Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet is officially open on the Northwest Side, and it’s one of those places where you walk in, look around, and immediately realize you underestimated it.
The space is huge, but it doesn’t feel like a typical buffet.
There’s a lot going on visually—in a good way. Decorative umbrellas hang from the ceiling, cherry blossoms are woven throughout the space, and it all somehow works together to make the whole place feel a little more like an experience than just dinner.
And then there’s the food.
There are more than 200 items, and trying to “do it right” is basically impossible. You start with a plan, maybe sushi first, maybe seafood, and then five minutes later you’re holding a plate that has none of the things you originally intended to grab.
The seafood selection is a big draw. Snow crab legs, lobster, prawns, whole crab, plus a mix of hot dishes that go way beyond what you’d expect. There’s also hot pot, ramen, and enough variety that even if you skip seafood entirely, you’re still not running out of options.
It’s the kind of place where every trip back up feels different, mostly because you keep noticing things you missed the first time.
Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet is open daily, with lunch priced at $26.99 on weekdays and dinner at $39.99 (which also applies all weekend). Hours run from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days, with slightly later hours on Fridays and Saturdays. You do have a two-hour limit to eat, so keep that in mind when you’re making your plate.
If you go, just accept that you’re not going to try everything. That’s kind of the point. You can take a look at the menu by visiting umibuffet.com.
