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Umi Japanese Restaurant Restaurant Review

5849 Ellsworth Ave. (College Ave.) Send to Phone
PittsburghPA 15232
412-362-6198 | Menu
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Mr. Shu dazzles with impressive sushi, sashimi and omakase. Umi Japanese Restaurant is one of our 2012 | Top 10 Pittsburgh Food Rating Restaurants |

Cuisine

Open

Dinner Tues.-Sat.

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Dining room at Umi Japanese Restaurant, Pittsburgh, PAUmi marks no readily discernible changes to either the space or the menu basics after its years in business. Yet the dining experience here retains a sense of drama and anticipation. The ascent to the restaurant requires scaling two steep flights of stairs, marked by murals of fish scales and waves, culminating in the majestic head of a sea dragon. Enter a serene L-shaped space, graced with fine materials and appealing design. Dining options include tatami tables and regular tables, but reserve for the pinnacle of pleasure a seat at the smart suspended concrete and stainless steel sushi bar. Here is command central for sushi maestro Mr. Shu, Tokyo-trained and a Nobu alum. Umi serves a full Japanese menu, including teriyaki and tempura---but sushi and sashimi are the real stars. Order the ultimate omakase---chef's choice ranging from $75 to $150, depending on the dishes served. You'll be guided through amazing flavors and textures, the freshest, best quality ingredients and beautifully presented new style preparations: steamed, ginger-wrapped sea bass with portobello and shiitake mushrooms and garlic soy sauce; toro tartare with fresh sea urchin and Beluga caviar; black cod with miso; and Spanish mackerel sashimi topped with salmon, salmon roe and a cooked vegetable soy sauce. Specific dishes are offered only when the best ingredients are available. But count on Mr. Shu's passion for rare flavors, sip unfiltered saké, and smile.

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