Umi

Umi is the Japanese flagship inside the Waldorf Astoria at Al Hamra, designed around a dramatic central teppanyaki grill with a sushi counter and private karaoke rooms tucked around the edges. The styling is plush and modern - dark wood, theatrical lighting, and seats that pull guests close to the action at the hot stations. The kitchen sits confidently in the high-gloss Japanese fusion territory. The black cod is the dish most guests travel for, sushi and sashimi are reliably cut and plated with care, and the teppanyaki counter is a show as much as a meal - chefs work the hibachi with flair while feeding each course directly onto the plate. A kaiseki tasting menu is available for guests who want something more ceremonious, and the sake list is extensive enough to be worth asking the somm to navigate. Service is the quiet strength - the long-tenured floor team is well-informed, confidently pairs dishes with drinks, and handles celebrations with warmth. Prices sit at resort-restaurant level and pacing can occasionally stretch when the room is full; book the teppanyaki counter for the full experience or a karaoke room for a late-night group.