Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Umi – San Francisco
Umi - San Francisco
Photo from Umi
Umi at a glance
San Francisco Potrero Hill
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#1062 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#86 Japanese Restaurant out of 174 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
403
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh fish
- Good service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Small space
- High cost
- Slow service
The restaurant Umi, a delightful Japanese Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Potrero Hill, invites you to experience its cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. You’ll find a truly great tea selection to complement your meal, alongside a diverse menu featuring healthy options, vegan choices, and tempting small plates.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or an intimate dinner, Umi offers a welcoming space.
Overview: Introducting Umi
Umi generally offers a pleasant dining experience, with many appreciating its cozy atmosphere and friendly environment. While the fresh fish and varied menu are often praised, some guests have noted concerns about the small space and occasional noise.
The establishment is also recognized for its attentive service and good selection of sake. However, a few experiences suggest that service can sometimes be hurried, and parking might be a bit challenging.
Good
7.6
out of 10
403
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
62
negative
33
neutral
308
positive
Umi holds a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.6, placing it firmly in the good category. This positive standing is largely supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction of 76.4%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from 403 customer opinions, with a clear majority of 308 positive remarks against 62 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.7) is a standout, frequently highlighted for its freshness and quality, especially the sushi and sashimi.
Service (8) also performs well, often described as fast and accommodating. The Ambience (7.9) contributes positively with its cozy and relaxed feel, though some find the place small.
Value (6) is considered average, with opinions split on pricing.
What people like
- Fresh, delicious fish
- Friendly, fast service
- Cozy, relaxed atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small, noisy space
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional slow service
For those seeking fresh Japanese cuisine in a pleasant setting, Umi is a solid choice. Its commitment to quality fish and attentive staff makes it worth considering, especially if you appreciate a relaxed vibe.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.7, Umi generally delivers a satisfying experience. However, be mindful of the potentially snug seating and varying price perceptions.
It’s a good spot for a casual meal, but manage expectations regarding space and cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Umi
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a 7.7 score indicating a good experience and 76% customer satisfaction. Many of the 193 positive comments rave about the incredibly fresh fish, especially the nigiri and sashimi, often highlighting the quality of fish and unique sushi options like agedashi tofu. You'll find plenty of praise for delicious bento boxes and flavorful miso butterfish too.
However, not everyone was completely thrilled, with 37 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found the tuna to be fishy tasting or even old fish, while others were disappointed with the rice quality or overly salty miso soup. There were also mentions of small portions and average sushi rolls, suggesting a few inconsistencies.
Food
254
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
37
negative
24
neutral
193
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality fish
- Unique sushi options
- Delicious agedashi tofu
What people don't like
- Inconsistent fish quality
- Poor rice texture
- Salty miso soup
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this great little sushi place was excellent. We come often and have tried most things on the menu, which speaks to our satisfaction with the food and overall experience. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5 out of 5, making it a consistently enjoyable visit.
- fishThe fish is fresher which makes all the difference.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great place for sushi and sashimi, where the fish is always fresh. The service was attentive, and I also enjoyed the Miso Soup.
- fresh fishMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the delicious fresh fish and the great service. The atmosphere was also really nice and mellow.
- miso soupMy experience at this restaurant was that of a true hole in the wall. I was impressed by the killer fresh fish and the surprisingly good dark horse miso soup.
- agedashi tofuThe agedashi tofu was warm and had the right texture balance
- rollsWe ordered several rolls and the miso butterfish. The rolls were good, and the butterfish was nicely baked with a sweet miso sauce. It's a great, no-fuss dinner spot offering tasty Japanese food and kind service.
- sashimiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great place for sushi and sashimi, where the fish is always fresh. The service was attentive, and I also enjoyed the Miso Soup.
- menuAll the fish was exquisitely fresh and delicious. The menu wasn't overblown with too many options since they highlight the fish spectacularly. If we're ever back in this area, would definitely come back!
- nigiriThis place is costly, so it's probably best for special occasions. We ordered the chillean seabass, otoro, nigiri, lobster tempura roll, and finished off with an extraordinary dessert, the green tea souffle. It's advisable to order early to guarantee your spot.
Frequently criticized
- food qualityUnfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. I received a plastic bag containing raw fish with skin and a dead fish head. This was a deeply unpleasant surprise and not what I anticipated for my lunch.
- miso soupWe waited an hour and a half for basic rolls, and the food itself was not good. The Alaskan roll contained a mystery fish that wasn't salmon, the miso soup was watered down, and the hand rolls were poorly made. Waiting time was excessive, and the food quality did not meet expectations.
- sushiHad better sushi for better price elsewhere
- portionsThe portions were definitely on the small side
- Agedashi tofuAgedashi tofu was unremarkable and pedestrian
- Alaskan rollalaskan roll had some mystery fish that wasn’t salmon
- Japanese foodVery average Japanese food
- Nigiri deluxefish from the Nigiri deluxe tasted as if it had been dead
- Sashimi cutSashimi cut of fish was rough and unrefined
- average rollsIt's not the place that's been there for years, and I won't be going back. We paid $80 for a bowl of rice, some miso soup, and some very average rolls. It was shameful.
Overall, if you're looking for a spot with genuinely fresh fish and unique Japanese dishes, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistencies with rice or certain rolls, so stick to their strengths for the best meal.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a strong score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83.9%, most diners rave about the friendly staff and fast service. Many appreciate how accommodating the team is, making for a truly great service experience, as noted in 52 positive comments out of 62 total.
However, not every interaction is perfect. A handful of experiences (8 out of 62 comments) mention terrible service or stiff service, with some significant wait time issues. A few found the service hurried and unhelpful, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in consistency, especially during busy periods.
Service
62
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Very accommodating
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Unhelpful service
Often praised
- serviceWhile the rice could be improved, the fish is consistently fresh and tasty. I appreciate that I can usually get a table, and the service is friendly. Parking is generally not an issue in the area, though taking the Muni and hiking up the hill is also an option.
- staffThe staff was very considerate and welcoming
- AnoAno is a sweetheart
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- ServiceService:5
- Service speedWe visited Sunday evening around 6pm. The staff greeted us and sat us very quickly. We had the Sashimi and two rolls, the Golden Dragon Roll and Tempura Rainbow Roll.
- StaffStaff greeted us and sat us very quickly.
- accommodatingThey offer a really nice separate gluten-free menu, which even includes miso soup, something not always available. The service was super fast and accommodating. I highly recommend this place.
- accommodating of my small dogaccommodating of my small dog in their outdoor patio
- fast servicefast service
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was terrible. Waited an hour and had to order some food twice
- ServiceService was hurried and unhelpful
- closedho trovato il locale chiuso senza nessun preavviso
- experienceAll around a disappointing experience
- wait timeimpressed with the wait. I must have stood at the door for 10 mins
- waiting timeTook over an hour and a half
- waitresswaitress eh
If youre looking for a place with generally attentive and quick service, this restaurant is a solid bet. While there are occasional reports of longer waits, the overall positive feedback suggests youll likely have a pleasant experience.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a winner! With a strong score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 87.3%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Many describe it as a relaxed environment with a cozier side and great outdoor seating options, perfect for a romantic evening or just chilling out.
Out of 55 total opinions, 48 were glowing! However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 5 opinions mentioned challenges with parking space and that the place can feel small, leading to noise concerns or limited seating.
So, while generally positive, keep these minor points in mind.
Ambience
55
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Romantic lighting
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Parking challenges
- Noise concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere is cozy, with earthy/wooden tones and a calm ambience
- environmentMy friends live around the corner from Umi, so we decided to visit to make it easy for them. We didn't expect much, but to our surprise, Umi delivered unique, delicious sushi and sashimi in a relaxed and friendly environment. To top it off, they have an interesting beer menu with more than just the usual Japanese beer options.
- parkingNot too hard to find parking
- patioenjoyed dining on the patio, which was covered and gated
- placeSmall and simple place
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- SeatingSeating was very easy
- VibesVibes are casual
- aestheticNice clean simple aesthetic
- ambianceWonderful ambiance
Frequently criticized
- noisethere was a lot of noise
- offensive flagIt's advisable to order early to guarantee your spot. (Side note, there's an offensive flag hung above the sushi bar called the 'rising sun'. It represents Japanese imperialism and is a disputed flag for many other Asian countries due to Japan's historical occupation and terrorization.
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- placethe place is small
- seatingIt was a random visit to the City when we came upon this hidden gem. There isn't much seating, but we were lucky to get in early right after it opened. All the fish was exquisitely fresh and delicious.
If you're looking for a cozy, romantic spot with good outdoor options, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that it can get a bit noisy or feel snug, and parking might require a little patience.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place gets an average score of 6, indicating a somewhat balanced experience. Many guests, however, found the price: quality ratio to be excellent, often calling it a great deal or bang for buck. With 15 positive remarks, customers appreciated the affordable options and even specific lunch bento deal offerings.
On the flip side, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 46.9%, as 12 negative comments highlight concerns about value. Some felt the prices were steep or overpriced, leading to a huge bill for what they received. Many mentioned feeling it was costly and not worth the expense, especially given the portion sizes.
Value
32
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great price-quality ratio
- Affordable options available
- Excellent lunch deals
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
- Small portions for cost
- Left hungry with bill
Often praised
- priceThey offer a wide variety of Japanese fish, including kinmedai, medai, and Hokkaido uni, as well as toro when available. The chef's nigiri options are very affordable. The Hamachi kama was absolutely DELICIOUS.
- affordableMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's a great low-key and affordable sushi spot that has quickly become our new favorite. The service was great, and they have an excellent selection of sake.
- bang for bucka great bang for buck place
- good valuegood value for the amount of fish they include
- great dealfeels like a great deal
- lunch bento dealthey have a great lunch bento deal!
- price tagsfair price tags
- price:quality ratiobest price:quality ratio I’ve had for sushi
- priced extremely reasonablyit's priced extremely reasonably
- pricesThe prices are great here
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that the fish was just okay. I felt that I could do better at the same price in at least 10 other sushi places in San Francisco.
- pricesThe prices are a bit steep
- PricesPrices are a little high
- billleft hungry and with a huge bill
- costthis place is costly
If youre looking for specific affordable options or a great lunch bento deal, you might find some good value here. However, be mindful that many found the overall experience pricey for the portions, so it might disappoint if youre expecting a budget-friendly feast.
How are the prices at Umi?
You’re looking at roughly 44 per person – reported by 37 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the 21$ to 50$ range, so prices generally cluster around that average. However, there are also options for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both mid-range diners and those looking for something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Umi
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Japanese Sushi - Highly Recommended!
This is one of the best spots for truly authentic Japanese sushi. We live nearby and order from here all the time. Just call ahead, place your order, and take a nice little walk to pick it up.
Super recommended! 🇯🇵
- authentic Japanese sushi10
- order8
- pick it up8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Sushi Value in the Bay
My experience at this restaurant offered one of the best price: quality ratios I've encountered for sushi in the Bay. The neighborhood is excellent, and they provide outdoor seating. The fish was incredibly fresh.
I highly recommend trying the miso eggplant.
- price:quality ratio10
- neighborhood9
- outdoor seating8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Cozy Romantic Spot with Unreal Sushi
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly romantic and cozy, thanks to the low lighting. The sushi was unreal, and I especially loved the garlic butter edamame. It was a total banger!
- sushi10
- garlic butter edamame10
- lighting9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Quality Fish, Simple Place
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. I really liked the food quality, especially the Hawaiian Tuna. It's a small and simple place, but the quality is great.
Perfect.
- food quality9
- Hawaiian Tuna10
- place7
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Good Service, Fast Food
My experience at the restaurant was positive. The service was very good; they took my order and within 10 to 15 minutes, my food was ready to enjoy. I have seen families with children there, and they seemed to be fine.
The price per person is between $10–20. For vegetarians, it's highly recommended, and they have clearly labeled vegetarian dishes. You will need to inform your server about any dietary restrictions.
Parking is available as free street parking, though finding a spot can be somewhat difficult. The atmosphere and food both received a score of 5. While I haven't seen anyone in a wheelchair, it appears to be wheelchair accessible.
- service9
- food10
- waiting time9
- parking space4
What Umi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dietary options does Umi offer?
At Umi, you’ll find a thoughtful selection of dishes catering to various preferences. They proudly offer healthy options, vegan options, organic dishes, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy during your visit.
Can you tell me about the dining experience and services available at Umi?
Umi provides a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or delivery. They also accept reservations, and offer free street parking, making your visit convenient and enjoyable.
What is the overall dining experience like at Umi?
Umi offers a good dining experience with an overall Restaurant Score of 7.6. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.7) and Service (8), while the Ambience (7.9) is also well-regarded. Value (6) is considered average.
Is Umi a good place for fresh sushi and sashimi?
Yes, Umi is frequently praised for its fresh and delicious fish, especially its sushi and sashimi. Many opinions highlight the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
What should I know about the atmosphere and pricing at Umi?
Umi provides a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, though some find the seating small. While some items are considered affordable, particularly chef’s nigiri and lunch deals, other customers perceive the prices as a bit steep.