This Texas Seafood Buffet Serves Crab Platters Exactly The Way Locals Remember
There are whispers in the wind, carried on the humid Texas air, of a place where the crab platters are as legendary as a Friday night lights game. Umi Sushi & Seafood Buffet, a name that might conjure images of delicate rolls and soy sauce, is actually a treasure trove for the true seafood aficionado.
Especially those who hold a special place in their hearts for the grand, sprawling buffets of yesteryear. They’ve managed to bottle that electric atmosphere, that feeling of abundance, and that unmistakable taste of perfectly prepared crab that Texans grew up loving.
This is a revival, a chance to relive those cherished moments when the crab arrived in towering mounds, promising endless delight.
A Seafood Paradise In The Heart Of Houston
Located at 11681 Westheimer Rd, Umi creates an atmosphere that balances upscale dining with comfortable accessibility. The restaurant spans a generous space, allowing diners to move freely between food stations without feeling cramped.
Soft lighting illuminates the buffet counters, highlighting the colors of fresh seafood on ice. The layout is thoughtfully designed with separate sections for hot foods, cold selections, and made-to-order specialties.
Walking through the restaurant feels like embarking on a culinary journey across Asia and beyond. Each station offering new flavors to discover.
Nostalgic Crab Platters That Hit Home
The crown jewels of Umi’s offerings are undoubtedly their crab platters. Heaping portions of snow crab legs arrive glistening and perfectly cooked, just like locals remember from childhood seafood feasts.
What makes these platters special isn’t just the quantity but the quality. The meat pulls easily from the shell, sweet and tender without that waterlogged taste that plagues lesser establishments. Regular patrons swear the seasoning blend tastes just like grandma’s secret recipe.
The weekend platters feature additional varieties including Dungeness when in season, creating a true crab lover’s dream.
Sushi Selection That Rivals Specialized Restaurants
Forget everything you thought about buffet sushi. Umi’s dedicated sushi chefs create rolls that would make specialized sushi restaurants envious. Fresh fish is sliced throughout the day, ensuring nothing sits too long.
I remember my first visit when I skeptically approached the sushi station. Three dragon rolls later, I was texting friends to join me! The nigiri selection rotates regularly, but staples like salmon, tuna, and yellowtail maintain consistent quality.
Beyond traditional options, creative specialty rolls feature unexpected combinations. It provide pleasant surprises for adventurous eaters.
Hot Food Stations That Go Beyond Expectations
The hot food section breaks the buffet stereotype with dishes that taste individually prepared rather than mass-produced. Mongolian beef arrives still sizzling, while the honey walnut shrimp maintains its crispy coating.
Seafood dominates even here, with garlic butter scallops and salt-and-pepper calamari consistently ranking as customer favorites. The dim sum station features handmade dumplings with delicate wrappers that would make any Chinese grandmother nod in approval.
Don’t overlook the hibachi station where chefs prepare your selection of proteins and vegetables exactly to your specifications.
Pricing Structure That Offers Exceptional Value
Umi structures its pricing to balance accessibility with maintaining quality. Weekday lunches attract business crowds seeking substantial midday meals without breaking budgets.
Dinner offers an enhanced selection, making evening service a popular choice for families and groups. Children’s meals are priced based on height rather than age, a practical approach that families appreciate.
My family of four typically enjoys a weekend dinner here, and considering the variety and quality we experience, it offers better value than ordering individual seafood entrees at most restaurants.
Freshness Standards That Set Umi Apart
What distinguishes Umi from competitors is their commitment to freshness. Staff constantly monitor and replenish stations, removing items before they lose their prime appeal. Nothing sits under heat lamps for extended periods.
The seafood arrives daily, with delivery schedules posted near the entrance for transparency. Oysters glisten on ice beds, crab legs steam in small batches, and fish for sushi undergoes rigorous quality checks.
During slower periods, portion sizes in display trays decrease, ensuring faster turnover and maintaining the just-prepared taste. It has built Umi’s reputation among Houston’s discerning seafood enthusiasts.
Dessert Finale Worth Saving Room For
Smart diners pace themselves to experience Umi’s dessert station. Unlike many buffets where sweets seem like afterthoughts, Umi’s dessert selection deserves its dedicated visit.
The green tea ice cream, made in-house, strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and that distinctive matcha flavor. Tiny fruit tarts feature seasonal berries atop delicate custard. The chocolate fountain stands surrounded by fresh strawberries, marshmallows, and rice crispy treats for dipping.
I once witnessed a regular patron enter solely for the mochi ice cream collection, which rotates through unique flavors like lychee, black sesame, and mango.