Umi

Located in San Francisco, CA, Umi is a hidden gem in the Japanese sushi bar scene. With a curated menu focusing on quality over quantity, this restaurant offers a variety of vegan and limited vegetarian options. From nigiri samplers to sashimi combos, Umi prides itself on serving fresh and flavorful dishes that leave customers coming back for more.

What sets Umi apart is not only the delicious food but also the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Customers have praised the friendly staff, fast service, and cozy ambiance. Whether you're looking for a casual dinner or a place to enjoy happy hour, Umi is the perfect spot.

Notable mentions from customers include the Katsu Asparagus Maki, Beef Enoki Maki, and the garlic edamame - all dishes that showcase the restaurant's attention to detail and unique flavor combinations. Pair your meal with one of their Japanese beers or sakes for the ultimate culinary experience.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to dine at Umi and discover why it's a favorite among locals. With plenty of seating options, including a covered patio, this restaurant is perfect for a date night or a casual outing with friends. Experience the wonders of Umi for yourself and indulge in a true Japanese dining experience.

Umi Menu

Location

Address: 1328 18th St San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (415) 355-1328

🕓 Work Hours
MON Closed
TUE 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
WED 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
THU 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
FRI 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
SAT 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SUN 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Limited Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    No
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Casual Dress
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • Beer & Wine Only
    Yes
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral restrooms
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    No
  • Not Good For Groups
    No
  • Not Good For Kids
    No
  • Wi-Fi
    No
  • TV
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Rosella S.

    31 July 2024

    In contrast to the crowds lining outside popular neighboring restaurants, Umi seems like a quiet place at a quick glance but upon entering it has a lively and bustling atmosphere. The kitchen is immediately to the right of the entrance and the staff greet you warmly. Their menu isn't extensive but it feels curated to focus on quality, not quantity. I ordered the nigiri sampler which was one serving each of their special nigiri that night. I will definitely order this again, whatever they list as a special I will get next time. The quality was excellent and the fish was exceptional. I also ordered uni, which - for the price point, was a reasonably generous size and was a luscious burst of delicate brininess tinged with sweetness. For our small group of 3 people we ordered a couple of small plates to share: Katsu Asparagus Maki and Beef Enoki Maki. Don't miss out on these. The katsu was a perfect blend of texture and flavor combination with the crunchy breading outside and tender asparagus rolled inside. The beef was served in nine bite-size pieces that almost melt in your mouth. I love that they also had two of my favorite Japanese beers on their menu - Coedo and Echigo - along with a third beer option (Orion) and a couple of sakes. Although they have a covered patio, it's part of the restaurant itself and not one of the sidewalk structures. I don't think dogs are allowed here and that's okay. The tables are a decent size that we didn't feel cramped and it looks like a group of 6 or 8 could probably be accommodated in the main dining room. Good place for happy hour and casual dinner. I'll be back soon.

  • Author: Janis L.

    06 June 2024

    I've been here multiple times with my partner as we live in the neighborhood, and it's easily walkable. The place is easy to miss as the sign isn't very large, but I appreciate the pared back aesthetic along with the choice of either indoor seating or open-air patio dining. The chirashi and nigiri samplers are quite fairly priced, and they also have a variety of seasonal offerings depending on the time of year. The garlic edamame is also wonderful (yes, garlic isn't very traditionally Japanese, but it makes the appetizer much heartier), and I appreciate that they also offer fresh horseradish and sometimes actual grated wasabi root. All in all, it's a nice place to come for a casual weekend or weekday dinner if you're in the mood for something a little more refined.

  • Author: Kaelin C.

    16 May 2024

    The sashimi combo I ordered was amazing! The cuts of fish were thick and fresh. The rice was warm and had good texture. The service was great and very friendly, kept refilling our waters. :) 10/10!!

  • Author: Oliver C.

    26 April 2024

    Umi is a terrific hidden Japanese restaurant. I've passed it by a few times and I finally got to try it. We were greeted warmly and were shown to a table outside in their covered patio. They had a lot of lunch special options. My friend got the bento box with beef teriyaki, salmon and white tuna sashimi. It also came with miso soup, rice and a little salad. I had the hamachi kama on a bed of salad with soup and rice on the side. What a good deal! I got three nice pieces of grilled hamachi. I was surprised at the large amount given. It was beautifully charred and delicious. My friend enjoyed his bento. The sashimi were fresh and the beef was tender and juicy. We saw the chef pull out whole fish from their refrigerator to prepare, which I felt was a very good sign of freshness. What a great meal at a great price. Will be back!