Americana Aluminum Pints - side

We looked it up online and it stated that they were only taking reservations. I don't know if it really mattered, because no one asked our name when we arrived. We waited about 10 minutes before being seated, and another 20 minutes for service. They did not have very many food options. The calamari was a very, very small portion. This was not the best sushi in Richmond.

We planned to eat there but the restaurant looked closed. When we entered, a table was blocking the entrance and there was a message stating they were not serving terryaki anymore and there was a bell to ring. 2 friendly women came out when we ring and told us we couldn’t eat if we didn’t have a reservation. We didn’t get the impression it was full, but one needed to reserve . Strange… so we will not go back…

We once had an incredible meal in Japan in a sushi/sashimi restaurant where the owner closed the restaurant for our meal--he personally waited on just three of us all night. An amazing experience. And that's exactly how Umi owner Sue makes us feel when we drive 5 hours to eat at Umi. Extraordinary food and even more amazing service--and Sue will remember the food and drinks you like forever. She and her staff are fabulous. Ignore the whines about the signs at the door. The hand-making of food like this takes years to train staff, and this is a small restaurant with very few staff and even fewer sushi chefs. If you're into mass sushi, no problem--there are plenty of places around Short Pump. If you want exquisite food, beautifully prepared and ultra-fresh, in a quiet private environment, Umi should be your first choice in RVA.

Wanted to commemorate my mother’s birthday who would have been 90 and she was forever in search of a sushi place.. she had very high standards since she grew up in Japan, lived in L.A. and visited New York.. The ambiance she would have approved. All of the Japanese decorations and writings were all accurate and tasteful. The food was very tasty. We had gyoza and shrimp tempura all perfectly made and brought back memories of mom’s cooking. The only criticism she would have had is that the sushi was served after miso soup and gyoza. Mom would have said that ruins your palate for the sushi. Eating hot foods before sushi is a “no no” in Japan or at any sushi bar..

This is our go to for fresh, quality sushi. Even in takeout, all is well prepared! The spicy scallop, spicy salmon, and specialty rolls....never disappoint!