Umai Sushi & Poké — Restaurant in Montreal

We came to Umai because we were staying nearby and the reviews were inexplicably good. Honestly, I don't understand how this place has such high ratings. The ambiance felt like I was in the poorest area of a rundown neighborhood. We ordered a poke bowl to go, and it wasn't just unappetizing; we even found a hair in it. My friend had sushi and couldn't eat it because the taste was completely off. Overall, it was a terrible experience.

And just a heads-up, if you dare to offer any feedback, be prepared for an aggressive and defensive response from the owner. They seem more interested in attacking customers than addressing any issues. If you don't like something here, expect a personal attack instead of any meaningful resolution. Clearly, customer satisfaction is not a priority. AVOID this place unless you enjoy drama and bad food.

RESPONSE: Thank you for your colorful response. It's always a spectacle to see how business owners handle honest feedback, especially when they prefer to question a customer's integrity rather than address the actual issues.

To clarify, my review was intended to share my personal experience to help others decide if your establishment suits them. We ordered a poke bowl and a sushi combo, and while I don't have photos, I can show you the transaction on my banking app. The order was under the names Tim and Alex on Thursday afternoon around 4 PM, July 4th. The service was pleasant, which is why I rated it positively.

Finding a hair in the food and the lackluster taste of the sushi were significant issues for me. I understand that everyone has different tastes, but my opinion is based on numerous dining experiences at other sushi places where quality and taste are actually prioritized.

My suggestion about the decor was just an idea, not a demand. I understand budget constraints, but even minor investments, like $300 for new tables and chairs or updating your menus from basic A4 sheets, could improve the atmosphere. But I suppose focusing solely on food quality, as you mentioned, is one way to run a business.

It's fascinating how you handle criticism by implying customers have personal issues. If managing all aspects of a restaurant, including decor and food quality, is too challenging, perhaps reconsidering this business venture might be in order. And calling customers "princess" in your response? That’s quite the unique approach. If that's your way of handling feedback, it's no wonder the experience fell short.

If you take the time to check my profile, you’ll see a range of reviews, most of which are 4-5 stars for places that actually deserve it. Unlike yours, these establishments know how to manage all aspects of their business. You seem to be flying a bit too high, and unfortunately, your food doesn't quite reach the same altitude.

Good night, and best of luck clinging to...

I got excited to try this place out cause of the reviews!!!! and ordered a poke and bubble tea.. Poke was okay and it was okay because NO sauce came on it or included I said no spicy mayo but I put for teriykaki sauce I got no sauce or side sauces... so it was most tasteless poke I ever ordered.. the food was fresh.. but I literally had no sauce at all. Was not worth the price not ordering again. pineapple bubble tea was suppose to be milk how it said but it gave the tea option instead so I excepted it. Didnt really like it but to each their own. I just find it reckless this is one place I order and get no poke sauce! The bowl was average side. But the most bland poke ive eaten sadly im sure if there was sauce it wouldve tasted bit better. It wasnt cheapest place either so pretty...

Umai was a fantastic discovery. We went after searching for a place to get takeout to eat in a park. The poke bowls, spring rolls, and bubble teas were very delicious and very generous - we could only finish half of our poke bowls and had to keep the second part for lunch the next day! The service was also wonderful. My takeout bag initially didn't include chopsticks, and I went back in the store to ask for some. The one worker ended up finding us in the park a couple minutes later to offer us free gyoza (which were also delicious!!) to apologize for making me come back into the store! It was really above and beyond. Their energy was so positive, the food was so good, and the park across the street was a perfect place to picnic. I highly...