Yumi Izakaya In Lecce

Not the usual, tried-and-true offering. Original, well-crafted dishes at reasonable prices. Pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. Excellent service.

Naruto would be proud of your Ramen, a must try 💛❤️

Yumi is a wonderful place where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture right from the entrance, where main dishes, sweets and some typical drinks will make you fall in love. I had skewers and gyosa (dumplings) with wagyu, fantastic ramen and delicious taiyaki.

Everything was excellent, the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Perfect for those who want to taste a bit of Japan and live the experience.

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.