Arizona sits hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean, yet one new spot in Tempe is acting like the coast moved next door. Snow crab legs, lobster, and fresh sashimi are piled high at a buffet that only opened its doors recently, and the crowds have already found it.
Diners have left nearly two thousand comments about the place, and the average sits at an impressive 4.6 stars. Keep reading to learn where it is, what fills the stations, how hot pot works there, and the smart tips that can save you time and a little money on your first trip.
A Seafood Haven on South Priest Drive
© Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, Tempe, AZ
The desert has a new address for seafood fans. Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet sits at 7810 S Priest Dr #101, Tempe, AZ 85284, in the United States.
The location puts it in south Tempe, close enough to Chandler, Phoenix, and the rest of the Valley to make it an easy drive for most Arizona diners.
At its core, Umi is an all-you-can-eat buffet. The name says a lot on its own, since the restaurant combines three big ideas under one roof: hot pot, sushi, and a deep lineup of seafood.
That mix is part of why so many people are talking. Plenty of buffets offer a little of everything, but few lean this hard into crab, lobster, and raw fish.
The restaurant has quickly built a loyal following, with an average of 4.6 stars across more than 1,900 comments online. Many of those diners call it one of the best seafood buffets they have found in the Phoenix area.
Some longtime locals go even further and say the Valley has never had anything quite like it. For a state better known for tacos than tuna, that is a bold shift, and the next stop on this tour explains how it all started.
Grand Opening Buzz in South Tempe
© Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, Tempe, AZ
Every popular restaurant has an origin moment, and Umi’s came on a busy Wednesday grand opening night. The dining room filled fast, and staff worked hard to keep up with a full house.
Guests were greeted at the front during those opening days, and many diners noted how friendly the team was from the very start.
The excitement makes sense. A lot of Valley residents had been waiting for a true seafood buffet, and many say this one finally fills that gap.
Some opening night guests mentioned that service moved a touch slower because of the crowd. Most shrugged it off as part of the launch rush.
The restaurant’s team has also been active in thanking guests online. Owner replies often mention how glad they are to bring something special to the neighborhood.
That kind of community spirit helps explain the quick climb in popularity. Word of mouth spread across Tempe, Chandler, and Phoenix within weeks.
Of course, a strong opening only matters if the food holds up. Luckily, the stars of the show deliver, starting with the crab and lobster.
Snow Crab and Lobster Take Center Stage
© Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, Tempe, AZ
Lobster is the single most talked-about item at Umi, mentioned more than any other dish by diners. Snow crab is not far behind, and together they form the main reason many people make the drive.
Crab legs and lobster tail show up on the buffet line, which is a rare treat in an all-you-can-eat setting. For many guests, those two items alone make the price feel worth it.
The seafood lineup does not stop there. Crawfish, a seafood boil, razor clams, and other crab dishes also appear, giving shellfish fans plenty to work through.
Many guests point out that the quality feels a step above a typical Chinese buffet. That upgrade is what sets Umi apart in a crowded market.
Another plus is how often the trays get refilled. Diners mention that the stations stay stocked, so nothing sits empty for long, even during busy hours.
One fun detail: the menu rotates every couple of months, according to the restaurant’s lineup changes noticed by regulars. That means a second visit may bring something new to the table.
Crab crackers ready? The raw bar is next.
Sashimi, Poke, and a Big Sushi Spread
© Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, Tempe, AZ
Raw fish fans, this section is for you. Sashimi ranks among the most mentioned items at Umi, and the sashimi and poke area earns frequent recommendations.
The sushi roll selection is wide, and guests often say they were surprised by how many options were available.
A poke setup gives diners the chance to build their own bowl. Ingredients are set out so guests can pick and choose what they want.
That kind of freedom suits picky eaters and adventurous ones alike. You can keep it simple or load up on as many items as your plate can handle.
Freshness comes up again and again when people talk about the food here. Many describe the dishes as fresh and nicely presented.
Quick tip: the sushi area can be a smart first stop before the heavier dishes fill you up. Several diners admit they ran out of room before trying everything they wanted.
And speaking of room, there is a whole tableside cooking experience still waiting, which brings us to the hot pot.
Hot Pot Right at Your Table
© Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, Tempe, AZ
Here is where Umi stops being just a buffet. Hot pot lets diners cook their own ingredients in a pot of soup right at the table.
Guests choose items from the buffet and add them to their pot. Greens are among the popular picks, and the broth itself gets plenty of attention.
The pots are heated with small chafing dish fuel cans. Guests who are sensitive to strong smells may want to set the pot a bit farther away, especially at smaller tables.
Some diners have mentioned wishing for an extra ingredient or two, like bean sprouts. Even so, most agree the selection is solid without them.
Hot pot makes the meal more social. Friends and families can cook together, share bites, and slow down between trips to the buffet line.
It is also a fun option for anyone who likes control over how their food is cooked. You decide how long things simmer.
Not into cooking your own dinner? No problem, because the hot dishes on the line offer plenty of ready-to-eat choices.
Ramen, Lamb Chops, and Other Surprises
© Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, Tempe, AZ
Seafood may get the headlines, but ramen quietly racks up the second most mentions at Umi. That says a lot about how well the non-seafood side holds its own.
The hot line mixes classic Asian dishes with some American favorites. Braised pork belly, coconut shrimp, oxtail, and lamb chops all appear in conversations about the spread.
Lamb chops on a buffet line are not something you see every day. Paired with crab legs and lobster tail, they make the lineup feel like a special occasion meal.
Variety is the big win here. Groups with mixed tastes rarely struggle to find something everyone likes.
There are a few honest notes, too. Some guests mention a fair amount of filler items, and one diner reported undercooked chicken, so it pays to choose wisely.
A good strategy is to sample small portions first. That way you save room for your true favorites instead of filling up early.
Plates in hand, it is worth looking around, because the room itself has its own charm.
Bright Rooms and Friendly Faces
© Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, Tempe, AZ
Bright and clean are two words that come up often about the dining room. Guests praise the decorations and the colorful design.
The space feels upbeat, which fits the lively crowds that fill it most nights. It works well for families, date nights, and groups of friends.
Service gets plenty of love. Many diners describe the staff as fast, attentive, and welcoming, and several servers have been praised for making guests feel cared for.
Not every visit has been perfect. A few guests reported slow or disappointing service, especially during the busiest stretches, so expectations may vary by night.
Drinks are unlimited with the meal, which is a nice perk for big appetites. If something is missing, ask your server politely and give them a moment during rush hours.
The overall mood leans casual and celebratory. It is a place where people come hungry and leave planning their next trip.
Before you plan that trip, though, a few practical details can make the outing much smoother.
Smart Tips Before You Go
© Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, Tempe, AZ
Timing matters at a buffet this popular. Umi is open from 11 AM to 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 AM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Lines can get long, but there is a helpful shortcut. Guests can join the waitlist before arriving, which cuts down on standing around.
Paying with cash may save a little money. Some guests received a 5% discount for cash payments, though this may vary.
Groups should also know that a service charge may be added to the bill. One party of three reported a 12% charge, so check your receipt before tipping.
As for cost, one party of four reported spending around $165. Prices may change, so checking the restaurant’s website, umibuffetphoenix.com, before visiting is a good idea.
The final verdict leans strongly positive. For Arizona seafood fans craving snow crab, lobster, and sashimi without a flight to the coast, this Tempe buffet looks like a catch worth reeling in.
Dining and Cooking