Some of the best meals in Indiana hide inside plain strip-mall buildings that most drivers pass without a second look. One such spot on the northeast side of Indianapolis looks like any other buffet from the parking lot.
Inside, though, there are crab legs, lobster, rows of sushi, and personal hot pots waiting at the tables. Stick around to learn what makes this place worth the drive, what it costs, and how to plan a visit that leaves you full and happy.
A Seafood Stop on East 82nd Street
Umi Sushi & Seafood Buffet sits at 6304 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250, on the busy northeast side of the city. It is a buffet restaurant built around one big idea: all you can eat, with seafood front and center.
The concept is simple to explain and harder to finish. Guests pay one price and then roam a long spread of sushi, crab legs, hot dishes, desserts, and a hot pot setup served right at the table.
East 82nd Street is a major shopping corridor, so the restaurant is easy to reach from much of the metro area. Many diners mention driving in from farther away just to try it.
A plain storefront can fool people into expecting an ordinary lunch. The buffet line inside tells a very different story, and it starts with the place’s own history.
From Formosa to Umi
Long-time locals may remember this address by another name. The space first opened as Formosa before becoming the buffet now known as Umi.
The change brought a new look and a sharper focus on seafood, sushi, and hot pot. Some regulars have been coming since the earliest days and have watched the restaurant shift and grow.
Like many large buffets, it has had its ups and downs over the years. Recent diners describe noticeable improvements, and the management answers feedback publicly with promises to keep raising the bar.
That back-and-forth history gives the place a lived-in feel. It is not a shiny chain with a corporate script.
Instead, it is a local operation that keeps adjusting its lineup. Those adjustments are easiest to spot at the station everyone heads to first.
The Crab Leg Rush
Crab legs are the headline act, and the crowd knows it. They are one of the most talked-about items on the entire buffet.
Snow crab legs share space with crab claws, soft shell crab, and fried crab. Clams and crawfish often round out the seafood section too.
Here is a friendly tip from the regulars: the crab trays empty fast during busy hours. Staying alert when a fresh batch comes out pays off.
Another smart move is asking a server for a crab cracker when you sit down. Crackers are not always set out at the station, and having one ready saves a lot of wrestling at the table.
Shell-cracking can turn dinner into a small group project. Kids tend to enjoy it, and adults quietly compete for the biggest leg on the plate.
Rolls, Sashimi, and Build-Your-Own Bites
Sushi is the single most mentioned item at this buffet, and the reasons are easy to see. The selection runs long, with rolls, nigiri, and sashimi spread across the bar.
Salmon fans will find more than one style to try. Ikura sushi also earns praise for generous servings.
One fun feature is a components section where guests can customize pieces. Want extra fish eggs on top?
Go ahead and add them.
Tobiko comes in four colors: orange, red, green, and black. A small dish of all four makes a playful sampler for the table.
Many diners say the sushi alone justifies the visit, especially at lunch. Others prefer to mix a few pieces between seafood rounds.
Either way, the sushi bar rewards anyone willing to experiment. Next up is the feature that sets this spot apart from most buffets.
Hot Pot at the Table
Few buffets hand you a personal pot of simmering broth. At Umi, hot pot is included in the regular price.
Guests ask a server for the pot, then gather meats, vegetables, and noodles from a refrigerated hot pot area. Everything cooks right at the table.
Broth flavor choices are handled by staff, so asking early about options is a good idea. Busy nights can mean a wait for the pot to arrive.
Hot pot turns the meal into something interactive. Families and friend groups often linger longer once the broth is going.
It also pairs nicely with buffet seafood. Some diners add shrimp or other items from the line to their pot.
For the best selection of fresh ingredients, check the hot pot coolers soon after sitting down. Then leave room for the hot dishes waiting nearby.
Ramen, Hibachi, and Pork Belly
Seafood gets the spotlight, but the hot food side holds plenty of surprises. A ramen bar serves bowls made to order, with miso among the options.
There is also a hibachi and teppanyaki area. Hibachi chicken and beef with broccoli show up often.
Pork belly lovers get two versions, including braised pork belly. That is a rare find on a buffet line.
Duck, lamb, grilled shrimp, and pan-seared salmon have all made appearances. Coconut shrimp and wonton soup cover the comfort-food corner.
Very large shrimp have caught many guests off guard. So have adventurous picks like snails, octopus salad, and pickled chicken feet for bold eaters.
Classic Chinese buffet favorites fill out the rest. One wish from diners is a few more vegetable sides, so plan accordingly.
After all that, dessert and drinks close the loop.
Boba Tea and a Sweet Finish
Unlimited bubble tea is a perk many guests did not see coming. Boba is part of the included drinks, along with soft drinks and taro drinks.
The flavor is lighter than a dedicated tea shop, so expectations matter. Still, having boba on a buffet is a fun extra, especially for kids.
The dessert section offers cakes, puddings, yogurts, cookies, and fresh fruit. Presentation gets plenty of compliments.
One standout is a chocolate cake that earns repeated praise. Another round, non-square cake also draws attention from those who try it.
A sweet stop is a nice reset after heavy seafood rounds. Grab a plate of fruit, sip some taro, and take a breather.
With drinks covered in the price, the final bill feels more predictable. The dining room itself shapes the rest of the evening.
Big Rooms for Big Groups
Space is one thing this restaurant has in abundance. The dining room is roomy and brightly decorated, both inside and out.
That size makes it popular for birthdays and family outings. Parties of nine or more have been seated after reasonable waits even on packed days.
Staff have been praised for being kind to children, and many parents call it family friendly. The hands-on hot pot and crab cracking keep younger diners busy.
The room can get loud when full. Expect a lively crowd rather than a quiet dinner.
Service can vary from table to table. Some servers stay attentive, while others are harder to flag down for refills.
Restroom upkeep is a common concern, so manage expectations there. The buffet and dining areas themselves tend to look tidy.
Knowing all this helps visits go smoothly, especially with timing and cost.
Hours, Costs, and Smart Timing
Doors open at 11 AM every day of the week. Sunday through Thursday, service runs until 10 PM.
Friday and Saturday stay open a little later, until 10:30 PM. Late eaters have some wiggle room on weekends.
Expect to spend about $30 to $40 per person. Weekday lunch has been priced at $19.99, while dinner and weekends run around $29.99 for adults 12 and up.
Children over six have been charged about $15. A slightly lower price is offered when paying in cash.
An automatic 12 percent gratuity is added to the bill instead of a separate tip. Many diners appreciate the simplicity.
For value hunters, a weekday lunch is the sweet spot. For crab lovers, arrive early in a meal period.
Prices can change, so check the official website before heading out.
Worth a Seat at the Table
Big appetites usually leave happy here. The sheer variety is the main draw, with seafood, sushi, hot pot, and desserts all under one price.
It is not a perfect operation, and diners call it a bit of a hit or miss. Service and restrooms are the usual sore spots.
Still, the crab legs, lobster, sushi bar, and included hot pot make it stand out among Indianapolis buffets. Few places pack this much into one visit.
Adventurous eaters get plenty to explore. Families get space, boba, and a meal that doubles as an activity.
Go hungry, ask for a crab cracker right away, and pace yourself. A weekday lunch is a low-risk first try.
Leave hungry, and as one happy birthday crowd put it in spirit, that is on you. This buffet makes sure there is always another round.
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