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Yumi in Monot is closing down soon, but the good news is that they are relocating to a new venue with a new menu, which they are keeping as a surprise.
Yumi is in my Top10 best sushi places in town. It's a must try before it closes on March 12.
Telling you about the decor and the little details of the place won't mean anything since it will be dismantled soon, so how about we focus on the food? I like it a lot and believe you should come to have a closer look at before it's too late.
Yumi, located in the heart of Monot Street is not like any other Japanese place around. This restaurant/bar is special on all fronts. It all starts by the location, in the middle if a nightlife district where things are casual and laid back. This feeling continues in 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 is what speaks for itself. Facing "A whole in the Wall" bar is Yumi nestled up two stairs above the Monot walking district. A terrace followed by a square dining space in a dimmed cozy ambiance.
I love the decoration of the bites at Yumi, I like the rice, the fresh fish, and the temperature of the rolls, especially the innovative, warm signature bites.
The menu sections: Soups, Yu start, Salads, Yumi Makis, Classic Makis, Yu mix, Sashimi, Rolls, Sushis, Sashimis, Temakis, Gunkans, Main courses, Desserts.
Let's eat:
- Salmon and Tuna Tataki: On a rectangular plate, six slices of half-cooked salmon and tuna are served, lying majestically on a bed of teriyaki and miso sauce. The salmon melts under the teeth like butter while the sauce activates one taste bud after the other with a hint of spiciness added by the confit. I love the combined taste of the apple and ginger. A plate not to be missed.0
- Shrimp Potstickers: Shrimp dumplings which look like sambousik, soft and tender, moist on the inside and served with sweet chili sauce. I loved the flavor of the tender shrimps and the tiny crunchiness of the carrots. That's a big yes!
- Marinated Salmon Salad: Fresh salmon cubes served in a green lettuce after being marinated in a light miso dressing. A generous portion of tender salmon, but what makes the difference is the sauce, which I believe is something Yumi perfects.
- The rolls are all majestic, but one dish is actually named "majestic eel": I love the rice, its texture and taste. I adore the quality of the fish. The rolls are just the right size. Every piece looks good, tastes good and leaves a very nice aftertaste that will put a smile on your face. The best part of those rolls is that they are flavorful and light. My two favorite pieces are the majestic eel and the United Colors of Yumi, which are more like mouthwatering candies than normal rolls.
Wait, you didn't hear it all yet. I had amazing French fries that night. It seems that sushi and French fries blend well together. Fish and chips? Yeah, sushi and chips, and it works.
Enjoyed dinner while I didn'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. We ordered a lot, making sure to try all parts of the menu and enjoyed everything. I loved the salad and their generosity, the rolls and their colors, the sizes, the rice and its perfect cooking time. To top it all, Yumi doesn't use the ugly green plastic leaves as separators. As for the sashimi, Yumi uses superior salmon quality that is non oily and melts under your teeth like butter.
The things I loved:
- The menu is clear, clean and features beautiful photos.
- The plates are beautifully presented.
- The pieces are good looking and generous.
- All the rolls are creative and not heavy, filled with many ingredients.
- Every bite is rich with fish and vegetables.
- Thank you for not using the ugly green leaves: Respect!
Roberta's cake or the chocolate heaven. Imagine a mousse served cold with tiny little bits of crunchy, heavenly bites of chocolate which melt as soon as they touch the tongue.
That's dinner at Yumi, this lounge/bar/sushi restaurant, which is closing onMarch 12. You still have a bit of time to give it a try. Head down to Monot, near the old Pacifico, for a unique Japanese experience.
