Yumi: Sushi and Drinks in the Heart of Monot

Anthony's Restaurant Rating: 90/100 X

Welcoming:9/10 Menu Choices: 9/10 Food Presentation: 9/10

Food Temperature: 9/10 Food Taste: 18/20 Service: 9/10

Ambiance/Music: 9/10 Architecture/Interior: 9/10 Air Quality: 9/10

Total: 90/100

Yumi, this special bar/restaurant located in the heart of Monot Street, is not like any other Japanese place around. It all starts with the location, in the middle of a nightlife district where things are casual and laid back. This feeling continues as you enter this casual fine dining space that’s simple and not pretentious. You will be eating one of the finest sushi rolls in the country without complications. In here, food counts… Food speaks for itself.

A proof of that is clear, as the last time I was here was a year ago… unlike some places in town, Yumi has kept its standards up delivering the same taste – last year and today and hopefully tomorrow…

I’ve been to Yumi before, an experience I enjoyed and decided to repeat. The same setup welcomed me, the reflective surfaces, dimmed lighting and light musical background where siting outside on the sidewalk is an interesting option, blending in with the action of this nightlife passage while appreciating fine quality sushi. Premium quality and exquisite taste hidden in every roll, prepared with such simplicity, making every bite exquisite.

The place:

The overall space is clear with reflective materials used everywhere making the restaurant look bigger
The terrace, outside has an interesting mix of colors, thanks to the neighbors. Violet from the sign ahead, yellow from the street light and red from the painted walls
Take a seat at one of the high tables above the green ramp to have a look at the street. All tables are setup with placemats of three different colors (red, black, grey) and black ceramic plates
Inside, a square space built of grey, black, red and metallic colors
After the entrance, you’ll be welcomed by a long bar to your right and a large painting to the left
The backlit bar is decorated with dozens of bottles
The facing wall is covered with acoustic sponges that absorb unpleasant echoes
The high ceiling is covered with mirrors and lit with dozens of LED lights
The main wall is covered with a large photograph of a woman wearing a flower dress on a white background. It will indirectly remind you of the Japanese flag
Concrete is used all over the place
Down the stairs to the restrooms, you will find an open kitchen to your right where every roll is meticulously prepared

The menu sections:

Soups
Yu start
Salads
Yumi makis
Classic makis
Yu mix
Sashimi rolls
Sushis
Sashimis
Temakis
Gunkans
Main courses
Desserts

Yumi has it all! Rich rolls filled with the freshest ingredients and wrapped in thin layers of rice. Each and every roll is prepared meticulously with generous quantities of fish, fruits, cheese and vegetables. I adored the mixes and their creative complexity that made the experience unique, one bite after the other. The best part is that you don’t feel bloated or heavy after eating. Very little, or no mayonnaise is used, a tasty sweet teriyaki sauce and juicy ingredients you can and should enjoy without adding any soy sauce.

My favorite tonight: United colors of Yumi (Hand rolled salmon, tuna, white fish, avocado and nori. Yumi’s special sauce on top)

Tuna salmon tataki is exquisite: Three pieces of salmon and three slices of tuna, served on a rectangular plate, half cooked and topped with a lemony miso sauce. A plate not to be missed. Yumi hosso is exceptional. Fried pieces served warm and covered with teriyaki sauce that adds a hint of sweetness. Pieces that melt under your teeth like butter.

What I loved:

The menu is clear, clean and features beautiful clean photos
The chopsticks have a certain finesse that shows the professionalism put in developing this concept. Each pair wrapped in a small piece of white paper
The plates are beautifully presented
The pieces are good-looking and generous
Sashimi is served on crushed ice
All the rolls are creative and not heavy, filled with many ingredients
Maki pieces are prepared with a thin layer of rice; Every bite is rich with fish and vegetables

I’d improve: The crispy salmon salad lacked something. The crisps are not too fresh and chew a bit. The lack of flavor made me add some soy sauce, an initiative that didn’t improve things much. The quality of the salmon was excellent, but maybe the crisps were too big and weren’t as crispy as they should be.

I enjoyed my second visit to Yumi, a restaurant I do recommend.