Umai Cafe — Restaurant in Clearwater

Sushi is terrific, reasonable prices, service is lacking. First, the food. Great stuff here. Went twice in one week. The fish is fresh, the rolls have a terrific balance (not too much rice) and the nigiri and sashimi portions of fish are nice and generous for the price point. They do sushi right here. All the rolls we tried here were excellent.

Of the appetizers, I'd recommend the fried oysters, edamame, hamachi collar (fried but still good), and tuna tartare. The rock shrimp was just ok.

The fried ice cream dessert was nice, but a bit too much breading.

Service is lacking because of poor training and understaffing. Each night we were there, there were 3 people working the floor. Between trying to fill takeout/GrubHub orders, it meant there was usually just 2, making them a bit understaffed. The servers are just inexperienced, which didn't help. Once you order, it's pretty hard to get your server back/they never check if you need more water, need anything else, is the food ok. We had to wave someone down every time we needed something, including the check! An example of inexperience: One night, they also put down the glasses of water right in front of a baby in the high chair who pulled the glass of water the next moment, spilling water everywhere on the floor, table in addition to on my baby, who was soaked in ice water and needed an outfit change. There is no baby changing table in the restrooms, btw. The busboy felt bad and tried to clean up but no one ever mopped the floors. You get the picture. They're trying but it's not...

We have been to this restaurant about 4 times in the past and we just loved it. It was reasonably priced, the food tastes wonderful the appetizers being delivered after you are done with your main course was always quirkely endearing. However, tonight was another story. they have a "new menu" all the prices are considerably higher than before. The kids meal of Hibachi Shrimp cost 8.00 and had only three small shrimp and the vegetables were highly peppered and my grandson would not eat it. the Childs menu tempura Shrimp was 9.00 and also had only three shrimp and no vegetables at all and it did not arrive , as well as the apetizer I ordered of tempura vegetable,s until everyone had already finished eating. My child ate most of my food while he was waiting for his food to arrive. I ordered the Hibachi chicken and steak and I am quite sure it used to be around 15.00 and now it is 19.00. About what they charge at the place where they cook the food in front of you, but at that place you get 2 to 3 times the amount of food than is offered at Umai. I expressed my disappointment but they did not seem to care. It is a huge upset for me as it is so hard to find a restaurant you really, really like in Clearwater and when you finally find one they go and change everything on you and raise their prices by at least 30%. I will not...

Umai is hands down one of the best sushi restaurants I’ve ever been to! The quality of the fish is exceptionally fresh, and every bite bursts with flavor. The sushi chefs clearly take pride in their craft, presenting each dish like a work of art. Whether you're a fan of classic nigiri or looking to try something more adventurous, their menu has something for everyone. The Dragon Roll is a must-try! (My favorite)

The atmosphere at Umai is warm and inviting, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The staff is friendly and attentive, always happy to offer recommendations or answer questions about the menu. Despite the restaurant being busy, service is prompt, and our orders always arrived in perfect timing. They also have a great selection of sake that pairs perfectly with the sushi!

Overall, Umai delivers an outstanding dining experience from start to finish. The combination of top-tier sushi, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service makes it a standout choice for any sushi lover. I can't wait to return and try more of their unique dishes! Highly recommend to anyone in search of great sushi and a...