YUMI 優美 sushi•tea•sake — Restaurant in High Point

Yumi, like its Stock and Grain neighbors, is a fairly new addition to High Point’s dining scene. That recency begets a certain need for patience as the eatery gains its footing, but even with that consideration in mind, this place was a bit disappointing.

Positives first: for its compact size, Yumi boasts an impressive menu. It offers everything from apps (think gyoza and edamame) to sushi (nigri, sashimi, maki, and specialty rolls) to poke bowls/burritos (a half-dozen presets, and you can build your own) to bubble teas and slushes to sakes, beers, and cocktails. Staff here are pleasant, and they had no trouble taking our order correctly despite the noise of the bustling food hall.

That said, be prepared to wait, and be prepared to pay. My wife and I went with a burrito and a bowl, respectively, and waited at least a half hour. Yumi’s staff were definitely not slacking but were simply struggling to keep up with demand. When the food was finally ready, it did little to justify its price tag. The $14.50 bowl was a decent sized portion, more expensive than Ninja Café’s equivalent offering, but you would expect to pay a bit more for location here. The same-priced sushi burrito, however, was a great deal smaller than either Ninja Café’s or Toshi’s version, and the same lack of value is suggested by Yumi’s specialty roll pricing (most are $17).

To Yumi’s credit, the ingredients were fresh, and both items were prepared as requested. The mango and pickled radish and ginger in my bowl made for a colorful presentation, and the sweet and acidic flavors played off each other really well.

I wouldn’t rule out a future visit to Yumi especially after they have had time to get settled. The food quality and menu variety are enough to keep that door open. Just the same, its pricing and an underwhelming first visit mean that I won’t be...

Right off the bat, I'll let you know this place is worth a try. Pictures will also be linked. Full review below:

From fantastic food and drink to friendly staff, YUMI leaves nothing to be desired in any culinary aspects. After an akward parking experience I found myself inside the building which houses YUMI and other restaurants, be forewarned its cold inside. I greeted the woman at the register and after a friendly chat asked for her personal recommendations. After a few questions my order was their specialty jade dragon roll, crème brûlée topped matcha milk tea with crystal boba and their "tea"-rimisu desert. The preparation was perfect. Every part of the sushi was balanced, the tuna imparted no fishiness, the eel was barbecued to perfection, the avocado perfectly ripe and the cucumber refreshing. This was the highest quality sushi I've had stateside and the best I've had since my last visit to Japan. The drink was delightful, the salted and roasted crème was an interesting addition indeed. As a chef myself whose parents are dessert chefs I recognized the added flavor instantly. Now, if you are familiar with the taste and dislike it, skip this option and get regular tea, the drinks are very well prepared regardless. Lastly, the tea-rimisu dessert is nothing like tiramisu(my favoritedessert). Its instead like a delightfully light pumpkin puree in whipped cream with a spiced top. Overall everything was fantastic and a second trip is scheduled for tommorow. Although the prices are slightly higher than other local places, you are getting every penny you pay back in over-all quality. Out of 100 in terms of taste you're getting atleast a 97. Its not getting fresher unless you make your sushi on the sea yourself....

I’m blown away! I’ve had a lot of sushi and poke bowls in my life, but this by far was the freshest and tastiest!! I ordered through DoorDash, and I was expecting things to be a bit cold or soggy per usual.. OH MY GOD. Everything was still warm, fresh and crisp. The packaging was put together neatly and I could see the time spent to make sure everything was good to go. I got the sushi burrito and all ingredients were fresh, crunchy, and well prepared. I’m a bit picky when it comes to sushi and bowls, and my order was 100% right which I was SHOCKED. I also got miso soup which I thought would be a side portion, nope it was a whole bowl of soup! The seaweed wasn’t slimy or seemed like it just sat for a long time. Again, super fresh!

I personally do not have any dietary restrictions, but I thought it was neat how they had a separate section that you could check for allergies/intolerances!

Yes I will say it is a bit pricey, but the quality completely makes up for it. Every other week when I get paid I “treat myself” to a better lunch. I was nervous ordering from here without seeing it in person and especially having the risk of it getting soggy from door dash. Completely exceeded my expectations. I personally called to tell them how impressed I was!!! 10/10 will order again and i definitely need to visit in person! Thank you guys for such care...