I told my friends I would only have one plate, and I am still embarrassed about how that turned out. Ohio has plenty of buffets, but very few hand you lobster, crab legs, sushi, and a bubbling hot pot for one set price.
From the parking lot, it looks like any other big restaurant off a busy road. Inside, people line up early on weekends just to get a table before the rush.
Skip your snack, bring your appetite, and keep reading before you plan your next meal out.
A Seafood Palace Off Henderson Road
From the road, it could pass for just another wide restaurant building with a big parking lot out front. Drivers heading along the northwest side of Columbus might roll right past without a second look.
That would be a mistake. Behind those doors sits UMI Hotpot Sushi and Seafood Buffet, an Asian restaurant that blends several dining styles into one huge, all-you-can-eat room.
Guests find stations for sushi, hot pot, ramen, barbecue, hot dishes, desserts, and drinks, all under one roof. Seafood is the star, with lobster and snow crab legs pulling in a steady stream of hungry visitors.
Visitors often describe the place as huge, open, and bright. Some say stepping inside feels like entering a different world, thanks to decor that stands out both inside and out.
The concept is simple. You pay one flat price, and then you wander, sample, and return for more as many times as your stomach allows.
Regulars treat the first visit as a scouting trip, since trying everything in one sitting is almost impossible. Many leave already plotting a second round.
Ready to find it? The full address is 1841 W Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220.
A Newcomer That Filled Up Fast
Some restaurants take years to build a following. UMI seemed to skip that step entirely.
Early visitors noted that the buffet appeared to have been open only a few weeks, yet it was already very popular. One group arrived around 11:45 in the morning, got seated with no trouble, and by 1 p.m. watched a packed entrance full of people waiting.
Diners have called it one of a kind in Columbus. Others were simply happy to see another authentic Chinese buffet join the local food scene, offering everything from classic dishes to more adventurous picks like snails.
What makes it feel different from older buffets is the mix. Instead of steam trays alone, guests get a cook-it-yourself hot pot, a ramen bar, a sushi counter, and a full drink station, all bundled together.
The early buzz came with a few growing pains. Some first-timers wished staff had explained how the hot pot and stations worked, and a few items lacked labels.
Still, the crowds kept coming. Return visits, birthday dinners, and family meals have turned this newcomer into a regular stop for many Columbus-area diners in a short time.
Lobster On Request
Lobster is the word people mention most when talking about this place, and for good reason. Few flat-price buffets in Ohio put it within reach.
Here is how it may work. One guest at a Mother’s Day lunch reported that whole lobster appeared to be one per guest and had to be requested from any member of the wait staff.
Calling ahead to ask about the current lobster setup is a smart move.
Dinner seems to be the lobster sweet spot. Friends of one diner raved about the lobster at dinner, and another regular, on a fourth visit, said there was plenty for everyone and the staff definitely kept bringing it out.
Opinions on texture vary a bit. One visitor landed a truly huge claw but found part of the meat undercooked, while others call it fresh and delicious.
For comparison, one seafood fan pointed out that a popular chain’s all-you-can-eat lobster deal runs around $69.99. Here, lobster comes as part of a much wider spread for a lower base price.
Tip for first-timers? Ask your server about lobster as soon as you sit down, so you are not left wondering.
Crab Legs, Turbot, And Snails
Crack, pull, repeat. Snow crab legs give many tables a happy rhythm once the plates start arriving.
Diners say you cannot beat all-you-can-eat lobster paired with snow crab legs. The seafood counter, however, goes well beyond those two headliners.
Guests have spotted seafood salad, fish fillets, steamed turbot, coconut shrimp, and snails, along with cold and hot seafood dishes spread across the line. One first-timer tried snail for the very first time here, which says a lot about the adventurous options.
Favorites pop up again and again in conversation. The coconut shrimp earns praise as being right on point, and the steamed turbot has fans among seafood-focused visitors.
Not every tray hits perfectly. A few people found the crab legs on the salty side, so tasting one before loading up a plate is wise.
One helpful note from a regular: the dinner menu tends to carry more seafood than lunch. That said, lunch still offers many seafood dishes and may be plenty for lighter eaters.
Seafood lovers who want variety more than a single showpiece will likely feel right at home here.
Sashimi Plates And Creative Rolls
Six plates of sashimi. That is how one happy couple described their haul, joking that the raw fish alone covered the bill.
The sushi bar at UMI offers nigiri, sashimi, and a lineup of creative, flavorful rolls. Visitors also mention every variety of rice and sushi, making it easy to build a plate that looks like it came from a dedicated sushi spot.
A professional chef who visited admitted to being skeptical of buffets. After two hours of sampling, they praised the fresh sushi and said nearly everything was served at the proper temperature.
Of course, not everyone agrees. A few diners felt the sushi leaned toward lower quality, which can be common in all-you-can-eat settings, and one person found a couple of pieces still partly frozen.
Freshness may depend on timing. Busy hours often mean trays turn over faster, so new rolls keep landing on the counter.
A good strategy is to grab a small sampler first. Take one or two of each roll, find your favorites, and then go back for seconds of the winners rather than filling up early on rice.
Bubbling Broth At The Table
Not every buffet lets you play chef. At UMI, a pot of broth bubbling right at your table turns dinner into a hands-on activity.
The hot pot station offers traditional sliced meats and fresh vegetables, plus its own sauce bar for mixing dips. Guests pick a broth, cook their selections in the simmering pot, and eat as they go.
Broth choice matters. One diner found the golden broth mediocre, but a manager suggested the Szechuan spicy version might be the best of the bunch.
Beef and fish fillets rank among the favorite items to drop in. Groups often share a single pot, then wander off to grab extras from the other stations while it heats up.
First-timers should know that some guests felt staff gave little explanation of how hot pot works. If you have never tried it, simply ask your server to walk you through the steps.
Here is the basic idea. Wait for the broth to boil, add thin meats for a quick swish, give vegetables a bit longer, and dip everything in your custom sauce.
It is slow, social, and fun, especially with a full table.
Ramen, Barbecue, And Lamb Chops
Believe it or not, some people leave without ever reaching the ramen bar. They simply run out of room.
Beyond seafood, UMI stacks its hot line with an extensive range of dishes. Visitors list Chinese favorites, dim sum, barbecue, pork belly, a mushroom-based vegetarian mix, and even pizza for picky eaters.
Lamb chops get a special shout-out. A regular described them as juicy, with great portions and good doneness, a pleasant surprise on a buffet line.
The pork belly has also won fans. One seafood-focused diner still made time to try it and ended up listing it among the highlights of the trip.
The ramen bar earns mixed thoughts. Some call it decent but wish the broth had stronger flavor, while others pair a bowl with hot pot for a cozy, filling meal.
So many choices can feel overwhelming at first. One group said their stomachs simply could not keep up with their mouths.
A smart approach is to walk the whole buffet before picking up a plate. That quick lap helps you spot your must-try items and save space for them.
Unlimited Boba And A Dessert Spread
Bubble tea fans, this one is for you. Drinks come included with the buffet price, and the boba bar may be the biggest surprise of the whole visit.
Guests find a full refrigerator stocked with milk teas and sweet tea drinks. There is also a build-your-own fruit juice and tea bar with plenty of toppings to mix in.
Sodas are included too. One creative diner blended strawberry juice with a lemon-lime soda and declared it a winner.
Many visitors call the boba bar a true highlight, even those who had small complaints elsewhere. Unlimited bubble tea alone feels like a solid perk for frequent sippers.
Save room for dessert, since the sweet side of the buffet is plentiful. Diners mention a great selection of desserts, cookies, and a beautifully presented fruit bar with fresh options.
A professional chef praised how neat and well organized the fruit area looked. Bright colors and tidy trays make it a nice, lighter way to finish.
Kids and teens may head straight here first, and honestly, nobody would blame them. Just remember the lobster is waiting.
Lively Rooms For Big Tables
Expect a buzz. The dining room runs lively, especially on weekends, and the energy suits celebrations well.
Visitors describe the space as clean, bright, and well lit, with a beautiful room and decor that stands out. Disposable plates are used, which some guests find convenient and tidy.
Groups seem to love it most. People have come for birthdays, Mother’s Day lunch, family dinners, and nights out with friends, and many say everyone at the table left happy.
Service gets plenty of kind words. Servers often clear plates right away and check in on tables, even when the room is extremely busy.
Still, the pace can feel hectic during rushes. A few diners wished for more guidance, better signage, and quicker drink refills, and one noted sticky restroom floors, while another found the restrooms clean.
Families with adventurous eaters will find plenty to explore, from snails to pizza. Picky kids and curious grandparents can both fill a plate without trouble.
Anyone hoping to work while eating should know Wi-Fi was not provided. Honestly, the food is distracting enough anyway.
Prices, Timing, And A Final Taste
Money talk first. Lunch has run around $32 per person including tax and service, while dinner often sits near $40 to $46, with one guest quoting $39.99 before extras.
A 12 percent service charge is added to every dine-in bill. The restaurant says this is shared among the whole team, and no extra tips are expected.
Some visitors also mention a fee for paying by card.
Hours are generous. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. daily, closing at 10 p.m.
Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Timing matters here. Arrive early on weekends, since waits are common, especially after Sunday church crowds.
Weekdays tend to be calmer, though one regular felt the weekend rush offers the freshest spread.
Parking is plentiful and free. For questions about lobster or prices, call 614-588-8258 or check umibuffet.com.
So, is it worth it? If you show up truly hungry and ready to roam, the value can feel impressive.
If you only want one small plate, it may feel pricey.
Come with an empty stomach and a curious spirit, and this seafood mountain may become your new favorite Columbus feast.
