UMI Sushi & Seafood Buffet in Houston came onto my radar because people would not stop talking about it. Friends mentioned it casually, road trippers planned detours for it, and suddenly it felt like everyone I knew had a story that started with a long drive and ended with an overfilled plate.
Sitting along Westheimer Road, this place does not try to be subtle. It is loud, indulgent, and unapologetic about what it offers.
I walked in hungry and immediately understood the obsession. King crab legs stacked high, buttery lobster tails, and rows of sashimi that seem to go on forever make it clear this is not just another buffet.
It feels like an event, the kind of stop that turns a normal day into something memorable. By the time I left, full and slightly stunned, it made perfect sense why people are willing to drive for hours just to eat here.
Lobster That Makes the Journey Legendary
Lobster at a buffet sounds almost too good to be true, yet UMI delivers it with style and substance. Guests rave about the sautéed lobster dishes that appear throughout the day, tender and rich with flavor that doesn’t need fancy sauces to shine.
During special holiday weekends, whole lobster tails make their debut, turning an already exciting meal into something truly memorable. The meat pulls away from the shell in thick, juicy chunks, sweet and delicate, with just the right amount of ocean essence.
Some visitors admit they came specifically after hearing whispers on TikTok and food blogs about the lobster situation here, and they weren’t let down. Sure, it’s not an endless lobster free-for-all every single day, but when it’s available, it becomes the star of your plate.
Staff members keep a close eye on the lobster station, restocking as quickly as they can during peak times. Pairing a bite of lobster with a little melted garlic or a squeeze of lemon turns each forkful into a mini celebration.
It’s one of those dishes that makes you pause, close your eyes, and feel grateful you made the drive.
Sashimi That Tastes Like the Ocean Came to Texas
Walking up to the sashimi station feels like stepping into a fish market in Tokyo, only cleaner and way more organized. Thick slices of salmon, tuna, and yellowtail sit on ice, glistening under soft lights, each piece cut with precision and care.
The texture is buttery, the flavor clean and fresh, without any hint of that fishy aftertaste that makes people nervous about raw seafood. Regulars know to hit this section early and often, building little towers of sashimi on their plates like edible architecture.
Some folks dip theirs in soy sauce and wasabi, while others prefer to taste the fish completely naked, letting the natural sweetness speak for itself. There’s also abalone making occasional appearances, a delicacy that adds a chewy, briny twist to the lineup.
Sashimi lovers who’ve traveled from other cities say this selection rivals spots charging triple the price per person. It’s not just about quantity here, though there’s plenty of that.
It’s about the quality and the respect for the ingredient, something that doesn’t always show up at buffet joints.
Boba Tea That Sweetens the Deal
Not every buffet thinks to include boba tea, but UMI gets it. After loading up on seafood, sushi, and hot dishes, guests can head over to the boba station and pour themselves a cup of creamy, sweet milk tea loaded with chewy tapioca pearls.
It’s a fun, refreshing break from the savory parade, and it’s become a favorite among younger diners and anyone who loves a little texture in their drinks. The boba pearls are cooked just right, soft but still bouncy, never mushy or too firm.
Some people sip on it between courses, while others save it for dessert, treating it like a liquid sweet treat. The fact that it’s unlimited makes it even better, no need to ration your sips or worry about ordering another round.
Families with kids especially appreciate this touch, since it keeps the little ones happy and engaged while the adults go back for round three of crab legs. It’s one of those small details that shows UMI isn’t just about piling food on a table.
They’re thinking about the whole experience, the fun, the flavors, and the little surprises that make a meal memorable.
Grilled Oysters That Bring the Coast to Houston
Oysters can be intimidating if you’re not used to slurping them raw, but UMI offers a grilled version that wins over even the skeptics. These oysters come out bubbling hot, topped with garlic, butter, and a hint of seasoning that makes each bite taste like a beachside barbecue.
The shells cradle the tender meat perfectly, and the smoky char adds a depth of flavor that raw oysters just can’t match. People who’ve never tried oysters before often start here, and many become instant converts.
The texture is soft but not slimy, and the flavors are bold without being overwhelming. Regulars know to grab a few every time they pass the grill station, treating them like little flavor bombs that reset the palate between heavier dishes.
Some folks squeeze a bit of lemon over the top, while others go all in with the garlic butter situation. Either way, these grilled oysters are a testament to how a buffet can elevate simple ingredients into something truly special.
They’re proof that UMI isn’t cutting corners, even when serving hundreds of people a day.
Hot Pot Station Where You Build Your Own Adventure
One of the coolest features at UMI is the hot pot station, where you become the chef and the critic all at once.
Grab a bowl, fill it with your choice of fresh ingredients from the coolers, thinly sliced meats, seafood, noodles, mushrooms, leafy greens, and more, then hand it over to the staff who’ll cook it in a flavorful broth right in front of you.
The broth options vary, but each one delivers warmth and depth, turning your custom creation into a steaming bowl of comfort. It’s interactive, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to try ingredients you might not normally pick.
Families love this station because everyone can make their bowl exactly how they like it, no arguments, no compromises. The noodles soak up the broth beautifully, and the vegetables stay crisp-tender, adding texture and color to each spoonful.
Some guests make multiple trips back, experimenting with different combinations and discovering new favorite pairings. It’s like having a personal ramen bar tucked inside an already massive buffet, and it adds a layer of creativity to the whole experience.
Snow Crab Legs Worth Cracking Into
Few things test a diner’s commitment like a pile of snow crab legs, but at UMI, the reward is worth every bit of shell-cracking effort. These legs come out steaming hot, ready to be wrestled open and devoured with pure joy.
The meat inside is sweet, tender, and surprisingly easy to extract once you get the hang of it. Regulars come armed with their own techniques, some using the provided crackers, others just snapping the shells with their bare hands like seafood warriors.
The crab legs disappear fast during dinner rushes, but the kitchen keeps them coming, ensuring everyone gets their fair share of the ocean’s bounty. Dip them in melted butter or eat them plain; either way, the flavor holds up beautifully.
Visitors from landlocked areas especially appreciate the chance to indulge without breaking the bank or making reservations weeks in advance. There’s something deeply satisfying about building a little mountain of empty crab shells on your table, a badge of honor that says you came, you saw, you conquered.
It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Fried Sushi Rolls That Break All the Rules
Fried sushi might sound like a contradiction, but one bite will make you a believer. UMI offers a selection of sushi rolls that have been lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to creamy, flavorful fillings.
The contrast in textures is addictive, crunchy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, with just enough sauce to tie it all together. These rolls are perfect for people who aren’t big fans of raw fish but still want to enjoy the sushi experience.
They’re also a hit with kids, who love the fun, finger-food vibe of it all. Some rolls come drizzled with spicy mayo or eel sauce, adding a sweet and tangy kick that makes each piece pop.
Regulars often pile a few of these onto their plates alongside the traditional sushi, creating a mix of flavors and textures that keeps things interesting. It’s a reminder that UMI isn’t afraid to have a little fun with tradition, blending classic techniques with creative twists that surprise and delight.
Service That Makes You Feel Like a VIP
Great food is only half the story at UMI; the other half is the service that makes you feel genuinely cared for throughout your meal. Each party gets a dedicated server who keeps drinks filled, plates cleared, and questions answered with a smile.
They move through the dining room with impressive efficiency, never letting a table feel neglected or overwhelmed by dirty dishes. Guests consistently mention how friendly and attentive the staff are, noting that it’s rare to find this level of care at a buffet where service can sometimes feel like an afterthought.
The servers are quick to accommodate special requests, whether it’s bringing extra napkins, explaining a dish, or making sure a child’s drink gets refilled before they even ask. It’s this kind of attention to detail that turns a good meal into a great experience, the kind that makes you want to come back and bring friends.
The atmosphere is bright, clean, and welcoming, with modern design touches that make the space feel more upscale than your average buffet hall. From the moment you walk in to the moment you roll out the door, UMI treats you like you matter, and that’s a feeling worth driving for.
Address: 11681 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077
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