Umi Maui

This restaurant exceeded expectations! Although the menu did not have a lot of options, everything we ordered was great. Especially the truffle fries and baked salmon. The service was moderately quick as well. Currently, it is all indoor dining and plastic sheets hang between each table with only the front doors open. If you are not comfortable sitting with so many people inside, this is something you should consider. Side note: The bathroom was very small and the floor was sticky.

This place was recommended to me by a bartender at a very famous Maui restaurant. I had to check it out because they serve nabeta. I had only learned about this type of fish on this trip. Many of the locals love this fish and it’s not often on restaurant menus. I called Umi when they opened, they told me they had 4 small and 2 large nabetas left. They’re first come first serve but I think you can order to go as well. I got a small nabeta and let me tell you; it is sooooo good!!! The rice is the same they use for sushi. The fish is fried perfectly and the ginger sauce is amazing. I am in love with this dish. The staff is also extremely nice. I sat at the sushi bar and they chef was awesome to talk to! Highly recommend this place!!! Try the nabeta

Our waitress (Eepo) deserves 5 stars. She was the only server waiting on 13 tables at one point. She still managed to refill our waters 3 times and was very friendly. (Usually when a restaurant is busy, you get a rushed feeling from your server but Eepo was not that way.) Our food was good. The ramen was flavorful. Though the broth was a little bit greasy - I would recommend straining it at least one time through a cheesecloth or something to get a slightly cleaner broth. My husband ordered the sashimi platter and we enjoyed everything on there though the salmon didn’t taste as fresh as the other items on the platter. Same with my salmon nigiri - it was just alright. We also ordered the shiso dragon roll, and it was definitely very innovative with the chips on top and had a slight kick towards the end. Ambiance was ok. It was a quaint little restaurant with COVID precautions in place. However, because they were understaffed, tables were mainly getting cleaned as customers were showing up. At one point we looked around to empty tables but dirty dishes still piled on the tables. We did get free dessert (ube and vanilla ice cream - it was delicious) and a small little souvenir gift. Overall would still recommend this place. Parking was scarce but still able to find a spot.

I've been to both their food truck and their restaurant many times, and they always hit it out of the park. I always get the order of truffle fries, plus the Umi Roll, and once in a while I'll get the soft shelled crab bao bun. They also change their desserts over the years for the restaurant location, and a while back I got one of their macaron desserts, it was super good! Great place to go with friends and family. Staff are super nice and it's always great to support local. - Miguel Morales Photography

I went in to finally try them out! I'll admit to some sticker shock. I got some miso soup, a rainbow roll, salmon nigiri, and scallop nigiri. The miso was almost a light stew with all the tofu and wakame. It was a great surprise. The rainbow roll, basically a California roll with various fish toppings, was made with real crab instead of the usual haddock imitation crab. The salmon was thick sliced and buttery. Unlike most American sushi there was wasabi underneath it. The scallop had an odd twang. I probably won't get that one next time. I was expecting noodles, and went for that. The gentleman I spoke with said that it's been so hot that nobody was ordering it, so it's become a seasonal dish. Once it's cooler it'll be back. I'll return to try that.

We were at a private function for family and friends. Perfect venue for us in Central Maui. Our friend did the Hawaiian blessing of the food and friends. We had the food as buffet style and it was delicious. Larry Endrina was the entertainment. He choose to sing and play the perfect selection of Hawaiian songs for our age group and gathering. There is street parking, but read the sign carefully. This restaurant is tucked away and residents favorites. They did a great event for us and we are looking forward to going back and ordering from their regular menu. Easy to get to from Kihei, Wailea or Maalaea. 🌺