Umi Japanese Steakhouse

Umi Japanese Steak House
693 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne
973-942-9898

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11 am–3 pm, 4:30–10:30 pm; Fri and Sat, 11 am–3 pm, 4:30–11 pm; Sun, 1–10:30 pm

Price: $$

Style: Mahogany paneling with bamboo trim creates a clean, upscale look accented with traditional Japanese masks and art. The front windows contain glass panels etched with leafy bamboo and images of Japanese women in traditional kimonos. There’s a sushi bar, regular tables and larger tables surrounding a teppan grill for hibachi-style showmanship.

Don’t Miss: Gyoza—pan-fried dumplings—are crisp and deliciously filled with ground pork and vegetables ($5). There are more than 35 different rolls and hand rolls to choose from. At lunch, they are attractively priced at two for $8.50 or three for $11.50, including miso soup or salad. A sushi and sashimi combo lunch includes three pieces of sushi, six pieces of sashimi and a spicy tuna roll ($17.95). The special rolls are large and truly special. Try the K-Zoo Roll—salmon, tako (poached octopus), avocado, cream cheese and crab meat, deep-fried and served with eel sauce, $20. Specials change often, so ask for the latest list. Hibachi meals come in 15 varieties, ranging from $13 for vegetarian to $36 for a combination of lobster tail, scallops and steak. Hot meals from the kitchen come with soup, salad and rice. At $17, the kumo tempura (shrimp, scallops, white fish and vegetables) is a spectacular value.

Heads Up: Broke college kids, rejoice! Umi offers students a 10 percent discount.

The Scoop: Umi, a BYO, makes a perfect date spot. Recessed booths with low tables offer privacy, but you don’t have to kneel. You perch on a soft pillow on a low bench. Remove your shoes before entering the booth.