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10 Must-Try Dishes At Umai Sushi & Hibachi: The Ultimate Guide To The Nation's Freshest Japanese Cuisine

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Umai Sushi & Hibachi has rapidly established itself as a premier destination for authentic, high-quality Japanese cuisine across multiple states, offering a dynamic menu that perfectly marries the delicate art of sushi with the sizzling spectacle of hibachi. As of December 2025, the brand continues to receive glowing reviews for its commitment to fresh ingredients, generous portions, and an inviting, modern dining atmosphere, making it a standout choice for both casual diners and Japanese food aficionados.

The name itself, "Umai" (旨い), is a Japanese term meaning "delicious" or "tastes really good," and is the root word for "Umami," the savory fifth taste—a promise the restaurant strives to deliver with every dish. This detailed guide dives deep into the menu, uncovering the signature rolls, the most popular hibachi entrees, and the unique features that make the Umai experience a culinary must-try.

The Umai Signature Roll Collection: A Deep Dive into Freshness

The sushi bar at Umai is where the culinary creativity shines, featuring an extensive list of traditional maki and sashimi alongside a vibrant collection of signature rolls. These specialty creations are often the most talked-about items, blending classic Japanese techniques with inventive flavor profiles that keep customers returning. The focus remains on incredibly fresh fish and high-quality ingredients, which is the cornerstone of great sushi.

Must-Try Signature Rolls and Their Unique Ingredients

While the menu can vary slightly by location, several rolls have become consistent crowd-pleasers and regional favorites, showcasing the chefs' artistry.

  • The Umai Roll: Often considered the restaurant's namesake specialty, this roll is a complex blend of textures and tastes, frequently featuring a combination of fresh tuna, salmon, and yellowtail, often topped with a secret blend of sauces and tempura flakes for crunch.
  • Dragon Roll: A classic favorite, the Umai version is highly praised. It typically features eel and cucumber inside, topped with layers of thinly sliced avocado and a drizzle of rich eel sauce.
  • Angel Hair Roll: This roll is known for its delicate presentation and flavor. It often includes shrimp tempura and cream cheese inside, topped with a flavorful crabmeat salad (kani salad) and a light, creamy sauce.
  • ASU Roll (Jonesboro Exclusive): A regional standout, this roll features shrimp tempura and cream cheese inside, topped with crabmeat and a generous layer of crunchy tempura flakes, offering a satisfying bite.
  • Adriatic Roll (McKinney Exclusive): For those seeking a richer flavor, this roll combines crab mix, cream cheese, eel, asparagus, and salmon, finished with a spicy mayo and eel sauce for a complex, savory profile.

For purists, Umai also offers all the essential classics, including the Tuna Roll, Salmon Roll, Yellowtail Roll, and the ever-popular California Roll, all prepared with meticulous attention to detail.

The Sizzling Umai Hibachi Experience: Beyond the Grill

The "Hibachi" half of the Umai name is equally important, offering a range of hot, savory, and protein-rich entrees that appeal to a broad audience. Unlike traditional hibachi steakhouses that feature a show-style grill at your table, Umai focuses on delivering the same authentic, grilled-to-perfection flavor in a relaxed, vibrant dining setting.

Top Hibachi and Kitchen Entrees to Order

The menu is designed for flexibility, catering to both lunch crowds and dinner dates with various combo options and bento boxes.

  • Dinner Hibachi: This is the most popular kitchen item, allowing customers to choose from single proteins like Hibachi Chicken, Steak, or Shrimp, or a combination. The portions are consistently praised for being generous and the prices highly competitive.
  • Hibachi Combo (Pick 2): An excellent value, this option allows diners to combine two different proteins, such as filet mignon and shrimp, or chicken and steak, for a truly satisfying meal.
  • Umai Empire Hibachi: For the ultimate feast, this grand dish typically features a luxurious combination of Filet Mignon, Shrimp, Lobster, Chicken, and mixed vegetables, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.
  • Bento Boxes: Available during lunch, the Lunch Teriyaki Bento Box and Lunch Tempura Bento Box are ideal for a quick, complete meal, often including a main protein, rice, salad, and a side of sushi or tempura.
  • Appetizers: Don't overlook the starters. Customer favorites include the crispy Bang Bang Shrimp and the unique Naruto appetizer, which is often a cucumber-wrapped roll.

The kitchen also offers other Japanese staples like Fried Rice, various Ramen and Udon / Soba Soups, and Katsu dishes, ensuring there is a delicious option for every craving.

Umai's Unique Dining Propositions and Locations

What sets Umai apart is its ability to tailor its offerings to local tastes while maintaining a core standard of quality. The different locations each have unique features that enhance the dining experience.

All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) and Vegan Options

At the Grayslake, IL location, Umai offers an All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Lunch Menu, providing an incredible opportunity to sample a wide array of their fresh maki rolls and savory hibachi dishes for a fixed price. This feature is a massive draw for local sushi lovers.

Furthermore, Umai has been commended for clearly clarifying its vegan options, making it a welcoming choice for plant-based diners. This commitment to diverse dietary needs reflects a modern, customer-focused approach.

Key Umai Sushi & Hibachi Locations

The Umai experience can be found in several vibrant communities, each bringing the same promise of "delicious" Japanese food.

  • Grayslake, IL: Located at 100 South Atkinson Road, this location is known for its AYCE lunch and a diverse menu of both sushi and hibachi.
  • St. Augustine, FL: Situated at 880 Santa Maria Blvd, #2, this Florida location is highly rated for its friendly service and popular items like the Dinner Hibachi and the addition of Bubble Tea to its beverage menu.
  • Jonesboro, AR: This restaurant is known for its generous portion sizes and unique regional rolls like the ASU Roll and Volcano Roll, making it a local favorite for authentic Japanese cuisine.
  • McKinney, TX: An additional location that features unique signature rolls like the Adriatic Roll, further demonstrating the brand's ability to localize its menu.

Whether you are craving the delicate simplicity of Sashimi, the rich savoriness of a Hibachi Combo, or the creative flair of a signature roll, Umai Sushi & Hibachi delivers a delicious and memorable Japanese dining experience that lives up to its name. The combination of fresh ingredients, a varied menu, and a focus on customer satisfaction ensures its continued success in the competitive culinary landscape.

10 Must-Try Dishes at Umai Sushi & Hibachi: The Ultimate Guide to the Nation's Freshest Japanese Cuisine
umai sushi & hibachi
umai sushi & hibachi

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