Umi

What a hidden gem! I was visiting my mother-in-law and needed my sushi fix. I drove here to get a table but they only take reservations unless you're lucky enough to find a free table. I wasn't lucky enough to get a table the first night. So, I called then left a message for a reservation and got one two days later. I still needed my sushi fix and I went to another restaurant that had 4 stars on Yelp and it was horrible. Don't go waste your time or money on sushi anywhere else. There's no bar seating here and only 4 tables total. This is a small husband and wife duo that is turning out amazing quality food and perfect service. Starting with the apps I had a miso soup that was perfect. It wasn't too salty, and had the perfect amount of tofu with the most perfect texture. Their Ikayaki (grilled squid) was amazing. I'm a sucker for squid and there's tasted like I was in Japan again. I think they use butter and soy sauce. Again it was perfect!The tempura appetizer was light battered to perfection and included a variety of asparagus, sweet potato, zucchini and eggplant. Not sure if they use the same veggies every time but they were all delicious. For sushi I got the sashimi plate that included beautiful cuts of tuna, yellowtail, salmon, octopus, squid and roe and yellowtail roll. Excellent presentation and taste. Everything I had was excellent! I will definitely be making reservations in the future when I come back. Eating here is the closest experience to being served in Japan and I live in Hawaii. I feel like that is saying a lot. Hickory y'all have a hidden gem here! 10/10 would recommend to any sushi lover or traditional Japanese food. Tips:* Make reservations, will probably have to leave a message* To go orders need to be called in before they open * Try and eat everything that you can

Whenever my husband is in Hickory for a business trip, he makes reservations here. I was able to join him for two of the visits! This is the most delicious Japanese food I've had! I try to order a different dish each time and every dish has been made with the best of quality and freshness. Umi is owned and ran by a husband and wife. The husband is the chef and the wife provides the table service. I hope they keep the restaurant open for many more years!

Food was outstanding from presentation to freshness to taste top-of-the-line all the way. Service was swift and she was kind and sweet inside its so cute tiny warm inviting dining area with 4 tables truly a hidden gem total recommend and I will definitely be dining here again.

My son and I had a special night out together, and we wanted to find the best sushi in town. We found that in spades!!! This place is one of the best sushi dinners I've ever had. This place is tiny. I read this place was small and then I walked in and realized, "oh ok, I get it. Small." It is a husband and a wife team. The fish is amazing. The sushi rice is addicting. The water is through a filter, and cold. (And the company was awesome.)So many people walk in and say they don't have a reservation, and the wife apologizes profusely and it makes you feel bad for her she doesn't have another table for you!! But when you've made a reservation like we did, you feel so special that you knew to do that, and now you get the delicious food.Just go. Enjoy.

Hands down the best sushi for miles around, and they serve authentic Japanese food. Nothing against the "hibachi style Japanese" most people are familiar with, but Umi is the real deal. Reservations are required, this is a small family-owned restaurant run by a husband/wife duo. You are treated like a guest in the home.If you call ahead, you can get party sushi platters made to go - but otherwise not a takeout place!

This place is one of the best sushi restaurants I've been to and I've been to a 3 Michelin star sushi restaurant in Japan. We had the nigiris and 2 rolls and I must say the nigiris were amazing. The restaurant is owned by a sweet lady and her husband. They are both from Japan and you can taste the love in their food. I can't believe I found this place and the reviews don't lie. This place is amazing and the quality of fish is some of the best.

Phenomenal experience! I had never eaten at an authentic Japanese restaurant before. The waitress was super nice and patient. She ensured we ordered an appropriate amount of food for our table. We ordered 2 appetizers and 5 sushi rolls to share between 3 people. She offered to take our group picture at the end of our meal. I'll definitely be back!

Made a reservation for a special occasion dinner. We enjoyed a selection of nigiri and roll sushi as appetizers as well as dinner entrees. Everything was excellent. The limited seating made for a soothing atmosphere with very attentive service.

The absolute best ever!!!!Resturant is small Owners are wonderful!!Food is the best sushi around

MORE INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE POSTED ABOUT THIS RESTAURANT. They only do take out from 5-5:30 even though hours are listed to open at 5:30. So if you get there when they open you can't order take out. Also it's reservation only. They were already booked up for the night on a Wednesday at 5:32pm. Don't plan to get take out unless you read the hours and don't plan to get here unless you make a reservation well in advance even during the week.