If there is one cuisine which I've missed most since I've moved to Canberra, it would have to be good Japanese food. Not the teriyaki or udon/ ramen , but rather good quality sushi and sashimi.
Granted, ever since I visited Tsukiji fish markets in Tokyo a couple of years ago (pre-radioactive fish era), sushi has never been quite the same in Australia. But, comparatively speaking, the fresh seafood in Sydney is excellent (I've just been spoilt), and I have been craving it since moving 3 hours inland.
Thus, I was super excited to hear about a new sushi train at the Darling Quarter.
To my knowledge Umi sushi has another sushi train just inside the George Street Event cinemas, but I must say that this location is much better.
The new Darling Quarter has become quite a busy little foodie strip located beside the playground. Umi sushi sits nestled amongst the throng of new restaurants in the area and appears to be one of the more popular ones there, handsomely furnished with a moody dark wooden interior with subtle Japanese style accents.
When we arrived around Thursday lunch hour, the place was packed with people sitting at the sushi train, sitting outside and ordering a la carte, and standing at the top of the train packing take-away boxes of sushi.
It took a little while, but we finally managed to get the attention of one of the staff to put our name
for the waiting list. The poor waiter looked extremely harassed, scribbled something down before shoving a ticket stub in my hands and hurrying off. We waited for a good 20 or so minutes before one of the side tables jutting out of the sushi train was available. It seemed like the place was a bit understaffed though, as it was incredibly difficult to grab the attention of a waiter just to get a glass of water (and later to get the bill), and when they did, the service was abrupt and a bit distracted.
There was quite a wide selection (not skimping on the good stuff, unlike some sushi trains where their range of pricier/ fancier sushi are restricted when they have a set price special). The sushi was all beautifully presented and fresh, although they were not particularly large. (I've seen larger scallop sushi for $3.60) But it is Sydney CBD, so I'm not particularly surprised at the price.
Overall, Umi sushi served some pretty delicious sushi, although it is a bit on the pricier side, even with the lunch special. Service is sparse, but the atmosphere was busy and lively.
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Shop TR10 Darling Quarter,
1 Harbour St
Sydney, NSW
Sydney, NSW
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