Lumi

"My first night in San Diego, California was not as good as I had hoped it would be. I choose to dine at Lumi by Akira Back only because I have had some wonderful experiences at Akira Back’s other restaurants Yellow Tail at the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV and Salt in the Cellar at The Ette Hotel, Kissimmee, FL . We started off with a couple of cocktails that were just ok. We ordered a bunch of appetizers and some sushi rolls. The first appetizer that came out was the Akira Back Pizza. We immediately knew something was wrong with the pizza because it didn’t look as appetizing as it did when we had it at Akira Back’s other restaurants mentioned above. The pizza’s crust dark brown and over cooked and the tuna looked very dry…almost like beef jerky. It didn’t have that nice pink hue I was used to. It was brown in color and looked liked it had been smoked, but it wasn’t smoked. After taking a bite, I realized it was old and dried out. Our second appetizer was the Rock Shrimp Tempura that was over battered and greasy. It didn’t have the flavor I was hoping it would have. Two rolls are now placed on the table, The Crispy Cream and The Surf and Turf. The Crispy Cream didn’t taste or look fresh. The seaweed was chewy. The Surf and Turf was just ok. After tasting those two rolls we immediately canceled any remaining food yet to come. We decided to tap out. When I am in Las Vegas or Kissimmee it is a must that I indulge in Akira Back’s restaurants who is a Michelin-starred chef. Lumi was not that Michelin-star experience I was hoping for. I must mention the one positive critique I have for the restaurant which is for our server Kaycie M. She was very accommodating and attentive just what you would expect from your server. Kaycie M is a Rock Star and an asset to this establishment. Look at the pictures in my review that show the difference in what the Tuna Pizza from Lumi (picture 1), vs Yellow Tail (picture 2), and Salt and the Cellar (picture 3). Pictures 2 and 3, show fresh tuna vs picture 1, which shows dark, old, dry tuna. And before anyone comments, please know that the pictures have nothing to do with lighting."

"I had high expectations for Lumi, but my recent dining experience was a huge letdown. We ordered the Lumi Roll and the Chef’s Combination Premium. Starting with the Chef’s Combination, I was shocked to find the sushi rice was akin to iced rice, delivering a taste and texture far below what one would expect from even a Walmart sushi purchase. Moreover, the price was exorbitant, especially considering the portion size was so small it barely sufficed for one person. As for the Lumi Roll, it wasn’t as disappointing. The sauce at the bottom had a unique flair, and I appreciated this attempt at creativity. Based on this alone, I was inclined to rate our experience with two stars. However, the overarching issue with the iced rice in the Chef’s Combination was so severe that it brought my wife to tears. Such a negative impact on our dining experience is inexcusable. In light of these factors, I am compelled to give Lumi a one-star rating. While there were glimmers of potential, the fundamental flaws in a key component of our meal cannot be overlooked."

"If you’re thinking about coming here don’t think just go! I made reservations like 2 days before I needed a table and Lumi staff did not disappoint. The grace period was muuuch appreciated as well (we run on stoner time hehe). I made a reservation for 4 for my besties birthday weekend (they were visiting from out of town so I wanted to give them the rooftop San Diego experience) and we were sat at the best seat in the house, the corner round table over looking gaslamp. Everyone was super friendly and accommodating, Toma our server took the best care of us (make sure to ask for Toma)! The manager came by as well during our visit to make sure everything was good. And let me tell you the food was as excellent as the service! Get the wagyu sushi roll, it literally melts in your mouth. The octopus appetizer (and I dislike octopus) was amazing. Surf n turf roll didn’t stand a chance, it was gone in seconds. Orchard drink, we were obsessed. The espresso martinis, oh I will be back for you! And the cigar was the perfecttttt dessert. (Don’t forget to use the bathroom, the selfies in that full length mirror w that lighting were perfection.) such an amazing experience from the delicacy of each dish to the excellent service Toma gave us. We will be back!"

"Went to Lumi today, just a casual night out. Looking for sushi or anything else that sounded good. We walked by and realized this place had a rooftop (check). It was a Monday so no tripping over “No Reservation” (check). The waiter, Tim was very patient, thorough and helpful in making us feel welcomed and helping us navigate the menu (double check). The food we ordered was out of this world, the eggplant dishes are amazing and I love eggplant, their pizzas are incredible, the miso soup is outstanding. Oh and the Takayuki is amazing as well. I’m actually looking forward to going back to this place. Overall very pleased. If you are in the San Diego Gas Lamp district, make sure you check out Lumi for some delicious food in a distinguished atmosphere."

"This is our go-to modern sushi place in Gaslamp. Nice atmosphere with open air dinning. They serve good cocktails as well. They keep changing the drinks and dishes based on the season. They also offer Omikase that's around &150-175 per person"