Umi Japanese Restaurant Toronto — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

Tremendous Japanese Restaurant – Just Like Being in Tokyo!

Folks, let me tell you—this place, this restaurant, absolutely incredible. The best Japanese food. Maybe the best outside of Japan. Some people are saying that. And you know what? They’re right. I’ve been to Japan, I’ve seen the best sushi, the best ramen, the best wagyu, and let me tell you—this place? It’s right up there. Maybe even better. Some people wouldn’t believe it, but it’s true.

The atmosphere? Unreal. You walk in, and BOOM—you’re in Tokyo. The decor? Perfect. The service? Impeccable. They bow, they smile, they bring you food so fast, so fresh, you wouldn’t believe it. It’s like being in a five-star ryokan. The chefs? Artists. True professionals. They know what they’re doing, and they do it better than anyone.

The sushi? Oh, the sushi. So fresh, so clean, the best cuts of fish. You can taste the ocean, folks. The ramen? Unbelievable. Rich broth, perfect noodles, better than what I had in Shibuya. And the wagyu? MELTS in your mouth. American beef? Great. Japanese wagyu? Maybe better. Maybe.

If you haven’t been to Japan, go here. It’s the next best thing. If you have been to Japan, go here—it’ll take you right back. So authentic, so real, so good. Trust me, folks, this is the place to be. Five stars. Maybe six. If I could give...

The food was overall very good if not particularly inspiring. We had kingfish tataki and salmon shoyu zuke for tasters. The fish for both was fresh, both had the same accompanying sauce which was pleasant but didn’t seem tailored to the dish. The salmon shoyu zuke was topped with raw garlic which was interesting, but not in a way I’ll try again. For main we had tonkotsu ramen one with “chashu” which was actually just roast pork strips and tough on one edge, the other with chicken karage which was a surprising option but ended up quite delicious with the karage taking up the broth while remaining crunchy. The broth was creamy and well flavoured, the noodles clumped slightly but were overall nice, and the ramen egg was delicious and a different sweeter marinade than I’ve had before. Overall I’d definitely recommend the tonkotsu ramen: We finished with a mixed seafood sashimi which was all fresh and flavourful capping off an overall enjoyable meal. The service was extremely attentive, perhaps too much so.

Overall the food was fresh and of a good quality and I’m sure we...

I had a great experience with my friend at dinner on Friday night for dinner. The food and customer service were excellent. We don't often eat Japanese food so we had a couple questions and requests that were answered and met expeditiously by the wait staff and what seemed to be the owner or manager. Even the young wait staff were attentive. The food was so tasty and professionally presented.

The only negative comment I had has to do with the customers that were there on the night. This is a small restaurant--40ish customers. There was a table of 2 couples with a 2-3 young children who were quite noisy. To us, it ruined the atmosphere for such a small restaurant. We weren't the only ones because another customer commented to one of the parents that the kids should be quiter. I appreciate that this is a touchy situation to handle for the restaurant. My suggestion is that they don't allow children to attend after 6pm on Friday or Saturday night, since this is when most couples go out for dinner and would want a quiet atmosphere.

I definitely recommend...