I feel conflicted about Umi: while it has a lot of care and attention to detail such as smooth black stones to rest chopsticks on, tatami seating, concise but nice menu presentation etc. it seems to lack value on the food end. I greatly appreciate omakase options on a menu as I like this traditional Japanese style of conversation of chef to customer via food. As well their maki and sushi/sashimi section contain a selection of items that are a little more diverse than the average Pittsburgh sushi spot like Japanese uni and a seaweed-out roll with shiso inside. But I have to agree with some other reviewers that the price point is skewed.
I will say that our server was knowledgeable -not being caught off-guard by anything I asked- attentive, personable and gave recommendations based on a clear interest in the food being served which I find is crucial for me to trust my server. The interior was clean and had a consistent theme carried throughout the restaurant of a peaceful night garden, which made sense for the cuisine. Of the two cocktails I tried, the Thai Mule stood out as excellent despite not having a strong presence of the described Thai basil and the Szechuan Sour was good.
The the sushi shari is probably my personal favorite in Pittsburgh, extra salty and vinegary without being mushy, and the pressure in forming the other sushi items was precise. However the "new style sashimi" was underwhelming.