Brand new sushi spot in the side of the archer hotel by the McLean metro station. The building space looks like it was designed for an affordable fast food joint but don't be fooled; the sushi here is more on the higher end of the price and quality scale. Cooks and waitresses are quality, in chef kimono, and you are greeting with a hearty irasshaimase upon entering. The green tea served tasted like it had toasted rice in it and was constantly refilled.
For appetizers we got the aji tempura and yellowtail carpacchio. The carpacchio was good quality and seasoned with a strong smoky bonito flavor which was pleasant but the jalapeño on top was quite thick and stole the focus of the dish. Not worth the price in my opinion. However, the aji tempura was an excellent crunchy croquette like appetizer that came with a tasty wasabi tartar sauce. The fish had none of the fishy mackerel taste my wife disliked and was definitely worth the money. You don't really find this kind of appetizer at other Japanese places nearby so I recommend it.
The nigiri are excellent quality, made with proper technique and hold together excellently. The ratio of rice to fish smaller than usual. They have a selection of the classics, as well as some more exciting choices like Botan Ebi, which are spot prawns which are served with their heads deep fried.
The rolls are normal and you will probably want to get a few to fill up on. The yellowtail crunch roll is light on the palate. The rock and roll is heavy on the sweet eel sauce. By chance all of our rolls seemed to have tobiko in them. The salmon deluxe is full of spicy salmon and is actually quite spicy, so be warned.
Parking is hard to find, you have to either find street parking or use the Archer hotel valet. The lot behind the shop is not their parking lot, its the McLean Metro kiss and ride so do not park there.
Overall the quality is good but the price is very high. We spent more here than we do at Tachibana, so that's saying something. However we generally enjoyed...
Read moreBig things in small packages. I was in town for work staying at The Archer and finally tried Umi after being curious since it has such an interesting location and a small space, but man I should have know never to judge a book by its cover.
Some of the best sushi and service I’ve had in the DC area. The dining floor is small but well laid out so there’s ample space for parties of various sizes without feeling cramped. Service from the moment I entered was friendly and welcoming, with excellent engagement and knowledgeable staff of the menu and options.
As it was my last night I decided to treat myself to the premium sake flight and Umi Omakase box and wow, just WOW! Everything was absolutely delicious. Ever piece of fish was fresh, perfectly served and presented. The uni with various roe the server told me to mix with some fresh wasabi and to mix was simply divine. Everything was outstanding and I ate every last bite savoring everything like a kid eating ice cream.
My only disappointment was I waited until my last night to finally try them, but I won’t make that mistake again the next time I’m in town for business.
Don’t make the mistake I did and try them if you’re looking for sushi amazing...
Read moreIf you are a fan or have started to get interested in Japanese cuisine you definitely need to come here! Start your selection with Taste of Umi- you will have the opportunity to taste and experience high quality fatty tuna, salmon and of course Japanese w5 beef, sea urchin and more, also don't forget the Japanese alcoholic drink sake. I was blown away by the Set of different flavors of sake, my favorite is the Dassai Set! Next you have to try the specialty rolls, there is so much choice for all tastes, you can't wait to try them. My favourites is Ocean Breeze and Pink Lady. I would also like to mention the service, the waiters are very friendly and nice. Always greeted with a smile and try to help and explain everything. I recommend it! Visit once and you will and will definitely love it, I speak from experience! Now be sure to include a visit to this beautiful place in my weekly schedule!
P.C. Was so engrossed in my dinner that I forgot to take pictures. Don't make my mistake and be sure to take pictures of your dinner and yourself with your...
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