All the sushi was fresh and very good and the people were friendly.
(3)John N.
Hmmm, finally made it here! Note: the address on both their website and on Yelp is incorrect, as it places you in some neighborhood. They are located in this strip mall-esque complex right near the train station on Church St. Anyway! Finally caught this place at an open hour. Crowded, even at 1PM~. Pretty tiny dining room, but definitely not cramped. Simple interior, great bathroom. Got the tempura lunch with miso and a crunchy spicy tuna roll. The sushi was all delicious, as others have said, quite similar to Bluefin's, which is so close to even Morimoto's. The miso was so-so, but I never expect great things from miso soups. Waiter was friendly and everything was fresh. Not too expensive, and you more than get what you pay for. Would return, would recommend, worthy of every star :)
(5)Michael B.
I will admit that I am a bit of a sushi snob. Despite that, I wish there was an option that would let me give this place 6 stars! There are plenty of sushi places around town anymore; however, Umai is in a class of its own with respect to the quality of the food they prepare. Chef Ray's presentation is second-to-none. His rolls are creative and his other dishes, such as the Tuna Taco and Tuna Pizza, are quite unique. Also, the sashimi is second to none - I cannot find a place in Philly or the burbs with better fish.
(5)J S.
Don't get me wrong...I love Umai but I need to be discretionary in handing out 5 star reviews! They do have some of the freshest fish i have ever tasted, but their prices have recently started to creep up. They are extremely busy...lunch time and week nights included. It also looks smaller then most bigger sushi joints, which equals less seating. Service is great 4 out of 5 times, but even just that once burns me up. After dinner they give you complimentary kale apple juice and honey covered fried bananas, which I'm a total sucker for. Honestly we don't even try other sushi places out anymore, we just come to Umai.
(4)Andrew W.
Umai is my reference for good sushi and enthusiastically recommended. The fish is almost always of excellent quality. The nigiri are well-balanced between fish, rice, and wasabi. Maki are loosely rolled (as I prefer), and the specialty rolls are generally not weighed down with lots of fried ingredients and mayonnaise. In a perfect world, the kale juice would return to its original strength (now it's just kale-tinged apple juice), but I might be in the minority on this.
(5)Amanda C.
Really the best sushi in the area. Can't go wrong with their menu. It's a little bit pricy for the area but worth it if you want to treat yourself to a legitimate sushi lunch or dinner. My only issue with Umai is the spotty service. It's too slow to go for an hour-long lunch break, and it can be really frustrating when you're done eating for 20 minutes before the check comes, after waiting a lot throughout the meal for refills. I am not sure if I get a different server from the other reviewers or what. But I can only take away one star because the sushi really. Is. Amazing.
(4)Kasia H.
Fresh and beautiful.
(3)J J.
Among the best sushi restaurants outside of the city. Service a bit slow initially, but improved after we ordered.
(5)Kayti C.
BYOB --- Phenomenal Sushi! I frequent UMAI everytime i crave sushi! I've been to many many MANY sushi restaurants --- and this is defintely a place you will want to come back craving the rolls and sushi! Food: #1.... PRESENTATION IS very VERY unique! Specialty rolls(Maki) are absoblutely delicious -- will trigger all those taste buds that have never been triggered! The Tuna Sundae is my favorite! Served in a martini glass with fresh tuna -- caviar -- avocado -- a delicious sauce! *Ask for their special rolls* The hot menu (teriyaki, soups, katsu) are great to share with a sushi platter! Ambience: Cozy -- contemporary -- very comfortable -- very clean! Service: You're firmly greeted as soon as you enter by Chef Ray -- and the wait staff is very friendly and helpful. Note: Bring a bottle or two of wine or sake -- not a bad place for a date -- great place to catch up with friends -- or just to eat some great sushi!
(5)Justin M.
Service, Food, atmosphere, everything is great. you come in just for one roll, and you get a little extra... go on in and find out!! highly recommend to anyone.!!
(5)Seph P.
Friendly service, amazing selection and high quality. I have wanted to try ankimo (angler fish liver) for quite some time and from my understanding its hard to come by. They had it , and it was fantastic, such flavor. I'd. Honestly say it was my best dining experience to date. Did I mention they gave us free desert? Excellent establishment.
(5)Abigail K.
First I will tell the story of actually getting TO this place and then what happened when I got there. I googlemap'd the place, prepared my stomach for awesome Japanese food and set out. To find a neighborhood, Christmas party and all. Looking up and down the street I knew something was wrong, so I phoned them. No answer, all five times I called (I REALLY wanted sushi). I gave up and went home to find out that there is a Pennbrook Parkway and a Pennbrook Ave... and that I wasn't mistaken at all, but apparently most places online tell you the wrong one; the internet masses were not trying to trick me, this place existed! So the next day I went out again, my stomach waiting eagerly, when I remembered they didn't answer the phone. Oh well I thought, off I go. They were in fact on holiday. Until the next day. The third day came and I finally got there to find: This place is the best sushi place I have ever eaten at. I asked if they had anything interesting off the menu and was offered the most wonderful spanish mackerel nigiri I've ever had. Their potions are smaller than most places in which I've eaten, but that is how I like my sushi, bite sized. The garnishes were interesting and thoughtful; with the shrimp nigiri they served pickled pearl onions, with the aforementioned mackerel he served starfruit. It was an experience watching the chef work, and he was also very friendly. I got a free little plate of fried banana on the house afterward, which made me wish I'd saved room for more. I've been there to eat that one time and then have ordered take out several other times afterward and they really spoiled me. I don't order too much from them because the chef always slips in a free order of fish tempura on the house. This place is fantastic in all aspects, I would recommend treating yourself to Umai to celebrate being alive in general. Just remember, Pennbrook Parkway, not Avenue, haha.
(5)Elena N.
Ordered two combo dinner plates for my two little kids and Cali rolls for us to start with. I have to admit that was the worst combo ever, beef teriyaki tasted like pot roast and was very tough , it came with steamed vegetables instead of tempura , and carrots on the plate were dry and looked bad, kids ended up eating rice only, I don't mind paying $20 for a good bento box, but this was honestly terrible, so $40 for two bowls of rice for the children. Our Cali rolls were good but we didn't want to try anything else based on the disappointing experience with kids dinners. My cup of hot green tea arrived barely warm. It was out first time here, $60 bill and , and yes, deep fried bananas soaked in tons of honey for free, they were very friendly but just that will not bring us back.
(2)Robert G.
I work near Blue Fin and was a big fan. I read one review here that said this place was on par with the above mentioned Blue Fin. Since Umai is about five minutes from where I live it had to be tried. The review was 100% accurate. This place is DA BOMB. I would not hesitate to go. Food great, staff over friendly. A+++
(5)Kristy N.
Great sushi! Spicy Crunchy Tuna rolls were amazing. Nice atmosphere, clean and cheerful. Wonderful service, no complaints.
(5)Keith O.
An authentic Japanese stype sushi restaurant with excellent quality fish. I was staying at the hotel across the street, and this was the best sushi I've had in Pennsylvania since relocating from California. They had a great variety of fish, lots of fresh specials including Chu-Toro, Ankimo and Sawara, and everything was fantastic. Servers are very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable, and they seem focused on building a strong local clientele with their personable approach. I strongly recommend Umai as a hidden gem that was a really pleasant surprise.
(5)Amanda M.
Excellent sushi, superb staff - chef Rey is as good as it gets. The entire staff was friendly and attentive, made a lot of great recommendations for our group.
(5)Arseny R.
Just 5 stars, the place is very well worth it.
(5)J H.
YUM! great food (had Lunch). Right across from my hotel (Homewood suites- just walked across the street). Loved the food and my hot tea was amazing!!!
(5)Paul C.
it was cute little restaurant...but I wasn't impressed with their food...few fancy makis, and nothing other than that.
(3)J P.
The food at Umai is delicious, made by creative chefs with fish unbelievably fresh. The staff goes out of their way to be friendly and enthusiastic and eagerly meets special requests without batting an eye. The complementary treats are an added bonus that make a customer feel appreciated. Thank you for another wonderful meal, Umai!
(5)josh g.
we had an overall solid experience. service was great and the vibe within the place was definitely friendly. but the food just didn't live up to expectations. but we've heard so many good things about umai that we're going to give it another shot one day soon.
(3)Chris S.
The first two times I ate here were after it was first opened. I went (both times) with a good friend. The service and food were both excellent. The salmon was spectacular. The wheatgrass they served after dinner was refreshing. The menu was very small but the quality was worth it, besides being a bit pricey. The third and last time I went, some time later, I had to wait twenty minutes after being seated to be given a hot tea. After that a friend and I waited, waited and waited a half hour (literally, after waiting so long for tea I kept looking at my phone for the time) as the waitress walked past us and served every table except ours. If you've ever been to this place before, you know how tiny it is. It was extremely awkward, we were obviously being snubbed and had no idea why. The other tables also noticed but didn't know what to do either. After that half hour, we both decided it was time to go. We left $3 on the table (for the tea) and got up to leave. The hostess looked at us as if we were pulling a stunt. It was terrible. We tried to explain that we had been there for almost an hour an had nothing to show for it but empty cups of tea (that were only filled once). We tried to be polite and matter-of-fact, but just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. I have no idea what we did to make the waitress ignore us - but, after such terrible service my friend and I have decided to never set foot in this establishment again.
(2)Jason R.
This is the best sushi in the local suburbs, without question. We have been going here for 2 yrs, and love the fresh sushi, warm atmosphere, lively servers, and spirited sushi chefs. Owner/Chef Rey is very particular about serving only the freshest of fish, so you never have to worry about quality, as it will always be excellent. When my wife and I bring guests, we like to reserve, typically with at least 24 hr notice, the omakase (Japanese for 'it's up to you') menu in advance. Chef Rey will take you on a creative journey that will impress and satisfy. Just specify how much you want to spend per person, and he'll take it from there. This is something no other place in the local area would even think of doing, nor be capable of pulling off, as Chef Rey is truly a master sushi chef. Enjoy!!!
(5)jerry s.
With sushi joints now about as common as pizza parlors, this place is the best around. My "sushi lover" son and I have determined that this is the best place in the NW suburbs of Philly for sushi. It is not the cheapest but it is by far the best tasting Japanese food. A smallish place with an upscale feel. That is all that needs to be said.
(4)Lauren K.
The best sushi I've had! BYOB plus 5% off if you make a reservation. Went in at 6:30 on a Friday and had the palce to ourselves until 7 or 7:30. My GPS had no trouble finding the address (I updated it on my computer that afternoon) just make sure you distiguish Pennbrook Parkway from Pennbrook Ave. If you're worried, use your GPS to get to the Pennbrook train station, it's right across from the restaurant. Very friendly staff. It was a little expensive, but for a treat (and for fantastic sushi) it was well worth it!!
(5)Jocelyn P.
After quite a few trips to Umai, I'm now finally ready to give in and write my 5 star review! I work right across the street, and was lucky enough to get to attend their night-before-opening-grand-opening festivities. We were wined, dined, spoiled, and treated to some of the best sushi and Japanese cooking I have ever tasted. The positive energy and excitement buzzing around the little restaurant were so intoxicating that I knew it was going to take a while before I could review with a level head. Needless to say, my food reviews from that night are irrelevant as #1, they weren't necessarily off the menu and #2, they could have been tainted by the general feeling of the night. However, yesterday was my third time going since then, and it has never been short of fantastic. The staff is warm, welcoming, and most of all SINCERE. They are all (including the owner who you will see working behind the counter, also) genuinely happy that you are there, and to serve you. Many times you will get a surprise appetizer, or kale juice mixed with apple juice after your meal. They have recently added a "secret" maki combo 4 that is all spicy tuna if you're into that... All of their rolls are outstanding, whether you're getting a simple tuna/avocado, or one of their special maki. Their miso soup and salad are both a little different than most places, with the tofu in the miso being softer and the ginger dressing on the salad a little lighter and saltier than most places with a thick, overly sweet dressing. And as Kayti said, their presentations are really very unique. A lot of thought goes into each dish that they serve, whether you're the only table in the house, or it is jam packed. Their atmosphere is what brings me back, as much as the food. I'm a huge Cho Cho San addict, and it only takes a slight stretch of time to make it there, eat, and get back in a lunch hour, but Umai has the edge on the character of the location. It's simplistic, but warm, and the staff really makes you feel wanted. My husband was with me the first time we went, and has been back a few times since (maybe 4 times in a year), and they still remember him by name and the owner greets him with an excited "JASON!" when he walks through the door. It is a BYOB so if you're going for dinner or a night out, don't forget to pick up a bottle or two of wine or sake to take with you.
(5)Jimmy M.
I'm kinda new to sushi but I've been to a bunch of nicer sushi places and this is my favorite so far. I'm not looking for the cheapest prices in town as long as I get my money's worth, that being said I think it's moderately priced and offers a great value for what you get. I found the service to be very friendly, they have no problem explaining the simpliest things to me. We like to sit at the bar and watch the experts at work. I recommend ordering one thing at a time because you never know what's going to catch your eye next. The tuna tacos are different and good. The fried bananas and wierd fruit drink that they give you at the end of your meal hits the spot. For those that complain that it's crowded, you're idiots, if a place isn't crowded that's when you worry. They incourage reservations by giving 5% off so they obviously want you to enjoy your dining experience with them as much as possible. I find myself craving sushi now, I think I'm addicted to this place. Don't forget to BYOB.
(5)Annie A.
Just had my first lunch at Umai. WOW. The food was amazing. Really great service too. The waiters were very friendly, and they made you feel very comfortable. I ordered some rolls for lunch, and salmon sushi. The salmon was the BEST I have eaten yet. It melts in your mouth, and was sliced beautifully. The rolls had just a little bit of rice on them, which I like. Very fresh ingredients. My boyfriend had the Mexican Roll, and that was so different and so delicious. He also got the Sushi lunch, and a spicy crunchy tuna roll. All delicious. At the end of the meal, they bring you a little shot of Kale juice (yum!) and fried banana with honey (super yum!). This is our new favorite restaurant.
(5)Coco W.
Chef Ray & his team are the BEST sushi chefs in town!!! Fresh! Fresh and more Fresh fish to enjoy. The only bad part is that it's so popular now that it's hard to get a seat, but well worth the wait.
(5)Clinton M.
Went here last night, recently moved to lansdale and wanted to find a good sushi place. Well i found it. It was very good. I ordered the Philadelphia roll and the Mexican roll. The mexican roll was my favorite of the 2. It had a little spice to it from the jalapeno which i liked. My friend ordered the California and the Dragon roll. I really liked the Dragon roll which had eel on the top. I will be going back there soon hopefully. Also the people that worked there are very friendly.
(5)RB B.
I was really excited to try this place. How often do you find a restuarant on Yelp that has ALL 5 STAR REVIEWS? I made a reservation. You can't find this place by GPS or Mapquest; you end up in some random residential neighborhood, so we had to call to ask for a specific location. We still arrived on time and were promptly seated. It all went downhill from there. I like to order a cup of hot tea immediately when I sit down. I couldn't get anyone's attention. We waited several minutes for the waitress to pour us water....as she chatted with the table next to us with her back facing us. I kept looking around trying to get someone's attention. Finally, a waiter came over. I ordered my tea and he wanted to take our food order, pointing out that there were too many people in the restuarant at once. Uh, first of all, we didn't have time to make a decision about ordering, and second of all, most of the tables (a total of maybe 6 small tables) were full, but not all were full. Too many people? So the waiter walked away with our drink orders. I was expecting my tea to arrive within a couple of minutes. Waiting...waiting...waiting. I was watching the waiter and waitress (being quite obvious about it) as they were walking around appearing like they couldn't figure out what to do. They weren't bringing anything to anyone...just walking back and forth around the place aimlessly. Still waiting for my tea. The waiter took a table's bill and was dealing with the register. Then I watched as he went to the back shelves where the teacups were. I figured he was getting my tea. Nope...he picked up two settings and was setting a few places at the sushi bar. So, over ten minutes for a cup of tea...which I never got because at that point I got up and walked out. Prices were very much above average ($8.50 for a spicy tuna roll!) The prices wouldn't have bothered me so much if we had gotten decent service and the food was good. Sadly, I'll never know. We ended up at Fuji after we left and had a wonderful meal with attentive service.
(1)Antonio J.
I am hesitant to give them a good review because I am afraid that the place will get too packed. I've lived all over the world, including Japan and the U.S.A and I know what good sushi is. Well, so does chef Ray. I don't really order stuff from the kitchen. I only do sushi. The fish is fresh, so I make sure that I also throw a couple pieces of simple nigiri so that I can taste the fish. Make sure to ask if they have any specials or "experimental" items. The staff is very friendly. The person who posted 1 star, it's too bad he had a bad experience. Could have been newbie waiters. I ran into one the other day. Not making excuses for them, just pointing out that it's not the norm. Yeah, the prices are higher, but I like to pay for the quality that I get. Sometimes it's easy for "wannabe" sushi bars to mask low quality fish to the untrained palate.
(5)Kevin H.
We were recommended by many friends to go here to have there sushi.my wife and went there on a Thursday night for our so called date night and the sushi was so fresh and quite delicious.it is a BYO so bring a nice bottle of wine
(5)Rachel O.
BYOB! Was here for a work dinner and the food was amazing - yet reasonable! Lucked out as they had uni that night ... and they do a nice nigiri with a dab of wasabi under the fish! Can't find anything with this great balance of quality and reasonable pricing in center city. Smallish so make sure to make reservations for larger groups (8+). Best to go as a group to maximize sampling opportunities!
(4)Zach D.
Great Wednesday Date Night! My girlfriend recommended this place which was quiet on a Wednesday but I'd imagine very busy on the weekends. BYOB classic sushi menu with sushi, sashimi selections and specialty maki rolls. We tasted the Bronzini sushi special which was a nice change-up. The staff were very pleasant and the chef personally addressed our needs. I would recommend to anyone who doesn't feel like driving all the way to the city for a relaxed sushi experience.
(4)Danielle K.
Umai is my favorite sushi place and I get so excited to go there when I am in the area. The staff are always friendly and service is always great. The tuna pizza is incredible and the Umai, dynamite, and Mexican rolls are all spectacular. Everything is just delicious. Don't forget BYOB!
(5)Timothy K.
Been here twice and both experiences were very good. First time did not have reservations and we got the last two seats at the sushi bar. Even though the place was at capacity service was great and the food came out rather quickly. Second time we made reservations at an earlier time and we interacted with the chef who gave us some good recommendations and also made us some custom rolls. For the menu price and the byob factor you can't beat this little spot.
(5)Bill F.
Excellent sushi!!!! Number one in the area! The Salmon flower and the Horse Mackerel! Ray, Yong, Danny, Bill and Eddy are quite a team! Byob and sit on the bar!!!!
(5)Brian H.
It was OK, I've been to better, I've been to worse, but to be fair I was only here for lunch and maybe the back-ups were doing the prep. I'll give another try for dinner sometime. The akadashi soup was presentable, maybe 3.5 stars, with flavor which could have been wonderful if it wasn't so faint. The two rolls in the Maki 3 lunch special, the tuna avocado and crunchy spicy tuna were just OK, a little chewy, not much flavor, but the fish was very fresh. The soy sauce seemed watered down, I've bought better at Giant, and the wasabi, the same, little flavor, not potent at all. The pickled ginger was very good...I'm reaching here...help me out.
(3)Sgt. T.
Stop reading and go here to eat! This is the best sushi you can find anywhere. First lets start with the service... Mindy is awesome and is so friendly that you feel like family, not to mention everyone in the building greets you when you walk in the door. Next the sushi, there is nothing on that menu that you can order that wont come out like a work of art. My wife got the umai roll with fish so fresh it melted in your mouth. I got the volcano roll which was so flavorful I could have eaten another and then bought one to go. I also got the oyster shooter which packs so much punch in a shot glass that I was shellshocked for a minute to even describe it to my wife. Just incredible. Finally lets talk dessert. Fried bananas with some off-the-menu fried oreos. They are tempura'd and then set in honey with some chocolate. I openly wept while I chewed these slices of heaven. The place is immaculately clean and the gentlemen behind the bar are not cooks they are artists. This is our new go to spot for dinner and I cant wait to try everything on the menu and even all of the surprises that are not. Get here now, say hello to Mindy, and then just enjoy one of the best meals you'll have in awhile.
(5)Michael N.
This is one of those places where I'm afraid to give a good review in fear that it will eventually become too crowded during my lunch break. Umai is about as good as it gets outside of Philadelphia and might be in my top 3 sushi spots in the Philadelphia area (along with Hikari in NoLibs and Sagami in Collingswood). Great service, friendly chefs and reasonable prices. Very very fresh fish and some of the best salmon I've ever tasted (I need to find out where they get this). For those of you who prefer rolls, they have a few exotic ones, but nothing too over the top. I stick with the sushi and sashimi box lunch. The only draw back is that it can take a while if the place is very crowded and if you don't arrive early you might not be able to find a seat in the place. Clean bathrooms. Overall, this is a place you can't miss.
(5)Liz H.
My friend used to work here so I decided to google this place. I found that Umai has such good reviews and visited with high expectation. The servers knew what they were doing, the owner was very polite, he came to greet each tables. The sushi was fresh, delicious, also pretty to look at. I forgot the name but I really enjoyed their tuna taco? appetizer and the udon. The salmon sushi was really fresh and cut well too. udon was very flavorful and unique with mushrooms inside! I would love to go back soon.
(5)Jackie M.
Best kept secret in the area! Small/romantic atmosphere and BYOB. Food is fresh and reasonably priced. The chicken teriyaki is the best I've ever had!!
(5)BostonBestEats X.
Another excellent BYOB dinner at Umai in Lansdale. If you haven't made it here, you need to get your act in gear. We ordered a lot of sashimi, and it was expensive, but some of the best salmon I've ever had (huge thick slices), utterly fresh an delicate uni, and amazing Blue Fin otoro ($60 for just 8 slides of the otoro). Blue Fin and Fuji are great, but Umai is nipping at their heals. Wines: ~2005 Domaine Ostertag Pinot Gris Muenchberg A360P ~2004 Ratzenberger Bacharacher Posten Riesling Spätlese Halbtrocken Click below for my original, much more detailed review.
(4)Xiaoyun L.
The lunch here is perfect! I usually have small group lunch out here. I love their salmon teriyaki and sushi sashimi box. Staff is very friendly and usually have complementary fried banana or fried Oreo for dessert.
(5)Brooke S.
Sushi was good, but our expectations were higher. Not to say we wouldn't' go back, but I am not compelled to switch favorites any time soon. Fun staff.
(3)Angie K.
I came out of here thinking, "if this place was in the city, it would make a killing." This sushi place, in the middle of surburbia, in an unassuming shopping strip, cuts up some fine pieces of fish. I've tried the sashimi platter, sushi platter and an assortment of rolls, and I was not disappointed. The portions were on point, and the fish fresh. The rolls were worth mentioning because the portion of fish in the rolls were huge! There was pretty much only 1-2 layer of rice grains around the rolls and just stocked with fish. You know those places where they have mostly rice and a tiny piece of fish? Not here. Totally a hidden gem in Lansdale. If you don't have a car and live in the city, it's right off the Pennbrook stop on the Doylestown RR. *They also make their own wasabi. :)
(4)Lily H.
If you want a good experience with sushi, go to this place. chef ray definitely knows how to create a nice sashimi. As im not that much of a sashimi person, i always get the udon noodles, hands down the best broth. Also it's BYOB so bring your wines and beers! Service here is also amazing. the servers are very knowledgable with the menus. oh and make sure to make reservation on weekends, it's nearly impossible to get a table without a reservation on weekends
(5)Alli B.
Amazing sushi...fresh, flavorful, and deliciousness! Why only 4 stars?? Too expensive! Some tuna sashimis were over $8-10...and most significant rolls were $13+! Too much, especially for the area and atmosphere. Tip: This place doesn't serve alcohol and is BYOB! So bring your own bubbles if you want alcohol...
(4)Sean H.
Can't speak on the dine in experience but staff is very friendly, so I'm sure it's great. Ordered take- out only so far as we have a newborn and highly recommend. The sushi is amazing, can't stress that enough. Definitely check it out!
(5)Luis M.
Very good food and very good service and ownership. Been dozens of times over a 3 year span and have never been disappointed.
(5)Yi Cai Z.
I love this place. Can't say enough good things. The staff and Chef Ray treat you like family from the moment you walk in. Sushi is always fresh and delicious. Definitely give the sushi and sashimi dinner and spicy tuna sandwiches a try. The nights when they have fatty tuna are the best. The restaurant itself isn't very big so be sure to make a reservation especially for the weekends and holidays. It is also byob!
(5)Candice D.
Had the greatest pleasure of experiencing this restaurant recently. When we walked in we were greeted by an extremely friendly staff that made me feel right at home. The place was immaculate, there was relaxing music playing, the atmosphere in general was just wonderful. The sushi was hands down, the best sushi I have ever had in my entire life. Everything was extremely fresh and extremely tasty! The fried bananas we got for dessert were also out of this world! I will continue to go here weekly because this place exceeded my expectations by a long shot! I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great sushi!
(5)Arpana W.
Tucked inside a shopping center in the Northwest suburbs of Philadelphia, this absolute GEM of a restaurant will surprise you with fresh, delicious fish, lovely sushi and even more lovely traditional Japanese dishes that I would have never tasted had it not been for my friends that frequent this place (even though it is 30+ minutes away from their home). Agedashi Tofu was my favorite appetizer. I honestly can't remember the rest since my friends placed the order, but I am sure the staff there will be very happy to suggest some great dishes for your dining pleasure! Such an amazing place for sushi and other Japanese cuisine! (I gave it a 4/5 because it is BYOB. If not for that, it would get 5 stars.)
(4)Charles W.
The prices are a bit higher than other nearby sushi places. I was not a fan of the scallop roll and the chicken teriyaki was not that good. The service was very attentive and the décor was better than most sushi places. Maybe it was just an off day for the chefs since the other reviews are much higher.
(2)Dan K.
Incredible. That's really the only way to describe it. The soy sauce? It's not Kikkoman. The wasabi? A totally different taste than anything I've ever had. The Sushi? In the hands of someone who knows what they're doing. Umai is really an authentic sushi restaurant. When people say they LOVE sushi, it's because of food like the kind served at Umai. We had the Umai and spider rolls, both were really great. However the a la carte sushi was really what was incredible, just like I had in Japan. We ordered the Scallops (Hotate) served sashimi style over radish was fantastic. As was the whole blue shrimp, served with the body raw over rice, and the heads deep fried. The Ikura was marinated for 24 hours in soy sauce and sake, and was great. We ended our meal with Yellowtail Tuna belly, and I would say was the best piece of Tuna I've ever had. On top of all this Paul (our server) and Rae (the chef) did an incredible job, and made the experience wonderful. We will DEFINITELY be back, and I'm really looking forward to it.
(5)Lee W.
Absolutely the best sushi I've ever had anywhere! Let's face it, all sushi is good, but Umai is amazing. I used to think, mistakenly, that the sushi (nigiri) was for the purists and the rolls were just to fill you up. Umai takes the rolls to another level, this is where the chefs can truly practice their craft. The rolls come out looking like artwork, and the blend of flavors is out of this world. The staff is great, very friendly; you get a traditional Japanese greeting from the chefs as soon as you enter. It is BYOB so plan accordingly. In 10+ visits, nothing ever, ever has gone wrong. I recommend an order of Hamachi (yellowtail) and their Umai Special Maki (roll) delicious! Kampai!
(5)Jayadevan V.
Excellent sushi joint that I stumbled upon when I visited lansdale on work. Definitely a place to stop by for some sushi loving !
(5)Beeg R.
Came here again for dinner. OMG, the sashimi was even better than I remembered. For appetizer, we got the tuna taco as we did last time, again, delicious! We also had the beef negimaki, it was cooked thin-strips of steak wrapped around scallions (I think that was it.) It was different but also amazing! They gave us fried bananas for dessert and I can't wait to go back again. We had a reservation at 8:30p but it was packed. By the time we sat down at 8:40p, most of the tables were gone. Now we know to go there after 8:45p. Esp. if you don't have a reservation, go as late as you can. As usual, service was great!
(5)Rachel P.
From the sushi chef's loud hello to their just as cheerful goodbye, my dining experience at Umai was perfectly perfect. My mom and I came here on a Monday afternoon for a quick lunch and it was actually pretty bustling. We sat down immediately though and got our orders taken right away. The lunch menu included about ten different sushi, sashimi and entree combinations you could order from about $11-16 I think. I ordered a two roll special with an Alaskan Roll (avocado and salmon) and a crunchy tuna roll. I know I said this in my Vic's review, but I died and went to sushi heaven again. The fish outnumbered the rice (always good) and the ingredients were fresh and delicious. Each lunch meal comes with miso soup or salad as well. The meal ended with a warm and sweet fried banana. In a tossup between Vic's and here...I would not be able to pick even in a life or death situation. One of the best sushi restaurants around seriously!
(5)T S.
My fav!!! Whether it's takeout or dining in, the sushi is always terrific. I especially love when they have "upgraded" tuna (for an extra charge). It is delish and well worth it. Tuna sundae is a great app. We've gotten a variety of rolls, miso soup, teriyaki platters. All have been fab. Their lunch deal is also a great option. I've brought my two little ones to dine in at lunch a couple of times. They love it too! Chef Ray and the staff are lovely. *Almost* did their New Years Eve all you can eat special and karaoke one year... One of these years we will do it! :)
(5)Seth L.
Surprisingly tasty and fresh raw fish tucked in a Lansdale strip mall ... who would have thunk? My yellowtail was tender as butter, miso soup nicely balanced with lots of seaweed. The setting itself is fine but unexceptional, but come for the food.
(5)Gerald F.
There is no better sushi at ANY price.here again even before I could post this. It actually gets better with age. Can't stand the repeating POP music.
(5)Albert L.
Umai is definitely fun. Where other sushi bars in the area are staid, museum-like eateries, Umai offers the heat. It is kind of like Cheers...everyone knows the chefs and the staff. It is noisy, people speak to each other across tables and at the bar. And, Umai offers really fresh sushi and rolls. The Tako isn't there, but that's the same story everywhere. The Tuna Martini and oyster shooters are really good. George is a really good server-greater. He makes you feel right at home. I highly recommend Umai.
(5)Bill A.
Phenomenal place! They have clearly invested in top notch people and extra fresh top quality sushi sourcing. The sushi portions are very generous. Found them on Yelp search and very thankful for the Yelp search tool! We will be back! Thank you UMAI. PS UMAI means delicious in Japanese which is spot on with this restaurant!
(5)Shannon T.
My boyfriend and I frequent Umai, both for take out and to dine in, quite frequently as we are residents in Station Square. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about Umai. The food is BEYOND fresh, the staff are super friendly - it is always a pleasure dining at Umai!
(5)Nicki P.
My husband and I came to this restaurant twice so far, both times with excellent services and food. The last time we did not have reservations, but we were seated by the chefs area, which was fine. Some places you need to have reservations to sit there as well. This restaurant is one of the few in this area that serves great tasting fresh sushi besides Bluefin and Bluefin2. Most places make their sushi with too much rice, it becomes over powering. Try the dynamite roll, it is fabulous! The chefs are really nice and will ask you how their dish is if you sit near them. Will definitely come back.
(5)K P.
Simply excellent. Friendly staff, great service, exquisite food and good prices make this a favorite for us!
(5)Jim S.
The food here is very good but what keeps me coming back is the service. The servers are always so friendly and helpful and they all seem to be having a good time while working. I would recommend making a reservation for a Friday or Saturday because it's pretty small and always packed. It's BYOB so remember to pack some wine/beer/sake and if you forget you can run over to the sports bar just outside to grab something while you wait for your table.
(4)Allison B.
I stopped in to Umai a couple of years ago to pick up a take out menu and then never made it back -- until tonight. I had a very positive experience. The sushi tasted fresh and the atmosphere was very nice. They have the windows blocked with curtains, so it's kind of romantic in there any time of day. My husband an I ordered several rolls and found them all to be very enjoyable. I liked the Fire Roll the best -- it's a veggie roll topped with tuna and spicy sauce along with what I believe to have been Sriracha. Very tasty. The service was also great. We brought a six pack to split, anticipating a long wait for our dinner, but we only had a beer each before we were done and on our way. They were prompt! Another really fun touch was the complimentary dessert -- a house kale/apple juice shot with a fried banana bite. A cute little ending to the meal. My only complaint was that some of the sushi was a little loose in its construction. I don't know if it was typical for them or not, but particularly on the "regular" rolls, a couple of them fell apart when I was picking them up with my chopsticks. Still tasted great, but a little challenging/messy. Overall, a great meal and I think we'll be back!
(4)Mark L.
wow, this is the best sushi in the area, and would be a great sushi restaurant anywhere. I went for the lunch specials which are reasonably priced, between 12 and 16 dollars. The fish is fresh and nicely presented. It is cut larger than normal on the sushi. I alway hear people raving about bluefin, and this restaurant is substantially better. There is no comparison in my mind.
(5)John B.
Wow! I have to say, they gave my Wife and I a very memorable Anniversary! We just told the Chefs to make whatever they want, and we were not disappointed! I wish I could remember all of the dishes we had, but I know the Tuna Taco(yes I said Taco) and Oyster shooters were great. Also loved the Sashimi plate! The Chef even made some new creations just for us that could not have had a better mix of flavors. The staff was extremely attentive and nicely conversational. Thanks!
(5)Gina C.
Not ma favorite place ever, but food was decent and service/atmosphere passable. A bit cramped in there, and they've got TVs if I recall. Place was pretty crowded when my party of 4 showed up, and it seemed like our presence required a massive adaptation, but okay Umai, do yo' thang. I've never eaten sushi to such a fun classic rock soundtrack (not sure I would've noticed had it not been a bit too loud)-- Pearl Jam, Queen, Oasis-- weird but not unpleasant. BYOB!
(3)Steve T.
Simply the best sushi around. As a matter of fact, you'd be hard pressed to find better sushi anywhere!! I often laugh at some sushi "experts" that leave reviews saying it was just okay. Don't listen to them. Umai is the real deal.
(5)Mary R.
We found this place tucked back in a small strip mall. It's great. They have great sushi and rolls. I cannot speak for their entres, we have never gotten them. Tiny place- you will need a reservation. It gets very crowded on the weekends. It's a great BYO. It's average priced for great sushi - never had a bad meal and always feel like I got more than what I paid for. Service is great, cooks are great and always greet you as you enter. Hate to say it because I still want to be able to get reservations, but I highly recommend!
(5)Agy N Justin K.
The food was amazing. Our favorites were crispy spicy tuna, teriyaki beef and the salmon sashimi. Highly recommended.
(5)Christina L.
THIS PLACE IS A BYO. I REPEAT, BRING YOUR OWN (alcoholic beverages)! I should have read through some of the reviews to note that it is a BYO. But I didn't and forced my thoughtful sister to drive over to the closest Wine & Spirits for a bottle of white. We came here on a Saturday night to celebrate my mother's birthday. While we did not have reservations, we luckily were still able to snag a table without a wait. (TIP: Call ahead to reserve a table. On the bottom of our receipt, it said they offer a 5% discount if you make a reservation!) For appetizers, we ordered the edamame & agedashi tofu. The edamame was salted to perfect & tasted pretty damn good. It's really difficult to mess up but I've experienced mushy old tasting edamame - not the case here. The agedashi tofu, for those who are unsure of this dish, is a soft tofu served with bonito flakes (dried fish flakes) in a sweet sauce, similar to teriyaki. For dinner, we ordered maki. The specialty rolls (Mexican & Volcano) were excellent. The regular rolls were good, standard fare. I tend to notice when rolls are made well and it drives me crazy when they fall apart on the plate. But it doesn't really change the taste, does it? For dessert, we ordered the green tea mochi ice cream & green tea ice cream. Both were delicious. If you have a sweet tooth, get the mochi ice cream. The regular green tea ice cream is probably better for someone who prefers a creamy but not too sweet dessert. Yes, they also served fried banana (& kale juice - we didn't know it was kale though)! Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience. It was a nice change from Joa or the sushi place in Assi, which are our go-to spots although they are not really sit down restaurants like Umai.
(4)D P.
This is the kind of place that makes me love yelp. Just in town for a hockey tournament and Umai came up on our search for nearby restaurants. Has a quaint community feel and trendy type atmosphere. Staff warmly greets you upon arrival and luckily we were early enough to avoid the crowds or any wait. Sushi was awesome! Excellent fresh fish and creative apps. Generous fish portions, only gripe was a little to much wasabi on our nigiri, but otherwise, wish I could call this spot MY local sushi joint! ps. BYOB
(4)Aroline H.
Had to take out food since they were too busy to seat us on a Friday - good to know for next time. Yummy sushi. Nice atmosphere except the terrible fake tree by the door that kept choking customers as they entered and/or waited for their take-out orders. Very nice staff.
(4)Kate J.
Still wonderful. I particularly recommend the Umai roll and their uni is out of this world! Oh we also had a clam sashimi that was lovely but I don't remember what it was called. I was a red clam I believe.
(5)Kunal P.
I gotta admit, other 5 star reviews are right on the mark. The place is really good with high quality sushi. But, for a price. If you're on a budget, may need to think twice for a repeat visit. Or go to Osaka instead. Other than that, no complaints!!!
(5)Juliana K.
Went for lunch which was pretty good! Pretty typical lunch deals, nothing special. A little pricey- $13 for 2 spicy tunas and small side salad. Real skimpy on rice. Fillings are delicious. Nice staff, very friendly. Overall pretty good
(3)Matthew B.
Paid my first visit to Umai tonight. Must say its a great atmosphere (don't be afraid to respond in kind to the hearty greeting offered by the chefs when you walk in the door!). It is a BYOB, so come prepared :-) My wife and I split three of the special rolls and two of the standard rolls. While the special rolls really left little to be desired, I can't say that I would consider them to be particularly memorable (I cannot get Ocean Brother at Vic in Spring House out of my head!). I will mention that for their standard rolls, expect to pay $1-$2 more than you would elsewhere. Finally, while it might only be a matter of taste, I found the rolls to be more loosely constructed than I generally prefer. Based on the rolls alone, I considered giving only three stars. However, they were so friendly and the service was so quick and attentive, it truly bumped them up to a four star rating in my book.
(4)Mae G.
When we first moved here, we tried this place because of the Yelp raves, however it's not as amazing as I thought it would be. The sushi is fresh, but portions aren't as big as other reviewers say, and it's a bit pricey, but then again, it's right across the street from Merck -- so what can you expect? The staff is very kind though and the fried bananas that come with the check are delicious. The gentleman who made the sushi did come out and serve us the sushi directly and the one time we were there, even inquired to our opinion of it. Overall? Decent sushi but a tad pricey. Nothing amazing.
(3)Shannon G.
We don't have sushi too often, but maybe that's because most places aren't Umai. It's simple, though not in a negative way. Fresh, flavorful maki that doesn't skimp on the good stuff. Only a thin layer of rice coats the outside. Sauces are not excessive, and provide the balance of flavor that they're supposed to. Staff is friendly, and the service is more on the patient end of the spectrum when they are really hopping. Free dessert bites are a nice touch. More or less the only place we get sushi in the area now.
(4)Zach V.
The combination of Umai's skilled sushi chef's & small dining room make for a fantastic experience every time you visit. Typically Lansdale is not known for its restaurants but Umai is a hidden treasure tucked away in a small strip mall. Every time you walk through the door Chef Ray & Tea greet you with smile. If you dine here often they will know you by name. You have a choice of sitting at a table or right at the Sushi bar. When I'm not coming with a large group I like to sit at the sushi bar so I can talk with Ray & Tae and share a few drinks with them. My favorite meal is the Sushi & Sashimi dinner. This comes with 4 pieces of Sushi, 7 pieces of sashimi & a crunchy spicy tuna roll. Some of my other favorites are their rainbow roll, umai roll & Spanish mackerel. The mackerel comes mixed with what I think is an onion sauce. (it's a must try) The fish is always fresh and melts in your mouth. If you are a true sushi fan make sure to try Umai. I guarantee it will be the first of many visits. I did read all the reviews on yelp and I did see someone wasn't happy with a non sushi type dish and the pricing. Umai is not cheap and it shouldn't be. You get what you pay for. If you are looking for a cheap bite to eat this is not the place for you. This is a sushi restaurant and that's what they specialize in. The only negative thing I have encountered at umai is slow service. It really depends on who is serving you. The food is so wonderful that I really don't mind waiting a little extra time for my meal.
(5)Anna R.
In all, Umai was expensive for the quality of the sushi that we got. The fish used in the rolls my boyfriend ordered (he doesn't even remember what they were, but one of them was made with a special more-expensive-normal tuna) was really really good; however, the rolls themselves were less than spectacular, kind of bland, and broke apart on the plate. I ordered the tamago nigiri, which really wasn't very good. It should be made with a slightly sweet omelette, and the egg I was given just tastes like a plain scrambled egg with no salt or anything. I also got a veggie roll with spinach and shitaki mushrooms which was just kind of a mess. They stuffed WAY too much spinach and mushroom into it, and it broke apart all over the place. It didn't really taste like much of anything except the metallic taste of cooked spinach. The fried banana and kale juice at the end were legitimately tasty and I just wish the whole meal would have been that good. Also, it should be noted that the customers just seemed so...suburban. A family of 5 walked in while we were eating, and stood right behind my chair talking to another family for a good 20 minutes about going down the shore and summer camp and going to the pool, etc. My point is, maybe the food was bland because the customers are. Also, they need a bar. A cold Japanese beer might have improved the meal.
(2)Rocky C.
Coming from Hawaii, I have to tell you I know my sushi. This is probably the best sushi place in the Philly burbs not to mention it's in a really reasonable price point for sushi. Lunch specials range from $16-$20. Follow it up with the bananas and save room for their kale juice. Umai is on par with Bluefin in terms of sushi and 10-fold better than Bluefin2. Umai service is much better than either - hosts and hostesses are always really nice. It feels much more like a family restaurant than a large establishment. Outstanding!
(5)Beeni M.
One of the office favorites for lunch or dinner. The food is fresh and the service is courteous. Will keep going back!
(5)Lauren B.
Umai rocks my socks off! I found this little gem by happenstance and was SO bummed because I'm moving soon. I took full advantage though, and have been here at least once a week since I found it. The staff and chefs are so friendly and will greet you when you arrive, like they already know you! The sushi is fresh, delicious and BIG. The roll portions are enormous. When I go, I generally share an appetizer and two special maki rolls with a friend. I'm usually stuffed! As some of the other posts explain, they give you fried bananas and kale juice as a complimentary dessert. The kale juice should be bottled and sold, it's THAT good. This place is also great for take-out. Every single time I've ordered, I've also received a little special tempura treat with my order. Free! I LOVE Umai! I will definitely miss this place!
(5)Lance L.
Best sushi restaurant in the area hands down. Chef Ray knows his stuff and runs a top notch sushi restaurant. I don't even order here, I just tell Chef Ray my spending limit and let him feed me. This place is better than Bluefin and slightly cheaper. It is BYOB and the chefs don't mind some donations from satisfied patrons. The location is fairly small so make reservations if you have a large party.
(5)Donald M.
Took my girlfriend here for sushi night. Discovered it accidentally just by walking by it. The experience was awesome. The food was great, the service was great, and the owner/chef was about as friendly as they come. We will definitely be back for our next sushi night. (Bring your own wine though, as they do not serve alcohol).
(4)Devon K.
This is one of our favorite sushi restraints. It is small, but the sushi is excellent and always fresh. The Mexican and volcano rolls are my favorite and you can't go wrong with the tuna sundae. It is also a BYOB, just an added bonus.
(5)