Fancy some fresh sashimi, nigiri, or sushi? Authentic teriyaki or ramen?

You don’t need to travel – it’s all here on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough.

Umi Japanese restaurant has gone from strength to strength since it first opened on Borough Road.

It was launched by two students who had grown tired of kebabs and pizzas, and wanted to bring even more diversity to Middlesbrough’s food scene.

In its early days, some customers were unsure about the raw fish on offer when it took pop-up events to the Orange Pip Market.

But as time has gone on, Middlesbrough has fallen in love with the restaurant’s delicious blend of modern Asian cuisine – Japanese food along with Chinese and Korean influences.

When the last lockdown ended earlier this year, Umi had moved to larger premises in a fully refurbished spot close to Bedford and Baker Streets.

It’s open six days a week for lunch between midday and 2:30pm, and between 4pm and 9pm – and its customer base is expanding with it.

While chicken katsu is the restaurant’s most popular dish, a growing number are becoming more adventurous and visiting to try sashimi and sushi.

To match the food, the restaurant also offers unique, traditional cocktails to offer an authentic glimpse of the Land of the Rising Sun.