Umi

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!

A real treat, the service is top class, very organized, precise and extremely educated in their explanation. Food was exquisite, full of different flavour. Incredibly good. We loved their cheesecake dessert, it was Wowww The place is lovely, gorgeous ceiling, a long bar where we ate. They deserve their entry into the best Latin America restaurant list.

Without a doubt, the best sushi in Panama. Traditional, exquisitely and immaculately prepared. No weird rolls filled with mango and cream cheese. This is nagiri and sashimi made with fish that was in the ocean this morning. Caught locally, for the most part. It's pricey but worth every penny. Highly recommended.

Minimalistic decor and dedicated service along with carefully prepared Japanese specialties is what you experience at Umi. Highly recommended!

Chef Kamel Abi Hassan with Umi serves up what I can sincerely describe as Panamanian Izakaya Culinary Gold. First there is valet parking, do not be hesitant to drive here. You are properly greeted and seated, then provided with a warm towel that leads to an absolute fantastic blend and balance of flavors on the menu. You will notice an absence of pictures with this review, that was by choice, I was there to enjoy what became a divine culinary experience not influence anyone's decision based on staged images, plus there are a lots to view on Instagram and elsewhere. A quick mention, the cocktails are amazing a truly unique and complimentary experience. Discover for yourself, how wonderful they are. I recommend anyone reading this to dine at Umi without hesitation. In my top 20 there are several spaces and I've had the pleasure of experiencing several notable names, Chefs Robuchon, Savoy, Andres, Nobu, Morimoto, Flay and a few others. Within that top 20, with pleasure I add Chef Kamel Abi Hassan (no relationship). I look forward to being a regular at Umi Number 72 rated restaurant in LATAM. Worth a trip to Panamá just to dine there. It was the perfect choice to celebrate a birthday for us.

I would give 10 stars if that was an option. Every single one of the staff was amazing. We were greeted with a welcoming smile and wished a happy birthday by every staff. Our server was exceptional and super attentive to every details. The food matched my expectations, I’ve heard great things about UMI, and they were worth every praise. The hand rolls, the sashimi, the coconut curried clams and the pork belly were all incredible. This is a definite return dining options, much more to explore and indulge on the menu.

I went with a group of 12 for my birthday and they were very accommodating. Everything was perfect. The drinks were amazing and the food, wow, I need to go back to try it all. The team was very attentive. Everything I tried I loved, and I highly recommend the matcha pisco sour!

Food comes fast, tapa style. I would go here again. We got several orders and they were are really good. Even the cooked dishes were great. The drinks too.