UMI Restaurant, located on the corner of Highway 101 and W. Jason St., had barely opened the first time they participated in Taste of Leucadia back in 2017. Fast forward just one year, and they took home top honors at the event. The Platinum Plate, which is voted on by Taste attendees, was awarded to UMI for their steamed shrimp dumplings, which people could not stop talking about for weeks after the event.
Surfboards and photos of waves adorn the walls in this intimate restaurant, where details and flavors collide. Their menu is full of familiar sushi dishes, but their presentation is what sets them apart from other sushi establishments. Owner Kazu and his team go to great lengths to make sure every detail is perfect; each plate, bowl, and cup looks handcrafted and unique; they add a leaf here and a flower there to make sure each dish is simple but beautiful. And then, of course, there's the food. UMI prides itself on fresh ingredients — and just one bite and you can tell.
You can't go wrong with the award-winning steamed shrimp dumplings, takoyaki, crunchy roll, and cold sake. L101's advice: order a few appetizers and rolls and then let the flavors guide the way to whatever you order next. The waitresses are also great at suggesting something you might love.
If you haven't visited UMI yet, you should change that immediately. Because eating at UMI is more than just a meal, it's a dining experience — one that only Leucadia can offer.
Visit UMI for dinner Tuesday-Sunday from 5:30-10pm and for lunch on the weekends from 11:30am-2:30pm. Follow UMI on Instagram for hunger-inducing images at @umi_restaurant_encinitas.
