On a Sunday evening I had a chance to try Umi, a contemporary Japanese restaurant and lounge located in the upmarket Taikoo Hui mall in Shanghai.
The visit
The entrance is located on the third level of the mall where a reception escorted. Here you will be escorted to an elevator, while the real restaurant occupies a space on the third floor. As I stepped into the restaurant and walked past the terrace I was struck by the elegance of the interiors and the nice outdoor space (unfortunately not appropriate for a chilly November evening). By no accident the restaurant was shortlisted for a design award.
I and my friend opted for the five-course tasting menu.
We were promptly served the first dish, one oyster with passion fruit and jalapeño. The sauce did not distract from the flavor of the meaty oyster. I should have doubled down.
The second dish was a carpaccio of hamachi (Japanese yellotail, usually farmed) with tobiko (flying fish roe) and pomelo. I appreciated the quality of the hamachi that was very tasty (it can be very bland sometimes). Every bit of the condiment added to the flavor, even the herbs.
Then we had a bowl of “treasures”: half was a sort of snow crab congee and half was made of steamed eggs sormounted by truffle flakes. In between there was also some sea urchin (umi). I can only describe it as a delicious dish.
Finally, we got to the main attraction: a half lobster supplemented by some Spanish rice and spinach. Again, all the condiments used for the lobster added to the original flavor without compromising it.
The last dish was a dessert: coconut ice cream, with a bar of black sesame and passion fruit sauce. I particularly liked to combine the black sesame crust with the ice cream.
The check
The set menu was 398 CNY (57 USD) net per person because of a promotion (normally would be 488 CNY). The matcha tea (not sure why indicated on the bill as mocha) was very reasonably priced and was freely refilled throughout the dinner. A sake pairing was available for 298 CNY.
Overall, I think the price was very reasonable for this superb tasting menu. I enjoyed every single dish and I can say that even if I am not a culinary expert I appreciated the creativity behind the dishes.
The place would certainly deserves another visit to try their sushi and sashimi.
Where in Shanghai:
Unit L321&L401, Entrance on 3/F, Taikoo Hui, 288 Shimen Yi Lu / 石门一路288号.
Address in Chinese: 兴业太古汇3楼L321&L401.
They take reservations via Chope.
Nearest metro station: West Nanjing.