Yumi Izakaya In Lecce

Yumi Izakaya is probably one of the best Asian restaurants in Puglia. The well-maintained restaurant is spread across two floors: the ground floor features an open kitchen, while the second floor features an elegant horseshoe-shaped counter. The latter, however, is almost intimidating: sitting there, you expect a chef intent on preparing the food with classic Japanese precision and kindness, but in the end, you find yourself faced with nothing, almost wondering, "So what?" For beginners, it's also not easy to figure out how to order. After several minutes, the waiter arrives immediately to take the order, when you'd expect someone ready to explain the process or how the menu works. Much to our disappointment, we then discover that the restaurant no longer prepares fresh fish from the catch of the day. And this is where, for many customers, a world closes in. Because that's what they went to Yumi for: a freshly prepared nigiri with fresh shrimp, or sashimi precisely sliced ​​in front of the customer. Today, however, the menu focuses primarily on fried foods and broths. The quality remains impeccable: the egg is soft and creamy on the inside, the eel is delicious, as is the blue crab, tender and flavorful. In conclusion, the food is excellent, but many say that after eliminating the fresh fish, the restaurant has lost part of its true identity.

It was fun. The experience of a Japanese dinner with the opportunity to try multiple dishes was positive. The atmosphere was nice and welcoming, and the food was definitely good.

This restaurant is a true gem for those seeking an authentic culinary experience, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail. ​What struck me most was the originality of the dishes: not the usual commercial offerings, but sophisticated recipes that showcase authentic flavors and the freshest ingredients. Every bite is a clean and balanced surprise. ​The atmosphere perfectly reflects the philosophy of the cuisine. The restaurant has limited seating, making it intimate, quiet, and unobtrusive—ideal for enjoying a relaxing evening. To top it all off, the staff are exceptionally kind, welcoming, and never intrusive.

If you think Lecce is all about "pasticciotti and rustici," prepare to be reconsidered. Located just steps from the wonders of the historic center, Yumi is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic, high-end fusion experience.

We went there twice in one week because it was so good and we wanted to try other things. Spectacular, high-quality Japanese cuisine.

A place with an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. Authentic, high-quality cuisine. The dishes were served at just the right pace, so we were able to enjoy everything slowly and leisurely. The staff were very friendly and helpful, even offering suggestions for dishes.

I won't waste too many words. A place where you can forget about the chaos of the city. It feels like stepping into a Japanese novel: silence, soft lighting, the chef cooking before your eyes in an almost surreal atmosphere. A true taste spa. Congratulations 👏👏👏

There is no welcoming reaction even when a customer enters. A male server is sauntering around with his hands in his pockets, dragging his shoes. He must have forgotten that customers are his source of income.

Overall, a great experience: good fish, well-made rice, and tasty dishes. Some dishes are a bit over-seasoned (especially with mayonnaise-type sauces), but still enjoyable. Tip: Arrive early and park a little further away; the location is central and finding a spot can be tricky. A basic and unique place: you're very close to the kitchen and the waiters passing by. Honest note: you'll smell the food 😅 (the place is narrow, you can smell the frying). ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 / 5

After our experience in Bari, we were keen to try this one too. While it's aesthetically identical, I'd say it lacks the same professionalism and experience. Upon arrival, it's difficult to understand how to get in; the sliding door is difficult to interpret. In fact, that evening, all the new customers, after a period of frustration, waited for someone else to open. The very kind and customer-friendly waitress who greeted us showed us a seat. Given the size of the place and the exposed soup burners, it was difficult to adjust to the pungent smell of the broths, but after a while, they became part of the ambiance. The menu QR code didn't work, and we're talking about a normal Saturday night at 8:00 PM, where everything had yet to begin. Given the circumstances, the waitress was forced to share her cell phone with guests to show them the menu (passing it from hand to hand to strangers) or, even worse, share her private number to send photos of the menu via WhatsApp. It's quite unprofessional, but I think the person who was probably the owner didn't offer many alternatives, and as an employee, what do you do? Again, emphasizing that it was Saturday at 8:00 PM, I'd like to focus on the lack of soft drinks because "they haven't refilled yet" (a Coke Zero was requested). Then, in my opinion, I moved on to the most sensitive issue: at the end of the meal, around 9:00 PM, the request was "Do you want anything else? A dessert?" Obviously, like most customers who frequent the place, the famous Taiyaki dessert filled with sweet red azuki bean paste was requested. Obviously, it wasn't available.