Umi
Panama
At a glance
Located in Plaza 54 along Av. Samuel Lewis in the vibrant hub of Panama, Umi presents a dining experience where Japanese tradition meets Panamanian flair. The restaurant is an izakaya, a type of informal Japanese gastro-bar, which offers an intriguing blend of cultural influences. The interior of Umi showcases contemporary Japanese design with warm lighting, solid wood elements, and artisanal details that accentuate the inviting atmosphere.
Umi specializes in creating precise cocktails inspired by Japanese mixology, combined with the richness of local ingredients. This fusion delivers a unique drinking experience that both enchants and satisfies. The culinary offerings feature a selection of the finest seafood, umami-rich flavors, and fresh hand rolls. These dishes are prepared with refined Japanese techniques that focus on clarity and precision.
Whether meeting friends for a casual dinner or looking for a refreshing cocktail, Umi provides an experience rooted in authenticity yet enhanced by local charm. This venue is well-suited for those who appreciate the nuances of Japanese cuisine while enjoying the lively ambiance of Panama. Umi welcomes patrons from Monday to Saturday, making it a preferred spot for both lunch and dinner gatherings.
Reviews
One wow moment after the next! My husband and I visited Umi Restaurant for the first time and we were truly wowed. Every dish was amazing. We started with small plates: Sea bass tempura, Chu Toro Crackers and Dumpling de Langostinos - and each one was a wonderful combination of flavors and textures and was cooked to perfection. We also tried some nigiri, sashimi and hand rolls; each of these was outstanding as well. All the fish was super fresh and the toppings on the sashimi added a unique flavor to each bite. For dessert we opted for the cheesecake. The flavor combination with sesame sounded a little odd to us, but we gave it a go and we're so glad we did. It was out of this world delicious! It's a light and airy cheesecake (nothing like a NY or Italian style cheesecake) and it has a sesame flavor and is topped with a caramel sauce flavored with Geisha coffee. The cocktails were also very tasty and innovative. Service was excellent - attentive and friendly. The space is also very inviting. The origami birds on the ceiling are eye catching and the shelves are well organized with some interesting display pieces. Umi's inclusion in the Latin America World's Best Restaurant List is well deserved. We can't wait to return.
The food is excellent, let’s start there. So are the drinks. But it can get extremely tricky because you order nigiri here, second drink there, 4 handrolls, you’ll go for the cheesecake (which you should, it was DIVINE) and boom… the bill is almost $300!😮💨😀 However it was some of the best fish I had. Just come prepared 🤑 And make a reservation, the place is small.
UMI offers a refined and thoughtful dining experience where technique, elegance, and flavor come together beautifully. Under the direction of chef Kamel, the menu reflects precision and creativity, with each dish presented with a clear sense of balance and purpose while using local products. It is cozy and intimate which makes it perfect for date night or small groups. A place that truly embrace hospitality at heart. UMI is known for its high-quality, fresh raw fish, hand rolls and premium and creative cocktails. Don’t miss the dumplings and the only tarta de queso in the menu!
Right off the airplane on our first night in Panama, we searched for a Japanese restaurant and discovered Umi. We arrived around 9pm and the place was absolutely packed. We put our name down for the first available table at 10pm—and it was well worth the wait. The food was fantastic, the music was vibing, and the atmosphere was completely our style. We returned on our third night for a reprise, and the staff remembered us—what a lovely time! We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in Panama!
If you are looking for top quality Nigiri 🍣 (or hand rolls) then this is the place. Wasn't a fan of what they put on top of the pieces but you just take it off and you're gtg. The starters are very tasty but the tempura 🍤 is not really tempura. Guess they just call it that because it's fried. The cocktails 🍸🍹 are very well made as well. Service needs a bit of work though, we were constantly looking for the server at times.
